Isaiah 10:21

KJV

The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

KJV (with Strong's)

The remnant {H7605} shall return {H7725}, even the remnant {H7605} of Jacob {H3290}, unto the mighty {H1368} God {H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A remnant will return, the remnant of Ya'akov, to the mighty God.

Berean Standard Bible

A remnant will return—a remnant of Jacob— to the Mighty God.

American Standard Version

A remnant shall return, eventhe remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:21 presents a profound declaration of God's enduring faithfulness and redemptive purpose amidst impending judgment. It prophesies that a preserved portion of Israel, referred to as "the remnant of Jacob," will ultimately turn back from their waywardness and return to the "mighty God." This verse serves as a beacon of hope, underscoring divine sovereignty and the promise of restoration for those whom God, in His grace, preserves and calls back into a covenant relationship with Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10 opens with a scathing indictment against the unjust rulers of Israel, followed by a detailed prophecy of God's judgment against Assyria, whom He uses as an instrument of His wrath against His disobedient people. The chapter vividly describes Assyria's arrogance and eventual downfall, emphasizing that even this powerful empire is merely a tool in God's sovereign hand. Amidst these pronouncements of destruction and scattering, Isaiah 10:20-23 shifts the focus to a future hope for Israel. Verse 20 speaks of those who "lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth," setting the stage for the promise of the remnant's return in verse 21. This transition highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even as He executes necessary discipline, ensuring that His ultimate redemptive plan for His people will not be thwarted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 10 is set against the backdrop of the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyria, under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sennacherib, was a formidable military force known for its brutal conquest and deportation policies. Both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced constant threats and eventually succumbed to Assyrian dominance. Spiritually, both kingdoms had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than God. The "remnant of Jacob" refers to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob (Israel), emphasizing their covenant identity and the historical lineage through which God's promises were given. The concept of a remnant was particularly poignant in this era, as the vast majority of the population faced destruction or exile, making the preservation of even a small portion a testament to divine grace.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in Isaiah 10:21 is the **Remnant Theology**, which posits that despite widespread apostasy and divine judgment, God always preserves a faithful minority through whom His redemptive purposes will be continued. This concept is foundational to understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. Connected to this is the theme of **Return and Restoration**, signifying not merely a physical return from exile but, more profoundly, a spiritual turning back to God in repentance and renewed allegiance. This return is directed "unto the mighty God," emphasizing God's **Sovereignty and Power** as the ultimate source of their salvation and hope. This title, "Mighty God," is significant, echoing the messianic prophecy in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah, 'Mighty God'"), which points to the divine strength and redemptive power inherent in God's plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼâr'_):** From H7605, this term signifies "a remainder; other, residue, rest." In this context, it refers to the surviving portion of Israel, those who, by God's grace, are preserved from the widespread destruction and apostasy that befalls the majority. It underscores the idea that God's plan will not be entirely thwarted, as He will always maintain a faithful core.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." Here, it carries a dual meaning: a physical return from exile or dispersion, and, more significantly, a spiritual turning back to God in repentance and renewed covenant faithfulness. It implies a reversal of their previous rebellious course.
* **mighty God (Hebrew, _gibbôwr ʼêl'_):** From H1368 (_gibbôwr_), meaning "powerful; by implication, warrior, champion, strong," and H410 (_ʼêl_), meaning "strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty." This combined title emphasizes God's immense strength, sovereign power, and ability to save, protect, and restore. It highlights that the hope and salvation of the remnant are rooted not in their own strength or numbers, but in the omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness of the God to whom they return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The remnant shall return":** This clause introduces the core promise, emphasizing that a surviving portion of Israel, divinely preserved, will undergo a transformative turning. This "return" is both a physical restoration from dispersion and, crucially, a spiritual repentance and re-alignment with God.
* **"even the remnant of Jacob":** This phrase clarifies the identity of the remnant, specifically linking them to the covenant people descended from the patriarch Jacob (Israel). It underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises despite the nation's failures and the impending judgment. It is a specific, chosen group, not a universal return.
* **"unto the mighty God":** This final phrase specifies the destination and object of their return. It is not merely a return to their land or former ways, but a profound re-establishment of relationship with the "mighty God." This title emphasizes God's supreme power, His ability to overcome all obstacles, and His unwavering faithfulness as the one capable of receiving, protecting, and restoring His people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:21 employs several powerful literary devices. **Remnant Theology** is a dominant theme, presenting the concept of a divinely preserved minority as a testament to God's faithfulness amidst widespread apostasy and judgment. This serves as a symbol of hope and continuity for God's covenant plan. The phrase "the remnant of Jacob" uses **Synecdoche**, where "Jacob" represents the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing their ancestral and covenantal identity. The title "mighty God" (Hebrew: *El Gibbor*) is an example of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. It highlights God's omnipotence and serves as a stark **Contrast** to the weakness and unfaithfulness of Israel, and the transient power of Assyria. The verse's concise declaration also functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired utterance foretelling future events and revealing God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:21 is a pivotal verse in understanding God's consistent method of preserving a faithful remnant throughout biblical history, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan despite human sin and rebellion. This concept demonstrates God's sovereign grace, where salvation is not based on human merit or numbers, but on His divine election and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The "return" signifies both repentance and restoration, pointing to the transformative power of God to reclaim and renew His people. This theme resonates deeply throughout the Old Testament, from Noah's family surviving the flood to the preservation of a righteous few in times of widespread idolatry, and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's understanding of the church as the spiritual remnant.

* [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27-29 - Paul's use of Isaiah's remnant prophecy")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The remnant chosen by grace")
* [Zechariah 8:6-8](/zechariah/8-6 "Zechariah 8:6-8 - God's promise to bring His remnant back")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:21 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by spiritual decline, moral compromise, or personal struggles, this verse reminds us that God always preserves a faithful "remnant"—those who genuinely turn to Him. It instills hope that even when circumstances seem dire, God's purposes will prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled through those who remain true to Him. For individuals, this means that even if we feel isolated in our faith or face overwhelming odds, our hope is not in our own strength or numbers, but in returning to the "mighty God." It calls us to examine our own hearts: are we part of the "remnant" who are truly leaning on the Lord, or are we drifting with the tide of the world? It encourages a spirit of repentance, reliance on God's omnipotence, and a steadfast commitment to His truth, knowing that He is fully capable of restoring and strengthening those who turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "return" to the "mighty God" in deeper repentance or renewed commitment?**
* **How does the concept of a "remnant" encourage you when you feel overwhelmed by the spiritual state of the world or your community?**
* **What does it mean practically to lean on the "mighty God" rather than on your own strength or the world's solutions?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the remnant of Jacob" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The remnant of Jacob" refers to a preserved, faithful portion of the descendants of the patriarch Jacob (Israel). In the context of Isaiah, it signifies those who would survive the divine judgment and exile brought upon the nation due to their disobedience. This remnant is not merely a demographic survival but a spiritual one, comprising those who genuinely turn back to God and remain loyal to His covenant. The concept underscores God's sovereign choice and grace, ensuring that His covenant promises and redemptive plan for Israel would continue through a chosen few, even when the majority fell away. This theme is crucial throughout prophetic literature, highlighting God's faithfulness despite human failure, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - A very small remnant").

**What is the significance of God being called "the mighty God" in this context?**

Answer: The title "the mighty God" (Hebrew: *El Gibbor*) is profoundly significant here. It emphasizes God's supreme power, strength, and ability to act decisively and effectively. In a context of national judgment and the overwhelming power of the Assyrian Empire, calling God "mighty" reassures the remnant that their hope lies in an omnipotent Deliverer, not in their own limited strength or political alliances. This title underscores His capacity to save, protect, and restore His people against all odds. It also echoes the messianic prophecy in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Messiah, 'Mighty God'"), subtly connecting the ultimate restoration of the remnant to the divine power embodied in the coming Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "remnant" that is to "return unto the mighty God" foreshadows those who, by God's grace, are called out of spiritual darkness and brought into a saving relationship with the Father through the Son. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the "mighty God" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah, 'Mighty God'")), possessing all power and authority to accomplish salvation. His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection provide the means for humanity's true "return" to God, reconciling those who were alienated by sin. The New Testament teaches that the true spiritual "remnant" is not merely ethnic Israel, but all who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, forming the church, His body ([Romans 9:24](/romans/9-24 "Romans 9:24 - God's call to Jew and Gentile")). Thus, the return of the remnant to the "mighty God" is realized in every believer who turns from sin and self to Christ, finding forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life in Him, the one true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the one who gathers His sheep, ensuring that [none who are given to Him will be lost](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus will lose none of His own").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

2 Corinthians 3:14

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:16

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

Hosea 14:1

¶ O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

Hosea 7:16

They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this [shall be] their derision in the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 19:22

And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal [it]: and they shall return [even] to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.