Isaiah 49:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:7 is a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD concerning His Servant, a pivotal figure in the book of Isaiah, widely understood to be the Messiah. This verse dramatically foretells a profound reversal of fortune for this Servant, transitioning from a state of deep contempt and rejection by humanity and nations to one of universal honor and worship by kings and princes. This astonishing transformation is explicitly attributed to the unwavering faithfulness and sovereign choice of the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, underscoring God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His chosen one.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 49:7 is embedded within the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12), which progressively unveil the identity, mission, and suffering of God's chosen Servant. This particular song (Isaiah 49) broadens the Servant's mission beyond merely restoring Israel to becoming "a light to the Gentiles" [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles"). Verse 7 specifically addresses the Servant's initial, deeply humiliating status—being "despised," "abhorred," and a "servant of rulers"—before dramatically pivoting to a future of global recognition and worship. This stark contrast serves to highlight the depth of the Servant's suffering and the magnitude of God's subsequent vindication, setting the stage for the even more intense suffering described in the third and fourth Servant Songs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and despair for the Judahite people. In this context, the identity of the "Servant" is multifaceted, at times referring to the nation of Israel, at others to a faithful remnant within Israel, and ultimately to an individual, messianic figure. The concept of the "Redeemer" (Hebrew: *go'el*) was deeply rooted in ancient Israelite law and culture, referring to a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a distressed family member, such as buying back property, avenging blood, or marrying a widow. Applying this title to the LORD emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and His active role in delivering His people from bondage and restoring their dignity. The idea of kings and princes bowing down was a common expression of submission and homage in the ancient Near East, signifying ultimate authority and universal recognition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's prophecy. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Reversal and Exaltation**, where the Servant, initially subjected to profound humiliation and rejection by both individuals ("man despiseth") and collective entities ("the nation abhorreth"), is destined for a glorious and universal exaltation, as "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship." This speaks to God's sovereign ability to overturn human judgment and establish His divine order. Second, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Sovereign Choice**, as the reason for this dramatic transformation is explicitly attributed to "the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee." This emphasizes that the Servant's vindication is not earned by human merit but is a direct result of God's steadfast character and His deliberate, unchangeable election. This divine faithfulness provides the ultimate guarantee for the fulfillment of all prophetic promises, including the Servant's ultimate triumph, a theme echoed in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's exaltation in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** From the primitive root H1350, this term signifies "to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship," implying the role of the next of kin to buy back property, marry a widow, or deliver. When applied to the LORD, it emphasizes His covenant relationship with Israel and His active, familial responsibility to deliver His people from bondage, whether physical (like the Babylonian exile) or spiritual. It speaks to God's intervention to restore what was lost or enslaved.
* **despiseth (Hebrew, _bâzôh'_):** Derived from H960, meaning "scorned" or "despise." This word, along with "abhorreth" (H8581, "to loathe, detest"), vividly portrays the profound contempt and utter rejection faced by the Servant. It indicates not just a lack of respect but an active disdain and revulsion from humanity, highlighting the depth of the Servant's humiliation before his eventual exaltation.
* **faithful (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From the primitive root H539, this word means "to build up or support," "to render (or be) firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," or "to be permanent or quiet." When describing the LORD, it underscores His steadfastness, reliability, and trustworthiness. The Servant's dramatic reversal of fortune is directly attributed to the LORD's faithfulness, indicating that God's character guarantees the fulfillment of His promises, regardless of the Servant's initial despised status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and identity of the speaker. The LORD (Yahweh) is not merely a distant deity but the active "Redeemer" (Go'el), emphasizing His covenant commitment to Israel and His role as the one who delivers and restores. He is also "his Holy One," indicating His unique, set-apart nature and His special relationship with the Servant.
* **"to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers,"**: This segment vividly describes the Servant's initial state of humiliation and rejection. He is despised by individual "man" (nephesh, referring to a person or soul) and abhorred by "the nation" (gowy, often referring to foreign nations, but here potentially encompassing both Israel and Gentile nations). Furthermore, he is reduced to the status of a "servant of rulers," implying a position of subservience and low esteem, a stark contrast to the divine favor he is promised.
* **"Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship,"**: This clause presents the dramatic reversal. Those who hold the highest earthly power—kings and princes—will not only "see" (recognize) the Servant but will "arise" (stand in respect or deference) and "worship" (shachah, prostrate themselves in homage). This signifies a universal acknowledgment of the Servant's supreme authority and divine vindication, moving from utter contempt to profound reverence.
* **"because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee."**: This concluding phrase provides the theological grounding for the Servant's exaltation. The reason for this astonishing transformation is not the Servant's own power or merit, but solely the character and action of God. It is "because of the LORD that is faithful" (aman, steadfast, trustworthy) and "the Holy One of Israel" (qadowsh, set apart, pure), who has sovereignly "chosen" (bachar, selected, appointed) the Servant. This highlights God's initiative, His unwavering commitment, and His ultimate authority in bringing His redemptive plan to fruition.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:7 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Antithesis** and **Contrast** are central, juxtaposing the Servant's initial state of being "despised" and "abhorred" by humanity with his future exaltation where "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship." This dramatic shift emphasizes the magnitude of God's redemptive power. **Parallelism** is evident in phrases like "him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth" and "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship," which use synonymous or complementary phrases to reinforce the same idea with greater emphasis. The use of **Titles** and **Epithets** for God, such as "the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One," and "the Holy One of Israel," serves to underscore God's majestic character, His covenant relationship, and His divine authority as the orchestrator of this prophetic reversal. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future fulfillment that transcends the immediate historical context and carries deep messianic implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:7 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign plan of redemption, revealing that His chosen instrument, though initially subjected to profound humiliation and rejection, will ultimately be vindicated and exalted by divine faithfulness. This verse deeply informs the biblical theology of the Suffering Servant, demonstrating that suffering is not an indication of God's abandonment but often a prelude to His greatest acts of glorification. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, showcasing His character as the faithful Redeemer who will bring about His purposes, even through seemingly impossible circumstances. The universal homage paid to the Servant also foreshadows the global scope of God's salvation, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations.

* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")
* [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:7 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers navigating a world that often despises or disregards the values of God's kingdom. It reminds us that our worth and ultimate vindication do not depend on human approval or societal status, but solely on God's faithful choice and unwavering character. When we face rejection, scorn, or feel like a "servant of rulers" in our own contexts, this verse reassures us that God sees our suffering and has a plan for our ultimate exaltation, in line with His perfect will. It calls us to persevere in faith, knowing that the God who was faithful to His Servant will also be faithful to us, bringing His purposes to fruition in His time. Our suffering for righteousness' sake is not in vain, but a path that the Messiah Himself trod, leading to glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the Servant's humiliation and exaltation in this verse speak to your own experiences of feeling undervalued or rejected?**
* **In what ways does understanding God as "the Redeemer" and "the Holy One of Israel" strengthen your trust in His faithfulness during difficult times?**
* **How might the universal worship of kings and princes inspire your own commitment to proclaiming Christ's lordship in a world that often resists it?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the Servant" in Isaiah 49:7?**

Answer: In the book of Isaiah, the identity of "the Servant" is complex and multifaceted. At times, the Servant refers to the nation of Israel as a whole, called to be God's witness to the world. However, in passages like Isaiah 49:7 and the other Servant Songs, the description transcends the nation, pointing to an individual who perfectly fulfills God's will, suffers on behalf of others, and brings salvation. Christian theology overwhelmingly identifies this individual Servant as Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the roles of the despised yet ultimately exalted figure, the light to the Gentiles, and the one chosen by God to redeem humanity. His life, death, and resurrection directly parallel the humiliation and exaltation described in this verse and throughout the Servant Songs, particularly in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

**How does God's faithfulness relate to the Servant's exaltation?**

Answer: God's faithfulness (Hebrew: *ʼâman*) is presented as the direct cause and guarantee of the Servant's dramatic reversal from humiliation to exaltation. The verse states, "because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee." This means the Servant's vindication is not due to his own power or human recognition, but entirely to God's steadfast character and His sovereign choice. God's faithfulness ensures that His promises are kept, His plans are fulfilled, and His chosen one will ultimately be glorified, regardless of initial appearances or human opposition. This divine attribute is foundational to the entire biblical narrative of redemption, assuring believers that God will complete what He starts, as seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:24](/1_thessalonians/5-24 "1 Thessalonians 5:24 - God's Faithfulness").

**What does "Redeemer of Israel" mean in this context?**

Answer: The title "Redeemer" (Hebrew: *Go'el*) is highly significant. In ancient Israelite law, a *go'el* was a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a distressed family member—to buy back property, avenge a wrong, or deliver from bondage. When applied to the LORD, it emphasizes His intimate, covenantal relationship with Israel and His active role in intervening to rescue, restore, and vindicate His people. In Isaiah 49:7, this means the LORD, as Israel's kinsman-redeemer, is the one who will deliver His Servant (and through Him, His people) from their despised state and elevate them to glory, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the one who truly redeems humanity from sin and death, as highlighted in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:7 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Servant of the LORD, the one "whom man despiseth" and "whom the nation abhorreth," perfectly embodying the humiliation prophesied. Born in humble circumstances [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Birth in Bethlehem"), rejected by His own people [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"), and ultimately condemned and crucified by both Jewish and Roman authorities, Jesus truly became "a servant of rulers" in His suffering [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Mocking of Jesus"). Yet, the prophecy of His exaltation is equally fulfilled in Him. Following His resurrection and ascension, "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship." This is vividly portrayed in the New Testament, where God "highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Kenosis Hymn"). Jesus is the faithful Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel, chosen by God to accomplish universal salvation, and He will indeed receive the worship of all creation, as depicted in the heavenly throne room scenes of [Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Worship of the Lamb"). His journey from despised Servant to universally worshipped King is the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness and His redemptive power.

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

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.