Book of Isaiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 7

Within this verse, the prophet Isaiah is using a poetic and metaphorical language to convey a powerful message about the city of Jerusalem. The phrase "Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days?" suggests a sense of questioning and doubt about the city's current state in the eyes of God. The city is being contrasted with its glorious and prosperous past, filled with joy and prosperity in ancient times. However, the prophet warns that the city's own actions will lead to its downfall, symbolized by the phrase "her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn." This indicates that the consequences of the city's actions will result in exile and separation from its homeland. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning about the importance of staying true to one's values and principles in order to avoid a similar fate of destruction and exile.

One possible theological interpretation of this verse could be that it speaks to the transient nature of worldly glory and prosperity. The mention of the city's antiquity and joyousness could symbolize a sense of pride and security in its history and accomplishments. However, the warning that her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn suggests a downfall or exile due to her own actions or decisions. This could be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too comfortable or complacent in one's success, as it can lead to a false sense of security and eventual downfall. Additionally, the idea of being carried afar off to sojourn could imply a period of wandering or exile, where the city must learn to rely on faith and trust in a higher power rather than material wealth or power. Through a word study, one could delve into the deeper meanings of "joyous city," "antiquity," and "sojourn" to uncover layers of symbolism and significance within the verse.