Isaiah 33:22

KJV

For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} is our judge {H8199}, the LORD {H3068} is our lawgiver {H2710}, the LORD {H3068} is our king {H4428}; he will save {H3467} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI is our judge, ADONAI is our lawgiver, ADONAI is our king. He will save us.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah is our lawgiver, Jehovah is our king; he will save us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:22 stands as a powerful declaration of Yahweh's absolute and comprehensive sovereignty, especially pertinent during times of national distress. It unequivocally proclaims God's exclusive roles as the ultimate Judge, the supreme Lawgiver, and the reigning King over all creation. This multifaceted portrayal culminates in the confident assurance that He alone possesses the authority, wisdom, and power to deliver and save His people, serving as an unshakeable anchor of faith for Israel and for believers across all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is situated within a significant section of the book (chapters 28-35) that masterfully weaves together pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations with glorious promises of future restoration and salvation. The chapter opens with a vivid lament, depicting the devastation wrought by the Assyrian invasion, likely under Sennacherib's campaign around 701 BC, which left the land desolate and the people in despair. However, the narrative tone undergoes a dramatic shift from this initial lament to a profound affirmation of God's sovereignty and a prophetic vision of ultimate deliverance. Verse 22 acts as a climactic theological declaration, serving as the bedrock for the subsequent promises of peace, security, and the eventual triumph of God's kingdom. It strategically pivots the reader's focus from the immediate, overwhelming crisis to the ultimate, unwavering source of Israel's salvation, underscoring God's character as the foundational hope for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 33 is the harrowing period of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennacherib's formidable army had swept through Judah, leaving destruction in its wake, and Jerusalem itself faced imminent collapse. This era was characterized by intense fear, political maneuvering (including ill-advised alliances with Egypt, which Isaiah vehemently condemned), and a desperate longing for divine intervention. In such a precarious context, the declaration of Yahweh as Judge, Lawgiver, and King was far more than abstract theology; it was a direct and radical challenge to the perceived omnipotence of earthly empires and a bold affirmation of God's absolute authority over all human affairs. The roles of judge, lawgiver, and king were universally understood within ancient Near Eastern societies as representing the highest forms of governmental, judicial, and executive power. By attributing these roles exclusively and comprehensively to Yahweh, Isaiah underscored Israel's unique covenant relationship with a God who transcended and ultimately controlled all earthly rulers and political systems.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:22 encapsulates several pervasive and foundational themes found throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores God's **absolute sovereignty** and **kingship**, a theme majestically articulated in passages such as [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-5 - God's Throne Room Vision") where Isaiah beholds the Lord enthroned, and in [Isaiah 40:21-26](/isaiah/40-21 "Isaiah 40:21-26 - God's Unrivaled Power and Creation"), which declares God's unrivaled power over all creation. Secondly, the verse highlights God's **righteous judgment** and **justice**, emphasizing His role as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, a concept foundational to the covenant relationship and repeatedly stressed, for example, in [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Justice Exalted"). Thirdly, it speaks to God's indispensable role as the **source of divine law and order**, providing the moral and ethical framework for His people, reminiscent of the giving of the Torah at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). Finally, and most significantly, the verse culminates in the overarching theme of **salvation** and **deliverance**, which is a central message of Isaiah, particularly in the latter half of the book, where God is consistently portrayed as the "Holy One of Israel" who saves His people from their enemies and their sins (e.g., [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God is My Salvation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H1961, meaning "to be, to exist." This is the self-Existent or Eternal One, the covenant name of God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. In Isaiah 33:22, the repetition of "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) emphasizes the singular, personal, and eternal nature of the God who holds these comprehensive roles. It underscores that it is the covenant-keeping God who is Israel's ultimate authority and deliverer.
* **judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to judge," i.e., to pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extension, to govern. In this context, it highlights God's perfect justice and moral authority as the ultimate arbiter. He is the one who sees injustice, discerns truth, and will act to vindicate His people, ensuring that righteousness ultimately prevails.
* **lawgiver (Hebrew, _châqaq'_):** A primitive root; properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times); by implication, to enact or (generally) prescribe; to appoint, decree. As Lawgiver, God is the supreme source of all moral and civil statutes, establishing the divine order and standards for life and conduct, demonstrating His wisdom and absolute authority over His creation and covenant people.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4427 (to reign); a king. This term signifies supreme ruler, one who exercises ultimate power and authority. In Isaiah 33:22, it proclaims God's absolute sovereignty and universal dominion, implying His ability to protect, defend, and lead His people, asserting His unwavering control even amidst chaos and promising His ultimate triumph.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor. It encompasses concepts of defending, delivering, helping, preserving, rescuing, and bringing salvation. In this verse, "he will save us" is the powerful culmination of God's preceding roles, assuring His people that His comprehensive authority as Judge, Lawgiver, and King fully equips Him to deliver them from all forms of distress, enemies, and sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD is our judge,"**: This foundational clause establishes Yahweh as the supreme judicial authority. He is not merely a dispenser of justice but the very standard of righteousness. In a time of national crisis and perceived injustice, this declaration provides profound assurance that God sees, discerns, and will act righteously on behalf of His people, upholding His perfect standard.
* **"the LORD is our lawgiver,"**: This segment highlights God's indispensable role as the ultimate source of moral and civil ordinances. He is the one who establishes divine decrees and statutes, providing the immutable framework for order, conduct, and covenant relationship. This underscores His infinite wisdom and absolute authority in setting the standards for His people's lives and for the cosmos.
* **"the LORD is our king;"**: This third declaration proclaims God's absolute sovereignty and universal dominion. He is the supreme ruler, exercising ultimate power and authority over all creation and, specifically, over His chosen people. This kingship implies His inherent ability to protect, defend, and lead His people, asserting His unwavering control even amidst chaos and promising His ultimate triumph over all opposing forces.
* **"he will save us."**: This culminating phrase is the powerful, logical consequence of God's preceding three roles. Because He is the righteous Judge, the wise Lawgiver, and the powerful King, He possesses all necessary authority, wisdom, and might to deliver His people from their enemies, from sin, and from all forms of distress. This promise provides profound comfort and an unshakeable assurance of divine protection and ultimate salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with profound emphasis and rhetorical force. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the deliberate repetition of the phrase "For the LORD is our" at the beginning of successive clauses ("For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king"). This repetition powerfully emphasizes the singular, absolute, and comprehensive nature of God's authority and character, driving home the point that *only* Yahweh fulfills these roles for Israel. This anaphora also contributes to a **Tricolon**, a series of three parallel words or phrases, which builds rhetorical force and a sense of completeness. The three divine roles—Judge, Lawgiver, and King—represent the full spectrum of governmental authority, demonstrating God's total dominion and integrated rule. Finally, the verse culminates in a powerful **Climax**: after establishing God's comprehensive and foundational authority in these three distinct yet unified roles, the declaration "he will save us" serves as the logical, triumphant, and comforting conclusion, revealing the ultimate purpose and outcome of His sovereign rule. This structured progression creates a profound sense of assurance and hope for the beleaguered people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:22 offers a foundational theological statement regarding God's comprehensive governance over His people and the entire world. It asserts a profound monotheistic understanding of power, where all legitimate authority—judicial, legislative, and executive—originate from and resides solely in Yahweh. This truth profoundly challenges any human claim to ultimate sovereignty and provides immense comfort in times of chaos, reminding believers that God is not merely an observer but an active, ruling presence in history. The progression from Judge to Lawgiver to King demonstrates the integrated and harmonious nature of God's character: His perfect justice is inextricably aligned with His divine law, and both are upheld and enforced by His sovereign rule, all working towards the ultimate salvation of His people. This holistic understanding of God's authority is crucial for comprehending His unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive plan for humanity.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Universal Kingship")
* [James 4:12](/james/4-12 "James 4:12 - One Lawgiver and Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by pervasive injustice, moral relativism, and political instability, Isaiah 33:22 provides an unshakeable anchor for the soul of the believer. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in fleeting human systems, fallible leaders, or our own limited understanding, but in the God who is perfectly just, flawlessly wise, and supremely powerful. When we encounter unfairness or feel wronged, this verse reminds us that the Lord is our Judge, who will ultimately set all wrongs right and bring about perfect equity. When we are confused by conflicting moral claims or societal shifts, He is our Lawgiver, providing an unchanging, eternal standard of truth and righteousness that transcends all human ideologies. When we feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life, the threats of the world, or the weight of our own circumstances, He is our King, sovereignly reigning over all, ensuring His divine purposes will prevail. The culminating promise, "he will save us," reassures us that our salvation—whether from spiritual bondage, personal trials, or the final judgment—is secured by His comprehensive and all-sufficient authority. This profound truth empowers us to live with unwavering confidence, courage, and hope, knowing that our ultimate deliverance rests securely in His capable and loving hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as your ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, and King impact your daily decisions and your response to injustice in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more deeply in God's comprehensive sovereignty to save you?**
* **How does the promise "he will save us" bring particular comfort and assurance in your current circumstances or in the face of future uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the LORD is our judge"?**

Answer: This signifies that God is the ultimate and perfectly righteous arbiter of all things. He possesses absolute moral authority, discerns truth from falsehood with infallible precision, and will ensure that justice is ultimately served. In the context of ancient Israel, it meant He would vindicate His covenant people against their oppressors and uphold His covenant promises. For believers today, it means we can trust in His perfect judgment, knowing that all wrongs will eventually be made right, either through His redemptive grace for those in Christ or through His just condemnation for those who reject Him. This truth provides both comfort and a call to righteous living.

**How does God being "our lawgiver" relate to His role as "king"?**

Answer: God's role as Lawgiver is intrinsically and inseparably linked to His kingship. A king establishes the laws for his kingdom, and his authority is demonstrated through the enforcement of those laws. As Lawgiver, God provides the divine statutes and moral framework (such as the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") given at Sinai) that govern His people and the entire universe. As King, He possesses the absolute power and authority to uphold, enforce, and ensure adherence to those laws, demonstrating His complete dominion and wise rule. His laws are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect character and His holy will for His creation, ensuring order and righteousness within His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's roles as Judge, Lawgiver, and King, and the very means by which God "will save us." As the divine **Judge**, Jesus is uniquely appointed by the Father to execute all judgment, for "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). He is the one who will justly separate the sheep from the goats at the final judgment, ushering in eternal destinies ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). As the supreme **Lawgiver**, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law of God but to fulfill it, revealing its true spiritual depth and meaning beyond mere external observance ([Matthew 5:17-20](/matthew/5-17-20 "Matthew 5:17-20 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His perfect life flawlessly exemplified God's righteous standards, and His teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, are the very embodiment of divine law for His kingdom. Most profoundly, Jesus is the promised **King**, the Messiah of Israel, whose kingdom is eternal and whose dominion is over all creation ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). He now reigns from heaven at the right hand of the Father, and His glorious return will establish His visible kingdom on earth, bringing all things under His benevolent rule ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Our Lord's")). It is precisely because Jesus perfectly fulfills these three comprehensive roles—Judge, Lawgiver, and King—that He is uniquely able to "save us." His sacrificial death on the cross, His triumphant resurrection, and His glorious ascension demonstrate His ultimate power to deliver us from the bondage of sin, the sting of death, and the dominion of evil, securing eternal salvation for all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Saved by Christ's Life")). Thus, Isaiah 33:22 points directly to Christ as the comprehensive solution to humanity's deepest needs, embodying God's full authority and delivering His promised, all-encompassing salvation.

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

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Zephaniah 3:15

The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Psalms 89:18

For the LORD [is] our defence; and the Holy One of Israel [is] our king.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.