Isaiah 8:8
And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.
Original Language Analysis
וְחָלַ֤ף
And he shall pass
H2498
וְחָלַ֤ף
And he shall pass
Strong's:
H2498
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change
בִּֽיהוּדָה֙
through Judah
H3063
בִּֽיהוּדָה֙
through Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
2 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
שָׁטַ֣ף
he shall overflow
H7857
שָׁטַ֣ף
he shall overflow
Strong's:
H7857
Word #:
3 of 15
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
וְעָבַ֔ר
and go over
H5674
וְעָבַ֔ר
and go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 15
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
צַוָּ֖אר
even to the neck
H6677
צַוָּ֖אר
even to the neck
Strong's:
H6677
Word #:
6 of 15
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
יַגִּ֑יעַ
he shall reach
H5060
יַגִּ֑יעַ
he shall reach
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּנָפָ֔יו
of his wings
H3671
כְּנָפָ֔יו
of his wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
10 of 15
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
Cross References
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Isaiah 30:28And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Historical Context
Though Assyria devastated Judah in 701 BC, Jerusalem itself was miraculously spared. The 'land of Immanuel' identifies Judah specifically as the place where God-with-us would appear. Despite Assyrian military superiority covering the land like wings, God's covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7) ensured the Messianic line's survival. The virgin-born Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) would ultimately rule this very land.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the title 'Immanuel' (God with us) provide comfort in the midst of overwhelming circumstances?
- What does God's ownership of the land teach about His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers?
- How do God's covenant promises provide assurance even when present circumstances seem hopeless?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The pronouncement 'O Immanuel' in the midst of judgment is striking. Though waters fill Immanuel's land, His presence guarantees ultimate deliverance. The spreading of Assyria's wings 'shall fill the breadth of thy land' pictures a bird of prey covering the entire territory—comprehensive occupation. Yet addressing the land as 'thy land, O Immanuel' affirms God's ultimate ownership and the certainty of Messiah's coming. This reflects covenant theology: God's promises to David and His people cannot fail, regardless of temporary judgment.