Paragraph 13:9–11

In this paragraph, the LORD continues to speak.

13:9a–b

The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 13:9a–b because of the recommended interpretation and textual options.

13:9a

(New Revised Standard Version) I will destroy you, O Israel: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “it/he has destroyed you Israel.” There are four interpretations of the subject of this clause:

(1) The LORD destroys Israel. For example:

“I will destroy you, people of Israel! (Good News Translation)

(2) Israel destroys itself. For example:

Israel, you have destroyed yourself (New Jerusalem Bible)

(3) The destroyer is unspecified. For example:

“You are destroyed, O Israel (New International Version)

(4) Hatred of the LORD destroys Israel. For example:

It is your destruction, O Israel, that you are against me, against your help. (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It makes good sense following the animal descriptions in 13:7–8. The Hebrew verb pattern also best matches this interpretation.

The verb tense/aspect of this clause is probably prophetic perfect. A prophetic perfect presents a future event as if it has already happened. This also matches the future time frame of the animal descriptions in 13:7–8. The majority of versions that follow interpretation (1) translate the verb as future.

13:9b

(New Revised Standard Version) who can help you?: There is a textual variant of this clause:

(1) The LXX and the Peshitta have a rhetorical question: “who will help you?” For example:

Who is there to help you? (NET Bible)

(2) The Masoretic Text has a statement: “for in me in your help.” For example:

though in me lies your help (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It is a fitting introduction to the rhetorical questions in the following verse. It is also recommended by the editors of the BHS.

The implied answer to this question is “Not me” or “No one.” If a rhetorical question is unnatural in your language, you may translate it as a statement. For example:

Don’t expect help from me. (Contemporary English Version)

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