TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
Complete Jewish Bible
ADONAI will go out like a soldier, like a soldier roused to the fury of battle; he will shout, yes, he raises the battle cry; as he triumphs over his foes.
Berean Standard Bible
The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies:
American Standard Version
Jehovah will go forth as a mighty man; he will stir up his zeal like a man of war: he will cry, yea, he will shout aloud; he will do mightily against his enemies.
World English Bible Messianic
The LORD will go out like a mighty man. He will stir up zeal like a man of war. He will raise a war cry. Yes, he will shout aloud. He will triumph over his enemies.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord shall go forth as a gyant: he shall stirre vp his courage like a man of warre: he shall shout and crie, and shall preuaile against his enemies.
Young's Literal Translation
Jehovah as a mighty one goeth forth. As a man of war He stirreth up zeal, He crieth, yea, He shrieketh, Against His enemies He showeth Himself mighty.
Study This Verse
Commentary on Isaiah 42 verses 13–17
13 ¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
15 I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
It comes all to one whether we make these verses (as some do) the song itself that is to be sung by the Gentile world or a prophecy of what God will do to make way for the singing of that song, that evangelical new song.
I. He will appear in his power and glory more than ever. So he did in the preaching of his gospel, in the divine power and energy which went along with it, and in the wonderful success it had in the pulling down of Satan's stronghold, Isa 42:13, Isa 42:14. He had long held his peace, and been still, and refrained himself, while he winked at the times of the ignorance of the Gentile world (Act 17:30), and suffered all nations to walk in their own ways (Act 14:16); but now he shall go forth as a mighty man, as a man of war, to attack the devil's kingdom and give it a fatal blow. The going forth of the gospel is thus represented, Rev 6:2. Christ, in it, went forth conquering and to conquer. The ministry of the apostles is called their warfare; and they were the soldiers of Jesus Christ. He shall stir up jealousy, shall appear more jealous than ever for the glory of his own name and against idolatry. 1. He shall cry, in the preaching of his word, cry like a travailing woman; for the ministers of Christ preached as men in earnest, and that travailed in birth again till they saw Christ formed in the souls of the people, Gal 4:19. He shall cry, yea, roar, in the gospel woes, which are more terrible than the roaring of a lion, and which must be preached along with gospel blessings to awaken a sleeping world. 2. He shall conquer by the power of his Spirit: He shall prevail against his enemies, shall prevail to make them friends, Col 1:21. Those that contradict and blaspheme his gospel, he shall prevail to put them to silence and shame. He will destroy and devour at once all the oppositions of the powers of darkness. Satan shall fall as lightning from heaven, and he that had the power of death shall be destroyed. As a type and figure of this, to make way for the redemption of the Jews out of Babylon, God will humble the pride, and break the power, of their oppressors, and will at once destroy and devour the Babylonian monarchy. In accomplishing this destruction of Babylon by the Persian army under the command of Cyrus, he will make waste mountains and hills, level the country, and dry up all their herbs. The army, as usual, shall either carry off the forage or destroy it, and by laying bridges of boats over rivers shall turn them into islands, and so drain the fens and low grounds, to make way for the march of their army, that the pools shall be dried up. Thus, when the gospel shall be preached, it shall have a free course, and that which hinders the progress of it shall be taken out of the way.
II. He will manifest his favour and grace towards those whose spirits he had stirred up to follow him, as Ezr 1:5. Those who ask the way to Zion he will show the way, and lead in it, Isa 42:16. Those who by nature were blind, and those who, being under convictions of sin and wrath are quite at a loss and know not what to do with themselves, God will lead by a way that they knew not, will show them the way to life and happiness by Jesus Christ, who is the way, and will conduct and carry them on in that way, which before they were strangers to. Thus, in the conversion of Paul, he was struck blind first, and then God revealed his Son in him, and made the scales to fall from his eyes. They are weak in knowledge, and the truths of God at first seem unintelligible; but God will make darkness light before them, and knowledge shall be easy to them. They are weak in duty, the commands of God seem impracticable, and insuperable difficulties are in the way of their obedience; but God will make crooked things straight; their way shall be plain, and the yoke easy. Those whom God brings into the right way he will guide in it. As a type of this, he will lead the Jews, when they return out of captivity, in a ready road to their own land again, and nothing shall occur to perplex or embarrass them in their journey. These are great things, and kind things, very great and very kind; but lest any should say, "They are too great, too kind, to be expected from God by such an undeserving people as that of the Jews, such an undeserving world as that of the Gentiles," he adds, These things will I do unto them, take my word for it I will, and I will not forsake them; he that begins to show this great mercy will go on to do them good.
III. He will particularly put those to confusion who adhere to idols notwithstanding the attempts made by the preaching of the gospel to turn them from idols (Isa 42:17): They shall be turned back, and greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images. The Babylonians shall when they see how the Jews, who despise their images, are owned and delivered by the God they worship without images, and the Gentiles when they see how idolatry falls before the preaching of the gospel, is scattered like darkness before the light of the sun, and melts like snow before its heat. They shall be ashamed that ever they said to these molten images, You are our gods; for how can those help their worshippers who cannot help themselves, nor save themselves from falling into contempt? In times of reformation, when many turn from iniquity, and sin, being generally deserted, becomes unfashionable, it may be hoped that those who will not otherwise be reclaimed will be wrought upon by that consideration to be ashamed of it.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–17. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 10, 11 and following) Sing to God a new song: his praise from the ends of the earth: you who descend into the sea, and its fullness; islands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up: in the houses shall Cedar dwell, praise you inhabitants of Petra, they shall shout from the top of the mountains. They shall give glory to the Lord, and his praise in the islands they shall declare. The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, as a warrior he shall stir up zeal: he shall shout and cry out: he shall strengthen himself against his enemies. I have always kept silent, I have been quiet, I have been patient: like a woman in labor, I will speak. I will scatter and devour together. I will make mountains and hills desolate, and I will dry up all their vegetation, and I will turn rivers into islands, and I will dry up ponds. And I will lead the blind on a path they do not know, and I will make them walk on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness into light in front of them, and I will make crooked paths straight. These are the things I will do for them, and I will not abandon them. They have turned back: let them be confounded with confusion, that trust in idols, that say to molten things: You are our gods. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: his praise is in the church of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in choir: let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery. For the Lord is well pleased with his people: and he will exalt the meek unto salvation. The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds. The high praises of God shall be in their mouth: and two-edged swords in their hands. To execute vengeance upon the nations, chastisements among the people. To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron. To execute upon them the judgment that is written: this glory is to all his saints. Alleluia. They will give glory to God, his virtues will be proclaimed in the islands. The Lord God of hosts will go forth and crush the battle, he will stir up zeal, and he will cry out against his enemies with strength. Have I been silent from the beginning, will I always be silent and endure? As one in labor, I have acted with patience; I will burst forth and dry up together, I will lay waste the mountains and hills, and I will dry up all their grass. And I will turn rivers into islands, and I will dry up marshes. And I will lead the blind along a way they do not know, and I will make their paths uneven; I will turn darkness into light for them, and crooked things into straight paths. I will speak these words to them, and I will not abandon them, but they have turned backward; you will be confused with confusion, you who trust in idols, who say that they are gods. He who had said: what was first, behold, it has come; I also announce new things: before they arise, I will make them heard to you; and he had promised that he would say what they did not know: what are those new things, he states in the following discourse, commanding the Apostles and the Apostolic men to sing a new song, not in the antiquity of the letter; but in the novelty of the spirit. Not only in the old Instrument, but also in the new; and His praise reaches to the ends of the earth. For He has come forth from the highest heaven and His circuit is to the highest point of it (Psalm XIX). The sound of the Apostles has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. Or according to the Septuagint: Glorify His name in the ends of the earth, that the name of Christ may be announced to the nations in the whole world. But who are those who should sing a new song, the following words declare: You who go down to the sea and sail upon it, or the fullness of the sea. For seeing the apostles, Jesus by the sea of Galilee, mending their nets, called and sent them into the great sea (Luke 5); to make fishermen of fish, who preached the Gospel from Jerusalem to Illyria and Spain: taking the power of the Roman city itself in a short time. Or certainly they descended into the sea and sailed it; enduring the storms and persecutions of this age. Also the islands and their inhabitants, whether understanding the diversity of nations or the multitude of churches. Let the desert and its cities raise their voices, as we mentioned earlier. Whether the desert and its villages rejoice, and Cedar, which was once an uninhabitable region beyond Arabia of the Saracens. And the inhabitants of Petra, which is also a city of Palestine. But this signifies that the deserted people of the nations, previously bound by the ignorance of God and the errors of idolatry, should be converted to the praises of the Lord. Whether because Cedar is interpreted as darkness, and according to the Apostle (I Cor. X) Christ is the rock, it is commanded to all believers, that those who were previously in darkness, and now believe in the Lord Savior, shout from the top of the mountains, and openly proclaim Christ, to whom it is also said above (Ad cap. XL, 9): Ascend to the high mountain, you who proclaim the good news to Zion. Lift up your voice with strength, you who proclaim good news to Jerusalem. And I will set his glory among the islands, of which we have spoken before. And the prophetic discourse describes the glorious advent of the Savior, about which even the Apostle Paul speaks: According to the illumination of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4; 2 Timothy 1:10); and he compares him to a mighty man who will fight against his adversaries, arousing zeal. Of whom it is also prophesied in the Song of Deuteronomy: They have made me jealous with what is not a god; they have provoked me with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a nation; I will provoke them with a foolish nation (Deuteronomy 32:21). He will also shout and cry out against his enemies, openly condemning their faithlessness, and with loud voice proclaiming: I have been silent, I have always kept silent, I have been patient, or as the Septuagint translated: I have been silent, will I always be silent? (Ecclesiastes 3:7) That which is said through Solomon may be fulfilled: A time to keep silent, and a time to speak. And the meaning is: I have often borne with you as you have transgressed for a long time; but because I remained silent before, I will by no means keep silent any longer. And just as a woman giving birth brings forth a child into the light and makes what was previously hidden in the depths of her womb open and visible, so too I will reveal my pain and the deceit that I have always harbored regarding your crimes, and I will expose your plans. And at once I will devour the entire nation and all the pride of your mountains and the swelling of your hills. And the grass, of which it was said: Truly the grass is the people, that is, both the leaders and the common people, I will reduce to a desert. What is added in the edition of Theodotion of the Septuagint, who had omitted these words (See above, Chapter IV, 7). And when I have dried you up from head to toe and wiped you out, then I will make the rivers of my teaching flow in the islands of the nations, and I will turn your lakes or marshes into dry land, so that there may be knowledge of the Scriptures among the nations and dryness of teaching among you. And I will lead the blind along a path they did not know, of whom we have also read above: I have made you a covenant of the people, a light of the nations, to open the eyes of the blind. They will be led along the way by which Christ speaks. I am the way, that is, the way of the knowledge of God, and I will make them walk on the prophetical paths. Then their darkness will be changed into light, and their faults will be turned into righteousness, so that they may understand what they read and with the eyes of their hearts may gaze upon the clear light of Christ in the Old Testament. At the same time, he adds: These words that I have spoken or will speak to them do not promise anything further in the future, but fulfill what I promised before. But when this was said, the Jewish people turned backward so as not to believe the promise, and in their errors they were confused and neglected the pledge of God, whom they had believed in before idols. Or when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then also the people of Israel will be converted (Rom. II), and they will repent of their error, by which they had served idols before. Or certainly after the calling of the Gentiles, they will return to the beginning: so that it may be said, all the Gentiles who did not want to believe in the Gospel will be confounded in their idols.
JeromeAD 420
COMMENTARY ON ZECHARIAH 3:14.3-4
Also in Isaiah it says, “the Lord of powers will come out and wage war, and will rouse his zeal and will shout in triumph over his foes with strength.” For God will come out from his place, once he is compelled to break his peace and gentleness and kindness for the sake of putting sins right, who, although by his nature is sweet, has been made bitter by our flaw, not in himself but in those suffering, to whom the torments are bitter. It is he who elsewhere spoke by the prophet, “I am God, and I do not change.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 12:42.13
It is [Christ] who has destroyed the power of death; it is he who has crushed the way of sin; it is he who has made the tyranny of the devil to cease; it is he who has put an end to the error of idols.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:13 dramatically portrays the Lord as a formidable divine warrior, actively intervening on behalf of His people and against His adversaries. In striking contrast to the gentle and quiet character of the Servant introduced earlier in the chapter, this verse depicts God Himself as a zealous military leader, rousing Himself for battle, crying out with a mighty roar, and ultimately destined to achieve an absolute and unchallengeable victory over all who oppose His sovereign will and redemptive purposes.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse marks a significant and powerful shift within the first of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9). While the preceding verses introduce the quiet, gentle, and just Servant who will bring forth justice to the nations without breaking a bruised reed or quenching a dimly burning wick (as beautifully described in Isaiah 42:2), verse 13 pivots sharply to reveal the character of the God who sends and empowers this Servant. The Lord is not a passive observer but is depicted as a fierce, active warrior, providing a profound assurance to Israel that the gentle, restorative work of the Servant is backed by the overwhelming, irresistible might of the Almighty. This dramatic contrast underscores the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan, encompassing both tender grace and formidable power. The subsequent verses (e.g., Isaiah 42:14-17) further elaborate on God's long-restrained patience now giving way to decisive and transformative action.
Historical & Cultural Context: Isaiah's prophecy is delivered against the backdrop of Israel's impending Babylonian exile and the subsequent promise of restoration. The people of Judah were facing immense despair, feeling abandoned and overwhelmed by the powerful empires that threatened their very existence. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a "divine warrior" was a prevalent motif, with many cultures attributing military prowess and battle victories to their various gods. However, Isaiah redefines and elevates this motif, presenting Yahweh as the unique and supreme Divine Warrior, whose battles are fought not for territorial gain or capricious power, but for justice, covenant faithfulness, and the vindication of His chosen people. This powerful imagery would have resonated deeply with a people in desperate need of assurance that their God was not only present but actively fighting for them against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Key Themes: The primary themes powerfully conveyed in Isaiah 42:13 include God as a Divine Warrior, emphasizing His immense strength, strategic purpose, and readiness for battle to defend His covenant and people. This motif is foundational throughout Scripture, depicting God as actively engaged in defending His people and executing justice, as seen in the triumphant deliverance from Egypt, where the Lord is declared a "man of war" in Exodus 15:3. Another crucial theme is Divine Zeal and Judgment. The "stirring up jealousy" (Hebrew: qin'ah) refers to God's righteous indignation and passionate commitment to His covenant. It signifies His fierce resolve to vindicate His name and His people, demonstrating His unwavering holiness and exclusive claim to worship, as declared to Moses in Exodus 34:14. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of Ultimate Victory. The culminating declaration, "he shall prevail against his enemies," assures the reader of God's absolute and unchallengeable triumph over all forces that oppose Him, whether pagan nations, spiritual adversaries, or the very forces of chaos and sin. This promise of ultimate victory is a bedrock of biblical eschatology, foreshadowing the final triumph of God's kingdom and the subjugation of all His foes, as referenced in the messianic promise of Psalm 110:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:13 is rich in Anthropomorphism and Simile, portraying God in human-like terms to make His divine attributes comprehensible and impactful. The phrases "as a mighty man" and "like a man of war" are classic Similes, comparing God's actions and character to those of a human warrior, thereby emphasizing His strength, strategic prowess, and active engagement in conflict. This use of human characteristics for God is a form of Anthropomorphism, allowing the prophet to convey God's intense resolve and power in a vivid, relatable manner that would resonate with an ancient audience familiar with warrior deities. The verbs "cry" and "roar" provide powerful Auditory Imagery and are almost Onomatopoeic, evoking the terrifying sounds of a battle cry or a lion's roar, which would strike fear into the hearts of enemies and inspire confidence in His people. The progression of actions from "go forth" to "stir up jealousy" to "cry, yea, roar" and finally "prevail" demonstrates a powerful Climax, building tension and anticipation towards the inevitable and decisive victory of the Lord.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:13 profoundly underscores the active, interventionist, and sovereign nature of God, presenting Him not as a detached observer but as a zealous, powerful warrior who champions His covenant and vindicates His people. This portrayal aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute authority over all creation. His "jealousy" is a holy attribute, signifying His intolerance for idolatry, His righteous indignation against evil, and His passionate devotion to His own glory and the well-being of His chosen ones. The verse assures believers that their ultimate hope rests in a God who is not only mighty but also personally engaged in the cosmic struggle against evil, guaranteeing ultimate triumph over all opposing forces. This divine combat is not merely physical but spiritual, encompassing the defeat of sin, death, and all forms of rebellion against His righteous rule, providing a foundation for eschatological hope.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:13 offers profound comfort and unwavering assurance to those who feel overwhelmed by life's battles, whether personal, spiritual, or societal. It assures them that the God they serve is not passive or indifferent but an active, powerful defender who will ultimately conquer all evil and injustice. This provides a deep wellspring of trust and courage, knowing that the Lord fights on their behalf against spiritual adversaries, systemic oppressions, and personal struggles that seem insurmountable. For those who oppose God or His ways, it serves as a solemn warning of His inevitable judgment and the utter futility of resisting His sovereign will. This verse reminds us that God's power is absolute, and His commitment to justice is unwavering, giving hope for deliverance and a future where all His enemies will be subdued. It calls believers to align their lives with His righteous purposes, trusting in His ultimate victory and finding strength and security in His divine might and zealous protection.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is God described with such violent, warrior-like imagery in this verse, especially after the gentle depiction of the Servant?
Answer: The description of God as a "mighty man" and "man of war" is a powerful anthropomorphism used to convey His absolute sovereignty, irresistible power, and active intervention in human history. In the ancient Near East, divine warrior imagery was common, but Isaiah redefines it for Yahweh, emphasizing His unique role as the righteous and just God. This imagery highlights that God is not a passive deity but one who actively defends His covenant, executes justice, and fights against evil and all who oppose His righteous will. This would have been particularly comforting to the Israelites facing oppression and exile, assuring them that their God was capable of delivering them and triumphing over their powerful enemies. It underscores His zeal and unwavering commitment to His people, ensuring His ultimate victory, as powerfully declared in passages like Exodus 15:3. The contrast with the gentle Servant (e.g., Isaiah 42:2) reveals the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan, encompassing both tender grace and formidable power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the earlier verses of Isaiah 42 depict the Servant as gentle and quiet, not breaking a bruised reed (Isaiah 42:2), this verse reveals the mighty power of the God who sends Him—a power fully embodied in Christ. Jesus, in His first advent, came not with a physical sword but as the ultimate warrior against sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, He decisively "prevailed against his enemies," disarming principalities and powers and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). His "cry, yea, roar" can be seen in His authoritative teaching, His casting out of demons by the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28), and ultimately in His triumphant cry from the cross, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), signaling the decisive victory over sin and death. In His second coming, Christ will return as the Divine Warrior, majestically depicted in Revelation 19:11-16, riding forth to execute righteous judgment and complete the final subjugation of all His enemies, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of the Lord's ultimate and unchallengeable victory. He is indeed the Lamb who was slain, yet also the Lion of Judah, who will utterly prevail.