Isaiah 28 6

Isaiah 28:6 kjv

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

Isaiah 28:6 nkjv

For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Isaiah 28:6 niv

He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Isaiah 28:6 esv

and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Isaiah 28:6 nlt

He will give a longing for justice
to their judges.
He will give great courage
to their warriors who stand at the gates.

Isaiah 28 verses

Isaiah 28 6 Meaning

Isaiah 28:6 foretells a future blessing and divine endowment, contrasting with the current state of Judah and Israel. It promises a "spirit of justice" for those in positions of leadership and judgment, enabling righteous and wise discernment. Furthermore, it pledges "strength" or valor to those who are tasked with defending the nation, specifically in repelling enemies at the critical gates of the city, symbolizing robust military and civic defense. This speaks to God's ultimate provision for a righteous and secure kingdom.

Isaiah 28 6 Context

Isaiah chapter 28 primarily addresses the two northern tribes, particularly Ephraim (Samaria), and Judah. The initial verses (1-8) denounce the drunken and complacent leadership of Ephraim, whose pride and security are portrayed as a fading flower. The prophet warns of their impending judgment and destruction. Subsequently, Isaiah shifts his focus to Jerusalem's leaders (9-13), who also demonstrate spiritual deafness and mock God's plain instruction.Verses 14-22 reveal Judah's reliance on a "covenant with death" and falsehood instead of God. They are building their security on deceit.Isaiah 28:6 stands as a striking contrast and a glimmer of hope amidst these condemnations. It speaks of a future time, often interpreted as the Messianic age or a time of a righteous remnant, where God will provide the necessary spiritual endowment and strength for effective, just, and protective leadership. It promises that the divine spirit will be at work in rulers, unlike the current corrupt ones, to establish true justice and provide genuine national security where it is most needed—at the very gates, the front line of defense and public life.

Isaiah 28 6 Word analysis

• and a spirit: Hebrew: וּלְרוּחַ (u-l'ruach). "Ruach" signifies wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it denotes a divine endowment, an inner enabling power or disposition. It is not merely human aptitude but a supernatural gifting, emphasizing that this quality originates from God. This connects to the Holy Spirit's role in empowering individuals for specific tasks or offices, often seen in the Old Testament.
• of justice: Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat). Refers to judgment, justice, legal decision, or ordinance. It encompasses not just making fair decisions, but acting rightly according to God's standards and bringing about righteousness. This implies wise and impartial discernment that upholds God's law and brings equitable outcomes. It's about establishing what is right and just in a practical sense.
• for him who sits in judgment: Hebrew: לַיּוֹשֵׁב עַל הַשַּׁפָּט (la-yoshev al ha-shapat). Literally "for him who sits upon the judgment seat." This refers to those in positions of authority—judges, rulers, elders—who are responsible for legal and administrative decisions affecting the people. The imagery of "sitting" denotes a fixed position of authority and deliberation, underscoring the solemnity and responsibility of their role.
• and strength: Hebrew: וּלְגְבוּרָה (u-l'gevurah). "Gevurah" means strength, might, power, valor, or military prowess. It speaks of effective, vigorous capability, often in the context of battle or difficult tasks. It's the practical power to act decisively and achieve an objective, particularly in the face of opposition.
• to those who turn back: Hebrew: מְשִׁיבֵי (m'shivey). Participle, meaning "those who turn back," "repel," or "make to return." This verb indicates actively repelling an advance, causing an enemy to retreat, or bringing a situation back from crisis. It denotes active, defensive action rather than passive resistance.
• the battle: Hebrew: מִלְחָמָה (milchamah). Refers to warfare, fighting, or armed conflict. It encompasses the entirety of military engagement.
• at the gate: Hebrew: שָׁעַר (sha'ar). The city gate was a crucial strategic point. It was not only the primary access point into a city and thus the first line of defense in battle, but also the main civic center. Laws were adjudicated there, business was conducted, and elders/rulers sat to make decisions. Defending the gate was paramount for city survival and stability.

Words-group analysis:

• "a spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment": This phrase emphasizes divine enablement for judicial and leadership roles. It is a profound contrast to the corrupt justice described earlier in Isaiah 28, suggesting a reversal of unrighteousness by God's direct intervention. This spirit equips leaders with discernment and integrity.
• "strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate": This signifies God's empowering of military and defensive forces at the most vulnerable and critical point of attack. "The gate" represents the last line of defense, a symbol of national security and the breaking point where defeat or victory is determined. It assures divine might for effective national protection.

Isaiah 28 6 Bonus section

This verse often points to the attributes of the coming Messiah (as hinted in Isa 11:2), who embodies the perfect "Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." The qualities of justice and strength in defense are intrinsically linked to the ideal ruler and divine kingdom. While applicable to a righteous remnant or leaders, its ultimate fulfillment finds its zenith in Christ. It reminds believers that true justice and security come from God's Spirit operating through His appointed ones, not through human strength or schemes. It serves as a reminder that every sphere of human activity, including governance and warfare, is ultimately dependent on divine favor and enablement for true success according to God's righteous standards.

Isaiah 28 6 Commentary

Isaiah 28:6 acts as a prophetic counterpoint to the failures of Israelite and Judahite leadership. While the earlier verses condemn the spiritual drunkenness and injustice of the rulers (vv. 1, 7), this verse looks ahead to a time when God himself will endow leaders with the necessary attributes for righteous governance and effective defense. The "spirit of justice" implies more than mere intellectual understanding of law; it is a divine anointing that enables integrity, impartiality, and profound discernment for judicial and administrative functions. This divine spirit is contrasted with the clouded judgment brought on by wine and self-indulgence previously mentioned. Similarly, the "strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate" is a promise of divinely empowered valor for national defense. The city gate was where wars were decided, judgments rendered, and public life converged. To defend it meant securing the very essence and safety of the community. This verse suggests a divine reordering of leadership qualities, from self-serving weakness to God-given competence, illustrating God's ultimate desire for a society governed justly and secured powerfully by His hand, particularly evident in the coming Messianic reign.