Isaiah 41:15

KJV

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will make {H7760} thee a new {H2319} sharp {H2742} threshing {H4173} instrument having {H1167} teeth {H6374}: thou shalt thresh {H1758} the mountains {H2022}, and beat them small {H1854}, and shalt make {H7760} the hills {H1389} as chaff {H4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will make you into a threshing-sledge, new, with sharp, pointed teeth, to thresh the mountains and crush them to dust, to reduce the hills to chaff.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.

American Standard Version

Behold, I have made thee to be a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:15 delivers a profound divine promise to the nation of Israel, portraying them as a seemingly weak and vulnerable people. God declares His sovereign intent to transform them into a formidable, "new sharp threshing instrument having teeth," thereby empowering them to utterly overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, symbolized by "mountains" and "hills." This verse serves as a powerful reassurance to God's chosen people that their strength and ultimate success against adversaries will not originate from their own limited might, but entirely from His omnipotent power working through them, leading to the complete dispersal and decisive defeat of their foes, much like worthless chaff scattered by the wind.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-48, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This portion of the prophecy primarily addresses the exilic or post-exilic community of Israel, offering profound consolation, hope, and promises of restoration amidst their despair and perceived abandonment. The verses immediately preceding [Isaiah 41:8-14](/isaiah/41-8-14 "Isaiah 41:8-14 - God's Unwavering Promise to Israel") lay the theological groundwork by reaffirming God's covenant faithfulness to Jacob/Israel, His chosen servant. God emphatically declares their election, assures them of His constant presence and unwavering help, and repeatedly commands them to "fear not." Verse 15 directly follows these declarations, providing a vivid, concrete illustration of *how* God will empower them to overcome the very fears and challenges He has just addressed. The powerful agricultural imagery of threshing serves as a tangible manifestation of God's promised intervention and victory, seamlessly transitioning into further promises of miraculous provision and transformation of the desolate land in subsequent verses [Isaiah 41:17-20](/isaiah/41-17-20 "Isaiah 41:17-20 - God Provides for the Needy and Transforms the Desert").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, deeply reliant on agricultural cycles for its sustenance. Consequently, agricultural metaphors, such as threshing, were profoundly resonant and immediately comprehensible to its audience. Threshing was a vital post-harvest process, meticulously separating the valuable grain from the worthless straw and husks. A "threshing instrument" (Hebrew: *môwrag*) was typically a heavy wooden sledge or board, often fitted with sharp stones or iron teeth on its underside, pulled by oxen over harvested grain spread on a threshing floor. This process effectively broke apart the stalks and heads, releasing the grain. In this prophetic context, the "mountains" and "hills" are not literal geological features to be flattened but powerful symbolic representations of formidable enemies, oppressive empires (like Babylon), or seemingly insurmountable national challenges that Israel faced. The transformation of these imposing obstacles into "chaff" (Hebrew: *môts*) signifies their complete destruction, dispersal, and utter insignificance before God's power, a common biblical metaphor for the transient nature and ultimate judgment of the wicked or human power in opposition to God [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 41:15 articulates several central theological and narrative themes. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, powerfully demonstrating God's absolute control over all nations, circumstances, and the course of history. It profoundly illustrates **God's Election and Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant people, Israel, whom He chose and promises never to abandon or forsake [Isaiah 41:8-10](/isaiah/41-8-10 "Isaiah 41:8-10 - God's Covenant with Israel"). A prominent theme is **Transformation and Empowerment**, where God takes a weak, fear-filled, and seemingly insignificant people (referred to as a "worm" in the preceding verse) and supernaturally equips them with unprecedented strength and capacity to accomplish His mighty purposes. The imagery also conveys the theme of **Overcoming Insurmountable Obstacles**, assuring Israel that no enemy or challenge, however great or imposing, is too formidable when God is actively on their side. Finally, it touches upon **Judgment and Vindication**, as the "threshing" of mountains and hills represents the decisive defeat, humiliation, and ultimate dispersal of those who oppose God's people, leading to Israel's ultimate triumph, restoration, and vindication before the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **threshing instrument (Hebrew, _môwrag'_ H4173):** This noun refers to a "threshing sledge," an agricultural tool used to triturate or separate grain from stalks. Its specific mention here emphasizes the practical, effective, and often destructive nature of the tool in its intended purpose. Metaphorically, it signifies a divinely empowered agent capable of breaking down, processing, and utterly destroying formidable opposition.
* **having (Hebrew, _baʻal'_ H1167) teeth (Hebrew, _pîyphîyâh'_ H6374):** The word `baʻal` literally means "owner" or "master," and `pîyphîyâh` signifies "an edge" or "tooth," often implying a "two-edged" or sharp quality. When combined as `ba'al pipiyyot`, it describes an instrument that is "owner of double edges" or "having sharp teeth." This compound phrase highlights the instrument's extreme sharpness, effectiveness, and capacity for thorough pulverization, underscoring the decisive and complete nature of the destructive work God will enable Israel to perform.
* **thresh (Hebrew, _dûwsh'_ H1758):** This primitive root means "to trample or thresh." It describes the vigorous, grinding, and crushing action of the threshing instrument. When applied metaphorically to "mountains" and "hills," it conveys the idea of utterly crushing, breaking down, and reducing powerful entities to nothingness, just as valuable grain is separated from its husks and made ready for use, while the worthless chaff is discarded.
* **hills (Hebrew, _gibʻâh'_ H1389):** This feminine noun refers to a "hillock" or "little hill." In this context, it parallels "mountains," representing lesser yet still significant obstacles or adversaries. Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the victory, where even smaller, but still challenging, impediments will be utterly subdued and rendered insignificant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth:"** This opening clause is a powerful divine declaration of intent and radical transformation. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) serves as an imperative, drawing immediate attention to a significant, awe-inspiring pronouncement. God, the sovereign Lord, promises to actively *make* (Hebrew: *sûwm*) Israel—who, in the preceding verse, is depicted as a lowly "worm"—into something entirely new and incredibly powerful. The adjective "new" (Hebrew: *châdâsh*) implies a fresh, unprecedented capacity and a divinely initiated re-creation. The vivid description "sharp threshing instrument having teeth" portrays an exceptionally effective, destructive tool, emphasizing its cutting, grinding, and pulverizing capability, far beyond Israel's natural strength or human expectation.
* **"thou shalt thresh the mountains,"** This clause introduces the extraordinary and seemingly impossible task assigned to the divinely transformed Israel. "Mountains" (Hebrew: *har*) are potent symbols of the greatest, most imposing obstacles, powerful nations, or formidable empires. The act of "threshing" (Hebrew: *dûwsh*) them signifies a complete, forceful subjugation and dismantling of their power and resistance. This is hyperbole, emphasizing the overwhelming and decisive nature of the victory that God will grant through His empowered people.
* **"and beat [them] small,"** This phrase further elaborates on the intensity, thoroughness, and destructive power of the "threshing" process. To "beat them small" (Hebrew: *dâqaq*) means to crush into tiny particles, to pulverize, or to reduce to dust. It underscores the complete disintegration and reduction of the once-formidable "mountains" to an utterly powerless, insubstantial state, leaving nothing significant or threatening behind.
* **"and shalt make the hills as chaff."** This final clause powerfully reinforces the imagery of total defeat, dispersal, and utter insignificance. "Hills" (Hebrew: *gibʻâh*) are presented as lesser, yet still significant, obstacles, serving as a parallel to the "mountains." To "make them as chaff" (Hebrew: *môts*) implies that these once-imposing entities will become light, worthless, and easily scattered by the wind, signifying their complete disappearance, utter insignificance, and decisive vanquishing after God's people, empowered by Him, have dealt with them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:15 is profoundly rich in **Metaphor**, where the nation of Israel is directly equated with a "new sharp threshing instrument having teeth." This comparison is not literal but serves to convey the powerful transformation and divine empowerment God bestows upon His people, enabling them to accomplish tasks far beyond their natural capabilities. The "mountains" and "hills" are also potent **Symbols**, representing formidable enemies, insurmountable challenges, or oppressive nations, rather than literal geological formations. The actions of "threshing" and "beating small" are likewise metaphorical for decisive victory, utter destruction, and complete subjugation of opposition. The verse employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the sheer magnitude of the task and the overwhelming nature of God's power working through Israel; no physical threshing instrument could literally flatten mountains. Finally, there is an element of **Personification** as the nation of Israel, a collective entity, is given the active role of an instrument, performing a task typically carried out by an inanimate object powered by oxen, highlighting their transformed agency and effectiveness under divine direction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to empowering His people to overcome seemingly impossible odds, emphasizing that such victories are achieved not through their inherent strength, but solely through His divine intervention. It underscores the biblical principle that God often chooses the weak, the humble, and the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness. The dramatic transformation of Israel from a vulnerable "worm" (as described in [Isaiah 41:14](/isaiah/41-14 "Isaiah 41:14 - Israel as a Worm")) to a formidable threshing instrument highlights God's sovereign ability to re-create, re-equip, and repurpose individuals and nations for His glory. This promise extends beyond ancient Israel, serving as an enduring testament to God's empowering presence for all who trust in Him, assuring believers that no spiritual, physical, or practical obstacle is too great when the omnipotent God is actively at work through them.

* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1-2 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Presence in Trouble")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Christ's Empowering Strength")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:15 offers profound encouragement and a powerful paradigm for believers facing daunting challenges in their personal lives, their communities, or their service to God. It serves as a vital reminder that our perceived weakness or inadequacy is never a barrier to God's purposes; rather, it can become the very canvas upon which His magnificent strength is most clearly displayed. When we feel overwhelmed by "mountains"—whether they manifest as personal struggles, systemic injustices, spiritual strongholds, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in ministry—this verse calls us to remember that God is the one who transforms and empowers. Our crucial role is to yield ourselves as willing instruments in His sovereign hands, trusting that He will provide the "sharp teeth" and the divine power necessary to "thresh" whatever stands in the way of His righteous will. This passage fosters a spirit of bold, unwavering faith, knowing that the God who equips us also ensures the victory, turning formidable foes into scattered, insignificant chaff.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or "hills" (significant obstacles or challenges) are you currently facing in your life or ministry that seem overwhelming or insurmountable?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of being transformed into a "new sharp threshing instrument" reshape your perspective on your own capabilities and on God's omnipotent power working through you?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you yield yourself more fully to God's transforming work, allowing Him to equip and use you as His instrument to overcome these challenges for His glory?**

### FAQ

**What do the 'mountains' and 'hills' symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 41:15, the "mountains" and "hills" are powerful and deeply symbolic. They do not refer to literal geographical features that Israel would physically flatten. Instead, they represent formidable obstacles, powerful nations, oppressive empires, or any seemingly insurmountable challenges that stood in the way of God's people. The imagery conveys the immense scale, difficulty, and imposing nature of the adversaries or problems Israel faced, emphasizing that their defeat would require divine, not human, strength. This symbolic language is common in prophetic literature to depict the might of earthly powers or the overwhelming magnitude of difficulties, which God alone can overcome or enable His people to overcome through His power [Psalm 46:2-3](/psalms/46-2-3 "Psalm 46:2-3 - God Our Refuge in Trouble").

**How does God 'make' His people into such a powerful instrument?**

Answer: God "makes" His people into a powerful instrument not through their inherent strength, military might, or human ingenuity, but through His divine presence, supernatural empowerment, and transformative work. This "making" involves a profound spiritual renewal and equipping, where God imbues His chosen ones with His own power, authority, and wisdom. For ancient Israel, it meant God actively fighting on their behalf, giving them victory over seemingly stronger nations and delivering them from bondage [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You"). For believers today, it signifies the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who provides divine wisdom, courage, spiritual gifts, and the inner strength to live out God's purposes and overcome spiritual opposition [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit"); [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Armor of God"). It is a divine work that transforms the weak, the fearful, and the inadequate into effective agents of His sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and by extension, in His body, the Church. While initially a specific promise to the nation of Israel, the imagery of the "new sharp threshing instrument" points forward to the Messiah, who is God's supreme and perfect instrument for overcoming all opposition. Christ Himself decisively "threshed" the powers of sin, death, and the devil through His sacrificial crucifixion and glorious resurrection, making them "small" and "chaff" before His triumphant victory [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). He is truly 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"), but also the conquering Lion of Judah, who will ultimately judge and "thresh" the nations at His second coming, separating the wheat from the chaff in a final, decisive judgment [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Jesus' Judgment"); [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Judgment"). Furthermore, through spiritual union with Christ, believers are made "new creations" [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to participate in Christ's ongoing work of overcoming spiritual "mountains" and "hills" in the world, proclaiming the gospel, and demonstrating the victory of God's kingdom over the forces of darkness [Ephesians 1:19-23](/ephesians/1-19-23 "Ephesians 1:19-23 - Christ's Supreme Power and the Church"); [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ"). Thus, what was promised to ancient Israel finds its perfect realization and expansive extension in the person and redemptive work of Christ, and in His church, which is supernaturally equipped by Him to be His instrument in the world until His glorious return.

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

Micah 4:13

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Zechariah 4:7

Who [art] thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel [thou shalt become] a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone [thereof with] shoutings, [crying], Grace, grace unto it.

Habakkuk 3:12

Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.

Isaiah 21:10

O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.

Isaiah 28:27

For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.