Isaiah 27:13

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the great {H1419} trumpet {H7782} shall be blown {H8628}, and they shall come {H935} which were ready to perish {H6} in the land {H776} of Assyria {H804}, and the outcasts {H5080} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and shall worship {H7812} the LORD {H3068} in the holy {H6944} mount {H2022} at Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day a great shofar will sound. Those lost in the land of Ashur will come, also those scattered through the land of Egypt; and they will worship ADONAI on the holy mountain in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great trumpet shall be blown; and they shall come that were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and they that were outcasts in the land of Egypt; and they shall worship Jehovah in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 27:13 is a profound prophetic declaration envisioning a future "day" when the Lord will decisively intervene to regather His scattered people. Signified by the powerful blast of a "great trumpet," this divine act will draw those who were on the brink of destruction in Assyria and the exiled outcasts in Egypt back to Jerusalem. The ultimate purpose of this miraculous restoration is not merely physical return but a spiritual renewal, culminating in the worship of the LORD on His holy mountain in the sacred city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section of Isaiah often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), which describes a period of universal judgment and subsequent restoration. Chapters 24-26 detail the Lord's global judgment upon the earth and its inhabitants, emphasizing the desolation of the wicked and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous kingdom. Chapter 27 then shifts focus specifically to Israel's purification and ultimate deliverance. Following a prophecy of God's judgment on Leviathan and the "dragon that is in the sea" in [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - Judgment on Leviathan"), and a song of the Lord's vineyard in [Isaiah 27:2-6](/isaiah/27-2-6 "Isaiah 27:2-6 - The Lord's Vineyard"), the chapter portrays God's compassionate discipline of His people and their eventual healing and return. Verse 13 serves as the climactic culmination of this restorative process, marking the glorious ingathering of the remnant of Israel from their places of exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecy includes the looming threat and eventual reality of Assyrian and Babylonian exile for the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel, respectively. Assyria (modern-day Iraq) and Egypt (to the southwest) represented the two dominant imperial powers that historically oppressed and dispersed the Israelites. The mention of "the land of Assyria" and "the land of Egypt" specifically highlights the geographical breadth of their dispersion and the seemingly impossible nature of their return from such powerful adversaries. The "great trumpet" (Hebrew: *shofar gadol*) held immense cultural significance. The *shofar*, typically a ram's horn, was used in ancient Israel to announce new moons and festivals as seen in [Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Trumpets for Festivals"), to call for assembly in [Numbers 10:3](/numbers/10-3 "Numbers 10:3 - Trumpets for Assembly"), to signal war in [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Trumpets"), or to herald the arrival of a king. Its sound was also intimately associated with divine revelation, such as at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Trumpet at Sinai").

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Divine Restoration and Gathering**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to regather His people, Israel, from all corners of the earth where they were scattered, a promise of complete and compassionate repatriation. This divine act is initiated by **The Great Trumpet Call**, signifying a momentous, divinely initiated event that heralds a significant intervention in God's redemptive plan, reminiscent of the gathering of the elect as seen in later prophecies like [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect"). The verse also underscores **Hope for the Perishing and Outcasts**, highlighting God's special care and redemptive power for those who were most vulnerable and marginalized—"ready to perish" and "outcasts"—demonstrating His compassion and ability to save even the most desperate. Finally, the ultimate purpose of this great return is **Worship in Jerusalem**, signifying not merely physical relocation but spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of true worship in God's chosen city, fulfilling His covenantal promises to His people as prophesied in [Micah 4:1-2](/micah/4-1-2 "Micah 4:1-2 - The Nations Stream to Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trumpet (Hebrew, _shôwphâr'_):** From a root meaning "to incise," this refers to a cornet or curved horn, typically a ram's horn, used to produce a clear, piercing sound. In this context, it signifies a loud, clear sound used for significant announcements, assembly, or divine intervention. The addition of "great" (H1419, *gâdôwl*) emphasizes the unprecedented and powerful nature of this specific trumpet blast, signaling a truly momentous event in God's redemptive plan.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wander away," "lose oneself," and by implication, "to perish" or "destroy." The Hebrew participle "ready to perish" (אֹבְדִים, *'ovedim*) vividly describes the dire, lost, and desperate state of the exiles, magnifying the grace and power of God's rescue from utter ruin.
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to depress," or "prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)." This word conveys the act of bowing down or prostrating oneself in reverence, humility, and adoration. It signifies not just an act but a posture of profound submission and devotion to the LORD (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*), the ultimate purpose of the regathering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This phrase, "in that day" (Hebrew: *yôwm*), is a common prophetic idiom in Isaiah, referring to a future, decisive period of divine intervention. It signals a climactic moment in God's redemptive history, often encompassing both judgment and salvation, marking a significant turning point orchestrated by God.
* **"that the great trumpet shall be blown":** The blowing of the "great trumpet" (Hebrew: *shôwphâr gadôwl*) is the divinely initiated signal for this momentous event. It symbolizes a powerful, unmistakable call from God, announcing a new era and the commencement of His ultimate plan for His people, a sound that resonates with divine authority and purpose.
* **"and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria":** This refers to the Israelites who had been exiled and dispersed by the Assyrian Empire, particularly the northern kingdom. The phrase "ready to perish" (Hebrew: *'ovedim*) underscores their desperate, lost, and vulnerable condition, highlighting the miraculous nature of their rescue from a state of complete spiritual and physical dissolution.
* **"and the outcasts in the land of Egypt":** This refers to those Israelites who had fled to or were exiled in Egypt (H4714, *Mitsrayim*), another major power that historically held Israel captive or provided refuge. "Outcasts" (Hebrew: *niddachim*) emphasizes their banished, driven-away status, further illustrating the extent of their dispersion and God's comprehensive gathering from every corner of their exile.
* **"and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem":** The ultimate culmination and purpose of this great return is spiritual: the worship of Yahweh (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*). "The holy mount at Jerusalem" (H2022, *har qôdesh* at H3389, *Yᵉrûwshâlaim*) refers to Mount Zion, where the Temple stood, symbolizing the re-establishment of true, unhindered worship in God's chosen city, signifying spiritual restoration and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 27:13 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "great trumpet" is a potent symbol of divine power and a momentous, divinely orchestrated call to assembly and liberation. Its sound signifies God's direct intervention, a powerful signal heard across the lands of exile. The "holy mount at Jerusalem" symbolizes the restored spiritual center of God's people, a place of pure worship and divine presence, representing the fulfillment of covenant promises. The description of the returning exiles as "ready to perish" and "outcasts" employs **Pathos**, evoking sympathy for their desperate condition and magnifying the grace and power of God's rescue. There is also an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between the state of perishing and being outcast, and the ultimate act of worship in a holy place, highlighting the transformative power of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 27:13 powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of His people's disobedience and subsequent dispersion. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God, through His mighty power, orchestrates the impossible gathering of a scattered and seemingly lost remnant. This act of restoration is not merely political or physical but fundamentally spiritual, culminating in renewed worship. It reveals God's compassionate heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, demonstrating that His redemptive plan extends even to those on the brink of destruction. The prophecy points to a future where all obstacles to true worship are removed, and God's people are united in adoration in His presence.

* [Jeremiah 31:10](/jeremiah/31-10 "Jeremiah 31:10 - The Lord Gathers Israel")
* [Zechariah 10:8](/zechariah/10-8 "Zechariah 10:8 - God Will Whistle for Them")
* [Micah 4:1-2](/micah/4-1-2 "Micah 4:1-2 - The Nations Stream to Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 27:13 offers profound encouragement and a powerful vision of hope for believers today. It reminds us that even when we feel lost, scattered, or on the brink of despair—whether due to personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual wandering—God's faithfulness remains steadfast. He is the God who actively seeks out the "perishing" and the "outcasts," demonstrating His boundless compassion and power to restore. This verse calls us to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption, knowing that His divine trumpet call will always gather His people. Furthermore, it refocuses our attention on the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive work: worship. Our lives, individually and corporately, are meant to be an act of worship to the Lord, a joyful response to His saving grace. This prophecy inspires us to live with an enduring hope, anticipating the day when all things will be made new, and all God's people will gather to worship Him without hindrance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like an "outcast" or "ready to perish," and how does this verse speak to God's care for you in those areas?**
* **What does the "great trumpet" signify about the nature of God's intervention in the world and in your life?**
* **How does the ultimate goal of "worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem" shape your understanding of God's purpose for His people?**
* **How can this prophecy of future restoration strengthen your hope and trust in God's faithfulness today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "great trumpet" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "great trumpet" (Hebrew: *shofar gadol*) is a powerful symbol of a divinely initiated, momentous event. In ancient Israel, the *shofar* was used to announce important occasions, gather the assembly, signal war, or mark the presence of God (as at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Trumpet at Sinai")). Here, its "great" sound signifies an unprecedented, unmistakable call from God, heralding the miraculous liberation and regathering of His scattered people from exile. It underscores the sovereign power and authority of God in bringing about His redemptive plan.

**How does this prophecy relate to modern Israel or the end times?**

Answer: While Isaiah 27:13 had an initial fulfillment in the return of exiles from Babylon and other lands, many biblical scholars interpret its sweeping language ("ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt") and the context of "that day" as pointing to a more comprehensive, eschatological fulfillment. This prophecy is often seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate gathering of all Israel in the last days, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones") and [Zechariah 10](/zechariah/10 "Zechariah 10 - God Gathers His People"). For Christians, it also prefigures the final gathering of God's elect—both Jew and Gentile—at the sound of a heavenly trumpet, leading to eternal worship in the New Jerusalem, as described in the New Testament ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect"); [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - The Nations Walk in the Light of the New Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 27:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "great trumpet" that signals the gathering of the scattered points forward to the authoritative call of the Gospel, which gathers all who are "ready to perish" and the "outcasts" from every nation, tribe, and tongue into God's kingdom. Jesus Himself speaks of gathering His elect from the four winds at the sound of a great trumpet in [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect"), a gathering that began with His first advent and will culminate in His glorious return. The people "ready to perish" and the "outcasts" are those lost in sin, alienated from God, whom Christ came to seek and save as declared in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the means by which all who believe are brought out of spiritual exile and into fellowship with God. The ultimate destination, "the holy mount at Jerusalem," points beyond an earthly city to the heavenly Jerusalem, where believers, redeemed by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), will worship the Lord eternally. Christ is the one who breaks down the wall of hostility, making Jew and Gentile one new humanity, all gathered to worship God through Him, as detailed in [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace"). Thus, this prophecy is a powerful testament to Christ's universal redemptive work, gathering all His people to Himself for eternal worship.

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

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Leviticus 25:9

Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

Isaiah 19:23

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

Isaiah 19:25

Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

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.