Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the Redeemer {H1350} of Israel {H3478}, and his Holy One {H6918}, to him whom man {H5315} despiseth {H960}, to him whom the nation {H1471} abhorreth {H8581}, to a servant {H5650} of rulers {H4910}, Kings {H4428} shall see {H7200} and arise {H6965}, princes {H8269} also shall worship {H7812}, because of the LORD {H3068} that is faithful {H539}, and the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}, and he shall choose {H977} thee.

Here is what ADONAI, the Redeemer of Isra'el, his Holy One, says to the one despised, whom the nations detest, to the servant of tyrants: "When kings see you, they will stand up; princes too will prostrate themselves, because of ADONAI, who is faithful, the Holy One of Isra'el, who has chosen you."

Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”

Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.

Isaiah 49:7 presents a profound prophetic utterance concerning the Servant of the LORD, a central figure in the book of Isaiah, often understood to be the Messiah. This verse highlights a dramatic reversal of fortune for this Servant, moving from deep humiliation to universal exaltation, all orchestrated by the faithful LORD.

Context

This verse is part of the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52-53), which progressively reveal the identity and mission of God's chosen Servant. In Isaiah 49, the Servant's mission extends beyond merely restoring Israel to being a light to the Gentiles. Verse 7 specifically addresses the Servant's initial state of being "despised" and "abhorred" by humanity and nations, even serving rulers, contrasting sharply with the glorious future God promises him. This sets the stage for understanding the depth of the Servant's suffering before his ultimate vindication.

Key Themes

  • The Despised and Abhorred Servant: The verse vividly describes the Servant's low status – "him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers." This imagery strongly prefigures the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was indeed "despised and rejected of men" during His earthly ministry.
  • Divine Reversal and Exaltation: In stark contrast to his initial humiliation, the prophecy declares, "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship." This signifies a future where the Servant will be universally recognized and honored, culminating in his glorious reign. This resonates with the New Testament's depiction of Christ's post-resurrection exaltation, where God "highly exalted him, and gave him a name which is above every name".
  • God's Faithfulness and Choice: The reason for this dramatic shift is attributed directly to God: "because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee." It underscores that the Servant's vindication is not due to his own power but to the steadfast character and sovereign choice of the LORD. God's faithfulness guarantees the fulfillment of His prophetic promises.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel" (Hebrew: go'el) is significant. A go'el in ancient Israel was a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to deliver or avenge a family member, often by buying back property or freedom. Applying this term to God emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and His active role in delivering His people. The phrase "the Holy One of Israel" is a recurring and majestic title for God throughout Isaiah, highlighting His transcendence, purity, and distinctness from humanity, yet also His covenant relationship with Israel.

Practical Application

Isaiah 49:7 offers profound hope and encouragement. For believers, it affirms that:

  • Divine Vindication is Assured: Even when facing rejection, contempt, or suffering for righteousness' sake, God sees and will ultimately vindicate His chosen ones.
  • God's Plan Prevails: This verse reminds us that God's sovereign plan will unfold, regardless of human opposition or initial appearances of weakness. The "despised" will ultimately be honored by God.
  • Hope in Suffering: If the Messiah Himself endured such scorn before His glory, believers can find strength in their own trials, knowing that God's faithfulness will bring about His intended outcome.

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.

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

  • 1 Peter 2:4

    ¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

  • Isaiah 53:3

    He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  • Psalms 22:6

    But I [am] a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

  • Psalms 22:8

    He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

  • Matthew 20:28

    Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

  • Psalms 72:10

    The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

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