Lexical Summary medushshah: Threshing, Trampling Original Word: מְדֻשָּׁה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance threshing From duwsh; a threshing, i.e. (concretely and figuratively) down-trodden people -- threshing. see HEBREW duwsh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dush Definition that which is threshed NASB Translation threshed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְדֻשָֿׁה] noun feminine that which is threshed; suffix מְדֻשָֿׁתִי Isaiah 21:10 ("" בֶּןגָּֿרְנִי) figurative in address to Israel by prophet. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The term מְדֻשָּׁה evokes the threshing floor, a place where grain is beaten or crushed so that the valuable kernels are separated from the husks. Scripture frequently uses threshing language to signify divine judgment that purifies, refines, and ultimately preserves a remnant for God’s redemptive purposes. Context in Isaiah 21:10 “O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, what I have heard from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, I have declared to you.” (Isaiah 21:10) Here the prophet addresses Judah, who—though not the immediate object of the oracle against Babylon—has felt the collateral pressure of imperial powers. Isaiah likens their experience to grain repeatedly struck on the floor. The metaphor communicates both severity (“crushed”) and hopeful intent: the blows are not arbitrary but purposeful, separating the precious grain (the faithful) from worthless chaff (unbelief and idolatry). Historical Background The vision falls in a period when Assyria’s dominance loomed and Babylon’s rise was foretold. Judah’s security was shaken by international tumults. Being “threshed” illustrates how covenant people, situated among warring empires, endured hardships that God would use to move them toward reliance upon Him rather than alliances (cf. Isaiah 30:1–3). Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The Lord oversees the threshing; He determines its extent and timing. Related Themes in Scripture • Threshing as Judgment—Jeremiah 51:33; Micah 4:13; Hosea 10:11. Christological Reflection The Messiah, “whose winnowing fork is in His hand” (Matthew 3:12), fulfills the threshing motif by bringing ultimate judgment and salvation. The cross itself may be viewed as the decisive act where sin is crushed and the people of God are secured, anticipating the final harvest at His return. Ministry Application • Pastoral Encouragement: Believers experiencing affliction can view trials as God-directed processes that separate enduring faith from dross (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7). Summary מְדֻשָּׁה serves as a vivid reminder that God’s people may be subjected to rigorous shaking, yet His goal is never destruction but purification and preservation. The single occurrence in Isaiah 21:10 anchors a wider biblical theme: the Lord of the harvest sovereignly threshes His field so that what is precious endures for His glory. Forms and Transliterations מְדֻשָׁתִ֖י מדשתי mə·ḏu·šā·ṯî məḏušāṯî medushaTiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 21:10 HEB: מְדֻשָׁתִ֖י וּבֶן־ גָּרְנִ֑י NAS: O my threshed [people], and my afflicted KJV: O my threshing, and the corn INT: my threshed and my afflicted of the threshing 1 Occurrence |
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