As explained in the introductory comments on this section [33.17-24], Good News Translation places the words of verse 22 after verse 23 and combines the numbering of the verses, assuming that this is a better logical arrangement. However, we do not agree with this.
Verse 22 concludes the subsection of verses 17-22. It gives the reasons why the prophet proclaims the previous words of assurance, so it begins with the connector For. It has four clauses that refer to the LORD as judge, ruler, king, and savior.
The LORD is our judge: The Hebrew term for judge is used in the book of Judges to describe the military leaders who rescued Israel from its oppressive neighbors. Here it probably refers to the LORD as a judge who administers justice (see the comments at 1.26 and 3.2).
The LORD is our ruler: The Hebrew word for ruler comes from the same root as a word meaning “statutes” and “commandments.” In Jdg 5.9 this same term is used for commanders who gave military orders. Here it refers to Yahweh as the one who gives commands, but it is not clear whether he does this as a lawgiver or as a military commander. The prophet is probably speaking of Yahweh as one who leads his troops in battle in this context of rescuing his people from oppression.
The LORD is our king: See the comments on verse 17.
He will save us: Because Yahweh plays all these roles, the people of Judah can be certain that he will save them. He will rescue them from their oppressors. Since this action is in focus in this verse, some languages may prefer to begin with it (see the second example below).
Consider the following translation examples for this verse:
• Yahweh is our judge, Yahweh is our ruler, Yahweh is our king.
Because this is so, he is the one who will rescue us.
• Yahweh will rescue us!
That is because he is our judge, he is our commander, and he is our king.
Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .