Isaiah 41:27

The first [shall say] to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

The first {H7223} shall say to Zion {H6726}, Behold {H2009}, behold {H2009} them: and I will give {H5414} to Jerusalem {H3389} one that bringeth good tidings {H1319}.

I am the first to declare it to Tziyon, to send Yerushalayim a messenger with good news.

I was the first to tell Zion: ‘Look, here they are!’ And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.

I am the first that saith unto Zion, Behold, behold them; and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

Commentary

Isaiah 41:27 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His people, Zion and Jerusalem. It underscores His unique ability to declare future events and His intention to bring forth a message of hope and deliverance.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) known as the "Book of Comfort" or "Deutero-Isaiah," written to encourage the exiles in Babylon. In Isaiah 41, God is challenging the false gods and idols of the nations, demonstrating His sole power and foreknowledge. He contrasts His ability to declare "the first things" and future events with the impotence of idols who cannot foretell anything (compare Isaiah 41:23-24). Within this context, verse 27 highlights that God Himself is the one who initiates the message of good news to His chosen city.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Sovereignty: The phrase "The first [shall say] to Zion" emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of revelation and action. He is the one who first declares His plans and brings them to pass. This theme of God being "the first and the last" is prominent in Isaiah (Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6).
  • Hope and Assurance for Jerusalem: Despite the impending or current exile and distress, God promises a future of good news for Jerusalem. This provides immense comfort and reassurance that God has not abandoned His people.
  • The Messenger of Good Tidings: The promise "I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings" points to a messenger. While this could refer to historical figures like Cyrus, or the prophets themselves, its ultimate fulfillment points to the proclamation of the Gospel, with Jesus Christ as the ultimate bringer of the greatest good news.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "good tidings" or "good news" is besorah (בְּשָׂרָה). This term is significant as it is the root from which the Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning "gospel" or "good news," is derived. In the Old Testament, besorah often refers to news of victory, peace, or the end of distress. Here, it carries the profound weight of God's impending salvation and restoration for His people. This concept is beautifully echoed in Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of the feet of him who brings good news.

Practical Application

Isaiah 41:27 reminds us of God's active involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His promises. For believers today, it underscores several truths:

  • God is in Control: In times of uncertainty or distress, we can find peace knowing that God declares the end from the beginning and orchestrates events according to His divine plan.
  • The Power of the Gospel: The ultimate "good tidings" for all humanity is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, offering salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life. We are called to be those who bring these good tidings to a world in need (Romans 10:15).
  • Hope in God's Promises: Just as God promised and delivered good news to Jerusalem, He continues to be faithful to His promises to His people today, offering hope and comfort in every circumstance.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Isaiah 40:9

    ¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

  • Isaiah 52:7

    ¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

  • Isaiah 48:3

    I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did [them] suddenly, and they came to pass.

  • 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.

  • Nahum 1:15

    Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

  • Isaiah 43:10

    Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

  • Romans 10:15

    And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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