King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:5 Mean?

Isaiah 16:5 in the King James Version says “And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. established: or, prepared”

Isaiah 16:5 · KJV

Truth

Context

3

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. Take: Heb. Bring

4

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. extortioner: Heb. wringer the oppressors: Heb. the treaders down

5

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. established: or, prepared

6

We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.

7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. mourn: or, mutter

Read Isaiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"In mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness." This Messianic prophecy interrupts the Moab oracle with hope. The Davidic throne will be established "in mercy" (chesed—covenant love) and "in truth" (emet—faithfulness). The ruler's reign manifests judging (righteous governance), seeking judgment (pursuing justice), and hasting righteousness (swift execution of right). Reformed eschatology sees Christ fulfilling this—the true Son of David whose reign perfectly manifests mercy, truth, justice, and righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy references the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) promising an eternal throne. By Isaiah's time, Davidic monarchy faced serious threats—the northern kingdom had fallen (722 BCE), Judah faced Assyrian pressure. Yet God promises the ultimate Davidic king. The New Testament identifies Jesus as this fulfillment (Luke 1:32-33; Acts 15:16-17), whose eternal reign transcends temporal political turmoil.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this Messianic prophecy provide hope amid judgment oracles?
  2. What does it mean that Christ's throne is established in mercy yet characterized by perfect justice?
  3. How does Christ's reign fulfill judging, seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהוּכַ֤ן1 of 13

“be established”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

בַּחֶ֙סֶד֙2 of 13

“And in mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

כִּסֵּ֔א3 of 13

“shall the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וְיָשַׁ֥ב4 of 13

“and he shall sit”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עָלָ֛יו5 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת6 of 13

“upon it in truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

בְּאֹ֣הֶל7 of 13

“in the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

דָּוִ֑ד8 of 13

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

שֹׁפֵ֛ט9 of 13

“judging”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

וְדֹרֵ֥שׁ10 of 13

“and seeking”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט11 of 13

“judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּמְהִ֥ר12 of 13

“and hasting”

H4106

quick; hence, skilful

צֶֽדֶק׃13 of 13

“righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 16:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:14Micah 4:7Isaiah 9:6-7Daniel 7:27Luke 1:31-33Isaiah 32:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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