Isaiah 28:5

Hebrew Bible

4 The withering flower, its beautiful splendor, situated at the head of a rich valley, will be like an early fig before harvest—as soon as someone notices it, he grabs it and swallows it. 5 At that time the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will become a beautiful crown and a splendid diadem for the remnant of his people. 6 He will give discernment to the one who makes judicial decisions and strength to those who defend the city from attackers.

Jonathan Isaiah 28:5

Targum

4 And the diadem, which He gave to the wicked of the house of the sanctuary of His praise, which is on the head of the valley of fatness, shall be as the first ripe fig before the summer, which, when one sees it, no sooner is it in the hand, than one devours it. 5 At that time, the Messiah of the Lord of hosts shall be for a crown of rejoicing, and for a crown of praise to the remnant of His people: 6 For a word of true judgment to them that sit in the house of justice, in order that they should judge according to truth; and to give victory to them that are going forth into battle, to bring them back in peace to their homes.

 Notes and References

"... The Isaiah targumist was faced with a text filled with beautiful poetic imagery. Like the Onkelos translator, he felt the need to explain the wealth of metaphors to his readers. Accordingly, along with the usual large number of targumic changes to avoid anthropomorphisms, such as adding 'before,' the targumist virtually rewrote Isaiah's prophecy in prose. One striking example of the avoidance of anthropomorphisms is that he introduced the concept of the Messiah in 28:5. Thus, God is not a 'crown of glory,' but the Messiah is ..."

Drazin, Israel, and Stanley M. Wagner Onkelos on the Torah, Exodus: Understanding the Bible Text (p. 282) Gefen, 2006

 User Comments

Do you have questions or comments about these texts? Please submit them here.