Isaiah 65:16
That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
H1288
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
2 of 18
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
H776
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
3 of 18
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
H1288
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
4 of 18
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the God
H430
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
H7650
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
7 of 18
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
H776
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 18
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
H7650
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
9 of 18
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the God
H430
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִשְׁכְּח֗וּ
are forgotten
H7911
נִשְׁכְּח֗וּ
are forgotten
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
13 of 18
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
הָרִ֣אשֹׁנ֔וֹת
because the former
H7223
הָרִ֣אשֹׁנ֔וֹת
because the former
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
15 of 18
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וְכִ֥י
H3588
וְכִ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Isaiah 19:18In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.Jeremiah 4:2And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.Psalms 31:5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Isaiah 65:19And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Historical Context
This anticipates Philippians 2:10-11 - 'every knee shall bow...every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.' The 'God of truth' will be universally acknowledged either in salvation (believers) or judgment (rebels). The forgotten 'former troubles' points to new creation where 'former things are passed away' (Revelation 21:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the assurance that 'former troubles will be forgotten' in new creation give hope for present suffering?
- What does it mean that God is the 'God of truth' - absolutely reliable in every promise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise that 'he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth' and 'he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth' depicts universal acknowledgment of Yahweh. The title 'God of truth' (literally 'God of Amen') emphasizes absolute faithfulness and reliability. The reason: 'because the former troubles are forgotten' - God's comprehensive redemption eclipses all past suffering.