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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for a spirit {H7307} of judgment {H4941} to him that sitteth {H3427} in judgment {H4941}, and for strength {H1369} to them that turn {H7725} the battle {H4421} to the gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will also be a spirit of justice for whoever sits as a judge, and a source of strength for those repelling enemy attacks at the gate.

Berean Standard Bible

a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

American Standard Version

and a spirit of justice to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:6 presents a profound promise of divine empowerment for God's faithful remnant amidst national apostasy and impending judgment. It declares that the Lord Himself will bestow a spirit of discerning judgment upon those in positions of authority, enabling them to govern righteously, and impart supernatural strength to those who defend His people, ensuring decisive victory in conflict. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His loyal followers, equipping them with both wisdom for justice and might for triumph, contrasting sharply with the failing human leadership and false security of the unrighteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28 opens with a scathing indictment against Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom of Israel, likening them to a "fading flower" due to their pride, spiritual drunkenness, and covenant unfaithfulness. The prophet condemns their corrupt leaders, who are depicted as stumbling drunkards, incapable of sound judgment or righteous leadership. Verses 1-4 detail the impending judgment and destruction that will befall them. However, a significant shift occurs in verse 5, where the focus pivots from the unrighteous to the Lord Himself, who will become a "crown of glory" and a "diadem of beauty" for His faithful remnant. Verse 6 then elaborates on this divine provision, promising specific empowerments for those who remain loyal to Him, setting a stark contrast between human failure and divine faithfulness. This promise serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to God's preserving grace amidst widespread apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant geopolitical instability in the Ancient Near East. Both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, a formidable military power. The leaders of Ephraim, in their arrogance and spiritual blindness, had sought alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord, and their internal governance was characterized by injustice and moral decay. "Sitting in judgment" refers to the role of judges or elders who presided over legal and civic matters at the city gate, the traditional place for public administration and justice. The "battle to the gate" vividly describes a military scenario where the enemy has been pushed back so decisively that they are retreating to their own fortified cities, indicating a complete and overwhelming victory, a reversal of what was expected for a nation under divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah's prophecy. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that even when human leaders fail, God remains the ultimate source of true judgment and righteousness. It also underscores the **Contrast Between Human Folly and Divine Wisdom**, emphasizing that God's wisdom far surpasses any earthly counsel, particularly in leadership. Furthermore, it develops the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Remnant**, showing that despite widespread unfaithfulness, God preserves and empowers a loyal core. This divine provision for leadership and defense foreshadows the ultimate righteous reign of the Messiah, who will perfectly embody the [spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah"), as described later in Isaiah. The promise of strength for battle also speaks to God's role as the [Lord of Hosts](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - The Lord of Hosts"), the divine warrior who fights for His people, ensuring their ultimate triumph over adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** H7307. This term is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this context, it signifies a divine influence or empowering force, an anointing from God that enables supernatural discernment and insight. It's not merely human intellect but a divinely imparted capacity for judgment.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941. Derived from the verb "to judge," this word refers to a verdict, a sentence, or a formal decree. It encapsulates justice, law, ordinance, and the act of administering what is right. Here, it denotes the ability to discern and apply divine justice, ensuring fairness and equity in legal and administrative matters.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** H1369. This feminine passive participle denotes force, might, power, and valor. It speaks of the ability to overcome, to achieve victory, and to demonstrate powerful acts. In a military context, it signifies the might required to prevail in battle, turning the tide against an enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment,"**: This clause promises a divine endowment of discerning wisdom and righteous authority. "Him that sitteth in judgment" refers to those in positions of leadership, whether judges, elders, or rulers, who are responsible for administering justice and making crucial decisions for the community. The "spirit of judgment" (רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט, _ruach mishpat_) signifies a supernatural capacity to discern truth, uphold righteousness, and render just verdicts, contrasting sharply with the corrupt and drunken judges previously condemned in the chapter. It implies an ability to govern with divine insight and integrity.
* **"and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate."**: This second clause shifts focus to military and defensive prowess. "Strength" (גְּבוּרָה, _gevurah_) denotes divine power and valor. "Them that turn the battle to the gate" is a vivid military idiom. It describes a complete reversal of fortune in warfare: instead of being besieged and pushed back to their own city gates, God's people are so empowered that they drive the enemy back to their *own* gates, indicating a decisive, overwhelming, and comprehensive victory. This speaks to God's provision of supernatural might for defense and triumph over formidable adversaries, ensuring security and peace for His faithful.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:6 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "turn the battle to the gate." This vivid military image serves as a powerful metaphor for decisive victory, where the tide of war is completely reversed, and the enemy is not merely repelled but utterly routed back to their own strongholds. This imagery contrasts with the earlier depiction of Ephraim's impending defeat. The parallel structure of the two clauses, "spirit of judgment... to him that sitteth in judgment" and "strength... to them that turn the battle to the gate," creates a sense of **Parallelism**, emphasizing the dual nature of God's provision: wisdom for civil leadership and might for military defense. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as an **Antithesis** to the preceding verses, which describe the failure and judgment of the unrighteous leaders. It highlights the stark contrast between human weakness and divine empowerment, offering a glimmer of hope and a promise of divine faithfulness to a righteous remnant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in providing the necessary spiritual and physical resources for their flourishing and defense. It underscores the biblical principle that true justice and lasting victory do not originate from human wisdom or might alone, but from divine enablement. God's promise to impart a "spirit of judgment" and "strength" reveals His character as both a righteous Judge and a mighty Warrior, committed to upholding justice and protecting His covenant people. This divine provision ensures that even in times of widespread moral decay and national instability, a faithful remnant will be equipped to represent His character and advance His purposes.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom")
* [Psalm 18:32](/psalm/18-32 "Psalm 18:32 - It is God who arms me with strength")
* [Zechariah 12:8](/zechariah/12-8 "Zechariah 12:8 - The Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:6 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating a complex world. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of both wisdom for discernment and strength for overcoming challenges. In a society often characterized by moral ambiguity and overwhelming difficulties, we are called to seek His "spirit of judgment" in all our decisions, whether in personal ethics, family leadership, professional responsibilities, or civic engagement. This means cultivating a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit for clarity and righteousness, rather than trusting solely in human intellect or popular opinion. Furthermore, when faced with spiritual battles, personal struggles, or societal injustices that seem insurmountable, this verse assures us that God provides the "strength" to "turn the battle." This is not an invitation to passive waiting, but to active engagement, knowing that our efforts, empowered by His might, can lead to decisive victories that defy human explanation. It fosters a spirit of resilience and hopeful perseverance, knowing that God is actively equipping His faithful to stand firm, uphold truth, and advance His kingdom even amidst adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or leadership do you most need God's "spirit of judgment" for discernment and righteous decision-making?**
* **What "battles" are you currently facing—spiritual, personal, or communal—where you need God's supernatural "strength" to turn the tide?**
* **How does trusting in God's provision for judgment and strength impact your approach to challenging circumstances or difficult relationships?**
* **Considering the contrast between the unrighteous leaders and the faithful remnant, what does this verse teach you about the importance of integrity and reliance on God in leadership roles?**

### FAQ
**What does "spirit of judgment" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "spirit of judgment" (Hebrew: _ruach mishpat_) refers to a divine impartation of wisdom, discernment, and the ability to administer justice righteously. It is not merely human intellect or legal expertise, but a supernatural endowment from God that enables individuals, particularly those in positions of authority, to make sound, equitable, and morally upright decisions. It contrasts with the corrupt and self-serving judgment of the unrighteous leaders condemned earlier in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woe to Ephraim").

**What is the significance of "turn the battle to the gate"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful military idiom that signifies a complete and decisive victory. In ancient warfare, the "gate" was the most vulnerable, yet most fortified, part of a city, representing its last line of defense. To "turn the battle to the gate" means to not only repel an invading enemy but to pursue them so relentlessly that they are driven back to their own fortified cities, effectively besieging them in turn. It implies an overwhelming triumph, where the tables are completely turned, and the aggressor becomes the besieged. This imagery conveys God's promise to provide supernatural strength that ensures absolute victory for His faithful people against their adversaries, as seen in other instances of divine intervention in battle throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Joshua 10:10](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10 - The Lord routed them before Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "spirit of judgment" and provides the "strength" for the decisive victory over sin and death. As the promised Messiah, Jesus is the one upon whom the [Spirit of the Lord rests, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah"). He is the righteous judge who will one day [judge the living and the dead](/2-timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead") with perfect justice and equity, unlike any human ruler. Furthermore, Christ is the source of all spiritual strength, enabling His followers to "turn the battle" against the forces of evil. Through His atoning death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory, disarming the powers and authorities and [making a public spectacle of them](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over them by the cross"). Believers, united with Him, participate in this victory, receiving His strength to overcome spiritual adversaries and to live righteously. The "strength to turn the battle to the gate" is ultimately realized in Christ's triumph over Satan, sin, and death, allowing His people to live in the freedom of His kingdom, anticipating the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every knee shall bow").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:32

[It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Numbers 11:16

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

Numbers 11:17

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.