Isaiah 25:9

KJV

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be said {H559} in that day {H3117}, Lo, this is our God {H430}; we have waited {H6960} for him, and he will save {H3467} us: this is the LORD {H3068}; we have waited {H6960} for him, we will be glad {H1523} and rejoice {H8055} in his salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day they will say, "See! This is our God! We waited for him to save us. This is ADONAI ; we put our hope in him. We are full of joy, so glad he saved us!"

Berean Standard Bible

And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is Jehovah; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:9 resounds as a triumphant declaration of a redeemed people, joyfully proclaiming their long-awaited God and His saving power. This verse encapsulates the climax of patient endurance, where the faithful remnant, having steadfastly anticipated divine intervention, now celebrates the full manifestation of the Lord's salvation, acknowledging Him as their sovereign deliverer and the source of their profound gladness. It is an anthem of vindicated hope, marking the definitive end of sorrow and the dawn of God's eternal reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 25:9 is situated within a section often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), which shifts from prophecies against specific nations to a broader, eschatological vision of God's universal judgment and ultimate redemption. Chapter 24 describes the desolation of the earth due to God's judgment on human sin, setting a somber stage. Chapter 25 then pivots dramatically to a hymn of praise, celebrating God's righteous character and His future acts of salvation. This chapter envisions a glorious feast on Mount Zion for all peoples, where death is swallowed up, and tears are wiped away. Verse 9 specifically articulates the joyous response of the redeemed remnant to this divine victory, serving as a climactic declaration of faith and fulfilled hope following the preceding descriptions of judgment and the promise of restoration. The surrounding verses, particularly [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast and Victory Over Death"), describe the Lord's provision and His ultimate triumph over death and sorrow, making verse 9 the natural, exultant response to such a magnificent display of divine power and grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While "that day" points to an eschatological future, the immediate historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies was the tumultuous period of the 8th century BCE, marked by the rising Assyrian Empire and the looming threat it posed to Judah. The people of Judah often faced political instability, military threats, and spiritual apostasy. In such a context, the prophetic message of ultimate divine deliverance offered a radical counter-narrative to despair. The concept of "waiting" for God was deeply ingrained in Israelite spirituality, often signifying patient endurance through trials and a steadfast reliance on God's covenant promises, rather than seeking alliances with foreign powers or trusting in human strength. The declaration of "our God" and "the LORD" (Yahweh) would have resonated powerfully in a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, affirming the unique sovereignty and saving power of Israel's God over all other deities and earthly rulers. The imagery of a "feast" (as seen in [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "The Lord Prepares a Feast")) also carries cultural significance, symbolizing peace, abundance, and intimate fellowship, often associated with covenant renewal and celebration of victory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Salvation**, asserting Yahweh as the one true God who alone can deliver. The repeated phrase "we have waited for him, and he will save us" underscores the theme of **Patient Expectation and Vindication**, emphasizing that steadfast faith in God's timing is ultimately rewarded. This patient waiting is not passive but an active posture of trust, as seen in [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Wait on the Lord"). The resulting **Joy and Rejoicing** in God's salvation is a natural and profound response to His deliverance, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books and Psalms, such as [Psalm 118:24](/psalm/118-24 "A Day for Rejoicing"). Furthermore, the verse contributes to the **Eschatological Hope** prevalent in Isaiah, pointing to a future "day" when God's redemptive plan will be fully realized, death and sorrow overcome, and His kingdom established in perfect righteousness, a hope echoed in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form (H430), often used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, Yahweh, in the Old Testament. While it can denote gods in a general sense, its usage here, especially in conjunction with "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphatically points to the one true God of Israel. It conveys His majesty, power, and ultimate authority, identifying Him as the object of their waiting and the source of their salvation. The declaration "this is our God" is a profound confession of exclusive allegiance and recognition of His unique identity.
* **Waited (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H6960) means "to bind together" or "to collect," and figuratively, "to expect." It implies more than passive waiting; it suggests an active, eager, and hopeful expectation, often likened to stretching out with anticipation or gathering one's thoughts and hopes towards something. It denotes a firm trust in God's character and His eventual intervention, a patient endurance rooted in faith that God will act in His perfect timing. The repetition of this word emphasizes the steadfastness and duration of their hope.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H3444) means "something saved" or "deliverance." It encompasses a broad range of meanings including aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. In this context, it refers to a comprehensive rescue from all forms of oppression, suffering, and the ultimate enemy, death. It signifies the complete and holistic well-being and liberation that God provides, bringing about a state of security and flourishing for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be said in that day,"**: This opening phrase sets the eschatological tone, pointing to a specific, future moment of divine intervention and fulfillment. "That day" (H3117) is a prophetic idiom for the time of the Lord's decisive action, often encompassing both judgment and salvation. The passive voice "it shall be said" (H559) suggests a universal, spontaneous, and undeniable proclamation.
* **"Lo, this [is] our God;"**: The interjection "Lo" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) serves as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to the profound truth being revealed. It emphasizes the certainty and wonder of God's presence and action. The declaration "this is our God" (H430) is a triumphant confession, affirming Yahweh's unique identity as their covenant God, now fully revealed in His saving power.
* **"we have waited for him, and he will save us:"**: This clause highlights the theme of patient endurance and the vindication of faith. The people acknowledge their long period of anticipation, during which they steadfastly trusted in God. The immediate consequence of their waiting (H6960) is the certainty of His saving (H3467) act, underscoring God's faithfulness to His promises.
* **"this [is] the LORD;"**: This is a repetition and emphatic re-affirmation of the previous declaration, "this is our God." "The LORD" (H3068, Yahweh) is God's covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His intimate relationship with His people. The repetition underscores the absolute certainty and profound significance of His identity as their deliverer.
* **"we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."**: The second repetition of "we have waited for him" (H6960) reinforces the centrality of patient faith. The culmination of this waiting is expressed in the twin verbs "be glad" (H1523, *gîyl*) and "rejoice" (H8055, *sâmach*), which convey profound, unbridled joy and exultation. This joy is not based on circumstances but on the concrete reality of "his salvation" (H3444), the comprehensive deliverance and victory He has accomplished.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:9 is rich in **Theological Declaration**, presenting a profound statement about God's identity and saving acts. The verse employs powerful **Repetition** with the phrase "we have waited for him," which serves to emphasize the steadfastness of the people's faith and the long duration of their anticipation. This repetition also creates a rhythmic, anthemic quality, suitable for a declaration of praise. The use of the interjection "Lo" (or "Behold") is an **Exclamation**, drawing immediate attention and signaling a momentous revelation. The verse also features **Parallelism**, particularly in the structure of "this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation," where the second half echoes and expands upon the first, reinforcing the message of divine identity and the joyous outcome of patient waiting. This structure builds to a climax of unbridled joy in God's accomplished salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 25:9 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring theological truth of God's faithfulness and the ultimate vindication of those who trust in Him. It connects deeply with the biblical narrative of a covenant-keeping God who hears the cries of His people and acts decisively to deliver them. The "day" of salvation envisioned here is not merely a historical event but points to the consummation of God's redemptive plan, where all suffering and death are overcome. This verse highlights the profound connection between patient endurance in faith and the experience of divine joy, demonstrating that true gladness is found not in fleeting circumstances but in the secure reality of God's saving presence. It underscores the sovereignty of Yahweh as the sole source of true deliverance and the object of all hope.

* [Psalm 62:5](/psalm/62-5 "My soul, wait only upon God")
* [Lamentations 3:25-26](/lamentations/3-25-26 "Lamentations 3:25-26 - The Lord is good to those who wait for Him")
* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "The vision awaits its appointed time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:9 offers profound encouragement and a blueprint for faithful living in an often-turbulent world. It calls us to cultivate a posture of patient expectation, not a passive resignation, but an active, hopeful waiting rooted in the unshakeable character of God. In seasons of uncertainty, delay, or even despair, this verse reminds us that our God is not distant or indifferent; He is actively working, and His salvation is certain. Our waiting is never in vain, for He is the LORD who saves. This truth empowers us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, allowing us to experience profound joy even amidst trials. It invites us to join the chorus of the redeemed, declaring with confidence that the God we have waited for is indeed our deliverer, and His salvation is our eternal reason for gladness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "waiting for God" truly mean in your life, beyond passive inaction? How do you actively cultivate hope and trust during periods of waiting?**
* **How does the certainty of God's future salvation impact your present joy and perspective on current difficulties?**
* **In what specific ways has God demonstrated Himself as "our God" and "the LORD" in your personal experience, prompting you to declare His saving power?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "that day" in Isaiah 25:9?**

Answer: "That day" (Hebrew: `yôwm`, H3117) is a common prophetic idiom in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah, referring to a future, decisive time when God will intervene in human history. It often encompasses both judgment upon the wicked and salvation for the righteous. In Isaiah 25:9, it specifically points to the eschatological culmination of God's redemptive plan, a glorious future when God's complete victory over death, sorrow, and evil will be fully realized. It is the day when the promises of God, including the feast on Mount Zion described in [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast and Victory Over Death"), come to their ultimate fulfillment, leading to the joyous declaration of God's people.

**Why is the phrase "we have waited for him" repeated in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "we have waited for him" (Hebrew: `qâvâh`, H6960) serves to emphasize the long duration and steadfastness of the people's patient expectation and trust in God. It highlights their unwavering faith through periods of trial, oppression, or apparent delay. The repetition underscores that their hope was not misplaced; their waiting has been vindicated by God's decisive act of salvation. It also adds a poetic, anthemic quality to the declaration, making it a powerful testament to the enduring virtue of patient faith and the certainty of God's ultimate deliverance. This theme of patient waiting is central to biblical hope, as seen in passages like [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Wait on the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "salvation" (Hebrew: `yᵉshûwʻâh`, H3444) that the people waited for is fully embodied in Him, whose very name, Jesus (Greek: *Iēsous*), means "Yahweh saves." He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the definitive deliverance from sin and death that Isaiah prophesied. The "day" when God's people declare "this is our God... he will save us" began with Christ's first coming, inaugurating the kingdom of God and offering salvation to all who believe ([Luke 4:18-21](/luke/4-18-21 "Jesus Proclaims His Mission")). Yet, the full realization of this verse's joyous declaration awaits His second coming, when He will utterly swallow up death forever and wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow")), bringing the cosmic feast of God to its glorious completion ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the patient waiting of God's people, first for the Messiah and now for His return, is continually vindicated by the finished work of Christ and the promised consummation of His eternal reign, ensuring that our gladness and rejoicing in His salvation will be complete and everlasting ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship in Heaven")).

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

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Genesis 49:18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.

Micah 7:7

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

Psalms 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Isaiah 26:8

Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.