Isaiah 41:20

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

This KJV verse from Isaiah 41:20 serves as a powerful conclusion to God's promises of aid and transformation for His people, particularly those who are "poor and needy" (Isaiah 41:17). It emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's miraculous interventions: to reveal His identity and power to all.

Context

The preceding verses (Isaiah 41:17-19) describe God's promise to provide water in the wilderness and plant various trees, transforming a barren landscape into a lush oasis. This imagery speaks to God's ability to bring life, comfort, and provision to His downtrodden people, often a metaphor for Israel's spiritual and national desolation. The promise comes amidst a larger section of Isaiah where God contrasts His power and faithfulness with the impotence of idols, challenging nations to recognize His unique sovereignty and the futility of worshipping anything other than the true God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation through Works: The primary theme is that God's actions are meant to be seen and understood as undeniable proof of His existence, power, and faithfulness. It's not enough for miracles to happen; they must lead to spiritual discernment and recognition of the divine hand.
  • Sovereignty and Creation: 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 of these miraculous events. He is the ultimate Creator and sustainer, actively involved in the affairs of His people and the world.
  • Call to Spiritual Discernment: The repetition of verbs—"see, and know, and consider, and understand together"—underscores a profound call for humanity to observe, process, and collectively comprehend God's work. This isn't passive observation but an active engagement of mind and spirit to grasp divine truth.
  • God's Faithfulness to Israel: This passage provides comfort and assurance to Israel, reminding them that their God, the "Holy One of Israel," is actively working on their behalf, demonstrating His covenant love and power even in their most desolate circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Holy One of Israel" (Hebrew: q'dosh Yisrael) is a significant and frequently used appellation for God in the book of Isaiah, appearing 26 times. It emphasizes God's transcendent holiness, His moral purity, and His unique, covenantal relationship with the nation of Israel. The phrase "hand of the LORD" (Hebrew: yad Yahweh) is a common biblical idiom representing God's power, activity, and direct intervention in human affairs, signifying His strength, authority, and active involvement.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 41:20 serves as a timeless reminder that God acts in the world not only to deliver and provide but also to reveal Himself. For ancient Israel, it was an assurance of divine help and a challenge to recognize God's unique power amidst pagan influences and their own doubts. For believers today, this verse encourages us to cultivate a discerning heart, to actively "see, know, consider, and understand" God's work in our personal lives, in the church, and in the broader world. When we witness moments of divine intervention, provision, or transformation, whether large or small, we are called to attribute them to God's mighty hand. This recognition deepens our faith, strengthens our worship, and compels us to share the truth about the One who "hath created it." Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, so too do His acts of mercy and power in our lives. The ultimate purpose of God's miraculous works is always to bring glory to His name and to draw people into a deeper relationship with Him, echoing the sentiment that His works testify of Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?