Isaiah 18:2

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

That sendeth {H7971} ambassadors {H6735} by the sea {H3220}, even in vessels {H3627} of bulrushes {H1573} upon {H6440} the waters {H4325}, saying, Go {H3212}, ye swift {H7031} messengers {H4397}, to a nation {H1471} scattered {H4900} and peeled {H4178}, to a people {H5971} terrible {H3372} from their beginning hitherto {H1973}; a nation {H1471} meted out {H6978} and trodden down {H4001}, whose land {H776} the rivers {H5104} have spoiled {H958}!

they send ambassadors by sea, across the water in papyrus-reed boats! Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall and bronzed, to a people feared far and near, to a strong and conquering nation whose land is divided by rivers!

which sends couriers by sea, in papyrus vessels on the waters. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people widely feared, to a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.

that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!

Isaiah 18:2 KJV describes a scene involving a powerful, distant nation sending messengers and provides a vivid, somewhat enigmatic description of the people and their land. This verse is part of a larger prophecy (Isaiah 18) often interpreted as a divine proclamation concerning Cush (ancient Ethiopia/Sudan), a formidable nation to the south of Egypt.

Context

Chapter 18 of Isaiah is one of several "burdens" or prophecies against foreign nations. While some scholars debate the precise identity of the nation, the descriptions strongly point to Cush, known for its tall inhabitants and its vast river systems, particularly the Nile. At the time of Isaiah, Cush was a significant regional power, and its envoys frequently traveled, sometimes seeking alliances, possibly with Judah against the rising Assyrian Empire. The prophecy here is not necessarily one of doom, but rather a declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly distant and powerful. It sets the stage for God's future actions concerning this land and its people, as seen in Isaiah 18:7.

Key Themes

  • Distant and Powerful Nations: The verse highlights a nation known for its reach ("sendeth ambassadors by the sea") and its historical might ("terrible from their beginning hitherto"). This emphasizes God's dominion not just over Israel, but over all global powers.
  • Unique Characteristics: The descriptions "scattered and peeled" (or "tall and smooth" in other translations) and "meted out and trodden down" point to distinct physical or political characteristics of this nation, possibly referring to their height, smooth skin, or a land divided by rivers and perhaps subject to various conquests. The phrase "whose land the rivers have spoiled" vividly portrays a region dominated by major waterways, like the Nile, which could both sustain and divide the land.
  • Divine Observation: Despite the human activity of sending messengers, the underlying message is that God observes and directs the affairs of all nations, even those seemingly independent. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "vessels of bulrushes" (Hebrew: gomeh) refers to papyrus boats, common in ancient Egypt and Cush, known for their lightness and speed on rivers. This detail paints a vivid picture of the messengers' mode of travel.
  • "Scattered and peeled" (Hebrew: māshakh ū-mārat) is subject to various interpretations. Māshakh can mean "stretched out" or "tall," while mārat can mean "polished," "shaven," or "peeled." Depending on the context, it could refer to a people of notable height, a smooth-skinned appearance, or a land stripped bare by invaders or floods.
  • "Terrible" (Hebrew: yare) carries the sense of "awesome," "dreadful," or "feared." This suggests the nation had a fearsome reputation and military prowess throughout its history.

Practical Application

Isaiah 18:2 reminds us that God's perspective is global. Even when events seem to be driven by human diplomacy and power, God is at work, overseeing and directing the course of nations. It encourages us to look beyond immediate political or military concerns and trust in God's ultimate plan. For believers, this verse underscores the truth that no nation, however powerful or distant, is outside the scope of God's knowledge and sovereign will. It also highlights the diversity of peoples and lands, all existing under the watchful eye of the Creator.

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.

  • Genesis 10:8

    And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

  • Genesis 10:9

    He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

  • Isaiah 18:7

    In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.

  • 2 Chronicles 16:8

    Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:9

    ¶ And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.

  • 2 Chronicles 12:2

    And it came to pass, [that] in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,

  • 2 Chronicles 12:4

    And he took the fenced cities which [pertained] to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

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