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.

In that time {H6256} shall the present {H7862} be brought {H2986} unto the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} of a people {H5971} scattered {H4900} and peeled {H4178}, and from a people {H5971} terrible {H3372} from their beginning hitherto {H1973}; a nation {H1471} meted out {H6978} and trodden under foot {H4001}, whose land {H776} the rivers {H5104} have spoiled {H958}, to the place {H4725} of the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}.

At that time tribute will be brought to ADONAI-Tzva'ot from a nation tall and bronzed, from a people feared far and near, from a strong and conquering nation whose land is divided by rivers, to the place where the name of ADONAI-Tzva'ot lives, Mount Tziyon.

At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts— from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people widely feared, from a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers— to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD of Hosts.

In that time shall a present be brought unto Jehovah of hosts from a people tall and smooth, even from a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Jehovah of hosts, the mount Zion.

Commentary on Isaiah 18:7

Isaiah 18:7 concludes a prophetic passage concerning a formidable, distant nation, often identified as Cush or Ethiopia, located "beyond the rivers of Ethiopia" (Isaiah 18:1). This verse dramatically shifts from divine judgment to a future scene of global recognition and worship of the God of Israel.

Context

Chapter 18 of Isaiah presents a unique prophecy. It begins with a warning to a land described by its physical characteristics and the nature of its people – a nation of swift messengers, "terrible from their beginning hitherto" (Isaiah 18:2). While the precise identity of this nation has been debated, it represents a powerful, non-Israelite entity. The preceding verses depict God's sovereign hand at work, observing nations and bringing about His purposes, often through judgment, likened to a harvest being cut down before it ripens (Isaiah 18:5). Verse 7 serves as the culmination, portraying a future time when this very nation, once a threat or a mystery, will turn to the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Global Worship and Recognition of God's Sovereignty: The most prominent theme is the future inclusion of all nations in the worship of the one true God. This formidable people, previously described in terms of their power and distinctiveness, will willingly bring an offering to the LORD of hosts. This aligns with broader prophetic themes of a time when all nations will flow to Mount Zion.
  • Divine Transformation and Redemption: The verse speaks to God's ability to transform even the most unlikely peoples. The "scattered and peeled" and "trodden under foot" condition suggests a people who have undergone hardship or judgment, yet emerge to acknowledge God. This transformation is not by conquest but by revelation of God's glory.
  • The Centrality of Mount Zion: The destination for this "present" is "the mount Zion," signifying Jerusalem. This underscores the theological importance of Jerusalem as the place where God's name dwells and from which His truth will ultimately go forth (Isaiah 2:3).

Linguistic Insights

The description of the people as "scattered and peeled" (KJV) translates from the Hebrew terms m'moraṭ um'mušak (מְמֹרָט וּמְמֻשָּׁךְ). M'moraṭ can mean "plucked clean," "polished," or "shaven," suggesting a people with smooth skin or perhaps one that has been plundered. Um'mušak can mean "drawn out" or "meted out," implying a people spread out or measured. Combined, these phrases paint a picture of a distinct, perhaps downtrodden, but also resilient people who have experienced significant upheaval or oppression, yet are now prepared to approach God.

Related Scriptures

  • The idea of distant nations bringing offerings to God is echoed in Psalm 68:29-31, where kings bring presents to Jerusalem.
  • The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's power and dominion over all heavenly and earthly armies, a fitting title for the God to whom all nations will eventually submit.
  • This prophecy points to a future time of universal peace and worship, a vision often associated with Micah 4:1-2, where the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established.

Practical Application

Isaiah 18:7 offers immense hope and a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan for humanity. It teaches us that God's redemptive work is not limited to one nation but extends to all peoples, even those once seen as formidable or distant. For believers today, this verse encourages a global perspective on mission and evangelism, knowing that God desires all nations to come to Him. It reinforces the truth that despite present conflicts or differences, there will come a day when diverse peoples from across the earth will unite in worship at God's holy mountain, recognizing His supreme authority and goodness. This vision should inspire us to pray for and participate in the spread of the Gospel, anticipating the fulfillment of God's universal reign.

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.
  • Zephaniah 3:10

    From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, [even] the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
  • Acts 8:27

    And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
  • Acts 8:28

    Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
  • Zechariah 14:16

    ¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
  • Zechariah 14:17

    And it shall be, [that] whoso will not come up of [all] the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:23

    And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

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