Isaiah 31:6

KJV

¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H7725} ye unto him from whom the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} have deeply {H6009} revolted {H5627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People of Isra'el! Return to him to whom you have been so deeply disloyal!

Berean Standard Bible

Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel.

American Standard Version

Turn ye unto him from whom ye have deeply revolted, O children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 31:6 delivers a profound prophetic summons to the nation of Israel, urging them to abandon their deep-seated rebellion and return to the Lord, their covenant God. This imperative call to repentance is issued against the backdrop of Judah's misguided reliance on foreign alliances, particularly with Egypt, rather than placing their trust in divine protection. The verse powerfully underscores the pervasive nature of their spiritual defection while simultaneously extending God's persistent invitation for reconciliation and restoration to His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 31:6 is strategically positioned within a series of oracles (chapters 28-31) where the prophet Isaiah vehemently condemns Judah's policy of seeking an alliance with Egypt as a defense against the formidable Assyrian Empire. Chapters 30 and 31, in particular, form a powerful indictment of human self-reliance and misplaced trust. Isaiah 31:1-3 explicitly contrasts the futility of human strength—represented by Egypt's horses and chariots—with the omnipotence of God, who "will stretch out his hand against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity." Verses 4-5 vividly portray God's protective presence over Jerusalem, likening Him to a lion guarding its prey or birds hovering over their young, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to defend His city. Therefore, verse 6, with its direct command to "Turn ye," serves as the logical and compassionate culmination of this denunciation, offering a clear path out of condemned behavior and back into covenant faithfulness and divine security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical instability for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire, under the aggressive expansion of Sennacherib, was the dominant superpower, threatening to engulf the entire Near East. Judah, a small buffer state, found itself precariously situated between Assyria and Egypt, a declining but still influential power. Despite God's repeated warnings through prophets like Isaiah to trust Him alone for deliverance, Judah's kings and officials, driven by fear and political expediency, sought security in treaties and alliances with Egypt. This reliance on foreign powers was a direct violation of the covenant, which mandated exclusive loyalty and trust in Yahweh, as articulated in passages such as [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children"). Culturally, such alliances often entailed adopting foreign deities and practices, further entrenching the "revolt" mentioned in the verse. The prophetic call to "turn" was thus not merely about a shift in political alignment but a profound spiritual reorientation away from idolatry, syncretism, and humanistic reliance, back towards the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in Isaiah 31:6 resonate profoundly throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. A central theme is **Repentance and Return (Hebrew: *shûwb*)**, a foundational concept in Israelite theology that emphasizes the possibility of restoring a broken covenant relationship through a genuine change of heart and action. This call to return is seen repeatedly when Israel strays, as highlighted in passages like [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Backsliding Israel"). Closely intertwined is the theme of **Rebellion and Unfaithfulness**, which consistently highlights Israel's chronic tendency to stray from God's ways, often preferring human wisdom and strength over divine counsel, as powerfully depicted in [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2-4 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - A Rebellious Nation"). Despite this persistent unfaithfulness, the verse implicitly conveys **God's Enduring Invitation and Patience**, demonstrating His steadfast love and desire for His people's restoration, even in the face of profound apostasy. Finally, it reinforces the crucial theme of **Trust in God Alone**, contrasting the deceptive security offered by worldly alliances with the true and ultimate deliverance found only in Yahweh, a truth echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_ - H7725):** This is a primitive root signifying "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In Isaiah 31:6, it functions as an imperative, a direct and urgent command for a spiritual reorientation. This verb is fundamental to the biblical concept of repentance, denoting a complete reversal of direction—a turning away from sin, apostasy, or misplaced trust, and a decisive turning back towards God and His covenant. It implies a conscious and deliberate choice to change allegiance and behavior.
* **children of Israel (Hebrew, _bên'_ - H1121; _Yisrâʼêl'_ - H3478):** The word "bên" (H1121) means "son" or "child," referring broadly to a descendant or a member of a collective group. "Yisrâʼêl" (H3478) is the symbolic name given to Jacob, meaning "he will rule as God," which subsequently refers to his posterity and the covenant nation. Together, "children of Israel" specifically identifies the audience of this prophetic call: God's chosen people, who, despite their unique covenant relationship and divine election, have deeply deviated from His prescribed path, embodying the very nation that was meant to bear God's name and witness to His sovereignty.
* **deeply revolted (Hebrew, _ʻâmaq'_ - H6009; _çârâh'_ - H5627):** The verb "ʻâmaq" (H6009) means "to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)," implying profundity or intensity. "Çârâh" (H5627) denotes "apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission; rebellion, revolt." The combination of these two words, often rendered as an intensive verbal construction ("they have deeply revolted"), powerfully emphasizes the profound, ingrained, and persistent nature of Israel's turning away from God. It signifies not a superficial error or a temporary lapse, but a fundamental, entrenched shift in loyalty and trust—a deep-seated, pervasive rebellion against their divine King and the terms of His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn ye unto [him]":** This opening phrase is a direct, urgent imperative from the prophet, speaking with divine authority. The "him" unequivocally refers to Yahweh, the Lord God of Israel. The command "turn" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) is a foundational biblical concept of repentance, signifying a complete change of direction—away from sin, false gods, or misplaced trust, and back towards God. It demands a conscious and deliberate act of reorientation of one's heart, mind, and actions, implying a cessation of rebellious behavior and a return to covenant faithfulness.
* **"from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted":** This clause provides the crucial context and justification for the preceding command. It clearly identifies the object of their rebellion—God Himself—and describes the severe, entrenched nature of their apostasy. The phrase "deeply revolted" (Hebrew: _`amaq he'emiqu çârâh_) uses a powerful verbal construction to convey the intensity and ingrained character of their unfaithfulness. It suggests that their turning away was not a casual or momentary lapse but a profound, entrenched, and persistent act of rebellion against the covenant relationship, involving a fundamental shift in loyalty and trust from God to other sources of security or idolatrous practices. This deep-seated defection necessitated an equally profound "turning" back.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and poignant message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the opening command "Turn ye." This direct address creates a sense of immediate urgency and personal responsibility, demanding an active and decisive response from the audience. The phrase "deeply revolted" utilizes **Intensification** (a common feature of Hebrew verbal constructs) to emphasize the profound and entrenched nature of Israel's apostasy. It is not merely a revolt, but one that has gone "deep," suggesting a pervasive and ingrained spiritual condition that affects the very core of the nation's being. Furthermore, the verse employs a subtle form of **Metonymy** by referring to God as "him from whom" Israel has revolted, implying that the rebellion is not just against a person, but against His covenant, His laws, His divine authority, and His very being. This concise phrasing powerfully encapsulates the gravity of their sin. The overall tone is one of **Pathos**, appealing to the nation's spiritual well-being and God's enduring desire for their restoration, even in the face of profound and persistent unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:6 stands as a timeless testament to God's unwavering call for repentance, even in the face of profound human rebellion. It underscores the biblical truth that true security, deliverance, and salvation are found exclusively in turning to the Lord, not in human alliances, military strength, or worldly wisdom. This verse highlights the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, where faithfulness brings blessing and rebellion incurs judgment, yet always with an open door for return and reconciliation. It profoundly reveals God's character as both just in condemning sin and merciful in extending an invitation for reconciliation, demonstrating His patience, steadfast love, and enduring desire for His people's restoration, even when they have "deeply revolted" against Him.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1-3 "Deuteronomy 30:1-3 - Return to the Lord Your God")
* [Hosea 14:1-2](/hosea/14-1-2 "Hosea 14:1-2 - Israel's Repentance and Restoration")
* [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, You Backsliding Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 31:6 serves as a powerful mirror for individuals and communities in every age. Just as ancient Israel placed their trust in chariots and foreign alliances, we too often seek security and solutions in worldly resources—be it wealth, power, human wisdom, technological advancements, or even self-reliance—rather than in God alone. The phrase "deeply revolted" challenges us to honestly examine the depth of our own allegiances. Have we, perhaps subtly or unknowingly, allowed our trust to become deeply rooted in anything other than the Lord? This verse is an enduring invitation to a profound spiritual re-evaluation, urging us to "turn" from any form of misplaced trust, spiritual idolatry, or ingrained rebellion. It reminds us that God's arms are always open to receive those who sincerely turn back to Him, offering complete forgiveness, true security, and a path to restoration, regardless of how far we may perceive ourselves to have strayed. The call is not merely to superficial adjustment but to a deep, intentional re-orientation of our hearts and lives towards the One who is our true deliverer, protector, and ultimate source of all good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "deeply revolting" by placing my ultimate trust or security in something other than God?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to "turn" more fully to the Lord in those areas where I have been relying on my own strength, worldly solutions, or external validation?**
* **How does God's persistent invitation to return, even after deep rebellion, shape my understanding of His boundless mercy, grace, and unwavering faithfulness towards His people?**

### FAQ

**What does "deeply revolted" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "deeply revolted" (Hebrew: _`amaq he'emiqu çârâh_) signifies a profound, entrenched, and persistent turning away from God. It's not a casual or momentary lapse but a fundamental shift in loyalty and trust, indicating a deep-seated rebellion against the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It emphasizes that Israel's unfaithfulness was not superficial but had become deeply ingrained in their national character and actions, particularly in their reliance on foreign powers like Egypt instead of God, as explicitly condemned in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help").

**Is this call to "turn" only for the nation of Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate audience was the nation of Israel facing a specific historical crisis, the theological principle of "turning" (repentance) is universal and timeless. The call to abandon misplaced trust and return to God is a fundamental message throughout the entire biblical narrative, applicable to all people in all eras. For believers today, it serves as a vital and ongoing reminder to continually examine our hearts and ensure our ultimate trust and allegiance remain with God, turning away from any form of spiritual idolatry or self-reliance that might subtly creep into our lives, just as the early church was called to turn from idols to serve the living and true God, as seen in [1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols to Serve the Living God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 31:6, with its poignant call to "Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The deep rebellion of Israel, rooted in their turning away from God's covenant and seeking security elsewhere, foreshadows humanity's universal sin problem—a profound and pervasive turning away from our Creator. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God and the embodiment of divine faithfulness, is the very "Him" to whom all humanity is now called to return. His life of perfect obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection provide the perfect sacrifice that makes true repentance and reconciliation with God possible. He is the one who "came to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), extending an open invitation to all who are weary and burdened to "come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through faith in Him, the "deep revolt" of sin is overcome, and humanity can be truly reconciled to God, receiving forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternal security. The prophetic call to "turn" is thus transformed into the New Testament imperative to "repent and believe in the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")), finding in Christ the ultimate and only source of true security, deliverance, and eternal life, thereby fulfilling the very trust that Israel so often failed to place in God.

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

Jeremiah 3:22

Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 3:14

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 3:10

And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 5:23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;