Isaiah 31:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 31:6
6 Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, sacrifice, covenant. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 31:6
6 Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
Analysis
Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted (שׁוּבוּ לַאֲשֶׁר הֶעְמִיקוּ סָרָה בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, shuvu la'asher he'emiqu sarah beney Yisrael)—the imperative שׁוּב (shuv, return, turn back, repent) calls for return to the One from whom they העְמִיקוּ (he'emiqu, made deep) סָרָה (sarah, rebellion, turning aside). The verb עָמַק (amaq) means to go deep, be profound—their rebellion wasn't superficial but thoroughgoing, deeply rooted. The wordplay with סָרָה (sarah) may connect to the name Sarah but primarily means apostasy, turning away.
After threatening judgment (vv. 1-3) and promising deliverance (vv. 4-5), Isaiah issues covenant lawsuit appeal: repent, return. The phrase 'deeply revolted' acknowledges the severity of sin—not casual drift but profound rebellion. Yet the call remains: שׁוּבוּ (shuvu, turn back). No rebellion is too deep for God's grace to reach. Lamentations 3:40 echoes: 'Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.'
Historical Context
Judah's rebellion was indeed deep: syncretistic worship, Egyptian alliances, social injustice, trusting military power over divine promise. Yet God offered return. Throughout prophetic literature, שׁוּב (shuv, return/repent) is the key word—Hosea 14:1, Joel 2:12-13, Malachi 3:7. The call to repentance permeates Scripture, climaxing in Jesus's first preaching: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 4:17).
Reflection
- What areas of 'deep' rebellion—not casual sin but profound turning away—need God's grace in your life?
- How does God's call to 'turn' reveal His desire for relationship restoration despite severity of sin?
- What practical steps does 'turning back' to God involve—not just feeling sorry but actual reorientation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 3:10, 3:14, 3:22, 5:23, Hosea 9:9