Isaiah 47:4

KJV

[As for] our redeemer, the LORD of hosts [is] his name, the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for our redeemer {H1350}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}, the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our Redeemer! ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name, the Holy One of Isra'el!

Berean Standard Bible

Our Redeemer—the LORD of Hosts is His name— is the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

Our Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:4 interrupts a scathing oracle against Babylon, shifting focus from the oppressor's impending doom to the enduring identity and character of Israel's God. This verse serves as a profound declaration of comfort and assurance for God's people, reminding them that their deliverer is not a distant or powerless deity but the sovereign, holy, and intimately involved Lord of all creation, whose very name signifies His redemptive power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is a dramatic prophetic lament and judgment against Babylon, personified as a proud, self-assured queen who believes herself invincible and eternal. The preceding verses detail her sudden and humiliating downfall, stripped of her royal garments and forced into servitude, a stark reversal of her former glory. Amidst this vivid depiction of divine retribution against a tyrannical empire, Isaiah 47:4 stands as a powerful, almost interjected, declaration of God's true nature. It provides a theological anchor, contrasting Babylon's false gods and fleeting power with the eternal, unchanging, and active sovereignty of the God of Israel, thereby offering hope and reassurance to the oppressed people of Judah who were either in exile or facing its prospect.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 47 is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian Empire's rise and eventual fall. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled its inhabitants in 586 BC. This empire was renowned for its military might, its grand capital city, and its polytheistic worship, with Marduk as its chief deity. The people of Israel, living in exile, would have been surrounded by Babylonian culture, religion, and the overwhelming sense of its power. The cultural concept of a "redeemer" (go'el) was deeply embedded in Israelite society, referring to a kinsman responsible for upholding family rights, avenging wrongs, and restoring lost property or freedom (e.g., [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - The Law of Redemption")). This verse, therefore, speaks directly to the exiles' plight, assuring them that their God, unlike Babylon's impotent idols, is their active, familial Redeemer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even the mightiest empires like Babylon are subject to His divine decree, as seen in [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Sovereignty over Cyrus"). It highlights **God's Redemptive Faithfulness** to His covenant people, assuring Israel that despite their suffering and exile, He remains their "Redeemer" who will act on their behalf, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43 "Isaiah 43:1-3 - God's Promise to Redeem Israel"). Furthermore, the declaration of "the Holy One of Israel" underscores God's **Transcendent Holiness and Moral Purity**, setting Him apart from all human and pagan deities, and emphasizing His unique relationship with His chosen people, a concept central to the book of [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This term (H1350) is a primitive root signifying "to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship." It refers to the nearest kinsman who had the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a distressed relative—to buy back property, marry a childless widow to raise an heir, or avenge a death. When applied to God, as here, it emphasizes His intimate, familial, and active commitment to deliver His people from bondage, restore their fortunes, and vindicate them. It speaks of a personal, powerful intervention driven by covenant loyalty.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred, self-revealed name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Derived from the verb "to be," it conveys the idea of the "Self-Existent" or "Eternal One." Its presence here, linked with "of hosts," underscores God's unchanging nature, His absolute sovereignty, and His active presence in history, distinguishing Him from all finite, created beings and false deities.
* **Hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This word (H6635) refers to a "mass of persons," specifically "organized for war," an "army," or "celestial bodies." When combined with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ), it forms a majestic divine title, "LORD of hosts," signifying God's supreme authority as the commander of heavenly armies (angels) and the sovereign ruler over all cosmic and earthly forces. It conveys His omnipotence and His ability to execute His will unfailingly, especially in judgment and deliverance.
* **Holy One (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term (H6918) denotes that which is "sacred" or "set apart," ceremonially or morally pure. When applied to God, it highlights His absolute transcendence, moral perfection, and utter distinctness from all creation and sin. As the "Holy One of Israel," it emphasizes His unique covenant relationship with Israel, a relationship founded on His own perfect character and His expectation of holiness from His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As for] our redeemer":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God's intimate and active relationship with His people, Israel. The term "redeemer" (go'el) evokes a powerful sense of familial obligation and protective intervention, portraying God as the one who will personally intervene to deliver His people from oppression and restore their well-being, just as a kinsman would.
* **"the LORD of hosts [is] his name":** This clause declares the divine identity of the Redeemer. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a majestic and awe-inspiring title emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and control over all creation, including celestial armies and earthly powers. It asserts that the one who acts as Israel's kinsman-redeemer is none other than the supreme, all-powerful God, whose very name signifies His eternal, self-existent authority.
* **"the Holy One of Israel":** This final designation further defines the character of the Redeemer. "The Holy One" highlights God's perfect moral purity, transcendence, and unique distinctness from all created beings and all forms of evil. The addition "of Israel" underscores His special, set-apart covenant relationship with His chosen people, affirming His unwavering commitment to them and His righteous character as the foundation of His redemptive acts.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:4 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse sharply interrupts the preceding condemnation of Babylon, shifting the focus from the oppressor's humiliation to the enduring power and character of Israel's God. This creates a dramatic juxtaposition between the fleeting, false power of Babylon and the eternal, true power of Yahweh. The use of multiple divine titles—"our redeemer," "the LORD of hosts," and "the Holy One of Israel"—is a form of **Appellation** or **Accumulation**, which serves to magnify God's multifaceted nature and reinforce His authority and faithfulness. Each title adds a layer of meaning, building a comprehensive picture of God's identity as both intimately connected to His people and supremely sovereign over all. The phrase "his name" functions as **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire character, reputation, and authority, implying that His very essence is defined by these majestic attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:4 serves as a profound theological declaration, anchoring Israel's hope not in their own strength or political alliances, but in the unchanging character of their God. The combination of "Redeemer," "LORD of hosts," and "Holy One of Israel" reveals a God who is simultaneously intimately involved in His people's lives (k Kinsman-Redeemer), supremely powerful over all creation (LORD of hosts), and perfectly righteous and distinct (Holy One). This verse assures believers that their salvation is guaranteed by the very nature of God, who is both able and willing to deliver them from any form of oppression or exile. It underscores the biblical truth that God's redemptive actions are rooted in His character and His covenant faithfulness, not in human merit or circumstance.

* [Psalm 19:14](/psalms/19-14 "Psalm 19:14 - God as Redeemer and Rock")
* [Psalm 46:7](/psalms/46-7 "Psalm 46:7 - The LORD of hosts is with us")
* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be holy, for I am holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:4 offers enduring comfort and a powerful call to trust for believers navigating a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, oppressive systems, or personal struggles. In moments of despair or when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that our God is not a passive observer but an active, powerful, and intimately invested Redeemer. He is the "LORD of hosts," meaning no earthly power, no spiritual adversary, and no personal trial is beyond His sovereign control. His "name"—His very character and authority—is defined by His omnipotence and His commitment to His people. Furthermore, as the "Holy One of Israel," He is perfectly righteous and faithful, ensuring that His promises are true and His redemptive work is certain. This truth invites us to shift our gaze from the temporary "Babylons" of our lives to the eternal, capable, and holy God, fostering a deep sense of security and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylonian" forces or circumstances in your life currently make you feel oppressed or overwhelmed?**
* **How does understanding God as your "Redeemer" (kinsman-deliverer) personally impact your sense of security and hope?**
* **In what ways does the title "LORD of hosts" (God of armies) strengthen your trust in God's ability to intervene in your specific situation?**
* **How does knowing God is the "Holy One of Israel" (perfectly righteous and faithful) deepen your confidence in His promises and His character?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God being called "our redeemer" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "redeemer" (Hebrew: *go'el*) carries profound significance rooted in ancient Israelite law and custom. A *go'el* was a close kinsman who had the legal and moral responsibility to act on behalf of a relative in distress. This could involve buying back land that had been sold due to poverty ([Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - Redemption of Land")), avenging the death of a murdered relative ([Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")), or marrying a childless widow to preserve the family line ([Ruth 4:1-10](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer")). When God is called "our redeemer" in Isaiah 47:4, it signifies His intimate, personal, and active commitment to deliver Israel from its bondage and restore its fortunes. It emphasizes that God is not a distant deity but one who is intimately connected to His people, bound by covenant love and a profound sense of responsibility to save and vindicate them.

**Why is the title "LORD of hosts" so important in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is one of the most majestic and powerful divine titles in the Old Testament. "Hosts" refers to armies, whether heavenly (angels) or earthly. By calling Himself the "LORD of hosts," God declares His absolute sovereignty and supreme authority over all cosmic and earthly forces. In the context of Isaiah 47, where Babylon's military might and perceived invincibility are being dismantled, this title serves as a powerful reassurance to Israel. It reminds them that their God is not merely a local deity but the commander of all armies, the one who controls history, nations, and even the stars. This title underscores His omnipotence and His ability to execute His will unfailingly, ensuring that He can indeed deliver His people from any oppressor, no matter how powerful. It is a declaration of ultimate power and control, providing immense comfort to those facing overwhelming odds, as seen in [Psalm 24:10](/psalms/24-10 "Psalm 24:10 - The King of Glory, the LORD of hosts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:4, with its declaration of God as "our redeemer, the LORD of hosts... the Holy One of Israel," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine Kinsman-Redeemer, the ultimate *Go'el*, who stepped into human history to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Just as the *go'el* in the Old Testament restored property and freedom, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, paid the ultimate price to redeem us, purchasing us back from slavery to sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). He is the true "LORD of hosts," for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), demonstrating His supreme power over all spiritual and earthly forces, including the powers of darkness that once held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, Jesus is the "Holy One of God" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God")), perfectly pure and without sin, embodying the very holiness of God that Isaiah 47:4 proclaims. His perfect holiness made Him the spotless Lamb, qualified to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins ([Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, Our Holy High Priest")). Thus, in Christ, the multifaceted identity of God as Redeemer, Sovereign, and Holy One is fully revealed and powerfully enacted for the salvation of all who believe.

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

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

Isaiah 43:14

¶ Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry [is] in the ships.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 49:26

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 43:3

For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Jeremiah 31:11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.

Jeremiah 50:33

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah [were] oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.