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Isaiah 27:8

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

In measure {H5432}, when it shooteth forth {H7971}, thou wilt debate {H7378} with it: he stayeth {H1898} his rough {H7186} wind {H7307} in the day {H3117} of the east wind {H6921}.

Your controversy with her is fully resolved by sending her [into exile]. He removes her with a rough gust of wind on a day when it's blowing from the east.

By warfare and exile You contended with her and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows.

In measure, when thou sendest them away, thou dost contend with them; he hath removed them with his rough blast in the day of the east wind.

Commentary

Isaiah 27:8 offers a profound insight into God's disciplined yet merciful dealings with His people, often understood in the context of Israel's judgment and eventual restoration. The King James Version reads: "In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind." This verse speaks to the precise and controlled nature of divine discipline, emphasizing God's sovereignty and compassion even amidst His righteous indignation.

Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's larger prophetic work, particularly within the "Song of the Vineyard" (compare with Isaiah 5:1-7) and the subsequent chapters that describe God's judgment upon Israel for their rebellion, followed by promises of ultimate restoration. The "it" in the verse refers to Israel, or the "vineyard" that God cultivated but which yielded wild grapes. The judgment described is not arbitrary destruction but a measured, purposeful discipline designed to purge sin and lead to repentance, ultimately paving the way for a purified remnant and future blessing, as hinted in Isaiah 27:6.

Key Themes

  • God's Controlled Judgment: The phrase "In measure" highlights that God's discipline is not overwhelming or disproportionate. It is precise and limited, designed to correct rather than annihilate. This reflects God's infinite wisdom and justice.
  • Divine Mercy and Restraint: Even when administering punishment, God shows immense compassion. He "stayeth his rough wind," meaning He restrains the full force of His judgment. This demonstrates a deep-seated mercy, ensuring His people are not utterly consumed (compare Lamentations 3:32).
  • Sovereignty Over Calamity: The "east wind" was known as a harsh, destructive force in the ancient Near East, often symbolizing divine judgment or invasion (see Jeremiah 18:17 or Jonah 4:8). The fact that God "stayeth" it signifies His absolute control over all natural and historical forces, even those used for His disciplinary purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "In measure" (בְּסַאסְאָה, bə·sas·'āh) conveys the idea of a precise, limited quantity, like grain measured out. It underscores that God's actions are not random or excessive, but perfectly calibrated to His purposes. The "east wind" (קָדִים, qāḏîm) specifically refers to a hot, dry, often destructive wind from the east, common in the region. Its symbolic use here reinforces the severity of the judgment, but the crucial point is that God Himself holds it in check, preventing its full, devastating impact.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 27:8 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It teaches us that even when we experience difficulties, trials, or divine discipline, God's hand is always in control. His discipline is purposeful, always administered "in measure," and tempered with mercy. We can trust that He will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear, and that His ultimate goal is always our purification and growth, not our destruction. This verse invites us to lean into God's sovereignty, recognizing His compassion even in the midst of life's challenging "east winds."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 19:12 (4 votes)

    But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

  • Hosea 4:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

  • Jeremiah 10:24 (4 votes)

    O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

  • Jeremiah 4:11 (4 votes)

    At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

  • Jeremiah 2:17 (3 votes)

    Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

  • Jeremiah 2:37 (3 votes)

    Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.

  • Jeremiah 46:28 (3 votes)

    Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.