Isaiah 27:5

Or let him take hold of my strength, [that] he may make peace with me; [and] he shall make peace with me.

Or let him take hold {H2388} of my strength {H4581}, that he may make {H6213} peace {H7965} with me; and he shall make {H6213} peace {H7965} with me.

unless it takes hold of my strength, in order to make peace with me, yes, to make peace with me."

Or let them lay claim to My protection; let them make peace with Meβ€” yes, let them make peace with Me.”

Or else let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; yea, let him make peace with me.

Commentary

Isaiah 27:5 offers a profound invitation from God amidst prophecies of judgment and restoration. It serves as a beacon of hope, revealing God's desire for reconciliation with humanity.

Context of Isaiah 27:5

This verse is found within a section of Isaiah often called "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), which vividly describes God's future judgment on the world and the eventual restoration of His people, Israel. Chapter 27 specifically portrays God's watchful care over His "vineyard" (Israel) and the ultimate triumph over all evil. In this context of divine judgment and sovereign control, verse 5 presents a merciful alternative: a path to peace for those who would otherwise face His wrath. It underscores God's justice intertwined with His enduring compassion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Invitation and Mercy: God extends an offer of reconciliation, demonstrating His willingness to make peace even with those who have been estranged. This highlights His character as a God who desires relationship, not just retribution.
  • Human Initiative and Repentance: The phrase "let him take hold of my strength" implies an active, intentional choice on the part of individuals. It's not a passive reception but a deliberate turning towards God, seeking His power and protection. This act of "taking hold" is akin to seeking refuge and acknowledging one's need for His divine assistance.
  • Peace with God: The ultimate outcome promised is true peace. This isn't merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness, well-being, and reconciled relationship with the Almighty. This peace is a gift, but one that requires a responsive heart.
  • God's Strength as Refuge: The verse identifies God's strength as the means by which peace can be attained. It's His power, His refuge, that provides security and the foundation for reconciliation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strength" here is ma'oz (ΧžΦΈΧ’Χ•ΦΌΧ–), which can also be translated as "refuge" or "stronghold." This suggests that "taking hold of my strength" means seeking God as one's ultimate place of safety and protection. The verb "make peace" comes from the root shalam (שָׁלַם), which is the source of the familiar word shalom. It means to be complete, sound, or whole, and in this context, to restore a broken relationship to wholeness. Thus, making peace with God is about achieving a state of complete reconciliation and well-being in His presence.

Related Scriptures

This divine invitation echoes other passages where God calls His people to reconciliation. Consider the Lord's gracious appeal in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together," or the comfort found in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The New Testament clarifies how this peace is fully realized, often through faith in Christ, as seen in Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Practical Application

Isaiah 27:5 remains profoundly relevant today. It reminds us that even in times of global turmoil or personal distress, God extends an open invitation for reconciliation. Our response is crucial: we are called to actively "take hold of His strength" – to trust in His power, seek His refuge, and submit to His will. This active pursuit of God leads to a profound and lasting peace that transcends earthly circumstances. It encourages believers to continually rely on God's might and offers a pathway to spiritual security for anyone seeking true peace with their Creator.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 22:21

    ΒΆ Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

  • Isaiah 25:4

    For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

  • Ephesians 2:16

    And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

  • Ephesians 2:17

    And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

  • Isaiah 45:24

    Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

  • Hebrews 6:18

    That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

  • Ezekiel 34:25

    And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
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