Isaiah 9:13

KJV

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the people {H5971} turneth {H7725} not unto him that smiteth {H5221} them, neither do they seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet the people do not turn to the one striking them, they don't seek ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Yet the people have not turned unto him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:13 presents a stark prophetic indictment against the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting their profound spiritual rebellion and unresponsiveness to divine correction. Despite enduring severe discipline—manifested through various afflictions and foreign invasions, depicted as God's "smiting" hand—the people stubbornly refused to repent or acknowledge the true source of their suffering. Instead of humbly turning back to the Lord, who permitted these calamities as a corrective measure, they persisted in their hardened hearts, tragically failing to genuinely seek the "LORD of hosts" for deliverance, healing, or restoration. This verse powerfully underscores the perilous state of a nation that rejects divine correction, choosing obstinacy and spiritual apathy over humility and earnest pursuit of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 9:13 is deeply embedded within a larger prophetic oracle spanning chapters 7-12, primarily addressing the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and, to some extent, Judah. This section details a series of escalating divine judgments due to the nations' pervasive unfaithfulness, idolatry, and social injustice, culminating in the glorious promise of a future messianic king. Specifically, chapter 9 continues the theme of divine judgment introduced in chapter 8, describing the profound darkness and distress that have fallen upon the land. The preceding verses (Isaiah 9:8-12) recount God's initial judgment, noting that "the Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel" ([Isaiah 9:8](/isaiah/9-8 "Isaiah 9:8 - God's Word Against Israel")). These verses illustrate Israel's prideful and stubborn response to early setbacks, as they defiantly declared, "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars" ([Isaiah 9:10](/isaiah/9-10 "Isaiah 9:10 - Israel's Defiance")). Verse 13 then serves as a pivotal explanation for the *continuation* and *intensification* of this judgment: because the people refuse to turn from their sin and seek God, the divine discipline will not cease. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 9:14-17) further elaborate on the comprehensive nature of this judgment, affecting all levels of society, from leaders to the common people, because "every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly" ([Isaiah 9:17](/isaiah/9-17 "Isaiah 9:17 - Universal Corruption in Israel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies concerning Israel and Judah is the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the relentless expansion and rising power of the Assyrian Empire. Both kingdoms faced immense military pressure and existential threats from Assyria, which God sovereignly used as an instrument of His judgment. The "smiting" in Isaiah 9:13 refers to the various forms of divine chastisement, including military defeats (such as those inflicted by Tiglath-Pileser III), economic hardship, and social upheaval, all orchestrated or permitted by God to call His people to repentance. Culturally, Israel had largely abandoned the covenant relationship with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political alliances with foreign nations rather than trusting in God's protective hand. They sought help from human powers or false gods, reflecting a deep spiritual apostasy. The powerful phrase "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) would have resonated profoundly in this context, emphasizing God's supreme authority over all earthly armies and heavenly powers, contrasting sharply with the limited power of the idols and human kings they sought. The people's failure to turn to Him was not merely a spiritual oversight but a direct rejection of the one true sovereign.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Discipline and Judgment**, where God, in His justice and redemptive love, uses adversity to call His people to repentance. The "smiting" is not arbitrary punishment but a purposeful act designed to bring about a turning. Yet, tragically, it highlights the theme of **Human Stubbornness and Unrepentance**. Despite clear signs of divine intervention and the escalating severity of their suffering, the people of Israel remained hardened, refusing to acknowledge God's hand or change their ways. This obstinacy is a central indictment against them, echoing the lament found in [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Judah's Stubbornness"), where Judah is described as refusing correction and making their "faces harder than a rock." Furthermore, the verse underscores the critical importance of **Seeking God**. The failure to "seek the LORD of hosts" reveals a profound spiritual apathy and a misplacement of trust, demonstrating that true deliverance, healing, and spiritual life come only from humbly turning to the sovereign God, a truth emphasized throughout the prophetic literature, as seen in [Amos 5:4](/amos/5-4 "Amos 5:4 - Seeking the Lord to Live").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turneth (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." This verb carries the profound theological connotation of repentance—a decisive turning away from sin and a turning back to God. The negative "turneth not" underscores Israel's stubborn refusal to repent or revert to their covenantal obligations, despite the clear divine warning and discipline. Their lack of turning indicates a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.
* **smiteth (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." This word conveys the direct, powerful, and often forceful action of God in bringing about judgment or affliction. It emphasizes that the suffering Israel endured was not random misfortune or the result of mere geopolitical forces, but a deliberate act of divine discipline, intended to get their attention, prompt their return, and restore them to covenant faithfulness.
* **seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." This term implies a diligent, earnest, and often worshipful pursuit of God. The phrase "neither do they seek" indicates a profound spiritual apathy and a deliberate avoidance of God, not merely a passive neglect but an active disinterest in His will, His presence, or His deliverance, even in their deepest distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them":** This initial clause reveals the core of Israel's spiritual malady: an unrepentant heart. Despite experiencing the direct and severe consequences of their rebellion—the "smiting" hand of God through various forms of judgment and affliction—they adamantly refuse to acknowledge God as the source of their discipline or to turn back to Him in humility and repentance. This highlights their profound spiritual blindness and stubbornness, failing to discern God's purposeful hand in their suffering.
* **"neither do they seek the LORD of hosts":** This second clause reinforces and specifies the nature of their failure. Their refusal to turn is compounded by an active disinterest in pursuing God. The divine title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His control over all armies (both heavenly and earthly), and His supreme power. By not seeking Him, they reject the only true source of help, salvation, and restoration, choosing instead to rely on human strength, political alliances, or false gods, demonstrating a profound spiritual apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and human obstinacy. **Personification** is evident in the portrayal of God as "him that smiteth them," attributing a human-like action (striking) to the divine to illustrate His direct and active involvement in their suffering. This "smiting" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine discipline and judgment, where physical affliction and national distress represent the spiritual consequences of their rebellion against the covenant. The verse also features a striking **Contrast** between God's active, purposeful discipline and the people's passive, yet stubbornly defiant, inaction. God is actively engaged in correcting them, while they are characterized by their refusal to "turn" and their failure to "seek." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the depth of their spiritual apathy and highlights the tragic consequences of rejecting divine correction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:13 profoundly articulates the theological principle that divine discipline is a purposeful act of God, intended to bring His people to repentance and restoration, not merely to punish. However, it also reveals the tragic reality of human stubbornness and the profound spiritual danger of an unrepentant heart. When God's people refuse to acknowledge His hand in their trials and persist in their rebellion, the discipline, though severe, fails to achieve its redemptive aim. This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment—recognizing God's work even in affliction—and the necessity of actively seeking Him. The failure to turn or seek the "LORD of hosts" signifies a fundamental breakdown in the covenant relationship, where the people choose self-reliance or false gods over the sovereign and loving God who seeks their ultimate good.

* [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Judah's Stubbornness"): "O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return."
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God's Loving Discipline"): "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
* [Amos 5:4](/amos/5-4 "Amos 5:4 - Seeking the Lord to Live"): "For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:13 serves as a timeless mirror for individuals, communities, and nations today. When we encounter difficulties, setbacks, or profound crises in our lives, our primary impulse often leans towards seeking external solutions, blaming circumstances, or even questioning God's goodness. This verse challenges us to pause and consider whether our hardships might be a form of divine discipline, a loving yet firm call from God to examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and reorient our lives towards Him. It urges us to move beyond superficial responses to suffering and to cultivate a deep spiritual sensitivity that recognizes God's hand, even when it "smites." True wisdom lies not in enduring pain stoically or seeking human remedies alone, but in humbly turning to the "LORD of hosts" with a repentant heart, actively seeking His will, His guidance, and His restorative power. Our deliverance and spiritual flourishing are intrinsically linked to our willingness to respond to God's discipline with humility and earnest pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "smiting" or disciplining me or my community today, and how am I truly responding to it?**
* **Am I quick to blame external factors for my difficulties, or do I humbly consider if God is trying to get my attention regarding my own spiritual condition or disobedience?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "seek the LORD of hosts" in my daily life, especially during times of trouble or uncertainty, beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment?**
* **How can I cultivate a more repentant heart, willing to turn back to God immediately when confronted with my sin or His correction, rather than hardening myself?**

### FAQ
**What does "him that smiteth them" refer to in Isaiah 9:13?**

Answer: "Him that smiteth them" refers directly to God Himself. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as actively involved in the affairs of His people, including bringing discipline or judgment upon them when they stray from His covenant. This "smiting" was not arbitrary cruelty but a purposeful act of divine discipline, often manifested through natural disasters, military defeats, or social upheaval. God used these means to call Israel to repentance and back into a right relationship with Him, underscoring His sovereignty and His role as both a loving Father who corrects and a righteous Judge who holds His people accountable.

**Why is it significant that they "neither do they seek the LORD of hosts"?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and immense power over all creation, including all earthly and heavenly armies. For the people to refuse to "seek" such a powerful and sovereign God, especially in their time of distress and discipline, highlights their profound spiritual apathy, their misplaced trust in human solutions or false gods, and their deep-seated rebellion. It signifies a complete rejection of the only true source of help, healing, and salvation. This failure to seek Him is a grave indictment, demonstrating their spiritual blindness and stubborn refusal to acknowledge His authority, benevolence, and the path to true restoration, as highlighted in passages like [Amos 5:6](/amos/5-6 "Amos 5:6 - Seek the Lord and Live").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 9:13, with its lament over Israel's unrepentant heart and their failure to seek the "LORD of hosts" despite divine discipline, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel stubbornly refused to turn to the God who "smote" them, Jesus Himself became the one "smitten" for our transgressions, bearing the full weight of divine judgment so that we might be reconciled to God (as powerfully prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant") and gloriously fulfilled in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The very turning (repentance) that Israel refused is made possible and commanded through Christ's atoning sacrifice and His gracious call to faith. He is the one through whom humanity can truly "seek the LORD of hosts," for He unequivocally declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the ultimate means by which humanity can turn from sin and genuinely seek God, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life where previously there was only stubbornness leading to judgment. His lament over Jerusalem in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem") echoes Isaiah's sorrow, yet His crucifixion and resurrection provide the perfect and final answer to humanity's unrepentance, enabling a true and lasting turning to the Father.

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

Hosea 7:10

And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Jeremiah 31:18

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.