TRV
Isaiah 43:17
Bible Versions
Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
who led out chariot and horse, the army in its strength - they lay down, never to rise again, snuffed out and quenched like a wick:
who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
who bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched as a wick):
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Isaiah 1:31
And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench [them]. -
Exodus 14:4
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so. -
Exodus 14:9
But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses [and] chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. -
Psalms 118:12
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. -
Revelation 20:8
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea. -
Revelation 20:9
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. -
Ezekiel 38:8
After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
Isaiah 43:17 vividly portrays God's unmatched power and His decisive action in defeating adversaries. This verse serves as a potent reminder of divine judgment and deliverance, drawing upon a significant historical event where God utterly annihilated an opposing force.
Context
This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort," written to reassure and encourage the people of Israel during or in anticipation of their Babylonian captivity. To bolster their faith and hope, God repeatedly reminds them of His past mighty acts of salvation, which serve as a guarantee for future deliverance. Specifically, verse 17 unmistakably points back to the Exodus and the dramatic destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. This event was the supreme demonstration of God's power to save His people while simultaneously bringing judgment upon their oppressors.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The powerful imagery in "they are quenched as tow" (Hebrew: k'pishtah dakhah) is highly significant. "Tow" refers to the loose, dry fibers of flax or hemp, which are extremely flammable and commonly used as tinder to start fires. To be "quenched as tow" means to be extinguished instantly and completely, leaving no ember or spark. This vivid metaphor illustrates the swift, thorough, and effortless annihilation of the enemy by God's power, much like a tiny flame being snuffed out without a trace.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, Isaiah 43:17 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning. It assures us that no obstacle, no enemy, and no power is too formidable for God to overcome. When we face overwhelming challenges or feel threatened by circumstances, we are reminded that the same Almighty God who defeated ancient armies is fully capable of bringing deliverance and victory. Conversely, this verse serves as a powerful warning to any who would oppose God's will or His people, highlighting the ultimate futility of resistance against His supreme authority. Our trust should always be placed in the invincible power of the Lord, who remains unchanging in His might and faithfulness.