Isaiah 11:11

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the Lord {H136} shall set {H3254} his hand {H3027} again {H3254} the second time {H8145} to recover {H7069} the remnant {H7605} of his people {H5971}, which shall be left {H7604}, from Assyria {H804}, and from Egypt {H4714}, and from Pathros {H6624}, and from Cush {H3568}, and from Elam {H5867}, and from Shinar {H8152}, and from Hamath {H2574}, and from the islands {H339} of the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day Adonai will raise his hand again, a second time, to reclaim the remnant of his people who remain from Ashur, Egypt, Patros, Ethiopia, 'Eilam, Shin'ar, Hamat and the islands in the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:11 powerfully prophesies a future, decisive act of divine restoration: the Lord's authoritative intervention, described as a "second time," to comprehensively regather the dispersed remnant of His people. This prophetic declaration, deeply rooted in Israel's history of exile and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, anticipates a global ingathering that far surpasses the initial exodus, culminating in the establishment of a righteous kingdom under the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:11 is intricately woven into a profound messianic prophecy spanning [Isaiah 11:1-16](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse and the Messianic Kingdom"). The preceding verses [Isaiah 11:1-10](/isaiah/11-1-10 "Isaiah 11:1-10 - The Reign of the Messiah") vividly portray the coming of a righteous King, a "Branch from the root of Jesse," upon whom the Spirit of the Lord will rest. This Messiah is depicted as ruling with perfect justice, discernment, and wisdom, ushering in an era of unprecedented peace where even natural enemies coexist harmoniously. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a direct consequence and tangible manifestation of this messianic reign. The "day" referenced is intrinsically linked to the inauguration of this messianic age, where God’s perfect rule will manifest in the physical restoration and return of His scattered people. The subsequent verses [Isaiah 11:12-16](/isaiah/11-12-16 "Isaiah 11:12-16 - The Regathering and Return") further elaborate on this grand regathering, describing the raising of a banner for the nations and the removal of all obstacles, reinforcing the comprehensive and miraculous nature of this divine work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecy is one of profound national trauma and dispersion for Israel. By Isaiah's time, the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, leading to widespread deportation and scattering across the ancient Near East. The southern kingdom of Judah faced constant threats from Assyria and later succumbed to Babylonian exile in 586 BC, resulting in further dispersion. This experience of exile was understood as a direct consequence of covenant disobedience, yet it did not negate God's long-term promises. Culturally, the memory of the Exodus from Egypt was the foundational narrative of Israel's identity, serving as the ultimate paradigm of God's redemptive power and faithfulness. The phrase "the second time" in Isaiah 11:11 deliberately evokes this cherished historical memory, promising an even greater, more comprehensive act of deliverance and regathering. The extensive list of geographical locations—Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the islands of the sea—represents the known world of Isaiah's time, emphasizing the global extent of Israel's dispersion and, consequently, the universal reach of God's restorative power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and throughout biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite His people's unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment. Even in their scattering, God retains ultimate control and orchestrates their future restoration, proving His enduring faithfulness. Secondly, the concept of **The Remnant** is central; the prophecy focuses not on the entire nation but on a "remnant," a faithful portion preserved by God's grace, through whom His redemptive purposes will continue. This echoes earlier themes in Isaiah, such as the declaration that "a remnant will return" [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "Isaiah 10:21 - A Remnant Will Return"). Thirdly, the **Global Regathering** is a prominent theme, as the extensive list of nations signifies that God's people will be brought back from every corner of the earth, anticipating a worldwide ingathering that transcends previous returns. This aspect foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, ultimately encompassing all nations through the Messiah, as seen in the vision of all nations streaming to Jerusalem [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House"). Finally, the verse reinforces **Messianic Hope**, as this grand regathering is directly tied to the reign of the Messiah described earlier in the chapter, whose righteous rule will facilitate this unprecedented reunion and lead to a period of unparalleled peace and security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This emphatic form of the Hebrew word for "Lord" (H136) is used as a proper name for God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, authority, and ownership. In this context, it highlights that the initiative, power, and ultimate success of this miraculous regathering belong solely to God Himself. It is not a human endeavor but a divine, omnipotent undertaking.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word _yâd_ (H3027) literally means "hand," but figuratively, it denotes power, means, direction, or active intervention. When the Lord "sets His hand," it signifies a direct, personal, and decisive act of power and authority. It conveys His active involvement, omnipotent capability, and firm resolve to bring about this promised restoration, implying a forceful and effective divine intervention.
* **recover (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** The verb _qânâh_ (H7069) carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to erect," "create," "procure," or "purchase." In this context, it implies God's act of re-acquiring, redeeming, or taking possession of His people. It suggests a powerful, intentional act of ownership and retrieval, akin to a divine purchase or creation, bringing them back into His rightful possession and renewed covenant relationship, signifying a redemptive and restorative action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day,"**: This phrase functions as a crucial prophetic marker, signaling a specific, future eschatological period when God's redemptive plan will unfold in a climactic manner. "That day" often refers to a decisive era of divine intervention, encompassing both judgment and salvation, intrinsically linked to the inauguration of the messianic kingdom described in the preceding verses.
* **"that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time"**: This clause emphasizes the divine agency and the unparalleled nature of the coming event. "The Lord" (Adonai) signifies God's sovereign initiative and absolute authority. "Set his hand" denotes His powerful, active, and direct intervention, indicating a deliberate and effective display of His might. The crucial phrase "again the second time" explicitly draws a parallel with the first, foundational Exodus from Egypt, suggesting that this future regathering will be an even greater, more comprehensive, and ultimately definitive act of deliverance and redemption.
* **"to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left,"**: This specifies the precise object and purpose of God's action. God's intention is to "recover" (re-acquire, redeem, or reclaim) a specific group: "the remnant of his people." This "remnant" refers to those who survived the exiles and dispersions, a faithful core preserved by divine grace, through whom God's covenant promises and redemptive purposes will be fulfilled, underscoring His preserving faithfulness.
* **"from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."**: This extensive geographical listing highlights the global scope of the dispersion and, consequently, the universal reach of God's regathering power. These locations represent the known world where Israelites had been scattered, from the ancient empires of Mesopotamia (Assyria, Shinar/Babylon) and Africa (Egypt, Pathros, Cush) to the distant eastern lands (Elam) and northern regions (Hamath), extending even to the remote "islands of the sea" (coastal regions or distant lands). This emphasizes that no place is beyond God's reach in bringing His people home, signifying a complete and comprehensive ingathering.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:11 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is clearly evident in the phrase "the Lord shall set his hand," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God. This device makes God's active, powerful, and decisive intervention in human history relatable and emphasizes His direct, personal involvement in the promised restoration. The most striking device is the use of **Merism** or a comprehensive **Geographical Listing**. By enumerating diverse and distant regions—Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the islands of the sea—the prophet conveys the totality and universality of the dispersion, and by extension, the absolute comprehensiveness of the promised regathering. This exhaustive list signifies that no corner of the earth will be untouched by God's restorative work, highlighting its global scale. Furthermore, the phrase "the second time" functions as a powerful **Allusion** or **Typology**, explicitly referencing and elevating the future regathering beyond the foundational Exodus from Egypt. It implies a parallel, yet superior and more expansive, act of divine redemption, establishing a new paradigm for God's saving work that transcends all previous acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty over history. It speaks to a divine commitment to restore His people, not merely to their land, but to a renewed relationship under the righteous rule of the Messiah. This "second exodus" signifies a restoration far grander than the first, encompassing a global ingathering and pointing to a future where God's redemptive purposes for Israel are fully realized. The theological implication is clear: despite human failure and widespread dispersion, God's promises endure, and His power is sufficient to bring about the most impossible restorations. This divine act of recovery is not just a historical event but a profound demonstration of God's character as a Redeemer who actively gathers His scattered flock, ensuring His ultimate triumph.

* [Jeremiah 23:7-8](/jeremiah/23-7-8 "Jeremiah 23:7-8 - The New Exodus Prophecy")
* [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21-22 "Ezekiel 37:21-22 - The Regathering and Unification of Israel")
* [Zechariah 10:8-10](/zechariah/10-8-10 "Zechariah 10:8-10 - God Whistles for His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:11 offers profound hope and assurance for believers today, reminding us that God's plans for restoration are vast, certain, and ultimately triumphant. In a world often marked by fragmentation, displacement, and brokenness—whether personal, communal, or global—this verse declares that God is actively working to gather, heal, and restore. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem chaotic or lost, knowing that His "hand" is powerful enough to recover what seems irrecoverable. For individuals, this can mean trusting God with personal brokenness, relational divides, or spiritual wanderings, believing in His ability to bring healing and reconciliation. For the church, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's global mission to gather people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His kingdom. Ultimately, this prophecy points to the complete and final restoration that God will bring, culminating in a world united under the righteous reign of Christ, inspiring us to participate in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "setting His hand" to recover His people encourage you in areas of your life that feel scattered or broken?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, participate in God's ongoing work of gathering and restoration in our communities and the world?**
* **How does the promise of a "second time" of recovery deepen your understanding of God's persistent faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive plan for humanity?**

### FAQ

**What does "in that day" refer to in Isaiah 11:11?**

Answer: "In that day" (H3117, _yôwm_) is a common prophetic phrase in the Old Testament, signifying a specific, future time of climactic divine intervention. In the context of Isaiah 11, it refers to the eschatological period when the Messiah, the "Branch from Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"), will establish His righteous kingdom. It is the era when God's promises of salvation, judgment, and comprehensive restoration will be fully realized, leading to an unprecedented period of peace, justice, and divine presence on earth.

**How is this "second time" different from the first Exodus?**

Answer: The "first time" the Lord "set His hand to recover" His people refers to the foundational Exodus from Egypt, where God miraculously delivered Israel from bondage and led them to the Promised Land [Exodus 12:41](/exodus/12-41 "Exodus 12:41 - The Exodus from Egypt"). The "second time" prophesied in Isaiah 11:11 is depicted as an even grander and more comprehensive act of regathering. While the first Exodus brought Israel from one nation (Egypt) to their land, this "second exodus" involves gathering the remnant from a vast array of global locations—Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the islands of the sea—signifying a worldwide ingathering that transcends the geographical scope of the original event. It is a more universal, complete, and ultimate restoration.

**Who is "the remnant of his people" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The remnant" (H7605, _shᵉʼâr_) refers to a faithful portion of Israel who would survive the exiles and judgments due to God's preserving grace. This concept is a significant theological theme throughout Isaiah, emphasizing that while many might fall away or be judged for their disobedience, God would always preserve a core group. This remnant is not merely survivors, but those divinely chosen and preserved for God's future plans of restoration, blessing, and the continuation of His covenant purposes, through whom His redemptive work would ultimately be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:11 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. While the immediate context speaks of a physical regathering of ethnic Israel, the New Testament reveals that Christ's redemptive work inaugurated a spiritual "second exodus" and a global ingathering that extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe. Jesus is the true "Root of Jesse" [Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Christ, the Root of Jesse"), the one upon whom the Spirit rests, and who rules with perfect justice and righteousness. His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection constitute the ultimate act of God "setting His hand to recover" His people, not just from geographical dispersion, but from the far more profound bondage of sin and death [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light"). Through the Gospel, people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe") are being gathered into His spiritual kingdom, the church, which is the new Israel of God [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God"). This spiritual regathering, powerfully initiated at Pentecost with believers from across the known world [Acts 2:1-11](/acts/2-1-11 "Acts 2:1-11 - The Day of Pentecost"), foreshadows the final, glorious ingathering of all God's elect from the ends of the earth at Christ's return [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering the Elect"), when the "remnant" of both Jew and Gentile will be fully united under His perfect, eternal reign.

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

Micah 7:12

[In] that day [also] he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and [from] the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and [from] mountain to mountain.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Zechariah 10:8

I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Hosea 3:4

For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Jeremiah 30:8

For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: