Lexical Summary bachan: To test, to examine, to try, to prove Original Word: בּחן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tower From bachan (in the sense of keeping a look-out); a watch-tower -- tower. see HEBREW bachan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bachan Definition a watchtower NASB Translation watch-tower (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּ֫חַן noun [masculine] watch-tower, Isaiah 32:14. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context Isaiah 32 contrasts the false security of Judah’s elite with the righteous reign that will follow the outpouring of the Spirit (Isaiah 32:15). Verse 14 employs בָּחַן (bachan) to picture a “watchtower” abandoned after judgment: “For the palace will be forsaken, a busy city deserted; the hill and watchtower will become caves forever, the delight of wild donkeys, a pasture for flocks …” (Isaiah 32:14). The single use of the noun heightens the starkness of the vision: every visible symbol of human vigilance and power comes to nothing when the Lord removes His protection. Historical Background Ancient watchtowers rose above city walls or agricultural fields to give early warning against raiders (2 Chronicles 26:10; Judges 9:51). They testified to civic pride and military readiness. Isaiah spoke when Assyrian aggression exposed Judah’s vulnerability. By announcing the desolation of even the lookout posts, the prophet declared that no amount of human foresight could avert the divine sentence decreed for covenant unfaithfulness. Imagery and Symbolism 1. Collapse of Human Confidence – The silent tower illustrates how worldly defenses crumble under God’s hand (Psalm 33:16-17). Theological Significance • Judgment Clears the Way for Renewal – Verses 15-18 reveal that the Spirit’s future work follows the demolition of false security. Intertextual Connections Psalm 61:3; Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 18:10; Isaiah 26:1-4; Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 2:5 collectively underscore the contrast between flimsy human fortifications and the Lord Himself as an unfailing wall of salvation. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching – Use Isaiah 32:14 to warn against trusting political, economic, or religious institutions rather than the Lord. Mission and Evangelism The image of the deserted tower offers a bridge for gospel proclamation: every culture erects its own bachan, yet only Christ provides lasting safety. Present Him as the tested and proven cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-7) who cannot be moved when every earthly watchtower falls. Devotional Reflection Ask: “Where have I built my own watchtower?” Invite the Spirit to examine motives, topple idols, and replace them with “righteousness, peace, and quiet confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Forms and Transliterations וָבַ֜חַן ובחן vaVachan wā·ḇa·ḥan wāḇaḥanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 32:14 HEB: עֻזָּ֑ב עֹ֣פֶל וָבַ֜חַן הָיָ֨ה בְעַ֤ד NAS: Hill and watch-tower have become KJV: the forts and towers shall be for dens INT: forsaken Hill and watch-tower have become about 1 Occurrence |
    |