Aramaic prophecies using idioms

Aramaic prophecies using idioms

There are simply just hundreds and thousands of prophecies in the bible and if you were to examine them, you will find that they employ lots of Aramaic idioms and symbols to carry a message. This message is not meant to be understood literally word for word, but to be understood within the language and customs of the Aramaic/Hebrew people. That was the original intention of the author of these prophecies.

It is impossible to go through all these prophecies, but below I have highlighted some of them as examples:

1. Isaiah 2:12-14

Isa 2:12  For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 

Isa 2:13  And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 

Isa 2:14  And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 

1a: Idiom: cedars of Lebanon

Meaning: those in power and have longevity

1b: Idiom: oaks of Bashan

Meaning: those noble, great, strong, proud and influential people

1c: Idiom: upon all the hills that are lifted up

        Meaning: upon those smaller powers that have exalted themselves

2. Isaiah 2:22

Isa 2:22  Cease yourself from man, whose breath is in his nostril, for in what is he to be esteemed? 

2a: Idiom: breath is in his nostril

Meaning: avoiding a man who is continually angry, explosive, and impulsive.

3. Isaiah 11: 6-8

Isa 11:6  The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. 

Isa 11:7  The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 

Isa 11:8  The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den.

3a. Idiom: wolf, leopard, lion, bear

        Meaning: They symbolize strong, powerful, dictatorial nations that oppress and seek to devour the helpless and defenseless nations.

3b. Idiom: Lamb, young goat, calf, cow

        Meaning: They symbolize weaker and smaller nations, nations that have no great military might or fortification.

3c. Idiom: A little child shall lead them

        Meaning: Political leaders shall be simple, sincere leaders, and not crooked leaders. (It does not mean literally a small child shall be a nation’s leader).

3d. Idiom: The suckling child playing with the cobra, putting hand in the den of the snake

        Meaning: The power of sincere pure-hearted leaders who can negotiate with the enemies of their country.

3e. Idiom: The lion shall eat straw like an ox

        Meaning: Powerful nations shall be contented with their own internal resources. They shall not plunder other nation’s resources.

[Note: Isaiah 11:6-8 is a prophetic passage that speaks about the coming of the Messiah that will reveal truth, justice and contentment to all humanity so that peace and harmony will reign among the nations.]