Isaiah 51:15

KJV

But I [am] the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I am the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, that divided {H7280} the sea {H3220}, whose waves {H1530} roared {H1993}: The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I am ADONAI your God, who stirs up the sea, who makes its waves roar - ADONAI-Tzva'ot is my name.

Berean Standard Bible

For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of Hosts is His name.

American Standard Version

For I am Jehovah thy God, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar: Jehovah of hosts is his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:15 serves as a profound declaration of God's sovereign identity and omnipotence, assuring His people that He is the self-existent LORD who historically demonstrated absolute control over the chaotic forces of the sea. This verse powerfully reminds the exiles, and all believers, that the God whose very name signifies His supreme authority over all creation and every power remains eternally capable and faithful to deliver His people from any overwhelming circumstance, just as He did in the past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51:15 is strategically placed within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a pivotal section of prophecy aimed at encouraging the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This particular passage, spanning from [Isaiah 51:9](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9 - A Plea for God's Arm to Awake") to [Isaiah 51:16](/isaiah/51-16 "Isaiah 51:16 - God's Sustaining Word"), unfolds as a divine response to Israel's desperate plea for intervention. The prophet masterfully invokes God's past mighty acts, especially the quintessential [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), as an irrefutable testament to His enduring power and unwavering commitment to redeem His people from their present oppression. The verse thus reinforces the divine promises of restoration and return that permeate this section, emphasizing that the God who orchestrated creation and commands the cosmos is fully able to restore His scattered and suffering people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish populace, enduring the harsh reality of exile in Babylon, wrestled with profound despair, feeling abandoned and forgotten by their God. They were surrounded by the seemingly insurmountable power of the Babylonian Empire, which had crushed their nation and desecrated their temple. In this crucible of despair, the prophet's words served as a potent counter-narrative, reminding them of Yahweh's unique identity and unparalleled power, sharply contrasting Him with the impotent deities of Babylon. The explicit reference to "dividing the sea" directly alludes to the miraculous [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Divides the Sea"), the foundational event that forged Israel's national identity and secured their liberation from Egyptian bondage. In the ancient Near East, the sea frequently symbolized primeval chaos and untamed, destructive power. Therefore, God's demonstrable control over it was the ultimate assertion of His supreme sovereignty over all forces, whether natural, political, or spiritual.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Unchallengeable Power and Sovereignty**, portraying Him as the ultimate architect and controller of nature's most chaotic elements, thereby asserting His absolute dominion over all creation and human affairs. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance and Faithfulness**, recalling the monumental act of the Exodus as an enduring testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His unparalleled ability to provide salvation even in seemingly impossible situations. Thirdly, the intimate phrase "thy God" emphasizes **God's Personal and Covenantal Relationship** with Israel, assuring them that this immense, cosmic power is wielded specifically on their behalf. Finally, the concluding declaration, "The LORD of hosts is his name," powerfully asserts **The Majesty and Authority of God's Name**, signifying His identity as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly forces, capable of overcoming any opposition and fulfilling His divine purposes, a truth echoed in majestic passages like [Psalm 24:10](/psalm/24-10 "Psalm 24:10 - The King of Glory, the LORD of Hosts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, personal, and covenantal name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." It is Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God, emphasizing His unchanging nature, absolute faithfulness, and unique, uncreated existence. This name underscores His promise-keeping character and His intimate, enduring relationship with His people, identifying Him as the one who was, and is, and is to come.
* **sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From H3220, this term refers to a large body of water, often specifically the Mediterranean Sea, or even a large river. Derived from an unused root meaning "to roar," it inherently carries the connotation of noisy, breaking surf. In this context, "sea" represents the vast, often tumultuous, and seemingly uncontrollable forces of nature, serving as a potent symbol of chaos and formidable power that God effortlessly commands and subdues.
* **roared (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** From H1993, a primitive root meaning "to make a loud sound," by implication, "to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, or clamor." This word vividly describes the violent, chaotic, and unsettling sound of the waves, emphasizing the formidable and terrifying power that God subdued when He divided the sea, underscoring the magnitude of His divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I [am] the LORD thy God,"**: This opening clause firmly establishes God's unique identity and His personal, covenantal relationship with His people. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is His revealed name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. "Thy God" emphasizes His intimate, protective, and exclusive relationship with Israel, assuring them that this immensely powerful God is *their* God, actively working on their behalf.
* **"that divided the sea,"**: This phrase directly alludes to the miraculous and foundational event of the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Red Sea Divided") during the Exodus. It serves as a powerful historical precedent for God's supreme power over nature, demonstrating His ability to create a path through seemingly insurmountable obstacles and deliver His people from the grip of bondage and chaos. It is a defining act of salvation history.
* **"whose waves roared:"**: This vivid imagery describes the immense, chaotic, and terrifying power of the sea's turbulent waters. The "roaring" waves symbolize the overwhelming and seemingly uncontrollable forces of nature or the formidable opposition from human empires that God effortlessly controls, silences, and brings to order. It highlights the sheer magnitude of the power God wielded when He divided the sea, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over all creation.
* **"The LORD of hosts [is] his name."**: This concluding declaration majestically reasserts God's ultimate authority and identity. "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is a majestic title, portraying God as the supreme commander of all heavenly armies (angels), celestial bodies, and earthly forces. It signifies His limitless power, His ability to muster all creation to accomplish His divine will, and His absolute dominion over every realm, assuring His people of His invincibility and His capacity to overcome any opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine power and comfort. **Allusion** is central to the verse, as the phrase "divided the sea" directly references the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Deliverance at the Red Sea") event, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that serves as an archetypal demonstration of divine deliverance. This allusion evokes a deep historical and theological memory, reinforcing God's consistent power and faithfulness across generations. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "whose waves roared," which attributes a human-like sound of rage or tumultuous outcry to the natural forces of the sea. This personification intensifies the imagery of chaos and highlights the dramatic and effortless nature of God's control over it. The repetition of "The LORD" and the majestic title "The LORD of hosts" exemplify **Divine Name Emphasis**, underscoring God's unique identity, absolute authority, and covenant relationship with His people. This emphasis serves as a theological anchor, grounding the promises of deliverance in the unchangeable and all-powerful character of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:15 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unique identity and unparalleled power, echoing themes found throughout the Old Testament concerning God's sovereignty over creation and history. It connects directly to the foundational narrative of Israel's liberation, portraying God not merely as a distant deity but as the active, personal "LORD thy God" who intervenes decisively on behalf of His covenant people. The imagery of dividing the chaotic sea links God's creative power (bringing order out of chaos) with His redemptive power (delivering His people from impossible situations). The title "LORD of hosts" further elevates His status as the supreme commander of all cosmic and earthly forces, assuring His people that no power, natural or human, can thwart His purposes or overcome His might. This theological truth serves as a bedrock for faith, reminding believers that the God who controls the most tumultuous elements is fully capable of navigating and delivering them through the "roaring waves" of life's challenges.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Moses Stretches Out His Hand Over the Sea")
* [Psalm 24:10](/psalm/24-10 "The King of Glory, the LORD of Hosts")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Nothing is Too Hard for You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:15 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to unwavering trust in the midst of life's most unsettling uncertainties. For believers today, this verse serves as a vital reminder that the God we worship is not a passive observer of human suffering but the active, all-powerful "LORD of hosts" who has historically demonstrated His absolute dominion over the most formidable forces. When we encounter our own "roaring waves"—whether they manifest as personal anxieties, overwhelming societal turmoil, or seemingly insurmountable circumstances—we are invited to recall His past faithfulness and the unchallengeable nature of His glorious name. His demonstrated ability to divide the sea and silence its terrifying roar assures us that He is utterly sovereign over every situation, capable of making a way where there seems to be none. This liberating truth should inspire us to release our fears, anchor our hope in His unyielding power, and confidently walk forward, knowing that the very same God who delivered Israel from the Red Sea is our God, ever present and mighty to save.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, such as the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, strengthen your faith in His ability to intervene powerfully in your life today?**
* **What "roaring waves" or chaotic circumstances are you currently facing, and how does the profound truth that "The LORD of hosts is his name" bring you comfort, courage, or a renewed sense of hope?**
* **In what practical ways can you more fully acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty in your daily life and intentionally surrender your anxieties to the One who controls all forces, both natural and spiritual?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is one of the most powerful and majestic designations for God in the Old Testament. The term "hosts" (Sabaoth) can refer to vast armies, the celestial bodies, or the angelic realm, signifying all the forces of heaven and earth. Therefore, "The LORD of hosts" means God is the supreme commander, the ultimate general, and the sovereign ruler over all these forces. In Isaiah 51:15, it profoundly emphasizes His absolute authority and limitless power, assuring the exiles that the God who miraculously divided the sea also commands all creation and can overcome any opposition. This title reinforces His omnipotence and unwavering ability to deliver and protect His people, as powerfully seen in passages like [Psalm 46:7](/psalm/46-7 "The LORD of Hosts is with us").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:15, with its majestic declaration of God as the one who "divided the sea, whose waves roared," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD of hosts demonstrated His absolute power over the chaotic sea in the Old Testament, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, displayed this very same divine authority when He stood in a boat amidst a furious storm and commanded the raging winds and waves, saying, "[Peace! Be still!](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")" and immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. This awe-inspiring miracle reveals Him not merely as a prophet or a wise teacher, but as the very "LORD of hosts" in human flesh, possessing inherent sovereignty over all creation. Furthermore, the Old Testament deliverance from the "sea" of physical bondage and chaos profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate deliverance from the "sea" of sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), conquered the ultimate forces of chaos and destruction—sin, Satan, and death—thereby making a new and living way for humanity to be set free. He is the true [Commander of the Lord's army](/joshua/5-14 "The Commander of the Lord's Army"), the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), and His name is indeed above every name, perfectly fulfilling the ancient promise that the "LORD of hosts is his name."

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

Jeremiah 31:35

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Isaiah 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Amos 9:5

And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

Amos 9:6

[It is] he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name.

Isaiah 47:4

[As for] our redeemer, the LORD of hosts [is] his name, the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 136:13

To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.