Isaiah 17:7

KJV

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

At that day {H3117} shall a man {H120} look {H8159} to his Maker {H6213}, and his eyes {H5869} shall have respect {H7200} to the Holy {H6918} One of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day, a person will heed his Maker and turn his eyes toward the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

In that day shall men look unto their Maker, and their eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:7 stands as a profound prophetic declaration embedded within an oracle of judgment against Damascus and Ephraim. It foretells a future day when humanity, having witnessed the futility of earthly dependencies and false gods, will turn their gaze and reverence solely toward their divine Creator and the transcendent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This verse highlights a pivotal shift from spiritual blindness and idolatry to an awakened recognition of God's unique sovereignty and holiness, revealing the redemptive purpose behind divine discipline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 is primarily an oracle concerning the judgment of Damascus (Aram) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel). The preceding verses (Isaiah 17:1-6) vividly describe the impending desolation of these regions, portraying cities becoming ruins, fields laid waste, and their populations diminished. This destruction is a direct consequence of their idolatry and their reliance on human alliances (such as with Assyria or other regional powers) rather than on the Lord. Verse 7, introduced by the prophetic idiom "At that day," marks a significant turning point in the passage, shifting from the description of judgment to its intended spiritual outcome—a profound reorientation of human focus and faith towards God. It suggests that the stripping away of false securities is a divine means to bring about a spiritual awakening.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 17 is the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by the rising power of Assyria and the geopolitical instability it caused in the Near East. Syria (Aram) and Israel (Ephraim) had formed an alliance against Judah (the Syro-Ephraimite War, circa 735 BCE), seeking to compel Judah to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. Isaiah's prophecy warns against such alliances and emphasizes that true security lies only in God. Culturally, both Aram and Israel were deeply entrenched in idolatry, worshipping pagan deities and engaging in practices that defiled the land. The "Holy One of Israel" is a distinctive title frequently used by Isaiah, emphasizing God's absolute transcendence, moral purity, and His unique covenant relationship with His people, standing in stark contrast to the impotent idols they had embraced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Redemptive Purpose**. The desolation described in the preceding verses is not merely punitive but serves as a catalyst for spiritual transformation, leading people away from their idols and back to God. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Unique Sovereignty and Holiness**. The turning of eyes to the "Maker" and the "Holy One of Israel" affirms God's unparalleled authority as Creator and His moral perfection, challenging the false worship prevalent among the nations. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - The Holy One of Israel") where the title "Holy One of Israel" is used to lament Israel's rebellion. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Awakening and Repentance**, portraying a future where human pride and self-reliance are shattered, leading to a humble and reverent acknowledgment of the true God. This spiritual clarity stands in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness often lamented in Isaiah, such as in [Isaiah 6:10](/isaiah/6-10 "Isaiah 6:10 - Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term (H120) refers to a human being, an individual or mankind in general. In this context, it signifies humanity in its state of vulnerability and dependence, particularly after experiencing divine discipline. The prophecy envisions a universal turning, where the individual, stripped of false securities, recognizes their inherent need for the Creator.
* **Maker (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** Derived from the verb "to do or make" (H6213), this word emphasizes God's role as the active Creator and Sustainer of all existence. To "look to his Maker" is to acknowledge the source of life, the one who fashioned humanity and the world, and therefore the one to whom all ultimate allegiance and reverence are due. It speaks to a fundamental recognition of divine origin and sovereignty.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term (H6918) denotes sacredness, moral purity, and separation. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute transcendence, His distinctness from creation, and His perfect righteousness. The title "Holy One of Israel" is a hallmark of Isaiah's prophecy, underscoring God's unique identity as the covenant God who is utterly set apart from all human and pagan deities, demanding exclusive worship and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that day shall a man look to his Maker,"**: This clause introduces a pivotal future moment ("At that day," a common prophetic idiom for a time of divine intervention, often judgment leading to transformation). It declares a fundamental shift in human perspective: instead of relying on idols, political alliances, or self-sufficiency, humanity ("a man") will redirect its gaze and trust toward God as their "Maker." This "looking" (Hebrew, _shâʻâh'_ - H8159) implies a deep, attentive consideration, a turning away from distractions to focus intently on the source of their being and existence. It signifies a recognition of dependence and a reorientation of allegiance.
* **"and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel."**: This second clause parallels and amplifies the first, emphasizing the depth of this spiritual reawakening. The phrase "his eyes shall have respect" (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_ - H7200) indicates not just seeing, but a profound reverence, a mindful regard, and an acknowledgment of authority. The object of this respect is "the Holy One of Israel," a majestic title that highlights God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His unique covenant relationship with His people. This turning of eyes signifies a move from spiritual blindness to a reverent, worshipful acknowledgment of God's distinct and sovereign character, recognizing Him as the only true and worthy object of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:7 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message. The phrase "**At that day**" functions as a **Prophetic Idiom**, signaling a future time of significant divine action, often involving both judgment and salvation, thereby setting a solemn and hopeful tone. The verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("shall a man look to his Maker"). Both clauses describe a turning of focus to God, emphasizing different facets of His being (Creator and Holy Covenant God) and different aspects of human response (looking and respecting). Furthermore, the verse presents a profound **Theological Contrast** between the preceding descriptions of desolation and idolatry and the future spiritual awakening, highlighting God's redemptive purpose even within judgment. The use of the title "**Holy One of Israel**" serves as a powerful **Theological Marker**, a signature of Isaiah's prophecy that underscores God's unique transcendence and His covenant faithfulness, setting Him apart from all false gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:7 encapsulates a central biblical truth: God, in His sovereign wisdom, often uses the stripping away of earthly securities and the experience of judgment to bring humanity to a place of true spiritual sight and dependence. This turning of "eyes" and "respect" to the "Maker" and "Holy One of Israel" is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a profound reorientation of the heart, leading to genuine worship and trust. It speaks to the universal human tendency to rely on self or creation rather than the Creator, and God's persistent call for His people, and indeed all humanity, to return to Him as the sole source of life, holiness, and security. This prophetic vision offers hope that even in the midst of severe discipline, God's ultimate purpose is to draw His creation into a right relationship with Himself.

* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - Looking to the Hills, Looking to the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Hosea 5:15](/hosea/5-15 "Hosea 5:15 - Seeking the Lord in Affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:7 offers a timeless challenge and comfort for believers today. In a world that constantly encourages reliance on self, wealth, technology, or political systems, this verse calls us to examine where our true gaze is fixed. Just as ancient Israel and Damascus learned through hardship, we too can find ourselves trusting in fleeting securities rather than the eternal God. Adversity, whether personal or global, often serves as a divine catalyst, stripping away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency, thereby creating an opportunity for profound spiritual awakening. When human solutions fail, and our idols are revealed as empty, the path is cleared for us to "look to our Maker" and "have respect to the Holy One of Israel." This means cultivating a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty, and living in awe of His perfect holiness. It is a call to shift our focus from the created to the Creator, recognizing that true peace, security, and purpose are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "makers" or "securities" in my life that I tend to look to instead of God, especially in times of ease or prosperity?**
* **How have difficult circumstances in my life served to reorient my gaze towards God, and what did I learn about His character in those moments?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper "respect" and reverence for the "Holy One of Israel" in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**

### FAQ
**What does "At that day" signify in prophetic literature?**

Answer: "At that day" (Hebrew, _yôwm'_ - H3117) is a common prophetic idiom used throughout the Old Testament, especially in Isaiah. It does not necessarily refer to a single 24-hour period but rather to a significant, decisive future time of divine intervention. This "day" often encompasses both judgment and salvation, a period when God acts powerfully to bring about His purposes, whether through punishment for sin, the humbling of human pride, or the establishment of His righteous reign. In Isaiah 17:7, it points to a future moment when the desolation described in the preceding verses will lead to a spiritual awakening and a turning to the Lord, as seen in other "day of the Lord" passages like [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Day of the Lord and the Humbling of Man").

**Why is God referred to as "the Holy One of Israel" so frequently in Isaiah?**

Answer: The title "Holy One of Israel" (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh Yisrâʼêl'_ - H6918, H3478) is a distinctive and recurring epithet for God in the book of Isaiah, appearing over 25 times. It emphasizes several key aspects of God's character and relationship with His people. Firstly, "Holy" underscores God's absolute transcendence, moral purity, and His complete separation from all sin and imperfection. He is utterly unique and distinct from all creation and pagan deities. Secondly, "of Israel" highlights His covenant relationship with His chosen people, emphasizing His faithfulness to them despite their unfaithfulness. This title serves as a constant reminder of God's majestic nature and His rightful claim to Israel's exclusive worship and obedience, contrasting sharply with their idolatrous practices and reliance on foreign alliances. It is a call to remember the God who is both utterly set apart and intimately involved with His people, as also seen in [Isaiah 43:3](/isaiah/43-3 "Isaiah 43:3 - The Holy One of Israel as Savior").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Maker" to whom humanity is called to look is none other than the Son, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together, as revealed in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"). The "Holy One of Israel" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is truly God, holy and without sin, the very revelation of the Father's character and glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The prophetic "that day" when a man shall turn his eyes and have respect to God is realized in the New Covenant era, ushered in by Christ's death and resurrection. Through the gospel, God's Spirit works to break down the idols of the heart and the false securities of the world, leading individuals to repent and fix their gaze upon Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The judgment described in Isaiah, intended to bring about repentance, foreshadows the ultimate judgment to come, which will culminate in the full and final turning of all creation to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Isaiah 17:7 is not merely a historical prophecy but a timeless call to look to Christ, our Creator and Holy One, for salvation and true life.

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 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

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.

Isaiah 29:18

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Isaiah 29:19

The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Judges 10:15

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.