Book of Isaiah - Chapter 16 - Verse 1

The verse "Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion." is from the book of Isaiah in the Bible. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is urging the people of Judah to send a tribute to the ruler of the land, symbolized by a lamb. The act of sending a lamb as a tribute was a common practice in ancient times to appease rulers and seek favor or protection. This verse is seen as a call to the people of Judah to humble themselves before their rulers and acknowledge their authority. The mention of Sela, the wilderness, and the mount of the daughter of Zion highlights the journey the tribute must take, symbolizing the need for obedience and submission to authority. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting earthly rulers and maintaining order in society.

Within this verse, there is rich theological interpretation that can be gleaned. The act of sending a lamb to the ruler of the land is symbolic of a sacrificial offering, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture. The choice of a lamb as the offering holds significance as lambs were often used in religious rituals as a symbol of innocence and purity. The mention of Sela, a place known for its strategic and fortified location, adds an element of journey and importance to the offering. The reference to the wilderness signifies a remote and desolate location, emphasizing the solemnity of the act. Finally, the mountain of the daughter of Zion, a term often used to refer to Jerusalem, indicates the ultimate destination of the offering, highlighting the importance of the city in religious and political contexts. Overall, this verse conveys a sense of sacred ritual and devotion to the divine.