Isaiah 51:22

KJV

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} thy Lord {H113} the LORD {H3068}, and thy God {H430} that pleadeth {H7378} the cause of his people {H5971}, Behold, I have taken out {H3947} of thine hand {H3027} the cup {H3563} of trembling {H8653}, even the dregs {H6907} of the cup {H3563} of my fury {H2534}; thou shalt no more {H3254} drink it again {H8354}:

Complete Jewish Bible

this is what your Lord ADONAI says, your God, who defends his people: "Here, I have removed from your hand the cup of drunkenness, the goblet of my fury. You will never drink it again.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God, who defends His people: “See, I have removed from your hand the cup of staggering. From that goblet, the cup of My fury, you will never drink again.

American Standard Version

Thus saith thy Lord Jehovah, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thy hand the cup of staggering, even the bowl of the cup of my wrath; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:22 delivers a powerful divine declaration to Jerusalem, personified as a suffering individual, proclaiming an end to her period of intense suffering and divine judgment. The Lord, who is her faithful advocate, announces that He has definitively removed the "cup of trembling" and its bitter "dregs"—symbols of His wrath and the overwhelming affliction she has endured—promising that she will never again be forced to drink from it. This verse serves as a pivotal turning point, transitioning from the previous descriptions of desolation to a profound assurance of God's sovereign deliverance and restoration for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51:22 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of Isaiah primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of their return and restoration. The immediate literary context in [Isaiah 51](/isaiah/51 "Isaiah 51 - God's Comfort for Zion") describes Jerusalem's dire state of desolation and her profound suffering, depicted vividly as having "drunk the cup of his fury" and "the dregs of the cup of trembling" in [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Trembling"). This imagery sets the stage for verse 22, which marks a dramatic and merciful reversal. The Lord's direct intervention signals a definitive end to this period of punishment and the commencement of His redemptive action, aligning with the overarching theme of comfort and restoration that permeates this prophetic section.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 51 is directed towards the Jewish people enduring the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC), a period of immense national humiliation, displacement, and suffering, understood as divine judgment for their covenant unfaithfulness. The "cup of trembling" or "cup of wrath" is a potent metaphor deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought, symbolizing a portion or destiny, often one of suffering, judgment, or divine retribution. Kings and nations were often depicted as drinking from such a cup, signifying their fate at the hands of a deity or a conquering power. The Lord's self-identification as the one who "pleadeth the cause of his people" resonates with the ancient legal and covenantal frameworks, where a divine advocate would champion the rights and well-being of His people against their oppressors or even against the consequences of their own sin, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Deliverance and Restoration**, emphasizing God's active and sovereign intervention to rescue His people from their affliction, rather than their own efforts. The phrase "I have taken out of thine hand" highlights God's direct involvement in their liberation. Secondly, it portrays **God as Advocate and Protector**, as He is identified as "thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people." This highlights His role as a faithful defender who champions the rights and well-being of His covenant nation, even when they have strayed. This theme is echoed in other prophetic appeals for justice, such as in [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice"). Thirdly, the verse signifies the **Cessation of Judgment and Suffering**. The "cup of trembling" and "cup of my fury" represent the full measure of divine wrath and suffering poured out. God's promise, "thou shalt no more drink it again," signifies a permanent end to this specific phase of judgment and a transition to a time of peace and comfort. This imagery of a cup of divine wrath is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, seen also in [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15-16 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Wrath for the Nations") and [Ezekiel 23:32-34](/ezekiel/23-32-34 "Ezekiel 23:32-34 - The Cup of Horror and Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068 refers to the self-existent or eternal God, the covenant name of God, Jehovah. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and unchanging faithfulness of the God who makes this declaration. It is not merely a human lord, but the supreme, covenant-keeping God who has the authority and power to deliver on His promise.
* **trembling (Hebrew, _tarʻêlâh'_):** H8653, derived from a root meaning "to reel," signifies staggering, dizziness, or intoxication. It vividly describes the overwhelming and disorienting effect of God's judgment, portraying Jerusalem as utterly incapacitated and disoriented by the severity of her suffering, much like one who has drunk a potent, intoxicating draught.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** H2534, meaning "heat," figuratively denotes anger, hot displeasure, or wrath. When combined with "cup," it underscores that the suffering endured by Jerusalem was not random misfortune but the direct, intense, and righteous indignation of God against her sin, poured out to its fullest extent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and character of the speaker. "Thy Lord the LORD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His covenant relationship with Israel. By identifying Himself as "thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people," He underscores His role as a compassionate advocate and defender, actively engaged in the well-being and vindication of His chosen nation, even amidst their suffering.
* **"Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling":** The imperative "Behold" draws immediate attention to a momentous, decisive action. God declares that He Himself, by His sovereign power, has removed the "cup of trembling" from Jerusalem's grasp. This signifies an active, definitive cessation of the overwhelming, disorienting suffering she has endured, indicating that the period of divine judgment is now complete.
* **"[even] the dregs of the cup of my fury":** This phrase intensifies the preceding imagery. The "dregs" (Hebrew: _qubbaʻath_) refer to the bitter, sedimented residue at the very bottom of the cup. This detail emphasizes that Jerusalem had drunk the judgment to its most complete and bitter extent, experiencing the full, undiluted measure of God's righteous "fury" or wrath. It highlights the thoroughness of the past suffering and the completeness of the current divine intervention.
* **"thou shalt no more drink it again":** This final, emphatic declaration provides the ultimate assurance of permanent deliverance. The use of "no more" (Hebrew: _yâçaph_) signifies a cessation that is absolute and irreversible. It is a promise that the specific, overwhelming judgment represented by this cup will not be revisited upon Jerusalem, ushering in an era of lasting peace and comfort.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine deliverance. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Jerusalem is depicted as a person who has literally drunk from a cup, experiencing the effects of its contents. This makes the city's suffering and subsequent relief intensely relatable. The "cup of trembling" and "cup of my fury" serve as powerful **Metaphors** and **Symbolism**, representing the full measure of divine judgment, wrath, and the overwhelming suffering endured by God's people. The "dregs" further employ **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and complete nature of the judgment that Jerusalem had consumed. The verse also functions as a **Divine Fiat** or authoritative declaration, beginning with "Thus saith thy Lord the LORD," which underscores the absolute power and unwavering commitment of God to fulfill His promise. This solemn pronouncement imbues the message with undeniable certainty and finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:22 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even in the aftermath of severe judgment. It reveals a God who, though righteous in His wrath against sin, is ultimately merciful and committed to the restoration of His beloved. The imagery of the "cup of trembling" is a powerful theological motif throughout Scripture, representing the outpouring of divine wrath and judgment. While God's people experienced this cup due to their disobedience, this verse signals a pivotal moment where divine discipline gives way to divine compassion. It highlights the truth that God's judgments, while severe, are not eternal for His redeemed, and His ultimate purpose is always redemptive. This promise of removal and cessation of the cup of wrath points to a future hope where suffering is replaced by comfort, and judgment by grace, underscoring God's character as both just judge and merciful redeemer.

* [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath for the Wicked")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury for the Nations")
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Cup of God's Indignation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:22 offers immense hope and comfort to believers today, echoing across millennia to assure us of God's enduring faithfulness and His power to deliver. In a world fraught with suffering, personal trials, and collective anxieties, this verse reminds us that even when we feel overwhelmed by the "cup of trembling"—whether it be the consequences of our own choices, the hardships of life, or the effects of a fallen world—God remains our faithful advocate and protector. Just as He promised to remove the cup of wrath from His ancient people, He offers ultimate deliverance and rest from the eternal consequences of sin through Christ. This promise points forward to a future where God will wipe away all tears and there will be no more pain or sorrow for those who are in Him, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning"). It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan and His compassionate heart, knowing that His judgments are not eternal for His redeemed, and His mercy triumphs over judgment. We are called to rest in His finished work, knowing that the bitter cup has been drunk on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "cup of trembling" resonate with experiences of overwhelming suffering or divine discipline in your life or the life of the church?**
* **In what ways does God act as your "advocate" or "pleader" today, particularly when you feel condemned or overwhelmed?**
* **How does the promise "thou shalt no more drink it again" offer comfort and assurance in times of trial, knowing God's ultimate plan for His people?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cup of trembling" and "dregs of the cup of my fury"?**

Answer: The "cup of trembling" and "dregs of the cup of my fury" are powerful metaphors representing the full measure of divine judgment and the overwhelming suffering experienced by God's people. The "trembling" signifies the disorienting, incapacitating effect of this judgment, while the "fury" indicates God's righteous wrath against sin. The "dregs" emphasize that Jerusalem had drunk this judgment to its bitterest, most complete extent, experiencing the very last, most concentrated portion of the divine punishment. It signifies a period of intense and thorough divine discipline.

**Does this verse imply that God's people will never experience hardship again?**

Answer: While Isaiah 51:22 promises a definitive end to a specific period of overwhelming divine judgment and wrath (the "cup of trembling"), it does not guarantee a life entirely free from hardship or suffering. Believers will still face trials, tribulations, and the consequences of living in a fallen world, as [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the world you will have tribulation") reminds us. However, the verse assures that the *specific* cup of God's wrath and condemnation has been removed from His redeemed people. For those in Christ, the ultimate, eternal judgment for sin has been borne by Him, ensuring that they will never again drink from the "cup of fury" as a punishment for their sins. It points to an ultimate, eschatological deliverance from all suffering in the new heavens and new earth, as depicted in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "cup of trembling" and "dregs of the cup of fury" that Israel drank as a consequence of their sin, representing the full measure of God's righteous wrath, was ultimately and perfectly consumed by Christ on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This was not merely a cup of physical suffering, but the terrifying prospect of bearing the accumulated sin of humanity and enduring the full, unmitigated wrath of God against that sin. By drinking this cup to its very dregs, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, fully exhausted divine judgment, thereby taking it out of the hands of all who believe in Him. His substitutionary atonement means that for those who are "in Christ," there is now "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), for the "cup of fury" has been drunk by their advocate and redeemer. Thus, the promise to Jerusalem—"thou shalt no more drink it again"—is eternally secured for all believers through the finished work of Christ, who became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Psalms 35:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

Joel 3:2

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.