Isaiah 41:20

KJV

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may see {H7200}, and know {H3045}, and consider {H7760}, and understand {H7919} together {H3162}, that the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} hath done {H6213} this, and the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478} hath created {H1254} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people will see and know, together observe and understand that the hand of ADONAI has done this, that the Holy One of Isra'el created it.

Berean Standard Bible

so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

American Standard Version

that they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of Jehovah hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:20 encapsulates the divine purpose behind God's miraculous interventions on behalf of His people: that all may observe, comprehend, and collectively acknowledge His sovereign power and creative work. Following promises of supernatural provision and transformation in the wilderness, this verse declares that these acts are not merely for the benefit of Israel but serve as irrefutable evidence of the LORD's unique identity as the Holy One, compelling recognition of His singular authority and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:20 concludes a section (Isaiah 41:17-20) where God addresses the "poor and needy" among His people, promising radical transformation and provision in desolate circumstances. The preceding verses vividly describe God's intention to create springs in the valleys, rivers on barren heights, and to plant various trees in the wilderness, turning it into a lush, life-sustaining oasis. This imagery of water and trees in a desert context is a powerful metaphor for God's ability to bring spiritual and physical renewal to a downtrodden and exiled Israel. This specific verse, then, serves as the grand purpose statement for these miraculous acts of provision and restoration, linking the physical transformation directly to a spiritual revelation of God's identity and power. It also stands within a broader polemic in Isaiah 40-48 where God repeatedly contrasts His omnipotence and foreknowledge with the utter impotence and blindness of idols and their worshippers, challenging the nations to consider His unique sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, speaks to a people facing the prospect of Babylonian exile or already enduring it. This period was marked by national devastation, spiritual despair, and the pervasive influence of pagan idolatry. The people of Israel, having witnessed the destruction of their temple and homeland, might have questioned God's power or presence. In this context, God's promises of miraculous provision and restoration were not just comforting but served as a direct challenge to the prevailing polytheistic worldview. The "wilderness" imagery would have resonated deeply with a people whose history began with a miraculous exodus through a desert and who now faced another period of wilderness wandering in exile. The mention of "the Holy One of Israel" is a significant title in Isaiah, emphasizing God's unique holiness and His covenant relationship with His chosen people, distinguishing Him sharply from the numerous, impotent deities worshipped by surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Revelation through Action**, asserting that God's works are not arbitrary but are designed to make His character and power known to all. The transformation of the wilderness, as described in [Isaiah 41:17-19](/isaiah/41-17 "Isaiah 41:17-19 - God's Promise of Provision"), is a tangible demonstration of His presence and capability. Secondly, it highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Creative Power**. The phrases "the hand of the LORD hath done this" and "the Holy One of Israel hath created it" unequivocally declare God as the sole orchestrator and originator of these events, reinforcing His role as the [Creator of the ends of the earth](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God, the Creator of the Ends of the Earth") who never faints or is weary. Thirdly, there is a profound **Call to Spiritual Discernment**. The repetition of verbs—"see, and know, and consider, and understand together"—is not merely about passive observation but demands an active, collective engagement of mind and spirit to grasp the divine truth revealed through God's actions. This discernment is crucial for Israel to return to faithfulness and for the nations to recognize the one true God, as God challenges them to [present their case](/isaiah/41-21 "Isaiah 41:21 - God Challenges the Idols"). Finally, the verse reinforces **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to Israel**, reminding them that their covenant God, the "Holy One of Israel," is actively working on their behalf, demonstrating His covenant love and power even in their most desolate circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential knowledge, often implying a relationship or intimate acquaintance. It means "to ascertain by seeing," extending to observation, care, recognition, and even instruction. In Isaiah 41:20, "know" moves beyond simple awareness to a profound, transformative understanding of God's character and power, leading to a personal and communal acknowledgment of His unique identity.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word, a primitive term for the open hand, is rich in figurative meaning. It represents power, means, direction, authority, and direct intervention. When referring to "the hand of the LORD," it is a potent idiom signifying God's active, personal, and irresistible involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His strength and sovereign control over creation and history.
* **created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** As a primitive root, _bârâʼ_ means "to create" in an absolute sense, often implying a divine act of bringing something into existence from nothing (ex nihilo) or shaping it in a unique, formative process. It is a verb almost exclusively used with God as the subject in the Old Testament, emphasizing His singular role as the ultimate originator and shaper of all things, whether the cosmos or new realities for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together,"**: This opening clause establishes the ultimate purpose of God's actions. The four verbs form a climactic progression from initial observation ("see") to deep, collective comprehension ("understand together"). "See" (râʼâh) implies visual perception, while "know" (yâdaʻ) suggests experiential understanding. "Consider" (sûwm) implies a thoughtful setting of one's mind to something, to ponder and discern. "Understand" (sâkal) denotes a deeper, intelligent grasp, leading to wisdom and prudence. The adverb "together" (yachad) emphasizes a communal, unified recognition of God's work, implying that His revelation is for the entire community and perhaps even for the nations.
* **"that the hand of the LORD hath done this,"**: This clause provides the first part of the content to be seen, known, considered, and understood. "The hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism, signifying God's active power, direct intervention, and sovereign agency. "Hath done this" refers specifically to the miraculous acts of provision and transformation described in the preceding verses (Isaiah 41:17-19), asserting that these are not natural occurrences or coincidences but the direct result of God's mighty work.
* **"and the Holy One of Israel hath created it."**: This second clause reinforces and expands upon the previous one, identifying the agent of these miraculous deeds and emphasizing the nature of His work. "The Holy One of Israel" is a prominent and significant title for God in Isaiah, highlighting His transcendent holiness, moral purity, and unique covenant relationship with His people. The verb "created" (bârâʼ) underscores that God's actions are not mere modifications but involve a divine, transformative power akin to original creation, bringing forth new realities. This phrase unequivocally attributes the miraculous transformation to God's unique creative power and His specific identity as the covenant God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and climactic parallelism. The initial string of verbs—"see, and know, and consider, and understand together"—demonstrates a climactic progression of understanding, moving from mere observation to deep, collective comprehension. This is then paralleled by the two clauses describing God's action: "the hand of the LORD hath done this" and "the Holy One of Israel hath created it." These two phrases are synonymous, reinforcing the same truth about God's agency and power, while also adding a layer of emphasis through the specific title "Holy One of Israel" and the verb "created." **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "the hand of the LORD," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His active power and direct involvement in the world, making His divine agency more relatable. The **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" (polysyndeton) between the verbs "see, and know, and consider, and understand" creates a sense of accumulating knowledge and the comprehensive nature of the desired understanding. Finally, the verse functions as a **Purpose Statement**, clearly articulating the divine intention behind God's miraculous acts, elevating them from mere provision to profound revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:20 stands as a foundational statement on divine revelation, asserting that God's actions in the world are not arbitrary but are purposeful demonstrations of His character, power, and faithfulness. It teaches that God reveals Himself not only through His spoken word but also through His tangible works, compelling humanity to move beyond mere observation to deep, collective understanding. This understanding leads to the recognition that the "Holy One of Israel" is the sole sovereign, actively intervening in history and creation. The verse thus serves as a powerful call to spiritual discernment, urging both Israel and the nations to acknowledge God's unique identity and power in contrast to the futility of idols. This theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God's ultimate aim in all His dealings with humanity is to make Himself known for His glory and for the salvation of His people.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Perceived")
* [John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:20 challenges us to cultivate a posture of active spiritual discernment in our daily lives. In a world brimming with distractions, competing ideologies, and often overwhelming challenges, it is easy to overlook or misattribute the workings of God. This verse calls us to "see, know, consider, and understand together" that the hand of the LORD is at work, even in the most desolate or seemingly insignificant circumstances. Just as God transformed the literal wilderness for Israel, He continues to bring life, provision, and transformation into our personal "wildernesses"—our struggles, our doubts, our barren places. The application extends beyond individual experience to the collective: as a community of faith, we are called to bear witness to God's actions, to attribute all good things to His sovereign hand, and to proclaim His identity as the "Holy One." This recognition deepens our worship, strengthens our trust, and empowers us to live as those who truly know the God who creates and sustains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life or community have you recently seen God's transformative hand at work?**
* **How can you more intentionally "see, know, consider, and understand" God's activity in your daily circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to help others collectively recognize God's work in the world?**
* **How does attributing all good things to "the hand of the LORD" impact your sense of gratitude and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Holy One of Israel" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The Holy One of Israel" is a distinctive and frequently used title for God in the book of Isaiah, appearing 26 times. It emphasizes God's absolute moral purity, His transcendent otherness, and His unique, covenantal relationship with the nation of Israel. In Isaiah 41:20, it highlights that the God who performs these miraculous acts of provision and transformation is not merely a powerful deity, but the specific, set-apart God who has chosen Israel and remains faithful to His promises, distinguishing Him sharply from the impotent idols of the surrounding nations (as seen in [Isaiah 44:6-20](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry")).

**Why does the verse emphasize "see, know, consider, and understand together"?**

Answer: The repetition of these four verbs signifies a progression from initial observation to deep, collective comprehension. "See" refers to outward perception, "know" to experiential understanding, "consider" to thoughtful discernment, and "understand" to intelligent grasp or wisdom. The inclusion of "together" underscores that God's revelation is not just for individual enlightenment but for communal recognition and acknowledgment. It suggests that the purpose of God's works is to unify His people in their understanding of His sovereignty and to present a unified witness to the world, demonstrating that His acts are undeniable proof of His identity and power, as He challenges nations to [present their case](/isaiah/41-21 "Isaiah 41:21 - God Challenges the Idols").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:20, with its declaration that "the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on God's creative power and redemptive acts, designed to reveal His glory, culminates in the person and work of Christ. He is the very [Word through whom all things were made](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), the one by whom God [created the world](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son"), and the visible image of the invisible God, the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"). The miraculous transformations and provisions promised in Isaiah, like water in the wilderness, are echoed in Christ's own ministry, where He provided bread for thousands ([John 6:1-14](/john/6-1 "John 6:1-14 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), turned water into wine ([John 2:1-11](/john/2-1 "John 2:1-11 - The Wedding at Cana")), and offered [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") to those who thirst. These "signs" (as John's Gospel calls them) were performed so that people might "see, and know, and consider, and understand" that the hand of God was truly at work in Him, testifying to His divine origin and power ([John 14:10-11](/john/14-10 "John 14:10-11 - Jesus in the Father, and the Father in Him")). Ultimately, the "Holy One of Israel" who creates new realities is fully revealed in Jesus, who brings about the new creation through His death and resurrection ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), inviting all to see, know, and understand God's ultimate act of salvation and transformation in 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

Job 12:9

Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

Isaiah 44:23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Isaiah 43:21

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

Exodus 9:16

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Psalms 109:27

That they may know that this [is] thy hand; [that] thou, LORD, hast done it.

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Isaiah 43:13

Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?