Isaiah 27 8

Isaiah 27:8 kjv

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.

Isaiah 27:8 nkjv

In measure, by sending it away, You contended with it. He removes it by His rough wind In the day of the east wind.

Isaiah 27:8 niv

By warfare and exile you contend with her? with his fierce blast he drives her out, as on a day the east wind blows.

Isaiah 27:8 esv

Measure by measure, by exile you contended with them; he removed them with his fierce breath in the day of the east wind.

Isaiah 27:8 nlt

No, but he exiled Israel to call her to account.
She was exiled from her land
as though blown away in a storm from the east.

Isaiah 27 verses

Isaiah 27 8 Meaning

The Lord measures or contends with his people with a proper measure, sending a spirit like a tempest. He does this to counter the iniquity of Jacob, like removing his wrath with a "sweeping wind." The result is that the iniquity of Jacob is purged, and its fruit is the removal of sin. This divine discipline is aimed at making the people right, just as he cleanses sin through this severe judgment.

Isaiah 27 8 Context

Isaiah 27 is a chapter of judgment and restoration. It begins with a prophecy against the sea monster Leviathan, representing oppressive powers, followed by a song about God's vineyard. This specific verse, Isaiah 27:8, is a crucial part of the latter half of the chapter, focusing on God's discipline of Israel. Following the promise of Israel's restoration after exile, the prophet outlines the process. The Lord's actions are described as a corrective measure, using a "proper measure" and a "sweeping wind" (north wind) to deal with Jacob's sin. This is not mere destruction but a refining process. The chapter is set against the backdrop of impending judgment for the nations and the eventual regathering and flourishing of Israel. The historical context involves the looming threat of Assyria and Babylon, powerful empires used by God as instruments of judgment against His people for their unfaithfulness. The original audience understood such natural forces as winds and storms as direct expressions of God's power and will.

Isaiah 27 8 Word Analysis

• Measuring (middeh): (Hebrew: מִדָּה, middeh) – This word signifies a measure, extent, or rule. In this context, it implies that God's discipline is not random or excessive but is administered with a specific purpose and proportion, according to His wise decree. It reflects divine order and controlled action.
• Her (ôthah): (Hebrew: אֹתָהּ, ôthah) – Refers back to Jacob or Israel.
• Brought her forth (yaldehâ): (Hebrew: יָלְדָהּ, yaldehâ) – From yaladh, meaning to bear, bring forth, or beget. It suggests God giving birth to or bringing Israel out of a condition, in this case, captivity.
• Into captivity (shalôakh): (Hebrew: שָׁלֹחַ, shalôakh) – Can mean to send away, to dismiss, or to banish. Here, it signifies the act of sending Israel away into exile or captivity, but as part of a controlled measure.
• With the breath (běruwach): (Hebrew: בְּרוּחַ, běruwach) – Ruwach means breath, wind, spirit. It refers to the powerful, pervasive force of the wind.
• Of the north wind (tsaphon): (Hebrew: צָפוֹן, tsaphon) – The north wind in ancient Near Eastern thought was often associated with a strong, cold, and destructive force, sometimes linked to divine power.
• By this therefore (b’zhzoz): (Hebrew: בְּזֹאת, b’zhzoz) – By this means, for this reason. Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, linking the previous actions to the purging of sin.
• Shall the iniquity (həvevôn): (Hebrew: הֶעָוֹן, həvevôn) – Iniquity, sin, wickedness, punishment for sin. It is the offense and its consequence.
• Of Jacob (yîqôb): (Hebrew: יַעֲקֹב, yîqôb) – Refers to the nation of Israel, often used to highlight their stubbornness and sinfulness.
• Be purged (yîtsar): (Hebrew: יֻצַּר, yîtsar) – From yatsar, meaning to form, shape, or refine. Here it suggests being molded or purified, possibly through discipline, removing the dross of sin.
• And this (v’zhzoz): (Hebrew: וְזֹאת, v’zhzoz) – This phrase.
• Is all (kol): (Hebrew: כָּל, kol) – All, every.
• The fruit (pri): (Hebrew: פְּרִי, pri) – Fruit, produce, reward. Refers to the outcome or consequence of an action.
• Of it (m’ennâ): (Hebrew: מְאֵנּוֹ, m’ennâ) – Of it, from it.
• That he takes away (l’hothir): (Hebrew: לְהָתִר, l’hothir) – To leave, permit, or cause to remain. Used here in the negative context to signify the removal of sin. The Septuagint translates it as removal or forgiveness.
• His sin (khâto’ô): (Hebrew: חַטָּאתוֹ, khâto’ô) – His sin, his transgression.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Measuring with her as it were brought her forth into captivity": This imagery depicts God as actively bringing Israel into captivity, but not in a capricious way. The "measure" implies divine sovereignty and purpose in the chastening process, not abandoning them, but moving them according to His plan, even into hardship.
• "with the breath of the north wind": This symbolizes a forceful, pervasive, and cleansing judgment. The north wind in the ancient world was known for its harshness and purifying effect (like its ability to dry up marshlands). God uses this powerful natural force to remove sin.
• "By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit of it, that he takes away his sin.": This segment links the divine action (the "sweeping wind" of judgment) directly to the outcome: the purging or removal of Jacob's sin. The "fruit" of this severe measure is ultimately positive—sin is removed. This speaks to the remedial nature of God's chastisement, intended for purification and restoration, not destruction.

Isaiah 27 8 Bonus Section

This verse touches upon the theological concept of "process" in divine dealing with sin and humanity. The imagery of measuring and a sweeping wind suggests that God’s interventions, even those appearing destructive, are part of a larger, orderly process aimed at purification. This contrasts with the unbridled destructive forces often associated with pagan deities. The verse underscores God’s active involvement in the history of His people, using even natural phenomena as tools in His hands. It also reflects the idea found in both Old and New Testaments that true purification often involves severe testing or affliction. This prophetic insight foreshadows the ultimate purging of sin through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the subsequent cleansing work of the Holy Spirit, who is often depicted as a wind (John 3:8). The verse resonates with God's promise of a future cleansing through a "Spirit of burning" (Isa 4:4), a theme reiterated in Ezekiel's prophecy of a new heart and clean water (Ezekiel 36:25-26).

Isaiah 27 8 Commentary

Isaiah 27:8 illustrates God's discerning and purposeful judgment upon His people. While acknowledging the severe nature of exile, the verse emphasizes it's a divinely measured and administered discipline, akin to a strong, purifying north wind that sweeps away impurities. The ultimate aim is not annihilation but the cleansing of Jacob's sin, leading to a state of righteousness and renewed relationship with God. This implies that even severe chastisements have a remedial purpose within God's plan for His people. The purging of sin through such drastic measures highlights the gravity of sin and God's commitment to purify His chosen ones.

• God’s judgment is specific and has a purpose, not random destruction.
• Severe trials, like exile, can serve as purifying agents for sin.
• The outcome of God’s measured discipline is the removal of sin, leading to restoration.