Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Listen {H8085}, O isles {H339}, unto me; and hearken {H7181}, ye people {H3816}, from far {H7350}; The LORD {H3068} hath called {H7121} me from the womb {H990}; from the bowels {H4578} of my mother {H517} hath he made mention {H2142} of my name {H8034}.

Coastlands, listen to me; listen, you peoples far away: ADONAI called me from the womb; before I was born, he had spoken my name.

Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye peoples, from far: Jehovah hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name:

Context of Isaiah 49:1

Isaiah 49:1 marks the beginning of the second of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-13) within the Book of Isaiah, a crucial prophetic section. These songs introduce and elaborate on the figure of the Servant of the Lord, whose identity and mission are central to Isaiah's message. While the Servant can represent the nation of Israel or a faithful remnant, New Testament theology often identifies this Servant primarily with Jesus Christ, whose life and work perfectly fulfill these prophecies. This verse sets the stage by presenting the Servant speaking directly, emphasizing his divine commissioning and universal audience.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Calling and Pre-ordination: The most striking theme is the Servant's call by God from before birth. The phrase "The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name" powerfully conveys a sovereign, intentional, and intimate divine election. This highlights that the Servant's purpose is not self-chosen but divinely appointed and known to God from the very beginning.
  • The Identity of the Servant: This verse introduces the Servant as one specially chosen and designated by God. His life's mission is pre-ordained, setting him apart for a unique role in God's redemptive plan. This pre-natal calling resonates with other biblical figures like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and Paul (Galatians 1:15), but finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
  • Universal Audience: The opening command, "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far," indicates that the Servant's message and mission extend beyond the nation of Israel. The "isles" (often referring to distant coastlands or Gentile nations) signify a global reach, foreshadowing the inclusion of all peoples in God's salvation plan. This universal scope is a recurring theme in the Servant Songs, culminating in the Servant being a "light to the Gentiles" (Isaiah 49:6).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "isles" is 'iyyim (אִיִּים), which literally means "coastlands" or "islands." In prophetic literature, it often serves as a metonym for distant lands and the Gentile nations beyond Israel's immediate vicinity. This emphasizes the expansive, international nature of the Servant's appeal. The repetition of "from the womb" (מִבֶּטֶן - mibbeten) and "from the bowels of my mother" (מִמְּעֵי אִמִּי - mimme'ey 'immi) powerfully reinforces the idea of a calling that is deeply personal, innate, and established by God before birth, highlighting divine sovereignty over one's life and purpose.

Practical Application

Isaiah 49:1 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Personal Divine Purpose: Just as the Servant was called and named by God from birth, this verse can encourage us to consider that God has a unique purpose and plan for each of our lives, known to Him even before we were born. It invites reflection on how God has uniquely gifted and positioned us for His work in the world.
  • Confidence in God's Calling: Understanding that our calling is from God, not merely a human endeavor, can provide immense confidence and resilience in the face of challenges. It reminds us that God equips those He calls.
  • Global Perspective: The call to "isles" and "people from far" reminds us that God's redemptive plan is global. It encourages us to have a heart for missions and to participate in sharing the Gospel with people from all nations, near and far, just as the Servant's mission was universal.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

  • Galatians 1:15

    But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,

  • Isaiah 44:2

    Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

  • Isaiah 49:5

    And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

  • Luke 1:31

    And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

  • Psalms 71:5

    For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my youth.

  • Psalms 71:6

    By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise [shall be] continually of thee.

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