Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.
But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name.
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.
Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
Isaiah 51 offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to God's people, particularly relevant to those facing hardship and oppression. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, His power to deliver, and His enduring covenant with His people. It calls for remembrance of past blessings, a steadfast pursuit of righteousness, and unwavering trust in the promises of God.
Remembering the Foundation (Isaiah 51:1-3)
The chapter opens with an invitation to the "faithful remnant," those who "pursue righteousness" and "seek the LORD" (Isaiah 51:1). This encouragement is particularly poignant for the Jewish captives in Babylon. They are urged to look back to their heritage, specifically to "Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you" (Isaiah 51:2). This act of remembrance serves a vital purpose. It reminds them that their nation was born out of God’s eternal covenant with Abraham, a covenant brimming with promises of blessing. Clinging to this foundational truth provides strength and hope amidst their current suffering. God's promise of future restoration is a direct consequence of this covenant. It is a pledge that God remembers His commitment and will act on behalf of His people (Isaiah 51:3).
The Coming Justice and Enduring Salvation (Isaiah 51:4-8)
The prophet then shifts his focus to a future day when God's justice will be fully realized. While the immediate context speaks of deliverance from Babylonian captivity, the language used points to a greater, more comprehensive fulfillment. Only when Christ reigns in His millennial kingdom will His justice truly "shine as a light to the nations" (Isaiah 51:4). God's "arm," a symbol of His power, will bring justice to all, even to the "coasts and islands," a figure of speech representing the farthest corners of the world (Isaiah 51:5). Isaiah also speaks of the temporary nature of the present heavens and earth, which will "vanish like smoke" and "wear out like a garment" (Isaiah 51:6), paving the way for the new heavens and new earth (compare Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). The enemies of God, regardless of their perceived strength, will ultimately face their demise (Isaiah 51:6). In contrast to the fleeting nature of earthly power, God declares, "my righteousness will last forever, and my salvation for all generations" (Isaiah 51:8). This speaks to the eternal nature of God's promises and the enduring security found in Him. Christ’s glory will be magnified “forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:21).
A Prayer for a New Exodus (Isaiah 51:9-11)
Inspired by this vision of future glory and enduring salvation, the remnant responds with a prayer for a "second exodus" (Isaiah 51:9-10). They long for a deliverance from bondage that mirrors the miraculous exodus from Egypt under Moses. They recall how God "dried up the sea" to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land (Isaiah 51:10), expressing their belief that He is equally capable of redeeming His people again. This section culminates in a powerful promise: "the ransomed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away" (Isaiah 51:11). This is a vision of complete and lasting restoration, a future filled with joy and freedom from sorrow.
Comfort and Assurance in the Face of Oppression (Isaiah 51:12-23)
The final section of Isaiah 51 addresses the fear and anxiety that plague the captives of Judah. They have "forgotten the LORD" (Isaiah 51:13) and live in constant dread of their oppressors, the Babylonians. However, the prophet offers reassurance, reminding them that the "prisoner will soon be set free" (Isaiah 51:14, 16) because they are held in the loving hand of God. He urges those who have experienced God's fury to "wake up" (Isaiah 51:17), assuring them that His judgment has ended (Isaiah 51:19-22). God promises to "turn the tables" and bring His fury upon their tormentors (Isaiah 51:23), demonstrating His ultimate control and justice.
Isaiah 51 is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God's faithfulness endures. It calls us to remember His past acts of deliverance, to trust in His promises for the future, and to pursue righteousness with unwavering hope. The chapter offers comfort and assurance to those who are suffering, reminding them that God is in control and that He will ultimately bring justice and restoration.
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.
But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name.
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.
Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
Isaiah 51 offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to God's people, particularly relevant to those facing hardship and oppression. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, His power to deliver, and His enduring covenant with His people. It calls for remembrance of past blessings, a steadfast pursuit of righteousness, and unwavering trust in the promises of God.
Remembering the Foundation (Isaiah 51:1-3)
The chapter opens with an invitation to the "faithful remnant," those who "pursue righteousness" and "seek the LORD" (Isaiah 51:1). This encouragement is particularly poignant for the Jewish captives in Babylon. They are urged to look back to their heritage, specifically to "Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you" (Isaiah 51:2). This act of remembrance serves a vital purpose. It reminds them that their nation was born out of God’s eternal covenant with Abraham, a covenant brimming with promises of blessing. Clinging to this foundational truth provides strength and hope amidst their current suffering. God's promise of future restoration is a direct consequence of this covenant. It is a pledge that God remembers His commitment and will act on behalf of His people (Isaiah 51:3).
The Coming Justice and Enduring Salvation (Isaiah 51:4-8)
The prophet then shifts his focus to a future day when God's justice will be fully realized. While the immediate context speaks of deliverance from Babylonian captivity, the language used points to a greater, more comprehensive fulfillment. Only when Christ reigns in His millennial kingdom will His justice truly "shine as a light to the nations" (Isaiah 51:4). God's "arm," a symbol of His power, will bring justice to all, even to the "coasts and islands," a figure of speech representing the farthest corners of the world (Isaiah 51:5). Isaiah also speaks of the temporary nature of the present heavens and earth, which will "vanish like smoke" and "wear out like a garment" (Isaiah 51:6), paving the way for the new heavens and new earth (compare Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). The enemies of God, regardless of their perceived strength, will ultimately face their demise (Isaiah 51:6). In contrast to the fleeting nature of earthly power, God declares, "my righteousness will last forever, and my salvation for all generations" (Isaiah 51:8). This speaks to the eternal nature of God's promises and the enduring security found in Him. Christ’s glory will be magnified “forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:21).
A Prayer for a New Exodus (Isaiah 51:9-11)
Inspired by this vision of future glory and enduring salvation, the remnant responds with a prayer for a "second exodus" (Isaiah 51:9-10). They long for a deliverance from bondage that mirrors the miraculous exodus from Egypt under Moses. They recall how God "dried up the sea" to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land (Isaiah 51:10), expressing their belief that He is equally capable of redeeming His people again. This section culminates in a powerful promise: "the ransomed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away" (Isaiah 51:11). This is a vision of complete and lasting restoration, a future filled with joy and freedom from sorrow.
Comfort and Assurance in the Face of Oppression (Isaiah 51:12-23)
The final section of Isaiah 51 addresses the fear and anxiety that plague the captives of Judah. They have "forgotten the LORD" (Isaiah 51:13) and live in constant dread of their oppressors, the Babylonians. However, the prophet offers reassurance, reminding them that the "prisoner will soon be set free" (Isaiah 51:14, 16) because they are held in the loving hand of God. He urges those who have experienced God's fury to "wake up" (Isaiah 51:17), assuring them that His judgment has ended (Isaiah 51:19-22). God promises to "turn the tables" and bring His fury upon their tormentors (Isaiah 51:23), demonstrating His ultimate control and justice.
Isaiah 51 is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God's faithfulness endures. It calls us to remember His past acts of deliverance, to trust in His promises for the future, and to pursue righteousness with unwavering hope. The chapter offers comfort and assurance to those who are suffering, reminding them that God is in control and that He will ultimately bring justice and restoration.