Isaiah 9:13

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 9:13 paints a sobering picture of a people hardened against God's discipline. Despite experiencing the consequences of their actions, they refuse to turn back to the One who allowed their suffering, nor do they genuinely seek Him.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah, found in Isaiah chapters 7-12. The "smiting" refers to the various forms of divine judgment God allowed upon His people, primarily through military defeats and foreign invasions, most notably by the Assyrians. These afflictions were intended not merely as punishment, but as a corrective measure to call the nation back to repentance and obedience. However, despite the escalating severity of these judgments, the people remained stubbornly unrepentant, failing to recognize God's hand in their troubles or to seek His face for deliverance. This illustrates a common theme in the Old Testament of Israel's stubborn refusal to learn from divine correction.

Key Themes

  • Unrepentant Heart: The core message is the people's stubborn refusal to repent. They endure the pain of judgment but do not connect it to their sin or to the God who is disciplining them.
  • Divine Discipline: God's "smiting" is an act of discipline, a means by which He seeks to draw His people back to Himself. It's a testament to His justice and His desire for their restoration. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, reminding us that the Lord disciplines those He loves.
  • Failure to Seek God: The phrase "neither do they seek the LORD of hosts" highlights their spiritual apathy and idolatry. Their focus remained on human solutions or false gods, rather than turning to the true source of help and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "him that smiteth them" uses the Hebrew verb nakah (נָכָה), which means to strike, smite, or afflict. It conveys the direct and powerful action of God in bringing about the judgments. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth, יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and power over all armies, both heavenly and earthly. It underscores His authority as the one who commands all forces, and therefore, the one truly worthy of being sought and obeyed.

Practical Application

Isaiah 9:13 serves as a timeless warning for individuals and nations today. When we face difficulties, challenges, or even severe crises, do we pause to consider if God might be trying to get our attention? Are we quick to blame circumstances, others, or even God Himself, rather than examining our own hearts and actions? This verse calls us to:

  • Self-Examination: Reflect on whether current hardships are a form of divine discipline or a call to change our ways.
  • Repentance: Respond to God's discipline with humility and a genuine turning away from sin.
  • Active Seeking: Actively pursue God through prayer, His Word, and obedience, especially during times of trouble. True deliverance and restoration come from seeking the "LORD of hosts," who alone has the power to heal and restore. As Amos 5:4 declares, "Seek ye me, and ye shall live."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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