Lexical Summary asephah: Gathering, assembly Original Word: אֲסֵפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance together From 'acaph; a collection of people (only adverbial) -- X together. see HEBREW 'acaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom asaph Definition a collecting, gathering NASB Translation together (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲסֵפָה noun feminine verbal. a collecting, gathering; אַסִּיר ׳אֻסְּפוּ א Isaiah 24:22 they are collected, as a collecting captives unto a pit (dungeon); or they are gathered with a gathering (as) captives, compare Isaiah 22:18; but perhaps read אֹסֶף הָאַסִּיר (construct); see Weir Che. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context and Usage The word appears a single time in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 24:22. There the prophet foresees rebellious kings and mighty ones “gathered together like prisoners in a pit; they will be confined in prison, and after many days they will be punished” (Berean Standard Bible). Within the larger oracle of chapters 24–27, this scene belongs to a global “Day of the Lord” vision in which the earth is laid waste (Isaiah 24:1), human pride is brought low (Isaiah 24:21), and the righteous remnant sing for joy (Isaiah 25:9). The solitary appearance underscores a solemn, judicial “gathering,” distinct from the joyous assemblies elsewhere in Scripture. Historical Setting Isaiah prophesied during the eighth century B.C., when Judah faced the looming shadow of Assyrian expansion. While some details of Isaiah 24 reach beyond that immediate context, the promise that oppressive rulers will one day be arrested and stored away like captives reassured faithful Israelites that foreign domination would not last indefinitely. Archeological evidence reveals Assyrian policy of deporting defeated elites; Isaiah reverses the image, showing world powers deported by the Lord Himself. For the original audience, such a reversal strengthened covenant hope that “the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 24:23). Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty in Judgment Isaiah’s single use of the term portrays God as the ultimate warden of history. Earthly rulers may imprison others, yet in the final reckoning they themselves are “confined.” The vision harmonizes with Psalms 2:4–6, where the Lord laughs at rebellious kings and installs His own King on Zion. The offenders are held “after many days.” This interval highlights God’s patient justice (compare 2 Peter 3:9). Imprisonment precedes final punishment, mirroring prophetic patterns in Jeremiah 25:12 and Revelation 20:1–3, 7–10 where the dragon is bound, then released for a short time before final condemnation. Scripture frequently depicts two gatherings: the wicked for judgment (Joel 3:2, Matthew 13:41–42) and the righteous for salvation (Isaiah 11:12, Matthew 24:31). Isaiah 24:22 belongs to the former, complementing promises that the Messiah will “gather the lambs in His arms” (Isaiah 40:11). Connections to New Testament Revelation The prophetic scene anticipates New Testament teaching on cosmic incarceration of spiritual and political powers: Ministry and Discipleship Significance 1. Encouragement Amid Persecution Believers facing governmental or societal oppression draw comfort from Isaiah’s prophecy that tyrants will ultimately answer to God. The “many days” before judgment call the church to repent and evangelize while patience endures (2 Corinthians 6:2). Isaiah 24:22 assures the faithful that evil is not permanent; God will gather, confine, and punish every power that exalts itself against His throne, leading to the final proclamation, “The LORD reigns for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Summary Though used only once, this Hebrew term conveys a profound prophetic snapshot: the Lord gathers rebellious forces, incarcerates them, and, in His perfect timing, executes righteous judgment. The vision weaves into the larger biblical tapestry of divine sovereignty, delayed recompense, and ultimate restoration, urging believers to persevere in faith, holiness, and hope. Forms and Transliterations אֲסֵפָ֤ה אספה ’ă·sê·p̄āh ’ăsêp̄āh aseFahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 24:22 HEB: וְאֻסְּפ֨וּ אֲסֵפָ֤ה אַסִּיר֙ עַל־ NAS: They will be gathered together [Like] prisoners KJV: [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, INT: will be gathered together prisoners in 1 Occurrence |
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