Isaiah 9:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Original Language Analysis

וְהָעָ֥ם For the people H5971
וְהָעָ֥ם For the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 1 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁ֖ב turneth H7725
שָׁ֖ב turneth
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 3 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 4 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַמַּכֵּ֑הוּ not unto him that smiteth H5221
הַמַּכֵּ֑הוּ not unto him that smiteth
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 5 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 8 of 10
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דָרָֽשׁוּ׃ them neither do they seek H1875
דָרָֽשׁוּ׃ them neither do they seek
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

Analysis & Commentary

The root problem is identified: despite judgment, the people refuse to return to God. 'Turneth not' indicates deliberate refusal to repent. 'Him that smiteth them' acknowledges God as the source of judgment, yet they won't turn to Him. 'Neither do they seek the Lord of hosts' reveals lack of spiritual desire despite pain. This demonstrates total depravity—the unregenerate heart resists God even under discipline. True repentance requires more than suffering; it requires sovereign grace regenerating the heart to seek God.

Historical Context

Despite repeated Assyrian invasions (740s-720s BC), Israel persisted in Baalism, syncretism, and social injustice. Historical records show King Hoshea attempting political solutions (Egyptian alliances) rather than spiritual repentance (2 Kings 17:4). The people continued idol worship even as Assyria advanced. This pattern repeated in Judah's history—external pressure rarely produced genuine repentance without prophetic call and divine grace enabling response.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources