Isaiah 44:5

KJV

One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

One shall say {H559}, I am the LORD'S {H3068}; and another shall call {H7121} himself by the name {H8034} of Jacob {H3290}; and another shall subscribe {H3789} with his hand {H3027} unto the LORD {H3068}, and surname {H3655} himself by the name {H8034} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One will say, 'I belong to ADONAI.' Another will be called by the name of Ya'akov. Yet another will write that he belongs to ADONAI. and adopt the surname Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.”

American Standard Version

One shall say, I am Jehovah’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Jehovah, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 44:5 prophesies a profound spiritual transformation and expansion, depicting individuals eagerly and publicly declaring their allegiance to the one true God. It portrays a future where people, both within and beyond the traditional covenant community, will not only identify themselves as belonging to the LORD but will also formally commit to His covenant, embracing the spiritual heritage and identity associated with Jacob and Israel. This verse underscores a voluntary, heartfelt, and public embrace of divine ownership and a new, God-given identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 44 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section of the prophet's work primarily addressing the exilic and post-exilic community. This portion of Isaiah offers solace, reassurance, and hope to a people facing or recovering from the trauma of Babylonian captivity. Chapters 40-48 emphasize God's absolute sovereignty, His unique identity as the only God, and His power to deliver His people, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent idols worshipped by other nations. Verse 5 specifically follows a powerful declaration of God's unmatched creative power and His foreknowledge, setting the stage for the eager response of humanity to such a magnificent God. It anticipates the restoration and spiritual renewal of Israel, extending to a broader inclusion of others who will join themselves to the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy emerges from a period when the people of Judah faced the threat or reality of exile to Babylon. During this time, they were exposed to the polytheistic religions and idol worship prevalent in the Mesopotamian empire. Isaiah's message served to bolster their faith in Yahweh, reminding them of His singular power and covenant faithfulness, especially against the backdrop of pagan deities. The act of "subscribing with his hand" (writing one's name) was a culturally recognized method of formalizing agreements, making solemn declarations, or indicating ownership and allegiance in the ancient Near East. Identifying with "Jacob" and "Israel" carried deep historical and covenantal significance, referencing the patriarch and the nation chosen by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. It powerfully articulates the theme of **God's exclusive sovereignty and the futility of idolatry**, building upon prior declarations that only the LORD is God and the creator of all things (e.g., [Isaiah 43:10-13](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10-13 - God's Uniqueness")). It also highlights the **restoration and spiritual renewal of Israel**, promising a return to fervent devotion and a clear identity in God after the period of judgment. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **inclusivity and the expansion of God's covenant people**, foreshadowing a time when others, beyond the immediate descendants of Jacob, would desire to align themselves with the LORD and His chosen nation. This expansive vision is seen more explicitly in later chapters, such as [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - Foreigners Joining the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD'S (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the covenant name of God, Yahweh, the self-existent and eternal One. When individuals declare, "I am the LORD'S," it signifies a profound and personal recognition of divine ownership and authority. It is a declaration of belonging to the supreme, sovereign God, acknowledging His unique identity and power, distinguishing Him from all false gods.
* **subscribe (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root means "to grave," "to write," "to inscribe," or "to prescribe." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, formal act of writing one's name. It is akin to signing a document, thereby making a binding commitment or a public record of one's allegiance. This act emphasizes the intentional and solemn nature of the dedication to God, signifying a profound and lasting bond.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," this word carries a wide range of figurative meanings, including power, means, direction, authority, and ownership. When one "subscribes with his hand," it implies a personal, active, and empowered commitment. It is not merely a verbal declaration but a physical, tangible act that symbolizes the full surrender of one's will, strength, and life to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S;":** This clause describes a personal, public, and unequivocal declaration of allegiance to Yahweh. It signifies a profound shift from idolatry or spiritual indifference to a clear, conscious recognition of God's rightful ownership and authority over one's life. It is a statement of identity rooted in divine relationship.
* **"and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob;":** This indicates a desire to be associated with God's covenant people, the descendants of Jacob. It is not merely an ethnic identification but a spiritual one, embracing the heritage, promises, and responsibilities tied to God's chosen nation. It signifies joining the community of faith and adopting its identity.
* **"and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD,":** This clause emphasizes a formal, deliberate, and binding commitment. The act of "subscribing with his hand" (writing one's name) was a solemn act of ratification in ancient cultures, akin to making a covenant. It highlights the intentional and voluntary nature of one's dedication, a public and undeniable record of allegiance to God.
* **"and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.":** Similar to calling oneself by the name of Jacob, surrendering to the name of Israel signifies a complete embrace of the renewed identity and spiritual heritage of God's people. "Israel" (meaning "he will rule as God" or "God strives") represents the transformed identity and destiny of God's covenant nation, implying a participation in God's redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 44:5 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The verse uses **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where different phrases express similar ideas to reinforce the central message of allegiance. "Call himself by the name of Jacob" and "surname himself by the name of Israel" are parallel expressions emphasizing the adoption of a covenant identity. The phrase "subscribe with his hand" is a potent **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for the act of writing, symbolizing a personal, formal, and binding commitment. This act also functions as **Symbolism**, representing a deep, internal decision made manifest through an outward, public declaration. The repetition of "one shall say," "another shall call," and "another shall subscribe" creates a sense of **Anaphora** and **Enumeration**, highlighting the widespread and enthusiastic nature of this future allegiance to the LORD, suggesting a movement of many individuals embracing this new identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 44:5 powerfully articulates the theme of belonging to God and the transformation of identity that accompanies such allegiance. It speaks to a future where divine ownership is not only acknowledged but joyfully embraced through public declaration and formal commitment. This commitment signifies a deep, personal relationship with the LORD, moving beyond mere ritual to a profound spiritual identification with His covenant people. The prophecy envisions a time of spiritual expansion and renewal, where many will eagerly align themselves with God and His purposes.

* [Psalm 100:3](/psalms/100-3 "We are His people")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant Written on Hearts")
* [Romans 14:8](/romans/14-8 "We belong to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 44:5 challenges believers today to consider the depth and sincerity of their own allegiance to the LORD. It calls for a clear, conscious, and public declaration of faith, not just an internal belief. Are we willing to boldly say, "I am the LORD'S," allowing our lives to be a testament to His ownership? This verse encourages us to fully embrace our identity as children of God, members of His spiritual family—the Church—and to live in a way that reflects this profound belonging. The act of "subscribing with the hand" serves as a powerful metaphor for our active and intentional commitment to God's covenant, urging us to engage in His purposes with our whole being. It reminds us that true faith is not passive but involves a willing, joyful, and public surrender of ourselves to our Creator, living in alignment with His will and identifying with His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I publicly declare my allegiance to the LORD in my daily life?**
* **How does my identity as "the LORD'S" shape my priorities, decisions, and relationships?**
* **What does it mean for me to "subscribe with my hand" to the LORD in a practical sense today?**
* **How can I more fully embrace my spiritual identity as part of God's covenant people, the Church?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 44:5 refer only to ethnic Israel, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 44:5 speaks to the restoration and spiritual renewal of ethnic Israel after the Babylonian exile, the prophetic vision often extends beyond immediate historical circumstances. The language of individuals eagerly declaring allegiance and identifying with "Jacob" and "Israel" foreshadows a broader inclusion. In the New Testament, the concept of "Israel" expands to include all who have faith in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, forming a spiritual Israel (e.g., [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Not all Israel is Israel")). Therefore, this verse has broader implications for anyone who chooses to align themselves with God's covenant people through faith.

**What is the significance of "subscribing with his hand unto the LORD"?**

Answer: "Subscribing with his hand" (Hebrew: *katab yado*) literally means "writing with his hand." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this was a solemn and binding act, akin to signing a legal document or making a formal oath. It signified a public, undeniable, and intentional commitment. In Isaiah 44:5, it symbolizes a voluntary, personal, and public act of dedication and allegiance to the LORD. It's a powerful metaphor for a wholehearted, deliberate embrace of God's covenant, where one's very identity and future are formally committed to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 44:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant established through Him. The prophecy of individuals eagerly declaring "I am the LORD'S" and identifying with "Israel" points forward to the reality of the Church, which is the spiritual Israel, composed of all believers—Jew and Gentile—united in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, individuals are not merely adopting a name but are truly grafted into God's covenant family, becoming children of God (e.g., [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")). The act of "subscribing with his hand unto the LORD" is spiritually fulfilled in the new covenant, where God's law is written not on tablets of stone or by human hand, but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - New Covenant on Hearts") and [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters written on hearts")). Our baptism, a public declaration of allegiance to Christ, symbolizes this profound commitment and identification with His death and resurrection (e.g., [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's death")). Thus, Isaiah 44:5 beautifully foreshadows the universal call to discipleship and the spiritual transformation wrought by Christ, inviting all to declare their allegiance to the Lord Jesus and embrace their new identity as members of His body, the Church (e.g., [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Galatians 6:16

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

2 Corinthians 8:5

And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Deuteronomy 26:17

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

Deuteronomy 26:19

And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.