And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.
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}.
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.
a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.
and a spirit of justice to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.
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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.
Isaiah 28:6 speaks to God's provision for His faithful people amidst times of moral decay and national instability. This verse offers a dual promise of divine empowerment for two critical aspects of society: righteous leadership and successful defense.
Context
Chapter 28 of Isaiah primarily addresses the impending judgment upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly Ephraim, for their pride, spiritual drunkenness, and covenant unfaithfulness. The prophet Isaiah condemns their corrupt leaders and false security. However, amidst these pronouncements of woe, a glimmer of hope emerges for a faithful remnant. Verses 5 and 6 pivot from judgment to a promise of the Lord Himself becoming a glorious crown and a source of strength for those who remain loyal to Him. This verse serves as a contrast to the failing human wisdom and strength of the unrighteous leaders, pointing to God as the ultimate source of true discernment and power.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "spirit of judgment" comes from the Hebrew ruach mishpat (רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט). Ruach can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath," often indicating a divine influence or empowering force. Mishpat refers to "justice," "judgment," or "ordinance." Together, it signifies a divinely inspired ability to discern right from wrong and administer justice faithfully. The imagery of "turning the battle to the gate" vividly conveys a complete victory, where the enemy is not merely repelled but driven back to their own fortifications, indicating a decisive and overwhelming triumph granted by God.
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 28:6 offers profound encouragement and guidance: