Isaiah 57:7

Authorized King James Version

Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
הַר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#3
גָּבֹ֙הַּ֙
Upon a lofty
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#4
וְנִשָּׂ֔א
and high
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#5
שַׂ֖מְתְּ
hast thou set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
מִשְׁכָּבֵ֑ךְ
thy bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
שָׁ֥ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
עָלִ֖ית
even thither wentest thou up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
לִזְבֹּ֥חַ
to offer
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#11
זָֽבַח׃
sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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