King James Version
What Does Isaiah 27:7 Mean?
“Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of”
Context
5
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.
6
He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.
7
Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of
8
In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. it shooteth: or, thou sendest it forth he: or, when he removeth it with
9
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. images: or, sun images
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Hath he smitten him . . .**—The pronouns are left in the English Version somewhat obscure, but the use of capitals makes the meaning plain: “Hath *He *(Jehovah) smitten him (Israel) as *He *smote those that smote him; or is he slain according to the slaughter of those that are slain by Him?” A slight alteration in the last clause in the text gives, *according to the slaughter of his slayers. *In any case the thought is that Jehovah had chastised the guilt with a leniency altogether exceptional. They had not been punished as others had been. The words admit, however, of another meaning, which is preferred by some critics, viz., that Jehovah doth not smite Israel with the smiting like that with which his (Israel’s) smiters smote him—*i.e., *had not punished, as the oppressors had punished, ruthlessly and in hate, but had in His wrath remembered mercy.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 27:7 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 27:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge