Lexical Summary shubah: Return, turning back Original Word: שׁוּבָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance returning From shuwb; a return -- returning. see HEBREW shuwb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shub Definition retirement, withdrawal NASB Translation repentance (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שׁוּבָה noun feminine retirement, withdrawal (from war, etc., compare Micah 2:8); — Isaiah 30:15. Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Shûbâh encapsulates the spiritual act of “returning,” a decisive withdrawal from self-reliance that re-orients the heart toward Yahweh. In its sole canonical appearance it stands at the core of Isaiah’s prophetic appeal, marrying repentance to rest and quiet confidence to covenantal strength. Canonical Context: Isaiah 30:15 “For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.” (Berean Standard Bible) Spoken to Judah during the Assyrian crisis, the word confronts a nation tempted to seek security through Egyptian alliances. Isaiah sets shûbâh—returning to the Lord—over against diplomatic stratagems, insisting that salvation flows only from humble dependence on God’s character and promises. Theological Themes • Repentance and Salvation: Shûbâh links the inward turning of the heart with the outward experience of deliverance, echoing earlier covenant calls (Deuteronomy 30:2; Hosea 14:1). Historical Setting Circa 701 BC Judah faced Assyrian aggression under Sennacherib. Court counselors urged a treaty with Egypt; Isaiah countered with shûbâh, warning that political refuge would fail (Isaiah 30:1–5, 31). The subsequent miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:36) vindicated the prophet’s theology of trust. Prophetic Application Isaiah wields shûbâh pastorally, not merely politically. By calling the nation to return, he reaffirms the Sinai covenant’s blessings and curses (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) and prepares the way for later restoration prophecies (Isaiah 40–55). The term thus serves as a hinge between immediate repentance and eschatological hope. New Testament Resonance Though the noun itself does not reappear, its motifs suffuse the Gospel message: Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: Shûbâh encourages sermons that contrast worldly strategies with resting faith. Historical Reception Early church fathers applied Isaiah 30:15 both to baptismal conversion and to ongoing sanctification. Reformers cited it against works-based assurance, stressing sola fide. Contemporary evangelical writers draw upon it to critique consumeristic activism within the church. Devotional Reflection Shûbâh presses every generation to exchange frantic maneuvering for the stillness of faith. Its solitary appearance gives it an arresting clarity: when God calls, the only wise response is to turn back, settle down, and let His quiet power prevail. Forms and Transliterations בְּשׁוּבָ֤ה בשובה bə·šū·ḇāh beshuVah bəšūḇāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 30:15 HEB: קְד֣וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל בְּשׁוּבָ֤ה וָנַ֙חַת֙ תִּוָּ֣שֵׁע֔וּן NAS: has said, In repentance and rest KJV: of Israel; In returning and rest INT: the Holy of Israel repentance and rest will be saved 1 Occurrence |
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