Isaiah 33:13

ยถ Hear, ye [that are] far off, what I have done; and, ye [that are] near, acknowledge my might.

Hear {H8085}, ye that are far off {H7350}, what I have done {H6213}; and, ye that are near {H7138}, acknowledge {H3045} my might {H1369}.

You living far off, hear what I have done! You who are near, acknowledge my strength!"

You who are far off, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge My might.โ€

Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

Commentary

Isaiah 33:13 KJV delivers a powerful declaration from God, calling all people, regardless of their proximity or spiritual standing, to observe His mighty deeds and acknowledge His supreme power. This verse serves as a universal summons to witness divine action and sovereignty.

Context

Isaiah 33 is a prophetic chapter that oscillates between descriptions of intense national distress for Judah, facing the Assyrian threat, and glorious promises of God's intervention and ultimate deliverance. The chapter begins with a woe against the treacherous Assyrian invader (Isaiah 33:1), depicts the desolation and fear gripping the land (Isaiah 33:7-9), and then transitions to God's resolute declaration: "Now will I rise; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself" (Isaiah 33:10). Following this divine resolve to act, Isaiah 33:13 issues a global call to attention, inviting everyone to witness the consequences of God's rising power and the nature of His impending judgments and salvations. It sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the righteous who will dwell securely with God (Isaiah 33:14-16) and the glorious future of Zion.

Key Themes

  • Universal Call to Acknowledge God

    The distinction between "ye that are far off" and "ye that are near" underscores the universal scope of God's message and actions. It implies that God's power and works are not confined to a specific people or place but are evident to all humanity. This is a divine summons for all to witness and acknowledge God's supreme power, whether they are geographically or spiritually distant.

  • God's Demonstrative Power

    The phrase "what I have done" points to God's historical acts of judgment and deliverance, which serve as undeniable proof of His might. This is not merely an abstract concept but power demonstrated through concrete events in human history. The call to "acknowledge my might" is an invitation to recognize God's active involvement and irresistible strength in the affairs of nations and individuals.

  • Divine Judgment and Deliverance

    Within the broader context of Isaiah 33, "what I have done" specifically refers to God's impending judgment on Assyria and the miraculous preservation of Jerusalem. It highlights God's justice in punishing the wicked and His faithfulness in defending His people. This verse captures the dual nature of God's power: bringing down the proud and elevating the humble.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Far off" (ืจึฐื—ื•ึนืงึดื™ื - rechoqim) and "Near" (ืงึฐืจื•ึนื‘ึดื™ื - qerovim): These terms literally mean those who are geographically distant and those who are close. However, in prophetic literature, they can also carry spiritual connotations, referring to Gentiles (far off) and Israel (near), or generally those outside and inside the covenant. Regardless of the interpretation, the call is inclusive, reaching every corner and every person. This foreshadows the New Testament truth that God's salvation extends to all, as seen when those once far off are brought near through Christ.

  • "Acknowledge" (ื“ึฐึผืขื•ึผ - de'u): This verb comes from the Hebrew root yada, which means "to know" or "to perceive." It implies more than just intellectual awareness; it suggests a deep, personal recognition and understanding that leads to respect, honor, and submission. It's a call to truly internalize God's power and respond appropriately.

Practical Application

Isaiah 33:13 reminds us that God is actively involved in the world, and His works are visible for all to see. For us today, this verse is a call to:

  1. Observe God's Hand: Look for evidence of God's power and faithfulness in current events, in history, and in our personal lives. His "doings" are still manifest.
  2. Proclaim His Might: Whether we are "near" (believers who have experienced His presence) or speaking to those "far off" (those who have not), we are to declare the greatness of God and His works.
  3. Respond in Awe and Reverence: Acknowledging God's might should lead to humility, worship, and trust in His sovereign control over all things. It encourages us to lean on His strength rather than our own.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 48:10

    According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

  • Ephesians 2:11

    ยถ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

  • Ephesians 2:18

    For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

  • Isaiah 49:1

    ยถ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

  • Daniel 3:27

    And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

  • Daniel 4:3

    How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

  • Isaiah 57:19

    I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
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