Isaiah 49:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will feed {H398} them that oppress {H3238} thee with their own flesh {H1320}; and they shall be drunken {H7937} with their own blood {H1818}, as with sweet wine {H6071}: and all flesh {H1320} shall know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} am thy Saviour {H3467} and thy Redeemer {H1350}, the mighty One {H46} of Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will feed those oppressing you with their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood as with wine. Then everyone will know that I, ADONAI, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Ya'akov."

Berean Standard Bible

I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

American Standard Version

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, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:26 delivers a profound declaration of Yahweh's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel, by vividly portraying the absolute and self-destructive judgment awaiting their oppressors. This divine act of retribution serves not merely as punishment but as a powerful revelation to all humanity, demonstrating unequivocally that the LORD alone is Israel's faithful Savior and Redeemer, the Mighty One whose power and justice are universally acknowledged.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 49:26 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-55), a section largely focused on God's promises of restoration and deliverance for Israel after their Babylonian exile. Specifically, it concludes the second of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-13), which introduces the Servant of the Lord, a figure often understood as both the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah. Chapter 49 itself begins with the Servant's call and mission, then shifts to God's assurance to a doubting Israel that He has not forgotten them, even likening His remembrance to a mother's unbreakable bond with her child, as seen in [Isaiah 49:15-16](/isaiah/49-15-16 "Isaiah 49:15-16 - God's Unwavering Love"). The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 49:24-25](/isaiah/49-24-25 "Isaiah 49:24-25 - God's Promise to Deliver"), pose a rhetorical question about the possibility of rescuing captives from a mighty oppressor, to which God responds with a resounding affirmation of His power to deliver and contend with those who contend with His people. Verse 26, therefore, serves as the climactic and terrifying fulfillment of this divine promise of vengeance and liberation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 49 is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering, displacement, and despair for the Jewish people. They were captives in a foreign land, oppressed by a powerful empire, and many questioned God's faithfulness and ability to deliver them. The imagery of "feeding on their own flesh" and "drunken with their own blood" draws upon ancient Near Eastern concepts of extreme judgment, famine, and internal strife, sometimes associated with siege warfare where starvation could lead to cannibalism, as referenced in [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:53-57](/deuteronomy/28-53-57 "Deuteronomy 28:53-57 - Curses for Disobedience"). Culturally, the concept of a "Redeemer" (Hebrew: *goel*) was deeply embedded in Israelite society, referring to a kinsman who had the legal and moral obligation to buy back enslaved relatives, avenge their blood, or restore lost property, a role God emphatically claims for Himself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's active intervention to right wrongs and punish those who oppress His chosen people. The graphic imagery highlights the severity and completeness of this judgment, emphasizing that God's justice is not passive but decisive. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God as Saviour and Redeemer**. The ultimate purpose of this judgment is not merely vengeance, but the revelation of God's unique identity as the one who delivers His people from bondage and restores them to their rightful place. The titles "Saviour" and "Redeemer" emphasize His covenant faithfulness and His powerful intervention on behalf of Israel, echoing promises found throughout [the book of Exodus](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - God's Covenant with Israel"). Finally, the verse proclaims the **Universal Recognition of God's Sovereignty**. The outcome of this divine intervention is that "all flesh shall know" the LORD, implying a worldwide, undeniable acknowledgment of His power, righteousness, and supremacy over all nations and false gods. This aligns with Isaiah's broader vision of God's glory being revealed to all the earth, as stated in [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** This word (H1320) denotes the physical body, person, or even kin. In Isaiah 49:26, its use in the phrase "feed them... with their own flesh" carries a profound and terrifying irony. It symbolizes utter self-destruction, internal strife, or a complete reversal of fortune where the oppressors' own strength, resources, or even their very being become the instruments of their downfall. It signifies a degradation so complete that they are reduced to consuming themselves, a metaphor for the ultimate desolation and judgment.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045) signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it implies deep, experiential recognition, acknowledgment, and often, a relationship. When "all flesh shall know" the LORD, it indicates a forced, undeniable realization of Yahweh's identity, power, and justice, brought about by His decisive actions. It is a revelation of His sovereignty that leaves no room for doubt, compelling all humanity to acknowledge His unique position.
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This term (H1350) is rooted in the ancient Israelite concept of the "kinsman-redeemer," one who had the right and obligation to buy back property, avenge a wronged relative, or liberate a kinsman from slavery. By claiming this title, God emphatically declares His covenant faithfulness and His active intervention to reclaim His people from bondage, to avenge the injustices committed against them, and to restore them to their rightful place. It highlights His intimate and powerful relationship with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh;":** This clause introduces a graphic and chilling image of divine retribution. The act of "feeding" here is not nourishing but destructive. It signifies that the oppressors will be consumed by their own evil, their own internal conflicts, or the very consequences of their violent actions against God's people. It is a powerful metaphor for self-destruction, where the source of their strength becomes the instrument of their ruin.
* **"and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine:":** This continues the terrifying metaphor, intensifying the imagery of self-inflicted ruin. "Drunken" implies a state of overwhelming confusion, helplessness, and moral collapse. Their "own blood" represents the violence they have perpetrated or the bloodshed that results from their internal strife and ultimate defeat. The comparison to "sweet wine" adds a layer of chilling irony, transforming a symbol of celebration and pleasure into one of horrific judgment and self-destruction, emphasizing the completeness and bitterness of their downfall.
* **"and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.":** This final, pivotal clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of God's judgment. The severe punishment of the oppressors serves as a dramatic, undeniable demonstration to "all flesh" (all humanity) of God's true identity. He is the "Saviour" (one who delivers from danger), the "Redeemer" (the kinsman who reclaims and avenges), and the "mighty One of Jacob" (the powerful and faithful God of the covenant with Israel). This universal recognition is the ultimate goal, affirming His absolute sovereignty and unique relationship with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:26 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and ultimate revelation. The most striking are **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. The gruesome imagery of oppressors "eating their own flesh" and being "drunken with their own blood" is not meant to be taken literally but functions as a powerful **metaphor** for self-destruction, internal strife, and the devastating, self-inflicted consequences of their actions. This imagery is also **hyperbolic**, exaggerating the horror to emphasize the extreme and inescapable nature of God's retribution and the complete reversal of fortune for the oppressors. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in comparing the oppressors' blood to "sweet wine," transforming a symbol of joy and celebration into one of horrific judgment and self-inflicted ruin. This stark **Contrast** between the fate of the oppressors and the ultimate revelation of God as "Saviour and Redeemer" for His people highlights the dual nature of divine justice—punishment for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:26 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His absolute sovereignty over all nations. Theologically, it underscores the certainty of divine justice, demonstrating that God will not allow the oppression of His chosen ones to go unpunished. This aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. The verse also highlights God's role as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, actively intervening to reclaim His people and vindicate them before the world. The declaration that "all flesh shall know" Him as Saviour and Redeemer points to the universal scope of His ultimate revelation, where His power and faithfulness will be undeniably manifest to all creation. This serves as a source of immense hope and assurance for those who trust in Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and will ultimately bring about justice and salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 37:1-9](/psalms/37-1-9 "Psalm 37:1-9 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")
* [Revelation 14:19-20](/revelation/14-19-20 "Revelation 14:19-20 - The Winepress of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:26 offers a profound and challenging message for believers today. While its imagery of judgment is severe, its core message is one of divine assurance and hope. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control of history and that His justice will prevail. When we face oppression, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse encourages us to place our trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It assures us that He sees our suffering, hears our cries, and will act decisively on our behalf. Furthermore, it serves as a solemn warning to any who would oppose God's purposes or harm His people, reminding us that there are eternal consequences for such actions and that God will ultimately vindicate His own. This should inspire us to live with confidence in God's sovereignty, to pray for His justice to be done, and to align our lives with His righteous character, knowing that He is both a loving Father and a just Judge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of this verse shape your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways does this verse offer comfort and assurance to you when you feel oppressed or see injustice in the world?**
* **What does it mean for "all flesh" to know God as Saviour and Redeemer, and how might we participate in that revelation today?**
* **How does the concept of God as "Redeemer" (kinsman who reclaims) resonate with your personal faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Is the imagery of "eating their own flesh" and "drunken with their own blood" meant to be taken literally?**

Answer: No, the imagery in Isaiah 49:26 is highly symbolic and hyperbolic, not literal. It is a powerful **metaphor** for the complete and utter self-destruction, internal strife, and devastating consequences that will befall the oppressors. It signifies that their own wickedness, their own actions, or their own internal divisions will lead to their downfall, rather than a literal act of cannibalism or drinking blood. This kind of vivid, shocking language is common in prophetic literature to convey the severity and certainty of divine judgment.

**Who are the "oppressors" referenced in this verse?**

Answer: Historically, the primary oppressors in view would have been the Babylonians, who had conquered Judah and taken its people into exile. However, in a broader sense, the "oppressors" can represent any nation, power, or entity throughout history that sets itself against God's people and His divine purposes. The principle extends beyond a single historical enemy to encompass any force that seeks to harm, enslave, or diminish those whom God has chosen and redeemed. The ultimate fulfillment of this judgment is against all who oppose God and His Christ.

**How does this verse, with its focus on judgment, align with the New Testament message of God's love and grace?**

Answer: While the imagery is stark, this verse aligns with God's character as revealed in both testaments. God's justice is an essential aspect of His holiness and His love. His judgment against oppressors is an expression of His profound love and faithfulness for His covenant people. In the New Testament, we see God's ultimate act of justice and love converge in Christ: He bore the judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, as described in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated"), offering grace and salvation. Yet, the New Testament also clearly speaks of a future, final judgment for those who reject Christ and continue in unrighteousness, where God's justice will be fully executed, as seen in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, God's love does not negate His justice; rather, His justice ensures that His love for His people and His righteous order will ultimately prevail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:26, with its potent declaration of divine judgment against oppressors and the ultimate revelation of God as Saviour and Redeemer, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of God's historical vindication of Israel against physical enemies, the New Testament reveals that the ultimate "oppressors" of humanity are sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness, as articulated in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood"). Jesus, the true Servant of the Lord, did not come to execute physical vengeance in His first advent, but rather to bear the judgment for humanity's sin upon Himself, becoming the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, He "fed" sin and death with their own destructive power, conquering them by absorbing their venom, thereby becoming the ultimate [Redeemer who sets the captives free](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") from spiritual bondage. His resurrection and ascension demonstrate His triumph over these spiritual oppressors, ensuring that "all flesh shall know" Him as Lord, as proclaimed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted"). Ultimately, at His second coming, the full and final judgment against all unrighteousness and opposition to God will be executed, and every knee will bow, confirming His identity as the [Mighty One of Jacob](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - The Mighty One of Jacob") and the [Saviour of the world](/1_john/4-14 "1 John 4:14 - The Father Sent the Son as Savior of the World"), bringing about the complete and universal recognition of God's sovereignty.

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 9:20

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

Isaiah 9:4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Isaiah 60:16

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

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 41:20

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Ezekiel 39:7

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.