Isaiah 41:3

He pursued them, [and] passed safely; [even] by the way [that] he had not gone with his feet.

He pursued {H7291} them, and passed {H5674} safely {H7965}; even by the way {H734} that he had not gone {H935} with his feet {H7272}.

He pursues them, passing on unscathed, hardly touching the path with his feet.

He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.

He pursueth them, and passeth on safely, even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.

Isaiah 41:3 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign control over world events, particularly concerning the rise of a specific conqueror who would fulfill His divine purposes. This verse portrays an unstoppable force, divinely protected and guided, achieving victory with unprecedented ease.

Context

This verse is part of the "Book of Comfort" in Isaiah (chapters 40-55), written to encourage the exiled people of Israel during their Babylonian captivity. In Isaiah 41, God challenges the nations and their idols, asserting His unique power and foreknowledge. He introduces a "righteous man from the east" (Isaiah 41:2), widely understood to be Cyrus the Great, whom God would raise up to conquer Babylon and facilitate Israel's return. Verse 3 describes the swift and unhindered progress of this divinely appointed figure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse underscores that God is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of history. The conqueror's success is not by his own might alone, but because God is directing his path and ensuring his victory. This theme is central to understanding God's control over kingdoms and rulers.
  • Unstoppable Progress: The phrase "passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet" illustrates the ease and lack of resistance faced by this conqueror. It signifies an unhindered, almost miraculous advance, highlighting the certainty of God's plan being fulfilled.
  • God's Chosen Instrument: While not explicitly named here, the figure described is God's instrument to deliver His people. This highlights God's method of using human agents, even those who may not know Him directly (as with Cyrus, who is later named in Isaiah 45:1), to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "passed safely" implies a sense of peace, security, and completion. The word shalom (peace) is embedded in the root, suggesting that the conqueror's passage was not fraught with danger or significant obstacles. The journey was smooth and unhindered, a testament to divine protection.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 41:3 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that God is actively at work in the world, directing events and raising up individuals to fulfill His purposes, even through unexpected means. When facing uncertainty or overwhelming odds, this verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan and His ability to make a way where there seems to be none. Just as He led the conqueror through an untraveled path, He can guide us safely through our own challenges, ensuring His will is accomplished. This truth resonates with the promise that God is with us and will strengthen us, removing obstacles in our path.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 57:2

    He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness.

  • Job 5:24

    And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle [shall be] in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.

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