Isaiah 43:6

KJV

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

KJV (with Strong's)

I will say {H559} to the north {H6828}, Give up {H5414}; and to the south {H8486}, Keep not back {H3607}: bring {H935} my sons {H1121} from far {H7350}, and my daughters {H1323} from the ends {H7097} of the earth {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Don't hold them back! Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth,

Berean Standard Bible

I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth—

American Standard Version

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:6 is a majestic divine decree, powerfully articulating God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It portrays God issuing irresistible commands to the cardinal directions—the north and the south—to release and cease holding back His scattered "sons" and "daughters." This verse encapsulates a profound promise of comprehensive, global restoration, emphasizing God's intimate ownership and unfailing power to orchestrate the complete regathering of His beloved people from the farthest reaches of the earth back to Himself, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a pivotal section of Isaiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to messages of hope, restoration, and salvation for Israel. Following the severe warnings and the impending reality of the Babylonian exile, chapters 40-48 specifically address the exiles, assuring them of God's enduring presence, His unique relationship with them, and His steadfast plan for their deliverance and return. The immediate preceding verses in [Isaiah 43:1-5](/isaiah/43-1-5 "Isaiah 43:1-5 - God's Unfailing Love and Redemption of Israel") establish God's intimate knowledge of Israel, His redemptive acts (such as sacrificing Egypt, Cush, and Seba for their ransom), and His declaration of them as "precious and honored" in His sight. Verse 6 logically extends this promise of physical return from captivity to a much broader, universal ingathering, underscoring the boundless scope of God's redemptive power and His intention to gather His people from every corner of the globe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 43 is the Babylonian exile, which commenced in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The people of Judah were forcibly deported and scattered across the vast Babylonian Empire, experiencing profound despair, feelings of abandonment, and a crisis of faith. In the ancient Near East, it was a common imperial strategy to deport conquered populations to break their national identity and prevent rebellion. God's promise in Isaiah 43:6 directly counters this human strategy of dispersal, asserting His ultimate authority over human kingdoms and geographical boundaries. The imagery of calling from "the ends of the earth" speaks to a scattering far beyond the immediate Babylonian context, hinting at a future, more expansive diaspora of the Jewish people and their eventual, comprehensive regathering, demonstrating God's long-term redemptive vision.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 43:6 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, portraying Yahweh as the supreme commander of all creation, capable of issuing irresistible decrees to the very elements and directions of the earth. This underscores His unparalleled power over all human and natural forces, as seen throughout the book, for instance, in [Isaiah 40:12-17](/isaiah/40-12-17 "Isaiah 40:12-17 - The Incomparable God"). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Global Regathering and Restoration**, moving beyond a mere return from Babylonian captivity to envision a worldwide ingathering of God's people, a concept echoed in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah 31:7-10](/jeremiah/31-7-10 "Jeremiah 31:7-10 - The Lord Gathers Israel from the Farthest Lands") and [Zechariah 10:8-10](/zechariah/10-8-10 "Zechariah 10:8-10 - God Whistles for His People"). Thirdly, the tender and possessive language, "my sons" and "my daughters," powerfully underscores **God's Ownership and Covenant Love**, reaffirming His intimate, familial, and enduring relationship with His people. He regards them as His treasured possession, for whom He actively orchestrates deliverance and restoration, a theme central to God's covenant with Israel from its inception in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root signifies "to say (used with great latitude)." In this context, it denotes a divine utterance of absolute authority and command. God's "saying" is not a mere suggestion or a wish; it is an irresistible decree, a performative utterance that compels the very forces of nature and human powers to comply with His will. It underscores the omnipotence of His spoken word, which brings about what it declares.
* **Give up (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root means "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)." Here, in the imperative "Give up," it functions as a forceful demand for release or surrender. The North, representing regions or powers holding God's people captive, is commanded to relinquish its hold, implying that they are being held against God's will. This command signifies an immediate and non-negotiable release.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_); daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1121 and H1323 respectively, these terms refer to "a son (as a builder of the family name)" and "a daughter." Their combined use ("my sons and my daughters") emphasizes the familial, intimate, and deeply personal relationship God has with His people. They are not merely subjects or slaves, but His beloved children, highlighting His tender care, paternal ownership, and the profound covenant bond that motivates His powerful actions to gather them from their dispersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will say to the north, Give up;":** This clause initiates God's powerful declaration, showcasing His active intervention. The "north" (Hebrew: _tsâphôwn'_), often associated with hiddenness or darkness (H6828), and historically linked to powerful invading empires like Assyria and Babylon, is personified as an entity capable of hearing and obeying God's command. "Give up" (Hebrew: _nâthan'_), in this context, is a divine imperative demanding the unconditional release of those held within its bounds, signaling an end to their captivity or dispersal.
* **"and to the south, Keep not back:":** This clause functions in perfect parallelism with the first, extending the divine command to the "south" (Hebrew: _têymân'_). The phrase "Keep not back" (Hebrew: _kâlâʼ'_), a strong prohibition against withholding, restraining, or prohibiting, reinforces God's absolute authority over all geographical directions and the powers associated with them. It underscores that no region, nation, or opposing force can resist His sovereign will to gather His people.
* **"bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and comprehensive scope of God's commands to the north and south. The imperative "bring" (Hebrew: _bôwʼ'_), meaning "to go or come," signifies an active, divine orchestration of their return, implying a powerful, irresistible movement. The reference to "my sons" and "my daughters" underscores God's deep, familial ownership and affection for His people, emphasizing their identity as His beloved children. The phrases "from far" (Hebrew: _râchôwq'_) and "from the ends of the earth" (Hebrew: _qâtseh ha'erets'_) emphasize the vastness of their dispersion and the comprehensive, global scope of their promised regathering, indicating that no distance or barrier is too great for God's redemptive reach.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:6 is richly imbued with literary devices that amplify its profound message. **Personification** is prominently employed as God addresses the "north" and "south" as if they are sentient beings capable of hearing and obeying His commands to "Give up" and "Keep not back." This vivid imagery powerfully portrays God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible authority over all creation, including geographical regions and the human powers they represent. **Parallelism** is a dominant feature, particularly in the balanced structure of "to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back" and "my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth." This poetic technique enhances the rhetorical force, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's command and the universality of the promised regathering. Furthermore, the use of "from far" and "from the ends of the earth" exemplifies **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a complete whole. This signifies that God's people will be gathered from every conceivable direction and distance, leaving no one out of His redemptive plan and highlighting the exhaustive nature of His divine reach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:6 stands as a profound testament to God's unyielding faithfulness and His sovereign power to fulfill His covenant promises. Theologically, it asserts that no human empire, geographical barrier, or spiritual opposition can thwart the divine will to redeem and restore God's chosen people. It speaks to a God who is not merely an observer but an active participant and commander in history, ensuring that those whom He calls "my sons" and "my daughters" will ultimately be brought into His presence, regardless of how scattered or distant they may seem. This verse also prefigures the expansive, inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond the physical nation of Israel to encompass a global family of believers from all nations, demonstrating the ultimate scope of His saving work.

* [Isaiah 49:22](/isaiah/49-22 "Isaiah 49:22 - God Gathers His People from Afar")
* [Zechariah 8:7-8](/zechariah/8-7-8 "Zechariah 8:7-8 - The Lord Gathers His People from East and West")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 43:6 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to unwavering trust in God's unfailing power and boundless love. In a world where individuals and communities often feel lost, scattered, or alienated by circumstances, this verse serves as a profound reminder that God's reach is boundless and His commitment to His children is absolute. It assures us that no matter how far we may stray, how deeply we may feel isolated, or how challenging our circumstances, God is actively at work, commanding the very forces of the universe to bring His people back to Himself. This divine promise extends to every believer, reminding us that we are deeply loved and intimately known as "sons" and "daughters" of God, destined for a glorious, unified future in His presence. It encourages us to live with confident hope, knowing that God's ultimate plan for restoration and unity will prevail, even when the path seems unclear or obstacles appear insurmountable. Our identity as His children empowers us to live boldly, knowing our heavenly Father is orchestrating all things for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command over the "north" and "south" challenge our understanding of human power and geographical or political limitations in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, sometimes feel "scattered" or "far from God" due to sin, doubt, or difficult life circumstances, and how does this verse offer profound reassurance in such times?**
* **What does God calling His people "my sons" and "my daughters" reveal about His personal relationship with us, and how should this familial language shape our identity and sense of belonging?**
* **How does the promise of a global regathering inspire and inform our participation in God's mission to reach all nations with the Gospel today?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse only refer to the physical return of Israel from Babylonian exile?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Isaiah 43:6 certainly includes the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, the expansive language used—"from far" and "from the ends of the earth"—suggests a scope far grander than just that event. Many biblical scholars understand this prophecy to have a dual fulfillment: an initial, partial fulfillment in the post-exilic return, and a broader, ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual gathering of all God's people, both Jew and Gentile, into His kingdom through Christ. It also points to a future eschatological regathering of Israel. Therefore, it encompasses God's comprehensive plan for all humanity, extending beyond a single historical event to His ongoing work of redemption and restoration across time and peoples.

**How does God "say" to the north and south? Is this literal?**

Answer: The imagery of God "saying" to the north and south is a powerful example of **personification**, a literary device where inanimate objects or abstract concepts are given human qualities. It is not meant to be taken literally as God having a conversation with geographical directions. Instead, it vividly portrays God's absolute, irresistible sovereignty and omnipotence. It signifies that God's command is so powerful that even the elements and the powers associated with those regions (e.g., the nations that hold His people captive) must obey His decree. It underscores that nothing can stand in the way of His divine will, and His word is effective in bringing about what it declares. This is consistent with God's creative power, where He "spoke, and it came to be" as seen in [Psalm 33:9](/psalm/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks and It Is Done").

**What does "my sons" and "my daughters" imply about God's relationship with His people?**

Answer: The use of "my sons" and "my daughters" (Hebrew: _banim_ and _banot_) is incredibly significant. It moves beyond a mere master-servant or king-subject relationship to highlight an intimate, familial, and covenantal bond. It implies God's deep affection, personal ownership, and parental care for His people. It signifies that they are His cherished children, heirs to His promises, and recipients of His unconditional love and protection. This familial language underscores the tender and personal nature of God's commitment to their redemption and restoration, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 31:9](/jeremiah/31-9 "Jeremiah 31:9 - God as a Father to Israel") and [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - God's Love for Israel as a Son"). It forms the basis of their identity and security in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 43:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While initially promising the physical return of Israel from exile, the expansive language of gathering "my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth" points to a spiritual regathering that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries, a mission perfectly embodied by Christ. Jesus is the divine Shepherd who comes to [seek and save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost"), gathering His sheep not only from the fold of Israel but also [other sheep who are not of this fold](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All His Sheep"), bringing them all into one flock under one Shepherd. Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making [both one new humanity](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") and granting all who believe the [right to become children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"). The Great Commission, to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission to All Nations"), is the New Testament manifestation of God's ancient command to the "north" and "south" to "bring my sons and my daughters" from every corner of the globe into His eternal family. Thus, the comprehensive, global regathering promised in Isaiah 43:6 is realized in the Church, the body of Christ, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, united as God's beloved "sons and daughters" through their adoption in Christ Jesus, as beautifully articulated in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - All Are Children of God Through Faith in Christ Jesus").

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

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Jeremiah 3:14

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Jeremiah 3:19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.