Isaiah 33:2

KJV

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, be gracious {H2603} unto us; we have waited {H6960} for thee: be thou their arm {H2220} every morning {H1242}, our salvation {H3444} also in the time {H6256} of trouble {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, show us mercy; we have waited for you. Be their arm every morning, and our salvation in time of trouble.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou our arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:2 is a fervent communal prayer, voiced by a people in profound distress, appealing to the Lord for His unmerited favor and steadfast intervention. It articulates a posture of patient reliance on God, acknowledging Him as the singular source of daily strength and ultimate deliverance, especially when facing overwhelming national crisis and the failure of human efforts. This verse encapsulates a timeless truth about divine faithfulness and humanity's inherent need for God's powerful presence in every season of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that primarily delivers "woes" against various nations and against Judah for its spiritual failures, culminating in a vision of judgment and eventual restoration. Specifically, chapter 33 begins with a "woe" directed at the Assyrian oppressor, immediately shifting into this profound prayer of the faithful remnant. It serves as a pivotal moment, transitioning from the pronouncements of judgment to a desperate plea for divine intervention, foreshadowing the eventual triumph of God's justice and the establishment of His righteous kingdom described in later chapters, particularly the "Little Apocalypse" of [Isaiah 34-35](/isaiah/34-35 "Isaiah 34-35 - The Day of the Lord and the Way of Holiness"). The prayer itself reflects the deep spiritual and national crisis, demonstrating a turning point where the people, having exhausted human solutions, cast themselves entirely upon the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The most probable historical backdrop for Isaiah 33 is the Assyrian invasion of Judah under King Sennacherib around 701 BC, during the reign of King Hezekiah. Jerusalem was besieged, and the nation faced existential threat. This period was marked by political instability, with Judah often caught between the superpowers of Assyria and Egypt, and a pervasive temptation to rely on human alliances rather than God. Culturally, the "arm" was a powerful symbol of strength, power, and military might, so to ask God to "be their arm" was to request His active, powerful intervention on their behalf. The concept of "salvation" (Hebrew: *yeshu'ah*) encompassed not merely spiritual redemption but also physical deliverance, welfare, and prosperity, particularly from enemies and national calamity. The prayer reflects the desperate situation of a people who had witnessed the devastation of their land and felt the imminent threat to their capital, prompting a return to the covenant God for help.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, portraying God as the ultimate source of power and deliverance, capable of intervening decisively in human affairs. The plea "be gracious unto us" underscores the theme of **God's Mercy and Grace**, emphasizing that His favor is unmerited and essential for human survival and flourishing. The phrase "we have waited for thee" speaks to the theme of **Faithful Endurance and Patient Expectation**, a recurring call in Isaiah for God's people to trust in His timing and promises, as seen in [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Those Who Wait on the Lord"). Furthermore, the request for God to be "their arm every morning" powerfully conveys the theme of **Daily Provision and Sustaining Power**, illustrating God's consistent care and fresh mercies, echoing the sentiment of [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Are New Every Morning"). Finally, "our salvation also in the time of trouble" reinforces the theme of **God as Ultimate Deliverer**, presenting Him as the sole refuge and strength in times of profound adversity, a truth beautifully articulated in [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gracious (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, this primitive root properly means "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow." It also implies the act of imploring (moving to favor by petition). In this context, the prayer is not a demand but a humble imploring for God to show His characteristic kindness and mercy, acknowledging the people's dependent status before Him and their need for His unmerited favor.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** From H2220, this noun refers to "the arm (as stretched out)," and figuratively, "force, help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength." In this context, it is a potent metaphor for God's active, powerful intervention and protection. To ask God to be "their arm" is to ask Him to exert His divine strength on behalf of His people, to defend them and to act with decisive power against their adversaries or circumstances.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, this feminine passive participle means "something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity." It encompasses a holistic sense of rescue, welfare, and well-being. The prayer seeks not merely relief from immediate trouble but a comprehensive deliverance that restores peace and security, confirming God as the ultimate source of rescue from all forms of distress, whether from enemies, calamity, or spiritual bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, be gracious unto us;":** This opening clause is a direct, earnest supplication to Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of Israel. It is a plea for divine favor and compassion, acknowledging the people's utter dependence on God's unmerited kindness. It sets the tone of humility and desperate need, recognizing that any help received will be an act of sovereign grace.
* **"we have waited for thee:":** This phrase expresses a posture of patient endurance and hopeful expectation (H6960, *qâvâh*). Despite the dire circumstances, the people affirm their trust in God's timing and faithfulness. It signifies a sustained period of looking to God alone for help, rather than to human alliances or strength, demonstrating a deep-seated reliance on His promised intervention.
* **"be thou their arm every morning,":** This is a powerful metaphorical request for God's consistent, daily manifestation of His strength and power. The "arm" symbolizes divine might and active intervention (H2220, *zᵉrôwaʻ*), while "every morning" (H1242, *bôqer*) signifies a fresh, reliable outpouring of God's sustaining grace and protective presence, indicating His continuous support in the face of ongoing challenges. The shift from "us" to "their" might refer to the broader community of God's people, or perhaps even a subtle plea for God to act as a powerful arm against their enemies, thus protecting His people.
* **"our salvation also in the time of trouble.":** This final clause reiterates the ultimate desire for God's comprehensive deliverance (H3444, *yᵉshûwʻâh*). It positions God as the singular source of rescue and welfare, not just in daily provisions but specifically during periods of intense distress, affliction, and national crisis (H6256, *ʻêth*; H6869, *tsârâh*). It is a declaration of faith that God is the ultimate deliverer when all other avenues have failed, providing complete and holistic restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:2 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, seen in the opening cry, "O LORD." This immediately establishes the personal and intimate nature of the prayer, appealing directly to God's character. **Metaphor** is vividly used with the phrase "be thou their arm," where the human arm, a symbol of strength and action, is applied to God, representing His divine power and active intervention. The repetition implied in "every morning" functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the consistent, daily nature of God's provision and mercies. The entire verse is a profound act of **Supplication** or **Petition**, a formal and earnest prayer for divine aid. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** between "be thou their arm every morning" and "our salvation also in the time of trouble," as both clauses articulate different facets of God's protective and delivering power, one emphasizing daily sustenance and the other ultimate rescue in crisis, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of His care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:2 is a profound theological statement on God's character and humanity's proper response in times of crisis. It reveals God as inherently gracious, powerful, and faithful, a God who actively intervenes on behalf of His people. The prayer models a deep dependence on divine mercy and strength, acknowledging that true deliverance comes not from human might or political maneuvering, but from the Lord alone. It underscores the covenant relationship, where God is both the righteous judge and the compassionate deliverer, ever ready to hear the cries of His distressed children. This verse teaches us that waiting on God is not passive inaction, but an active posture of hopeful trust, recognizing His sovereignty over all circumstances and His unwavering commitment to His promises.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the throne of grace")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:2 offers a timeless blueprint for prayer and a powerful anchor for faith in a world often fraught with uncertainty and trouble. In moments of personal anxiety, national upheaval, or spiritual warfare, this verse calls us to abandon self-reliance and turn wholeheartedly to God. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of humble dependence, acknowledging our need for His unmerited grace. The call to "wait for thee" is an invitation to patient trust, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His faithfulness unwavering, even when His intervention seems delayed. Furthermore, the promise of God being our "arm every morning" assures us that His strength is renewed daily, equipping us for whatever challenges the new day brings. This verse compels us to seek God as our ultimate salvation, trusting that in our deepest troubles, He alone is our true refuge and deliverer, transforming our fear into faith and our cries into confident expectation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 33:2 challenge your understanding of God's daily provision and His active presence in your life?**
* **In what specific "times of trouble" are you most prone to forget God's promised salvation and rely on your own strength or other resources?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of "waiting for the Lord" with patient expectation in your daily life, especially when circumstances are difficult?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why does the prayer shift from "unto us" and "we have waited for thee" to "be thou *their* arm"?

Answer: The shift from the first-person plural ("us," "we") to the third-person plural ("their") in Isaiah 33:2 has been a point of scholarly discussion. While some suggest a possible scribal variation or a slight textual ambiguity, the most common and contextually rich interpretations understand "their" to refer broadly to God's people, or to those who are in distress and waiting for the Lord. It could be a prophetic shift, where the prophet, having articulated the prayer of the specific community, then extends the plea to encompass all who are similarly afflicted and dependent on God's power. Alternatively, in the context of the Assyrian invasion, "their arm" could subtly imply God's powerful arm acting *against* the enemies, thereby protecting His people. Regardless of the precise nuance, the core message remains steadfast: a fervent appeal for God's powerful, daily, and ultimately delivering intervention on behalf of those who trust in Him. It does not detract from the central theme of dependence on God's mighty "arm" for salvation.

**Question?** How does "every morning" relate to God's faithfulness and provision?

Answer: The phrase "every morning" (Hebrew: *bôqer*) in Isaiah 33:2 powerfully emphasizes the consistent, reliable, and fresh nature of God's faithfulness and provision. It signifies that God's mercies are not a one-time event but are renewed daily, much like the morning light. This concept resonates deeply with other biblical passages, such as [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Love and New Mercies"), which declares, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." It assures believers that no matter how dire the circumstances of the previous day, each new day brings with it a fresh outpouring of God's strength, grace, and protective presence, equipping them to face new challenges and reminding them of His unwavering commitment to sustain His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's grace, power, and salvation. The prayer, "O LORD, be gracious unto us," is answered in Christ, for it is through His incarnation that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the visible manifestation of God's unmerited favor, extending mercy and compassion to all who turn to Him. The plea, "be thou their arm every morning," points directly to Christ, who is the "arm" of the Lord made manifest. He is the one by whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... and in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")). Through His Holy Spirit, Christ provides daily strength and sustenance, fulfilling the promise of His constant presence with His disciples "always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Great Commission and Promise")). Most significantly, the cry for "our salvation also in the time of trouble" is fully realized in Jesus. He is *Yeshua*, the very name meaning "Yahweh is salvation." His life, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate act of divine deliverance, rescuing humanity from the deepest trouble of sin and death. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering eternal salvation and a secure hope that transcends all earthly troubles. In Christ, God's arm is not merely stretched out, but fully extended in sacrificial love, providing complete and everlasting salvation for all who wait upon 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

2 Corinthians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Isaiah 59:16

¶ And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

Psalms 60:11

Give us help from trouble: for vain [is] the help of man.

Isaiah 30:18

¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

Isaiah 30:19

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.