Isaiah 9:14
Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּכְרֵ֨ת
will cut off
H3772
וַיַּכְרֵ֨ת
will cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 9
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
יְהוָ֜ה
Therefore the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
Therefore the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
from Israel
H3478
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
from Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רֹ֧אשׁ
head
H7218
רֹ֧אשׁ
head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְאַגְמ֖וֹן
and rush
H100
וְאַגְמ֖וֹן
and rush
Strong's:
H100
Word #:
7 of 9
a rush (as growing there); collectively a rope of rushes
Historical Context
Northern Israel's leadership was notoriously corrupt during its final decades. Kings like Pekah and Hoshea were assassins who murdered predecessors (2 Kings 15:25, 30). False prophets promised peace when judgment loomed (Micah 3:5-7). Religious leaders taught syncretism, mixing Yahweh worship with Baalism. When Samaria fell (722 BC), these leaders were executed or exiled first, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy precisely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corrupt spiritual leadership multiply damage throughout communities?
- What responsibility do we bear for carefully evaluating the teachings we accept?
- In what ways should church leaders be held to higher standards of accountability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment targets leadership first. 'The ancient and honourable' (elders/nobles) and 'the prophet that teacheth lies' (false prophets) are 'the head.' 'The rush and bulrush' (marsh plants—flexible, hollow) represent common people following corrupt leadership—'the tail.' The metaphor of cutting off head and tail indicates comprehensive judgment affecting all social strata. Corrupt leadership bears special responsibility and receives proportionate judgment. This reflects the Reformed principle that teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1).