Isaiah 16:5
New International Version
In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

New Living Translation
then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right.

English Standard Version
then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.”

Berean Standard Bible
in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.

Berean Literal Bible
And in loving devotion a throne will be established, and one will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David—one judging and seeking justice, and hastening righteousness.

King James Bible
And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

New King James Version
In mercy the throne will be established; And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.”

New American Standard Bible
A throne will be established in faithfulness, And a judge will sit on it in trustworthiness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice, And be prompt in righteousness.

NASB 1995
A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, And a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice And be prompt in righteousness.

NASB 1977
A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, And a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice And be prompt in righteousness.

Legacy Standard Bible
And a throne will be established in lovingkindness, And a judge will sit on it in truth in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice And be prompt in righteousness.

Amplified Bible
A throne will be established in lovingkindness, And One will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent (dynasty, family) of David; Judging and seeking justice And being prompt to do righteousness.

Berean Annotated Bible
in loving devotion {chesed} a throne will be established in the tent of David (beloved). A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.

Christian Standard Bible
a throne will be established in love, and one will sit on it faithfully in the tent of David, judging and pursuing what is right, quick to execute justice.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then in the tent of David a throne will be established by faithful love. A judge who seeks what is right and is quick to execute justice will sit on the throne forever.

American Standard Version
And a throne shall be established in lovingkindness; and one shall sit thereon in truth, in the tent of David, judging, and seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.

Contemporary English Version
Then a kingdom of love will be set up, and someone from David's family will rule with fairness. He will do what is right and quickly bring justice.

English Revised Version
And a throne shall be established in mercy, and one shall sit thereon in truth, in the tent of David; judging, and seeking judgment, and swift to do righteousness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the LORD will set up a trusted king. He will rule faithfully. He is from the tent of David. He judges and searches for justice. He is quick to do what is right.

Good News Translation
Then one of David's descendants will be king, and he will rule the people with faithfulness and love. He will be quick to do what is right, and he will see that justice is done.)

International Standard Version
then a throne will be established in gracious love, and there will sit in faithfulness— in the Tent of David— one who judges, seeks justice, and is swift to do what is right."

NET Bible
Then a trustworthy king will be established; he will rule in a reliable manner, this one from David's family. He will be sure to make just decisions and will be experienced in executing justice.

New Heart English Bible
A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.

Webster's Bible Translation
And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.

World English Bible
A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the throne is established in kindness, "" And [One] has sat on it in truth, in the tent of David, "" Judging and seeking judgment, and hastening righteousness.

Berean Literal Bible
And in loving devotion a throne will be established, and one will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David—one judging and seeking justice, and hastening righteousness.

Young's Literal Translation
And established in kindness is the throne, And one hath sat on it in truth, in the tent of David, Judging and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the throne was set up in mercy: and he sat upon it in truth in the tent of David, judging and seeking judgment, and hastening justice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a throne shall be prepared in mercy, and one shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking judgment and quickly rendering that which is just.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And a throne will be prepared in mercy, and One shall sit upon it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking judgment, and quickly repaying what is just.

New American Bible
A throne shall be set up in mercy, and on it shall sit in fidelity, in David’s tent, A judge upholding right, prompt to do justice.

New Revised Standard Version
then a throne shall be established in steadfast love in the tent of David, and on it shall sit in faithfulness a ruler who seeks justice and is swift to do what is right.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
In mercy shall a throne be established, and he shall sit upon it, in truth in the tabernacle of David, a judge who seeks justice and hastens righteousness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he will establish the throne by grace and he shall sit upon it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, a Judge, and he who tracks down judgment and hastens righteousness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And a throne is established through mercy, And there sitteth thereon in truth, in the tent of David, One that judgeth, and seeketh justice, and is ready in righteousness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And a throne shall be established with mercy; and one shall sit upon it with truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and earnestly seeking judgements, and hasting righteousness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Prophecy of Moab's Devastation
4Let my fugitives stay with you; be a refuge for Moab from the destroyer.” When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ceased, and the oppressors have vanished from the land, 5in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness. 6We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty.…

Cross References
in loving devotion

Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.

Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.

Micah 7:18-20
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. / You will show faithfulness to Jacob and loving devotion to Abraham, as You swore to our fathers from the days of old.
a throne will be established

2 Samuel 7:13
He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Psalm 89:4
‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah

Psalm 45:6-7
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. / You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.
in the tent of David.

Amos 9:11-12
“In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, / that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.

Acts 15:16-17
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, / so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”
A judge seeking justice

Psalm 72:1-4
Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. / May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. …

Isaiah 11:3-5
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. / Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
and hastening righteousness

Isaiah 46:13
I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.

Isaiah 51:5-6
My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm. / Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.

Isaiah 62:1-2
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch. / Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
will sit on it in faithfulness.

Psalm 96:13
before the LORD, for He is coming—He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.


Treasury of Scripture

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit on it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hastening righteousness.

in mercy

Psalm 61:6,7
Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations…

Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 89:1,2,14
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations…

established.

Isaiah 9:6,7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…

2 Samuel 5:9
So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

2 Samuel 7:16
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

judging

Isaiah 11:1-5
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: …

Isaiah 32:1,2
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment…

2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

hasting

2 Peter 3:11,12
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, …

Jump to Previous
Cause David Established Faithfulness Hastening Hasting Judge Judgeth Judging Judgment Justice Kindness King's Loving Mercy Moreover Prompt Quick Ready Righteousness Sat Seat Seated Seek Seeketh Seeking Sit Sitteth Steadfast Swift Tabernacle Tent Thereon Throne Truth Uprightly
Jump to Next
Cause David Established Faithfulness Hastening Hasting Judge Judgeth Judging Judgment Justice Kindness King's Loving Mercy Moreover Prompt Quick Ready Righteousness Sat Seat Seated Seek Seeketh Seeking Sit Sitteth Steadfast Swift Tabernacle Tent Thereon Throne Truth Uprightly
Isaiah 16
1. Moab is exhorted to yield obedience to the throne of David
6. Moab is threatened for her pride
9. The prophet bewails her
12. The judgment of Moab












in loving devotion
This phrase emphasizes the nature of God's covenantal love, often described as "hesed" in Hebrew, which encompasses steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. It reflects God's enduring commitment to His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. This loving devotion is foundational to the establishment of the throne, indicating that God's governance is rooted in love and mercy, not merely power or authority.

a throne will be established
The establishment of a throne signifies the promise of a stable and enduring kingdom. In the context of Isaiah, this points to the hope of a future ruler who will bring peace and justice. Historically, the throne of David was a symbol of God's promise to Israel, and its establishment here suggests a restoration or continuation of that divine promise.

in the tent of David
The "tent of David" refers to the Davidic dynasty and the promise God made to David that his descendants would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This phrase evokes the idea of a humble yet divinely chosen lineage. It also connects to the prophecy of the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, as affirmed in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

A judge seeking justice
This phrase highlights the role of the ruler as one who actively pursues justice. In the biblical context, a judge was not only a legal arbiter but also a leader who ensured the well-being of the people. This aligns with the messianic expectation of a ruler who would embody God's justice, as seen in prophecies like Isaiah 9:7 and Jeremiah 23:5.

and hastening righteousness
The urgency of "hastening righteousness" suggests a proactive and zealous commitment to establishing moral and ethical standards. Righteousness in the biblical sense involves right relationships with God and others, reflecting God's character. This anticipates the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who fulfills and embodies perfect righteousness (Romans 3:21-22).

will sit on it in faithfulness
The ruler's faithfulness is crucial, indicating reliability and steadfastness in leadership. This faithfulness is not only to the people but primarily to God, ensuring that the ruler's actions align with divine will. This is seen as a type of Christ, who is described as faithful and true in Revelation 19:11, fulfilling the role of the ultimate righteous judge and king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Throne
Symbolizes authority and governance, often associated with kingship and divine rule.

2. Tent of David
Refers to the Davidic dynasty, highlighting the promise of a ruler from David's lineage.

3. Judge
Represents a leader who administers justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character.

4. Moab
The context of Isaiah 16 involves a prophecy concerning Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel.

5. Isaiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages, including prophecies about the future Messiah.
Teaching Points
The Promise of a Righteous Ruler
God's promise of a ruler from David's line assures us of His faithfulness to His covenants.

Jesus, as the fulfillment of this prophecy, embodies perfect justice and righteousness.

The Importance of Justice and Righteousness
As followers of Christ, we are called to seek justice and righteousness in our own lives.

Reflecting God's character involves being fair, honest, and upright in our dealings with others.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The establishment of the throne in loving devotion highlights God's sovereign plan and His unwavering faithfulness.

Trusting in God's promises gives us hope and assurance, even amidst uncertainty.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Prophecies like Isaiah 16:5 point to the coming of Christ and affirm the reliability of God's Word.

Studying these prophecies strengthens our faith and understanding of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 16:5?

2. How does Isaiah 16:5 illustrate God's promise of a just ruler?

3. What qualities of leadership are highlighted in Isaiah 16:5?

4. How does Isaiah 16:5 connect to the prophecy of Jesus' reign?

5. How can we apply the principles of justice and righteousness in our lives?

6. In what ways does Isaiah 16:5 encourage trust in God's ultimate plan?

7. What is the significance of the "throne" mentioned in Isaiah 16:5?

8. How does Isaiah 16:5 relate to the concept of divine justice?

9. What historical context surrounds the prophecy in Isaiah 16:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 16?

11. What does 'Root of Jesse' mean?

12. Isaiah 16:4–5 prophesies a throne established in mercy; how do we reconcile this claim with Judah’s eventual destruction and exile?

13. What is the Bible's perspective on Zionism?

14. How does Jesus' life fulfill God's promise of salvation?
What Does Isaiah 16:5 Mean
In loving devotion

Isaiah’s phrase “in loving devotion” sets the tone. God’s steadfast covenant love undergirds everything that follows.

• The same divine loyalty appears in Psalm 136:1—“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.”

• This love is not sentimental; it anchors God’s redemptive plan (Jeremiah 31:3).

Because God is love and keeps His promises, He moves history toward the throne described next.


A throne will be established

A throne pictures real, kingly authority. The verse promises an unshakable government grounded in God’s own purposes.

2 Samuel 7:12-13 records God’s pledge to David: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

Psalm 2:6 shows the LORD installing His King on Zion.

The verb “established” assures permanence; this is not a temporary regime but an eternal reign.


In the tent of David

“Tent” recalls David’s royal house—his dynasty, rooted in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 9:7 foretells endless rule “on the throne of David and over his kingdom.”

Luke 1:32-33 ties the promise directly to Jesus: Gabriel tells Mary her Son “will be given the throne of His father David.”

The prophecy therefore looks beyond Isaiah’s day to the Messiah, who comes from David’s line and fulfills every covenant detail.


A judge seeking justice

The coming King is called “a judge,” underscoring His role to set things right.

Jeremiah 23:5—“He will reign wisely as King and administer justice and righteousness in the land.”

Revelation 19:11 pictures Christ as the righteous Judge at His return.

Unlike flawed earthly rulers, He actively looks for justice; it is not optional but central to His reign.


And hastening righteousness

He doesn’t merely applaud righteousness—He hastens it, advancing godly standards swiftly and decisively.

Amos 5:24 longs for justice to “roll on like a river,” a yearning this King will satisfy.

2 Peter 3:13 reminds believers to expect “a new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells,” brought about by the same Savior-King.

Speed matters here: He will not delay righting wrongs.


Will sit on it in faithfulness

The King’s character guarantees the throne’s security. His faithfulness means every promise stands.

Psalm 89:14—“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.”

Hebrews 10:23 urges us to “hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

Because the King is faithful, His people can rest assured that justice and righteousness will prevail forever.


summary

Isaiah 16:5 previews the Messiah’s reign: born from David’s line, crowned by God’s covenant love, ruling with unassailable justice, accelerating righteousness, and remaining forever faithful. This is no abstract ideal; it is a literal promise anchored in the character of God and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Coming King whose throne is eternally secure.

(5) And in mercy shall the throne . . .--Better, less definitely, in mercy shall a throne be established, and one shall sit upon it in truth. The prophet has in mind the ideal king of Isaiah 9:4-7; Isaiah 11:1-5 (of whom Hezekiah was a partial type and representative), whom he expected after the downfall of the Assyrian oppressor. For the "tabernacle of David," comp. Amos 9:11.

Verse 5. - And in mercy shall the throne be established; rather, and there shall be a throne established in mercy. A Messianic vision comes upon the prophet in connection with the disappearance of the oppressor. There shall be one day - he knows not how soon or how late - a throne established in mercy, and "One shall be seated upon it in truth, who. shall occupy the tent [or, 'house'] of David, as one who judges, and seeks justice, and hastens on [the reign of] righteousness."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
in loving devotion
בַּחֶ֙סֶד֙ (ba·ḥe·seḏ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

a throne
כִּסֵּ֔א (kis·sê)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

will be established
וְהוּכַ֤ן (wə·hū·ḵan)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3559: To be erect

in the tent
בְּאֹ֣הֶל (bə·’ō·hel)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168: A tent

of David.
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

A judge
שֹׁפֵ֛ט (šō·p̄êṭ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

seeking
וְדֹרֵ֥שׁ (wə·ḏō·rêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

justice
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and prompt
וּמְהִ֥ר (ū·mə·hir)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4106: Quick, prompt, ready, skilled

in righteousness
צֶֽדֶק׃ (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

will sit
וְיָשַׁ֥ב (wə·yā·šaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on [it]
עָלָ֛יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

in faithfulness.
בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת (be·’ĕ·meṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 16:5 A throne will be established in loving (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 16:4
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