Isaiah 10:21

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 10:21 declares a powerful promise of restoration and hope amidst impending judgment. This verse reads: "The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God." It serves as a beacon of God's enduring faithfulness even when His people face the consequences of their actions.

Context

Chapter 10 of Isaiah primarily focuses on God's judgment against Assyria, an arrogant and destructive empire that God used as an instrument of discipline against His people, Israel. However, the chapter also contains prophecies concerning Israel's own sin and the discipline they would face. Amidst these pronouncements of destruction and scattering, Isaiah 10:21 introduces a glimmer of hope: not all will be lost. This verse speaks to the preservation of a small, faithful portion of Israel—a "remnant"—who will ultimately turn back to God.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant: The concept of a "remnant" (Hebrew: שְׁאָר, she'ar) is central to prophetic literature. It signifies a surviving portion, often preserved by divine grace for a future purpose. In this context, it refers to those among the descendants of Jacob (Israel) who would survive exile and spiritual apostasy, destined for restoration. This idea underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people fail.
  • Return and Restoration: The phrase "shall return" implies both a physical return from captivity or dispersion and, more importantly, a spiritual turning back to God. It speaks of repentance and a renewed relationship with the Lord after a period of estrangement or judgment. This return is not merely geographical but deeply spiritual, signifying a re-alignment with divine will.
  • The Mighty God: The destination of this return is "unto the mighty God." This powerful title (Hebrew: אֵל גִּבּוֹר, El Gibbor) emphasizes God's immense strength, sovereign power, and ability to save, protect, and restore. It highlights that the hope of the remnant lies not in their own strength or numbers, but in the omnipotence and faithfulness of the God to whom they return. This same title is famously used for the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, linking the ultimate restoration to God's redemptive plan through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "remnant," she'ar (שְׁאָר), conveys the idea of a remainder, what is left over after a larger part has been removed or destroyed. Its usage here emphasizes that God's plan for Israel would not be entirely thwarted by their sin or by the actions of their enemies. The title "Mighty God," El Gibbor (אֵל גִּבּוֹר), powerfully asserts God's divine attributes, portraying Him as the one who is strong, valiant, and able to accomplish His purposes despite all obstacles.

Significance & Cross-References

Isaiah 10:21 offers a profound message of hope and divine preservation. It foreshadows a consistent theme throughout the Bible: despite cycles of disobedience and judgment, God always preserves a faithful remnant through whom His purposes will be fulfilled. This concept is echoed in other prophetic books and is picked up in the New Testament. For instance, the Apostle Paul refers to this very passage from Isaiah when discussing God's continuing faithfulness to Israel in Romans 9:27-28, demonstrating that not all of Israel was rejected, but a remnant was chosen by grace.

Practical Application

This verse provides comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of widespread spiritual decline or personal struggle, God remains faithful to His promises. There is always hope for those who genuinely turn back to Him. It encourages a spirit of repentance and reliance on God's strength, not our own. Just as the remnant of Jacob was to return to the "mighty God," so too can individuals and communities find restoration and strength by turning to the Lord, recognizing His supreme power and unwavering love.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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