Isaiah 18:7
In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.
Isaiah 18:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah speaks about a time when the people of Israel, who have been scattered and oppressed, will come before the Lord Almighty in Zion. The term "scattered and peeled" likely refers to the exile and dispersion of the Israelites to different lands. Despite their past struggles and hardships, they will come before God with offerings and praise. The phrase "a people terrible from their beginning hitherto" may allude to the intimidating reputation of the Israelites throughout history. The mention of a nation "meted out and trodden under foot" could symbolize the oppression and subjugation they have faced. The verse also describes a land whose rivers have been spoiled, which could signify desolation and destruction. Ultimately, the people will gather in Zion, the mountain of the Lord, to worship and honor His name. This verse carries themes of restoration, redemption, and the eventual exaltation of the people of Israel in the presence of God.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this passage focuses on the idea of restoration and redemption. The mention of a people who are scattered and peeled suggests a group who have faced hardships and struggles, yet they are still bringing a present to the LORD of hosts. This can be seen as a symbol of their willingness to honor and worship God despite their difficulties. Additionally, the description of the nation being meted out and trodden under foot may indicate a history of oppression and mistreatment. However, their journey to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, Mount Zion, can be seen as a metaphorical journey towards God's presence and eventual redemption. This can serve as a reminder for believers that even in times of adversity, they can seek God's presence and find hope in His promises of restoration and deliverance.
Isaiah 18:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
In that time shall a present be brought unto Jehovah of hosts [from] a people tall and smooth, even from a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Jehovah of hosts, the mount Zion.
World English Bible
In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.
Douay-Rheims
At that time shall a present be brought to the Lord of hosts, from a people rent and torn in pieces: from a terrible people, after which there hath been no other: from a nation expecting, expecting and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, to mount Sion.
Geneva Bible (1599)
At that time shall a present be brought vnto the Lord of hostes, (a people that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, and of a terrible people from their beginning hitherto, a nation, by litle and litle euen troden vnder foote, whose land the riuers haue spoyled) to the place of the Name of the Lord of hostes, euen the mount Zion.