Isaiah 41:21

KJV

¶ Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong [reasons], saith the King of Jacob.

KJV (with Strong's)

Produce {H7126} your cause {H7379}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; bring forth {H5066} your strong {H6110} reasons, saith {H559} the King {H4428} of Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Present your case," says ADONAI, "Produce your arguments," says Ya'akov's king.

Berean Standard Bible

“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.

American Standard Version

Produce your cause, saith Jehovah; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:21 presents a dramatic divine courtroom scene where the LORD, the self-existent God of Israel, issues an authoritative challenge to the pagan gods and their devotees. He demands that they "produce their cause" and "bring forth their strong reasons," a direct invitation to present evidence of their power, foreknowledge, and ability to intervene in history, thereby asserting His own incomparable sovereignty and exposing the utter impotence of idols.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:21 is situated within a significant section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This segment primarily addresses the exilic community, offering hope and assurance of God's imminent deliverance from Babylonian captivity. The immediate context of chapter 41 is a series of divine speeches where God repeatedly contrasts His omnipotence and unique foreknowledge with the futility of idols. Preceding this verse, God has already demonstrated His power by raising up a deliverer (Cyrus, though not named until [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "God Names Cyrus")) and orchestrating global events for Israel's sake ([Isaiah 41:2-4](/isaiah/41-2 "God Raises a Deliverer")). The challenge in verse 21 serves as a climactic moment in this divine legal dispute, directly preceding God's further taunts to the idols to declare future events ([Isaiah 41:23](/isaiah/41-23 "Challenge to Idols to Declare Future Things")) and His ultimate declaration of His own unique ability to do so ([Isaiah 41:26-27](/isaiah/41-26 "God's Unique Foreknowledge")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 41 is the Babylonian exile (586-539 BC), a period of profound national crisis and spiritual despair for the people of Judah. Transported to a foreign land, they were surrounded by the dominant polytheistic culture of Babylon, with its elaborate pantheon of gods and sophisticated systems of divination. The Babylonians, like other ancient Near Eastern cultures, believed their gods actively intervened in history and revealed the future through omens, dreams, and diviners. In this context, the Israelites might have questioned the power of their own God, Yahweh, especially given their defeat and exile. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts this challenge, affirming Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other deities and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their darkest hour. The courtroom imagery would have been familiar to ancient audiences, who understood legal proceedings as a means of establishing truth and justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Uniqueness of God**, presenting Yahweh as the sole true God, incomparable to any created thing or false deity. His challenge to the idols highlights His absolute authority as the **King of all nations** and the ultimate judge. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Impotence and Folly of Idolatry**. The very act of challenging the idols to speak or act exposes their lifelessness and inability to influence history or predict the future, a theme pervasive throughout Isaiah 40-48, particularly in passages like [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "The Folly of Idolatry"). Thirdly, the title "King of Jacob" reaffirms God's **Covenant Faithfulness to Israel**, reminding His people that despite their circumstances, He remains their sovereign protector and advocate, committed to His promises of restoration and redemption. This divine self-vindication serves to bolster the faith of a discouraged people, assuring them that their God is indeed able to deliver.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rîyb (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This word, translated as "cause," denotes a "contest (personal or legal)," "dispute," "contention," or "suit." In this context, it vividly portrays a legal setting where God is calling the false gods and their proponents to present their arguments and evidence in a formal dispute. It's an invitation to a courtroom trial, where the truth of their claims will be tested.
* **nâgash (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** Translated as "bring forth," this primitive root means "to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose)." In a legal context, it signifies "to present" or "to adduce an argument." The command "bring forth" is an imperative, demanding that the idols and their advocates step forward and present their case, their proofs, their "strong reasons." It implies an active, confrontational presentation of evidence.
* **ʻatstsumâh (Hebrew, _ʻatstsumâh'_):** Rendered as "strong reasons," this feminine noun is derived from a root meaning "strong" or "mighty." It refers to a "bulwark" or, figuratively, a "powerful argument." God is not asking for weak excuses but for compelling, irrefutable evidence—mighty arguments that can stand up to scrutiny and prove the idols' claims of divinity and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Produce your cause, saith the LORD;":** This opening clause sets the scene for a divine legal challenge. The command "Produce your cause" (Hebrew: `qârab rîybkhem`) is an imperative, meaning "bring near your dispute" or "present your legal case." It's a direct summons from Yahweh, the self-existent God (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), to the false gods and their worshippers to enter a courtroom and present their evidence. The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores the divine authority behind this challenge, establishing Him as the ultimate judge and arbiter.
* **"bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.":** This second clause parallels and intensifies the first. "Bring forth" (Hebrew: `nâgash`) is another imperative, demanding a formal presentation of evidence. "Your strong reasons" (Hebrew: `ʻatstsumâh`) refers to compelling, mighty arguments or proofs. God is demanding irrefutable evidence of the idols' power, foreknowledge, or ability to act in history. The title "King of Jacob" (H4428, melek; H3290, Yaʻăqôb) is profoundly significant. It not only asserts God's universal kingship but also specifically highlights His covenant relationship with Israel (Jacob), reminding His people that their God is sovereign, faithful, and uniquely powerful over all other claimants to divinity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:21 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is the **Courtroom Metaphor** or **Legal Language**, which frames the entire interaction as a judicial proceeding. Phrases like "produce your cause" and "bring forth your strong reasons" are legalistic terms, casting God as the presiding judge and the idols (and their proponents) as the defendants challenged to present their case. This creates a dramatic tension, inviting the reader to witness the inevitable failure of the false gods. Another device is **Rhetorical Challenge**, where God's command is not a genuine request for a defense but a taunt designed to expose the idols' impotence. He knows they have no "cause" or "strong reasons" to present, and the challenge itself serves as proof of their nullity. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("bring forth your strong reasons") echoes and strengthens the meaning of the first ("Produce your cause"). This repetition emphasizes the urgency and completeness of God's demand. Finally, the use of **Anthropomorphism** ("saith the LORD," "saith the King of Jacob") attributes human speech to God, making His divine decree more immediate and impactful for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:21 stands as a profound theological statement on the absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh. It asserts that true divinity is characterized by the ability to declare the future and to bring about historical events, a capacity that belongs to God alone. This challenge to the idols is not merely a philosophical debate but a direct confrontation with the spiritual forces and false beliefs that held sway over the ancient world and continue to tempt humanity. It underscores the fundamental biblical truth that there is no God besides Yahweh, and all other claimants are mere fabrications, devoid of life, power, or knowledge. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding God's self-revelation as the only true and living God, providing a solid basis for exclusive worship and trust.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - There is no other God")
* [Psalm 115:3-8](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 10:10-16](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10-16 - The True God vs. Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing ideologies, self-help gurus, and material pursuits, Isaiah 41:21 remains profoundly relevant. It calls us to critically examine what we place our trust in, what we dedicate our time and resources to, and what we ultimately worship. Modern "idols" may not be carved images of wood or stone, but they can be anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives: wealth, power, reputation, comfort, self-reliance, or even certain political or social movements. This verse challenges us to bring forth the "reasons" for our allegiances and to test them against the unshakeable truth of God's revealed Word. It encourages us to find our security and identity not in fleeting human constructs, but in the unchanging, all-powerful "King of Jacob." For believers, it is a call to renewed confidence in the God who alone holds the future and orchestrates all things, empowering us to live fearlessly and to boldly proclaim His truth in a world still searching for ultimate answers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong reasons" or compelling arguments do I rely on for my security and hope, apart from God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently placing trust in "idols" (e.g., career, finances, relationships, personal achievements) rather than in the "King of Jacob"?**
* **How does understanding God's unique sovereignty and foreknowledge, as highlighted in this verse, impact my daily anxieties and long-term plans?**
* **How can I more effectively "produce God's cause" and "bring forth His strong reasons" in conversations with others who are seeking truth?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God being called "King of Jacob" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "King of Jacob" is highly significant because it emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel, Jacob being the patriarch from whom the nation descended. While God is the universal King over all creation, this specific title highlights His unique, intimate, and faithful relationship with His chosen people. It assures the exiles, who might have felt abandoned, that their God remains their sovereign protector and advocate. It also underscores that the God who challenges the false gods is not a distant, abstract deity, but the personal God who has bound Himself to Israel, demonstrating His power and faithfulness on their behalf. This title reinforces the idea that Israel's God is not just one among many, but the true and only King who effectively rules over His people and all of history, in contrast to the impotent idols of other nations.

**Why does God challenge the idols in this way, rather than simply stating His supremacy?**

Answer: God's challenge in Isaiah 41:21 is a powerful rhetorical strategy designed to expose the utter emptiness and futility of idolatry. While God could simply declare His supremacy, inviting the idols to a "courtroom" setting forces them to demonstrate their supposed power and foreknowledge. Since idols are lifeless and powerless, their inability to respond serves as undeniable proof of God's unique divinity. This public challenge serves several purposes: it vindicates God's honor, strengthens the faith of His people who were tempted to doubt Him in exile, and provides a clear, logical argument against polytheism. It's a divine demonstration, proving through the idols' silence that only Yahweh can declare the end from the beginning and act decisively in history, as He does throughout [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "The Comfort of God's Sovereignty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:21, with its powerful declaration of God's unique sovereignty and His challenge to all false claims of divinity, finds its ultimate and definitive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "strong reason" and the irrefutable "cause" that God produces to demonstrate His truth and power to the world. In Christ, God's ultimate revelation, all the "strong reasons" for faith are perfectly embodied. The Old Testament prophets foretold a coming King, and Jesus is truly the "King of Jacob," the promised Messiah who perfectly fulfills God's covenant with Israel and extends His reign to all nations ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")). While the idols of Isaiah's day were silent and impotent, Jesus, as the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), speaks with divine authority, declares the future, and demonstrates power over creation, sickness, sin, and death. He is the one who definitively silences all false claims and triumphs over every spiritual power and authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus presents God's unassailable "cause" for humanity's redemption, proving that God is indeed the only true and living God, worthy of all worship and allegiance. He is the visible image of the invisible God, through whom we truly know the Father and His "strong reasons" for salvation ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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 23:3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

Job 23:4

I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Micah 6:1

¶ Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.

Micah 6:2

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Job 38:3

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 31:37

I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

Job 40:7

Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.