Isaiah 41:25

KJV

I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have raised up {H5782} one from the north {H6828}, and he shall come {H857}: from the rising {H4217} of the sun {H8121} shall he call {H7121} upon my name {H8034}: and he shall come {H935} upon princes {H5461} as upon morter {H2563}, and as the potter {H3335} treadeth {H7429} clay {H2916}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I roused someone from the north, and he has come from the rising sun; he will call on my name. He will trample on rulers as if they were mud, like a potter treading clay."

Berean Standard Bible

I have raised up one from the north, and he has come— one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay.

American Standard Version

I have raised up one from the north, and he is come; from the rising of the sun one that calleth upon my name: and he shall come upon rulers as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:25 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their rulers. It foretells the rise of a divinely appointed conqueror, identified as coming "from the north" and "from the rising of the sun," who will execute God's judgment and purposes on the world stage. Through vivid imagery of treading mortar and clay, the verse emphasizes the overwhelming and decisive nature of this chosen instrument's victory over opposing princes, underscoring God's unparalleled power to raise up and bring down leaders according to His sovereign will and for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:25 is situated within a broader section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) often referred to as "The Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This segment primarily addresses the exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of God's faithfulness and power to deliver them. Immediately preceding this verse, God challenges the idols of the nations, contrasting their impotence with His omnipotence and unique ability to declare the future and bring it to pass (cf. [Isaiah 41:21-24](/isaiah/41-21 "Isaiah 41:21-24 - God Challenges Idols")). The "one from the north" is presented as irrefutable proof of God's foreknowledge, a figure whose rise and conquests validate Yahweh's claims over the false gods. Following this verse, God reaffirms His commitment to Israel, promising to strengthen them and defeat their enemies (cf. [Isaiah 41:26-29](/isaiah/41-26 "Isaiah 41:26-29 - God's Vindication of Himself")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 41:25 was delivered during a tumultuous period for Judah, likely in the 8th century BCE, long before the Babylonian exile began. The immediate threat was Assyria, but the prophet's vision extends to the future rise of Babylon and then, crucially, to the Persian Empire. The "one from the north" and "from the rising of the sun" is widely understood to be Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Cyrus's conquests, particularly his capture of Babylon in 539 BCE, were pivotal. His subsequent decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple (cf. [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")) directly fulfilled this and other prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")). The imagery of treading mortar and clay would have been familiar to an ancient audience, representing the complete subjugation and reshaping of conquered peoples and territories, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare and empire-building.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of world history, raising up and bringing down empires and rulers at His will, even those who do not know Him (cf. [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Secondly, it underscores God's use of **Pagan Rulers as Instruments of His Purpose**. Cyrus, a non-Israelite king, becomes God's chosen "shepherd" (as called in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")) to accomplish His redemptive plan for Israel, specifically their return from exile. This theme emphasizes that God's work is not limited to His covenant people but extends to all of creation. Thirdly, the verse offers a profound message of **Hope and Deliverance** to a people facing oppression, assuring them that their God is active, powerful, and faithful to His promises of restoration, even when the means seem unconventional or come from unexpected directions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _çâgân'_):** From an unused root meaning "to superintend," this term refers to a prefect of a province or a ruler. In this context, it denotes the powerful leaders and potentates of the nations whom the divinely appointed conqueror will subdue. The use of this word emphasizes the high status and authority of those who will be utterly overcome, highlighting the conqueror's overwhelming power.
* **Morter (Hebrew, _chômer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "a bubbling up," this word signifies mire or clay, often used as cement. The imagery of treading upon mortar evokes the process of preparing building material, which involves thorough mixing and compaction underfoot. It powerfully conveys the idea of complete subjugation, pulverization, and the reduction of formidable opposition to a pliable, easily manipulated substance.
* **Treadeth (Hebrew, _râmaç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tread upon," specifically as a potter or in walking, or abusively. This verb vividly describes the action of trampling or stamping down. When applied to "clay" and "princes," it illustrates the forceful, decisive, and overwhelming manner in which the chosen instrument of God will conquer and utterly dominate the opposing powers, leaving them crushed and powerless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come:"** This opening clause declares God's sovereign initiative. "I have raised up" emphasizes divine agency, indicating that the rise of this figure is not by chance but by God's deliberate design. The "one from the north" is a geographical indicator, historically pointing towards Persia (whose empire expanded from the north-east relative to Judah), and specifically to Cyrus the Great, who would emerge from that direction to conquer Babylon. His coming is presented as a certainty, a direct outcome of God's will.
* **"from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name:"** "From the rising of the sun" (the east) further specifies the geographical origin, consistent with Persia. The phrase "shall he call upon my name" is significant. It does not necessarily imply conversion to monotheism or explicit worship of Yahweh. Rather, it suggests that this ruler, through his actions and decrees (such as allowing the exiles to return), will implicitly acknowledge or fulfill God's purposes, effectively acting as an agent who brings glory to God's name, even if unknowingly. His actions will demonstrate Yahweh's supreme power over all other gods.
* **"and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay."** This powerful double simile describes the devastating and thorough nature of the conqueror's victory. "Princes" represent the ruling powers and leaders of the nations. To come upon them "as upon morter" and "as the potter treadeth clay" signifies complete subjugation, crushing defeat, and the reduction of their power to nothing. Just as mortar is mixed and compacted underfoot, and clay is trampled to remove impurities and make it pliable for shaping, so too will opposing rulers be utterly subdued and rendered helpless before God's chosen instrument. This imagery conveys both the ease and the completeness of the conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:25 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, which are central to its powerful message. The most prominent literary devices are the two **Similes** comparing the conqueror's actions to familiar, tactile processes: "as [upon] morter" and "as the potter treadeth clay." These comparisons are highly effective, conveying the overwhelming force and thoroughness of the conquest. **Metaphor** is also present, as the "princes" are implicitly equated with the raw materials (mortar and clay) that are easily manipulated and crushed. The geographical markers "from the north" and "from the rising of the sun" serve as **Prophetic Specificity**, grounding the divine promise in concrete, verifiable details that would later be fulfilled. The overall tone is one of **Divine Authority** and **Omnipotence**, as God Himself declares His actions and the inevitable outcome, reinforcing His unique status above all other gods and powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:25 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reveals that even pagan rulers, who may not acknowledge Him explicitly, are instruments in His hand, raised up or brought low to accomplish His divine purposes. This concept challenges any notion of a passive or disengaged deity, asserting that God orchestrates geopolitical events, not merely observing them, to fulfill His redemptive plan for His people and to bring glory to His own name. The prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that no human authority or empire can ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"): "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"): "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"): "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:25 offers immense comfort and a call to trust in God's unfailing sovereignty amidst the uncertainties of life and the tumultuous landscape of global politics. In a world often characterized by anxiety over political shifts, economic instability, or international conflicts, this verse reminds us that God remains firmly on the throne, actively working out His purposes. We are encouraged to look beyond the visible powers and recognize the invisible hand of God orchestrating events, even through unexpected or seemingly ungodly agents, for the ultimate good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. This truth frees us from despair and calls us to faithful living, knowing that our ultimate hope rests not in human leaders or systems, but in the God who raises up and brings down, always for His glory. It invites us to pray for leaders, knowing that God can use them, and to rest in His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over world leaders and events impact your perspective on current global affairs?**
* **In what ways might God be using unexpected or seemingly ungodly instruments today to accomplish His purposes?**
* **How does the assurance of God's control over history strengthen your faith and reduce anxiety in uncertain times?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live out your trust in God's sovereignty in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "one from the north" and "from the rising of the sun" referred to in Isaiah 41:25?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in this verse, biblical scholars widely identify this figure as Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Other passages in Isaiah, such as [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Prophecy of Cyrus") and [Isaiah 45:1-4](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-4 - God's Anointed, Cyrus"), name Cyrus directly as God's chosen instrument to conquer Babylon and facilitate the return of the exiled Israelites to Jerusalem. His empire expanded from the north and east relative to Judah, fitting the geographical descriptions.

**Does "shall he call upon my name" imply that Cyrus became a monotheistic worshipper of Yahweh?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The phrase "shall he call upon my name" in this context likely means that Cyrus, through his actions and decrees (particularly his edict allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple, as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")), would effectively acknowledge or fulfill God's purposes. His conquests and subsequent policies would demonstrate the supremacy of Yahweh over the gods of Babylon and other nations, thereby bringing glory to God's name, even if Cyrus himself remained a polytheist. It signifies that God used him as an unwitting agent to achieve His divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 41:25 directly prophesies the rise of Cyrus as God's instrument for Israel's historical deliverance, its deeper theological fulfillment points to the ultimate sovereign rule of Jesus Christ. Cyrus's decisive conquest and subjugation of earthly powers foreshadow the comprehensive victory of the true "one from the north" and "from the rising of the sun"—Jesus, who comes from heaven (the ultimate "north" or divine realm) and whose light dawns upon the world (the "rising of the sun"). Just as Cyrus crushed princes as mortar and clay, Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the one upon whom God's name is truly called, and through whom God's ultimate kingdom is established, a kingdom that will never be destroyed (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom of God")). The subjugation of earthly rulers by Cyrus prefigures the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (cf. [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Ultimately, the ease with which Cyrus trampled his foes points to the effortless and complete victory Christ will achieve at His second coming, when He will truly "tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (cf. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Return and Judgment")), bringing all things under His feet and establishing His eternal reign.

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

Isaiah 41:2

Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.

2 Samuel 22:43

Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, [and] did spread them abroad.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Zechariah 10:5

¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:6

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: