Isaiah 3:13
ESV
The Lord has taken his place to contend; he stands to judge peoples.
NIV
The Lord takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people.
NASB
The Lord arises to contend, And stands to judge the people.
CSB
The Lord rises to argue the case and stands to judge the people.
NLT
The Lord takes his place in court and presents his case against his people.
KJV
The Lord standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.
NKJV
The Lord stands up to plead, And stands to judge the people.
What does Isaiah 3:13 mean?
Isaiah describes the Lord as a judge seated in a courtroom. In this context, God stands to bring charges against the leaders of His people in Judah and Jerusalem.The Lord intends to contend with His people. The word "contend" means "to struggle with," or, "to assert something in making a point in an argument." God is going to present His case against Judah's leaders to show they have failed in their responsibility to lead His people properly. Instead of understanding their role to be one of serving the Lord, these men have used their power to serve themselves. Now they will face the ultimate judge.
