¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
Turn {H7725} ye unto him from whom the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} have deeply {H6009} revolted {H5627}.
People of Isra'el! Return to him to whom you have been so deeply disloyal!
Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel.
Turn ye unto him from whom ye have deeply revolted, O children of Israel.
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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;
Isaiah 31:6 is a poignant call to repentance within the prophetic book of Isaiah, urging the people of Israel to return to the Lord from their profound spiritual rebellion.
Context of Isaiah 31:6
This verse is situated amidst a series of oracles where the prophet Isaiah condemns the kingdom of Judah for seeking alliances with Egypt against the formidable Assyrian empire, rather than trusting in God. Chapters 30 and 31 specifically highlight the folly of relying on human strength and foreign powers (like Egypt's chariots and horsemen) instead of the Almighty. The Lord had promised protection, but Judah's deep-seated distrust led them to pursue worldly solutions. Isaiah 31:1-5 powerfully contrasts God's unwavering protection with the futility of human endeavors. Thus, verse 6 serves as a direct, compassionate plea for the nation to redirect their allegiance and trust back to their covenant God, recognizing their severe deviation.
Meaning of Isaiah 31:6
The phrase "Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted" is a direct command for spiritual reorientation. The "him" refers unequivocally to the Lord God of Israel. The term "deeply revolted" (Hebrew: `amaq he'emiqu) conveys a profound, ingrained, and persistent turning away from God's ways, His covenant, and His commands. It signifies not a superficial error but a fundamental shift in loyalty and trust. This verse underscores that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and their preference for human solutions over divine deliverance, God still extends an invitation for them to return and find refuge in Him. It's a call to abandon their idolatrous practices and misplaced trust in other nations, and to acknowledge God as their true deliverer and protector.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew phrase translated "deeply revolted" is `amaq he'emiqu (עָמְקוּ הֶעְמִיקוּ). This is a strong construct, literally meaning "they have gone deep, they have deepened," or "they have gone deep into rebellion." It emphasizes the intensity and ingrained nature of their defection from God. It's not a casual wandering but a deliberate and profound turning away, making the call to "turn ye" all the more significant as it requires a deep, intentional re-orientation.
Practical Application
Isaiah 31:6 remains profoundly relevant today. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we face challenges, our first inclination should be to turn to God, not to worldly solutions or human strength alone. Just as ancient Israel deeply revolted, individuals and societies can drift away from God through misplaced trust in wealth, power, or human wisdom. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. Are we relying on God, or have we "deeply revolted" by placing our ultimate trust elsewhere? It's an enduring invitation to repentance, reminding us that God is always ready to receive those who sincerely turn back to Him, offering forgiveness and true security.