Isaiah 29:22

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, who redeemed {H6299} Abraham {H85}, concerning the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, Jacob {H3290} shall not now be ashamed {H954}, neither shall his face {H6440} now wax pale {H2357}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, here are the words of ADONAI, who redeemed Avraham, concerning the house of Ya'akov: "Ya'akov will no longer be ashamed, no longer will his face grow pale.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed and no more will his face grow pale.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:22 delivers a powerful divine declaration of hope and restoration for the "house of Jacob," contrasting sharply with the preceding pronouncements of judgment and spiritual blindness. Through the authoritative voice of the LORD, who faithfully redeemed Abraham, a future is promised where Jacob—representing the nation of Israel—will no longer experience the humiliation of shame or the paralyzing grip of fear, signifying a profound reversal of their current state of spiritual and national distress. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them of eventual honor, security, and spiritual renewal grounded in His unchanging character and historical faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29 is a complex chapter that initially focuses on God's judgment against Jerusalem, referred to as "Ariel," for its spiritual dullness, hypocrisy, and reliance on human wisdom rather than divine revelation. Verses like [Isaiah 29:9-10](/isaiah/29-9-10 "Isaiah 29:9-10 - Spiritual Stupor") describe the people as being in a deep spiritual slumber, blind and deaf to God's truth, while [Isaiah 29:13-14](/isaiah/29-13-14 "Isaiah 29:13-14 - Lip Service and Perishing Wisdom") condemn their worship as mere lip service, devoid of genuine heart devotion. However, the chapter pivots dramatically in verses [Isaiah 29:17-21](/isaiah/29-17-21 "Isaiah 29:17-21 - Transformation and Restoration"), promising a radical transformation where the deaf will hear, the blind will see, and the humble will rejoice. Verse 22 then builds upon this promise of future spiritual and national revival, providing a specific assurance of deliverance from shame and fear, firmly rooted in God's historical faithfulness to their patriarch.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire. Judah faced constant threats of invasion and political instability, often leading them to seek alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the LORD. Spiritually, the nation was largely apostate, adopting pagan practices and exhibiting widespread social injustice, despite maintaining outward religious rituals. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew _bûwsh_) was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with public disgrace, defeat, or the failure to live up to societal or covenantal expectations. To "wax pale" (Hebrew _châvar_) vividly describes the physical manifestation of terror or confusion, reflecting a state of utter helplessness and fear in the face of overwhelming threats. Isaiah's message, therefore, addresses a people living under the shadow of both external political threats and internal spiritual decay, offering a vision of divine intervention that would reverse their dire circumstances.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping**, grounding God's future promise in His past redemptive acts, specifically His deliverance of [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - God's Call to Abraham"). This emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their failures. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Reversal of Shame and Fear**, promising a future state of honor, security, and confidence for Israel, a stark contrast to their present humiliation and terror. This reversal is a hallmark of God's redemptive work, transforming a people from disgrace to glory. Lastly, the verse underscores the overarching theme of **Restoration and Hope**, pointing to a profound spiritual and national revival for Israel, where God's presence brings true peace and security, fulfilling His ultimate purposes for His chosen nation, as also seen in passages like [Isaiah 43](/isaiah/43 "Isaiah 43 - God's Deliverance of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign nature and His active presence in history. The use of this name here reinforces the absolute authority and reliability of the promise, as it comes from the One who eternally exists and fulfills His word.
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** From H6299, this primitive root means "to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve." It implies an act of deliverance, often involving a price or a powerful intervention to set free from bondage or peril. By stating that the LORD "redeemed Abraham," the prophet invokes God's historical acts of liberation and protection, establishing a powerful precedent for His future redemption of Jacob.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, this root properly means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed," also carrying the sense of being disappointed or confounded. In the context of Isaiah 29:22, it refers to the humiliation, public disgrace, or profound disappointment Israel would experience due to their unfaithfulness, military defeats, or spiritual blindness. The promise of "not now be ashamed" signifies a complete reversal of this state, encompassing freedom from the physical manifestations of terror or dismay, such as a face that "waxes pale."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and the historical precedent for the promise. "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic prophetic formula, indicating that the following words are not human opinion but a direct revelation from the sovereign God, Yahweh. The parenthetical phrase "who redeemed Abraham" serves as a powerful reminder of God's consistent character as a deliverer and covenant-keeper. It grounds the future promise in God's past faithfulness, specifically His acts of rescuing and protecting Abraham from various perils and establishing His covenant with him.
* **"concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed":** The promise is specifically directed to "the house of Jacob," which is a metaphorical reference to the nation of Israel, Abraham's descendants. The repetition of "Jacob" emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the promise to the collective people. The core promise here is that Israel will no longer experience "shame." This shame could stem from their idolatry, their military defeats, their spiritual blindness, or their unfaithfulness to God. The divine declaration promises a reversal of this disgrace, implying restoration to honor, dignity, and a right standing before God and the nations.
* **"neither shall his face now wax pale":** This phrase further elaborates on the state of future security and confidence. To "wax pale" signifies being struck with terror, fear, or confusion, causing a physical change in countenance. The negation of this state means that Israel will be free from paralyzing fear, anxiety, or dismay in the face of their enemies or challenging circumstances. It speaks to a profound inner peace and outward composure that comes from divine protection and assurance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine intervention. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, signaled by the phrase "Thus saith the LORD," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the ensuing promise. This formula elevates the message from human conjecture to divine decree. **Historical Allusion** is central to the verse through the reference to "who redeemed Abraham." This allusion serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and provides a foundational assurance that the God who acted decisively for the patriarch will also act for his descendants. Furthermore, the verse uses **Parallelism** in the concluding clauses: "Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central promise of deliverance from both humiliation and fear, using two distinct but related expressions to amplify the message. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "his face now wax pale," where "face" stands in for the person's emotional state, vividly depicting the internal terror through its outward physical manifestation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:22 stands as a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His redemptive character, echoing themes found throughout the biblical narrative. It reveals a God who remembers His promises, even when His people are unfaithful, and who has the power to reverse their deepest shames and fears. The promise of freedom from shame and terror is rooted in God's historical act of redemption for Abraham, establishing a pattern of divine intervention for His chosen lineage. This verse points forward to a comprehensive restoration, not merely political, but spiritual and existential, where the very identity of Jacob is transformed from one marked by disgrace to one characterized by divine favor and security. It underscores that true peace and honor come not from human effort or alliances, but solely from the LORD's redemptive work.

* [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")
* [Joel 2:27](/joel/2-27 "Joel 2:27 - God's People Never Ashamed")
* [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:22 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God who faithfully redeemed Abraham and promised restoration to Jacob is the same God who works in our lives. In a world often characterized by shame, fear, and insecurity, this verse provides a divine anchor. It assures us that our identity and security are not defined by our past failures or present anxieties, but by God's unchanging character and His redemptive power. Just as Jacob was promised a reversal of fortune, we too can experience freedom from the burdens of guilt, regret, and paralyzing fear through God's grace. This promise calls us to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that He is able to transform our shame into honor and our fear into peace. It invites us to live with confidence, not in our own strength, but in the unwavering love and redemptive work of our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently experience shame or fear, and how might this verse speak to those feelings?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness (to Abraham, to Israel, or in your own life) strengthen your trust in His promises for your future?**
* **What practical steps can you take to lean into God's promise of freedom from shame and fear, rather than relying on your own efforts or external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God being described as "who redeemed Abraham" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "who redeemed Abraham" is highly significant because it grounds the promise to Jacob in God's historical and consistent character as a faithful deliverer. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's past acts of liberation and preservation for the patriarch Abraham, such as rescuing him from Ur of the Chaldees ([Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah Takes Abram from Ur")), protecting him from Pharaoh ([Genesis 12:17-20](/genesis/12-17-20 "Genesis 12:17-20 - Abram and Pharaoh")), and delivering him from the kings in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abram Rescues Lot")). By invoking this precedent, Isaiah assures Israel that the same God who acted powerfully for their ancestor will also act to redeem and restore them, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people across generations.

**What does "the house of Jacob" refer to in this context?**

Answer: "The house of Jacob" is a common biblical idiom referring to the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob (who was renamed Israel). In this prophetic context, it represents the collective people of God—both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah)—who are the recipients of this divine promise. While the immediate audience might have been Judah, the promise extends to the entire covenant people, signifying a comprehensive restoration for the nation as a whole. It emphasizes their identity as God's chosen family, despite their current state of spiritual and national decline.

**Is this promise of "not being ashamed" and "not waxing pale" only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Isaiah 29:22 is ancient Israel, the theological principles embedded within the promise have timeless application for believers today. The God who "redeemed Abraham" and promised to deliver Jacob from shame and fear is the same God who saves and sustains His people in every generation. Through Christ, believers become part of the spiritual "seed of Abraham" and the "Israel of God" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise") and [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). Therefore, the promise of freedom from shame (through forgiveness and new identity in Christ, as seen in [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")) and fear (through God's presence and power, as promised in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear")) resonates deeply with the Christian experience. It assures us that in Christ, we have a secure hope and a divine Helper who banishes our deepest anxieties and frees us from the disgrace of sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 29:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true redeemer and the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The LORD, who "redeemed Abraham" through His covenant faithfulness, has now, in Christ, accomplished the ultimate redemption for all who believe. The "house of Jacob" in its fullest sense refers not just to ethnic Israel, but to all who are brought into God's family through faith in Jesus, becoming the spiritual Israel ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, the deepest shame of humanity—our sin and rebellion against God—has been fully removed, so that those who trust in Him "shall not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes Will Not Be Put to Shame")). Moreover, the fear that causes one's "face to wax pale," whether it be the fear of judgment, death, or the unknown, is conquered by Christ's victory over sin and the grave ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Fear of Death")). In Him, believers receive a spirit of adoption, not of fear ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), and are granted perfect peace that casts out all fear ([1 John 4:18](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")). Thus, the promise to Jacob of freedom from shame and fear is fully realized in the new covenant established by Christ, extending to all who are united with Him.

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

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Isaiah 51:2

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah [that] bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

Isaiah 54:4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

Joel 2:27

And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: