Isaiah 5:26

KJV

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he will lift up {H5375} an ensign {H5251} to the nations {H1471} from far {H7350}, and will hiss {H8319} unto them from the end {H7097} of the earth {H776}: and, behold, they shall come {H935} with speed {H4120} swiftly {H7031}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He will give a signal to faraway nations, he will whistle for them to come from the ends of the earth; and here they come, so fast!

Berean Standard Bible

He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come!

American Standard Version

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss for them from the end of the earth; and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:26 serves as a stark prophetic declaration within a broader oracle of judgment against Judah, illustrating God's sovereign power to orchestrate the downfall of a rebellious nation. Following a series of "woes" pronounced upon the people for their profound moral and spiritual corruption, this verse vividly portrays the Lord summoning distant, powerful nations as His instruments of judgment, emphasizing the swiftness and inevitability of their arrival to execute divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:26 is situated at the climax of Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard" and the subsequent "Woe Oracles" (Isaiah 5:1-25). The chapter begins with a poignant parable where God, the diligent vineyard owner, expects justice and righteousness from His vineyard (Israel/Judah) but finds only bloodshed and a cry of distress ([Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard's Failure")). This failure leads to a series of six "woes" pronounced against various societal sins: greed, drunkenness, rebellion against God, moral perversion, self-conceit, and injustice. Verse 26, along with the verses that follow ([Isaiah 5:27-30](/isaiah/5-27 "Isaiah 5:27-30 - The Approaching Judgment")), transitions from the pronouncement of judgment to a vivid description of its execution. It signals the means by which God will bring about the desolation prophesied earlier in the chapter, specifically the invasion by a foreign power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 5:26 was delivered during a period of significant geopolitical instability in the ancient Near East, primarily in the 8th century BCE. Judah, under kings like Uzziah and Jotham, experienced periods of prosperity but also increasing moral decay. The dominant regional powers were Assyria, which was rapidly expanding its empire, and later Babylon. The "nations from far" would historically refer to these empires, particularly Assyria, which God would use as His "rod of anger" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, God's Instrument")). The imagery of lifting an "ensign" (a banner or standard) was a common military practice for rallying troops or signaling the start of a campaign. The "hissing" or whistling was a cultural metaphor for an irresistible summons, akin to a beekeeper calling bees or a shepherd gathering a flock, implying an effortless and magnetic divine command that distant armies would obey.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by Isaiah 5:26 is **Divine Judgment** as an active, orchestrated act of God. It is not merely a passive consequence of sin but a deliberate intervention by the Lord to address the profound moral and spiritual corruption of His people. This verse powerfully highlights **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that He is not confined to Israel but can summon and direct distant empires to fulfill His purposes. The "ensign" and "hiss" are powerful metaphors for His ultimate control over world events and the movements of human powers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Finally, the phrases "come with speed swiftly" emphasize the **Inevitable and Swift Execution** of this judgment. Once God gives the command, the instrument of His wrath will arrive with overwhelming force and without delay, underscoring the certainty and rapidity of divine justice for unrepentant sin, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - God's Justice Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ensign (Hebrew, _nêç'_):** From H5251, meaning a flag, sail, flagstaff, or generally a signal. In this context, it signifies a visible rallying point or a standard raised to summon armies. God is depicted as the one raising this standard, signaling to distant nations to gather for His purpose. It implies a public, undeniable declaration of His intent.
* **hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** From H8319, meaning to be shrill, to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn). Here, it conveys an irresistible summons or a compelling signal. It's a powerful, almost primal sound that draws attention and commands obedience, suggesting God's effortless ability to gather and direct forces from the ends of the earth.
* **swiftly (Hebrew, _qal'_):** From H7031, meaning light or rapid. When combined with "with speed" (H4120, _mᵉhêrâh_), it emphasizes the absolute certainty and rapidity of the approaching judgment. There will be no delay or resistance; the summoned nations will arrive with overwhelming speed, executing God's decreed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far":** This clause portrays God as the supreme commander, raising a visible signal or banner. This "ensign" is directed towards "nations from far," indicating distant, powerful empires beyond Judah's immediate vicinity. It signifies God's initiative and His sovereign call to these foreign powers, making them aware of His command.
* **"and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth":** This vivid imagery further emphasizes God's effortless and irresistible summons. The "hiss" (or whistle) suggests a magnetic, compelling call that reaches even the most remote corners of the earth, drawing these nations to His purpose. It underscores His absolute authority over all peoples and lands.
* **"and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly":** This final clause highlights the certainty and rapidity of the response. The summoned nations will not hesitate or delay; they will arrive with overwhelming force and speed. The double emphasis on "speed swiftly" reinforces the inevitability and suddenness of the impending judgment, leaving no room for escape or preparation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "lifting up an ensign" and "hissing," attributing human-like actions (raising a standard, making a sound to summon) to the divine. This makes God's active involvement in history more tangible and understandable. The "ensign" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a signal for war and a rallying point for armies, but here, it is God's signal, underscoring His ultimate command over all earthly powers. The "hiss" is a potent **Metaphor** for an irresistible, effortless summons, drawing on the image of a beekeeper calling bees or a snake charmer, conveying God's magnetic authority. Finally, the phrase "with speed swiftly" uses **Pleonasm** or **Intensification** to emphasize the absolute certainty and rapidity of the judgment, leaving no doubt about its imminent and overwhelming arrival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:26 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that the Lord is not merely a passive observer but the sovereign orchestrator of events, even using ungodly nations as instruments of His righteous judgment against His own rebellious people. This truth underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine retribution for persistent disobedience. It also serves as a powerful reminder that all nations, whether they acknowledge Him or not, ultimately serve His purposes, and their rise and fall are within His providential control. This passage highlights that God's justice is not only certain but also executed with precision and overwhelming force when His patience is exhausted.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "A Nation from Afar")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "God's Servant, Nebuchadnezzar")
* [Habakkuk 1:6-8](/habakkuk/1-6 "The Chaldeans as God's Instrument")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:26 offers a sobering reflection on the consequences of spiritual rebellion and the awesome sovereignty of God. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that God remains actively engaged in the affairs of nations and individuals. Our actions, both personal and corporate, have consequences, and while God is abounding in grace and patience, His justice is an immutable aspect of His character. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for areas of injustice, greed, and spiritual apathy, urging us to repent and align ourselves with His righteous standards. It also offers comfort in knowing that despite the chaos and turmoil of world events, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating history to fulfill His divine purposes. We are called to live with reverence for His holiness and trust in His ultimate plan, even when His methods seem severe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society or even the church exhibit the "wild grapes" of injustice and spiritual rebellion that provoked God's judgment in Isaiah's time?**
* **How does the imagery of God "hissing" and "lifting an ensign" to distant nations challenge our perception of God's sovereignty over global events and political powers?**
* **What specific actions can I take to live more righteously and justly, both individually and within my community, in light of God's unwavering commitment to justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "hiss unto them" mean in this context, and why would God use such imagery?**

Answer: The phrase "hiss unto them" (Hebrew _shâraq_) refers to a whistling or hissing sound used as a summons. It's a vivid, almost primal image that conveys an effortless and irresistible call. God uses this imagery to emphasize His absolute sovereignty and control over the nations. Just as a beekeeper might whistle to gather bees, or a shepherd might whistle to call his flock, God's "hiss" is an immediate and compelling signal that distant armies cannot ignore. It underscores that these powerful nations are merely instruments in His hand, responding instantly and obediently to His command, regardless of their own intentions or awareness of His will. It highlights the ease with which God can orchestrate global events to fulfill His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 5:26 primarily speaks of God's judgment through foreign nations, its ultimate fulfillment and theological trajectory point towards Christ. The judgment described here is a necessary prelude to the establishment of God's righteous kingdom, a kingdom ultimately inaugurated and perfected in Jesus Christ. The "ensign" that God lifts up, drawing nations from afar, finds its ultimate and redemptive parallel in Christ Himself. Jesus is presented as the true "standard" or "banner" to the nations, not for judgment upon His own people, but for salvation and gathering. [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as a Banner") prophesies that the "Root of Jesse shall stand as a banner for the peoples; for Him shall the nations inquire." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, becomes the focal point for all humanity. His cross is the ultimate "ensign" that draws people from "the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")) to Himself, not for destruction, but for redemption and reconciliation. The swift coming of the nations in judgment foreshadows the swift and certain coming of Christ, both in His first advent to establish His kingdom and in His second advent to bring final judgment and establish His eternal reign ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return")). Thus, the terrifying summons of judgment in Isaiah 5:26 ultimately points to the glorious, redemptive summons of the Gospel, where Christ is lifted up to draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")).

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

Zechariah 10:8

I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

Isaiah 7:18

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Isaiah 18:3

All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 39:3

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, [even] from Babylon.