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Isaiah 27:7

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¶ Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? [or] is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him?

Hath he smitten {H5221} him, as he smote {H4347} those that smote {H5221} him? or is he slain {H2026} according to the slaughter {H2027} of them that are slain {H2026} by him?

[ADONAI] will not strike Isra'el, as he did others who struck Isra'el; he will not kill them, as he did the others.

Has the LORD struck Israel as He struck her oppressors? Was she killed like those who slayed her?

Hath he smitten them as he smote those that smote them? or are they slain according to the slaughter of them that were slain by them?

Commentary

Isaiah 27:7 KJV poses a profound rhetorical question about the nature of God's judgment. The verse asks whether God's punishment of His people, Israel, is comparable in severity to the devastating blows He inflicts upon those who oppress them. The implied answer is a resounding "no," underscoring a crucial distinction in divine justice.

Context of Isaiah 27:7

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27) sometimes called the "Little Apocalypse," which prophesies global judgment but also offers hope for Israel's restoration. Chapter 27 specifically portrays God as the protector of His vineyard (Israel, as seen in Isaiah 5:7), promising to tend it and keep it fruitful. Following a declaration of judgment against symbolic enemies like "leviathan" (Isaiah 27:1), the prophet shifts focus to Israel's fate. Verse 7 serves as a pivotal point, contrasting God's measured discipline of His own people with the utter destruction reserved for their adversaries. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 27:8-11) further elaborate on the nature of Israel's chastisement, emphasizing its corrective, not annihilating, purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Distinction in Judgment: The primary message is that God treats His covenant people differently from His enemies. While both face judgment, Israel's suffering is a form of disciplinary correction, intended to bring repentance and purification, whereas their oppressors face complete overthrow. This highlights God's love and discipline for His children.
  • God's Measured Hand: The rhetorical questions emphasize that God's smiting of Israel is not as severe or final as the slaughter He brings upon those who "smote him" (God's people). This speaks to God's patience and His commitment to His covenant with Israel, ensuring their ultimate preservation despite their sins.
  • Hope Amidst Chastisement: Even in prophecies of judgment, there is an underlying current of hope. The fact that God's people are not "slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him" implies a future beyond their current suffering, a promise of restoration and gathering of the scattered, as envisioned in Isaiah 27:12-13.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "smitten" (נָכָה, nakah) and "slain" (הָרַג, harag) are strong terms for striking and killing. However, the rhetorical structure of the verse itself, using comparative phrases like "as he smote those that smote him" and "according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him," subtly communicates that the degree and purpose of the action are different. God's discipline of Israel, though painful, is not intended for their final destruction, unlike the judgment upon their enemies.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 27:7 offers comfort and perspective. It reminds us that God's dealings with His people, even when difficult, are rooted in His unchanging love and covenant faithfulness. When we face trials or periods of correction, we can trust that His hand is measured and purposeful, aiming for our spiritual growth and purification, not our annihilation. This verse encourages us to differentiate between divine discipline and divine wrath, recognizing that God's ultimate desire is our redemption and restoration, just as He promised His ancient people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 37:36 (3 votes)

    Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

  • Isaiah 37:38 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

  • Nahum 1:14 (2 votes)

    And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, [that] no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

  • Jeremiah 51:24 (2 votes)

    And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 50:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah [were] oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.

  • Jeremiah 50:34 (2 votes)

    Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

  • Jeremiah 50:40 (2 votes)

    As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.