Isaiah 51:10

KJV

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

KJV (with Strong's)

Art thou not it which hath dried {H2717} the sea {H3220}, the waters {H4325} of the great {H7227} deep {H8415}; that hath made {H7760} the depths {H4615} of the sea {H3220} a way {H1870} for the ransomed {H1350} to pass over {H5674}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Wasn't it you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; you who made the sea bottom a road for the redeemed to cross?

Berean Standard Bible

Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?

American Standard Version

Is it not thou that driedst up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that madest the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:10 is a profound rhetorical question posed by God to His disheartened people, reminding them of His unparalleled power and faithfulness demonstrated through the miraculous drying of the Red Sea during the Exodus. This verse serves as a powerful anchor for faith, recalling a foundational act of divine deliverance to assure Israel that the same God who conquered the "great deep" to create a path for His "ransomed" will surely act again to bring about their promised restoration from Babylonian exile. It underscores God's unchanging character as the sovereign Redeemer capable of overcoming any obstacle for His beloved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section primarily addressing the future restoration of Israel from Babylonian exile. Specifically, Isaiah 51 begins with a call to "listen to me, you who pursue righteousness" and "look to the rock from which you were cut" (Isaiah 51:1-2). The preceding verse, [Isaiah 51:9](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9 - A Plea for God's Arm to Awake"), is a fervent plea from the people for God to "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD!" This verse, [Isaiah 51:10](/isaiah/51-10 "Isaiah 51:10 - God's Rhetorical Question of Past Deliverance"), is God's direct, rhetorical response to that plea, immediately recalling His most iconic act of deliverance—the parting of the Red Sea. It functions as a divine assurance, reminding them that the power they invoked has already been decisively demonstrated in their history. The subsequent verse, [Isaiah 51:11](/isaiah/51-11 "Isaiah 51:11 - The Return of the Ransomed with Joy"), then promises the joyful return of the ransomed, directly building on the historical precedent established here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary audience for this section of Isaiah is the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had endured decades of captivity, far from their homeland and temple. They were likely experiencing profound discouragement and questioning God's faithfulness and ability to deliver them from such a powerful empire. The memory of the Exodus from Egypt was the cornerstone of Israel's national identity and their understanding of God as a covenant-keeping deliverer. The Red Sea crossing was not merely a historical event but a foundational narrative of God's power over chaos and His commitment to His people. Culturally, the "deep" (Hebrew: _tehom_) often evoked ancient Near Eastern myths of chaotic primeval waters, making God's mastery over it a powerful statement of His absolute sovereignty over all forces, natural and supernatural.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 51:10](/isaiah/51-10 "Isaiah 51:10 - God's Unchanging Power and Deliverance") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unchanging Power and Sovereignty**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and history. The ability to "dry the sea" and "make a way" through the "great deep" underscores that no obstacle is too formidable for Him. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, portraying God as the active agent who intervenes to free His people from bondage. The mention of "the ransomed" directly connects to God's redemptive character, a theme central to the "Book of Comfort" which anticipates a new, greater exodus from Babylon. Finally, it serves as a call to **Remembrance and Faith**, urging the exiles to recall God's past faithfulness as a basis for trusting His future promises. By recalling the Red Sea miracle, God encourages His people to look beyond their present despair to His proven ability to save, fostering hope for their return to Zion as promised in passages like [Isaiah 43:16-19](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16-19 - God Making a New Way").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dried (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This root (H2717) signifies to parch, to desolate, or to make waste. When applied to water, it means to dry up completely. In the context of the Red Sea, it emphasizes the miraculous and absolute nature of God's action, not merely a parting, but a desiccation that rendered the seabed firm and passable. It speaks to God's power to reverse natural order and create a path where none existed, transforming a barrier into a highway.
* **deep (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** This term (H8415) refers to an abyss, a surging mass of water, or the primeval ocean. It often carries connotations of chaos and untamed power, as seen in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep"). Its use here magnifies the miracle of the Red Sea crossing, indicating that God did not merely part shallow waters but asserted His dominion over the most formidable and chaotic natural forces, ensuring the safety of His people.
* **ransomed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This primitive root (H1350) is rich with meaning, denoting to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship. It implies the role of a "kinsman-redeemer" who buys back property, avenges wrong, or delivers from bondage. In this verse, it highlights that Israel's deliverance from Egypt was not earned but was an act of divine redemption, a sovereign and compassionate intervention by their divine Kinsman. This concept lays the groundwork for understanding future acts of redemption, including the ultimate spiritual redemption.
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This word (H1870) literally means a road or path, but figuratively, it can refer to a course of life or mode of action. Here, it signifies a literal path created through the impassable waters. It underscores God's active provision and guidance, turning an insurmountable obstacle into a clear passage for His chosen people. The creation of this "way" is a testament to God's ingenuity and power in fulfilling His redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep;":** This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit an emphatic "Yes!" from the audience. It directly challenges any doubt about God's power by recalling the unprecedented miracle of the Red Sea crossing. The "sea" and "waters of the great deep" refer specifically to the Red Sea, emphasizing its vastness and the seemingly insurmountable barrier it presented. God's act of "drying" it implies a complete and miraculous transformation of the impassable into a solid path.
* **"that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?":** This second clause elaborates on the purpose and beneficiaries of God's mighty act. The "depths of the sea" reiterate the formidable nature of the obstacle, while "a way" highlights God's creative solution. The phrase "for the ransomed" identifies the beneficiaries as those whom God has redeemed, specifically Israel delivered from Egyptian bondage. "To pass over" signifies their safe and successful passage from slavery to freedom, an act of divine liberation that defines their identity as God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Art thou not it which hath dried the sea...?" This question is not meant to be answered, but rather to affirm an undeniable truth, powerfully reminding the audience of God's past, undeniable acts of power. It serves to bolster faith and quell doubt by appealing to shared historical memory. Closely related is **Allusion**, as the entire verse is a direct reference to the **Exodus** narrative, particularly the miraculous parting of the Red Sea (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). This allusion evokes the full weight of that foundational event, including God's sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His power to deliver. Furthermore, the "sea" and "great deep" function as **Symbols** of overwhelming obstacles, chaos, and insurmountable barriers. God's act of drying them and making a "way" through them symbolizes His ability to conquer any challenge and create paths of deliverance where humanly none exist. The phrase "the ransomed" is also a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of redemption stands for the people who have been redeemed, emphasizing their identity as those set free by divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:10 is a profound theological statement affirming God's enduring power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It establishes a crucial theological precedent: the God who acted decisively in the past to deliver Israel from the seemingly insurmountable barrier of the Red Sea is the same God who will act again to deliver them from Babylonian exile. This verse underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating that no natural or political force can thwart God's redemptive purposes. It also highlights God's role as the ultimate Redeemer, who actively intervenes to liberate His "ransomed" from bondage, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of redemption that culminates in Christ. The historical Exodus becomes a prophetic type, foreshadowing future acts of salvation and restoration.

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Isaiah 43:16-19](/isaiah/43-16 "God Making a Way in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 77:16-20](/psalm/77-16 "God's Mighty Deeds in the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:10 speaks directly to the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by insurmountable obstacles, whether personal, spiritual, or communal. Just as the exiles in Babylon faced a seemingly impossible return, we too encounter "great deeps" in our lives—periods of despair, seemingly unresolvable conflicts, or overwhelming challenges. This verse calls us to remember God's historical faithfulness and His unchanging power. It reminds us that the God who dried the Red Sea is still active and capable of making a way where there appears to be no way. Our hope is not in our strength or ingenuity, but in the proven might of our Redeemer. When we feel trapped or lost, we are invited to look back at God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in our own lives, to find courage and confidence for the present and future. This truth encourages us to trust that God can transform our greatest barriers into pathways of deliverance and restoration, leading us to joy and gladness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great deeps" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your personal experience, strengthen your faith for present challenges?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to trust Him to "make a way" where you currently see no path forward?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "great deep" in this verse?**

Answer: The "great deep" (Hebrew: _tᵉhôwm_) refers to the vast, chaotic waters of the sea. Its significance lies in its portrayal as an overwhelming, uncontrollable force. In ancient Near Eastern thought, such waters often symbolized chaos and primordial disorder. By stating that God "dried the sea, the waters of the great deep," the verse emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and power over all forces, natural and supernatural. It magnifies the miracle of the Red Sea crossing, showing that God did not merely part shallow waters but asserted His dominion over the most formidable and chaotic elements to create a path for His people. This demonstrates that no obstacle is too great for God to overcome for His redemptive purposes.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "ransomed" people?**

Answer: The term "ransomed" (Hebrew: _gâʼal_) is crucial here, as it defines the identity of those for whom God acted. It signifies that Israel's deliverance from Egypt was not an act they earned, but a divine act of redemption, a "buying back" or liberation by their divine Kinsman-Redeemer. This concept underscores God's initiative, compassion, and covenant faithfulness. It establishes a pattern of divine intervention on behalf of those in bondage, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament understanding of redemption through Christ. It reminds us that our salvation is fundamentally God's work, not our own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:10, with its powerful recollection of God making a "way for the ransomed to pass over" through the "great deep," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Exodus from Egypt, a historical act of physical deliverance from slavery, serves as a magnificent type foreshadowing the spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin and death accomplished by Christ. Just as God conquered the chaotic waters of the Red Sea to create a path to freedom for Israel, so too did God, in Christ, conquer the "great deep" of sin and death, which held humanity captive. Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the true Kinsman-Redeemer, laid down His life to "ransom" us, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but [with His precious blood](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Ransomed by the Precious Blood of Christ"). His resurrection is the ultimate "making of a way," a new and living path through the seemingly impassable barrier of death, granting eternal life and freedom to all who believe. Through His atoning work, Christ has opened a "new and living way" into the presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")), fulfilling the ancient promise of a path for the ransomed to pass over into true liberty and everlasting joy.

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 43:16

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Exodus 15:13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Isaiah 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Isaiah 63:12

That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.