Isaiah 5:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 5:25
25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 5 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, creation. 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 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 5:25
25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Analysis
Divine anger ('the anger of the LORD is kindled') manifesting in 'stretched forth' hand depicts active judgment. The imagery of corpses as refuse in streets shows death's degradation—unburied bodies denied dignity. The refrain 'his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still' (repeated in 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4) emphasizes unrelenting judgment until repentance occurs. This sustained divine wrath demonstrates that judgment isn't arbitrary passion but settled response to persistent rebellion.
Historical Context
Assyrian invasions brought mass casualties, with bodies left unburied. The ongoing 'stretched out hand' warned of worse to come if repentance didn't occur.
Reflection
- How does understanding divine anger as settled disposition rather than emotional outburst affect our view of judgment?
- What does the persistence of God's 'stretched out hand' teach about the thoroughness of discipline?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 9:17, Daniel 9:16
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 9:21, 10:4, 2 Kings 9:37, Psalms 18:7, Jeremiah 4:24, 16:4