Isaiah 58:9

Authorized King James Version

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָ֤ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#2
תִּקְרָא֙
Then shalt thou call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#3
וַיהוָ֣ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
יַעֲנֶ֔ה
shall answer
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#5
תְּשַׁוַּ֖ע
thou shalt cry
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
#6
וְיֹאמַ֣ר
and he shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
הִנֵּ֑נִי
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#8
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
תָּסִ֤יר
Here I am If thou take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#10
מִתּֽוֹכְךָ֙
from the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
מוֹטָ֔ה
of thee the yoke
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
#12
שְׁלַ֥ח
the putting forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#13
אֶצְבַּ֖ע
of the finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#14
וְדַבֶּר
and speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
אָֽוֶן׃
vanity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

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 sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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