Isaiah 51:1

Commentary on Isaiah 51:1 (KJV)

Isaiah 51:1 serves as a powerful call to remembrance and reassurance for God's faithful people, particularly those in exile or facing difficult times. The prophet Isaiah addresses "ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD," distinguishing a devout remnant within Israel who are still seeking God's ways amidst national distress and spiritual apathy. This verse, situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah chapters 40-66), aims to bolster their faith by directing their gaze to their origins.

Context

The audience of this passage is a discouraged people, possibly in Babylonian exile or looking forward to it. They are questioning God's promises and their future. Isaiah's message is one of comfort and hope, designed to remind them that God, who initiated their existence as a nation, is powerful enough to restore and bless them. The prophet urges them to find strength not in their current circumstances, but in the enduring faithfulness of the God who chose and formed them from the very beginning. This passage is part of a larger section where God reassures His people, echoing themes found elsewhere, such as His promise to comfort His people.

Key Themes

• Remembrance of Origins: The core command is to "look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." This vivid imagery compels the listeners to recall their humble beginnings.
• Spiritual Ancestry: The "rock" and "pit" are widely interpreted as metaphorical references to Abraham and Sarah, the patriarchs from whom the nation of Israel sprang. They were initially childless and advanced in years, yet God, through His miraculous power, made them the progenitors of a mighty nation. This highlights God's sovereign choice and power in creating Israel from seemingly impossible circumstances. You can read about God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12:1.
• God's Faithfulness and Power: By reminding them of their origins, God implicitly reminds them of His unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence. If He could bring forth a nation from an old, barren couple, He can certainly fulfill His promises of restoration and blessing.
• Foundation in Grace: The verse emphasizes that Israel's existence and future are rooted not in their own merit or strength, but in God's gracious act of choosing and calling them into being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "rock" (tsur, צוּר) and "pit" (bor, בּוֹר) are used metaphorically here. Tsur often refers to a strong, solid foundation, or even a refuge, and is frequently used as a title for God Himself (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4). In this context, both terms signify the source or quarry from which something is extracted. The parallelism of "hewn" and "digged" reinforces the idea of being formed and brought forth from a specific, often humble, origin.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 51:1 offers profound insights:

• Remember Your Spiritual Roots: We are called to remember that our salvation and identity are not self-made but are gifts from God, rooted in His choosing and grace. We are "hewn" from the "rock" of Christ, our spiritual foundation.
• Find Hope in God's Track Record: When facing personal challenges, discouragement, or seemingly impossible situations, we can look back at God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our own lives. If God has acted powerfully in the past, He will continue to be faithful.
• Cultivate Humility: This verse reminds us that our strength, righteousness, and very existence as believers come from God. It fosters humility, preventing pride and self-reliance.
• Encouragement for the Seeking Heart: The passage specifically addresses those who "follow after righteousness" and "seek the LORD," affirming that God notices and responds to such hearts, even in times of widespread spiritual decline.