Log inSign up

Isaiah 16 · a question people ask

Who is the one who sits on the throne in 16:5?

In the text

The verse doesn't name him: "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" (16:5). It says where he sits, "in the tent of David", and what he does: he judges, seeks justice, and is swift to do righteousness. It comes straight after "For the extortionist is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land" (16:4). The New Testament doesn't quote the verse. Christians read who is meant in more than one way, and these notes don't choose between the readings or draw a line from the verse. What the verse does say plainly is the kind of throne it is: established in loving kindness, and sat on in truth.

The verses

“Let my outcasts dwell with you! As for Moab, be a hiding place for him from the face of the destroyer. For the extortionist is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land. 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.”
Isaiah 16:4-5 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Isaiah 16

Isaiah 16: A harp for Moab

In 16:9-10 the battle shout that falls on Moab's harvest and the shouting that stops in its wine presses are one Hebrew word, heidad. And when the one who speaks says, "my heart sounds like a harp for Moab" (16:11), heart is me'eh, the inward parts, not lev, the usual word, which Jeremiah 48:36 has in nearly the same line.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekIsaiah 16 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Isaiah 16

All questions about Isaiah →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions