Isaiah 51:4

KJV

¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H7181} unto me, my people {H5971}; and give ear {H238} unto me, O my nation {H3816}: for a law {H8451} shall proceed {H3318} from me, and I will make my judgment {H4941} to rest {H7280} for a light {H216} of the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Pay attention to me, my people! My nation, listen to me! For Torah will go out from me; I will calm them with my justice as a light for the peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly.

American Standard Version

Attend unto me, O my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:4 presents a profound divine summons from God to His covenant people, urging them to listen intently to His authoritative declaration. It reveals God's steadfast purpose to establish His divine law and judgment, not merely as an internal standard for Israel, but as an enduring, illuminating light destined to extend its transformative influence to all nations, underscoring the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51:4 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to the exilic community in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of future restoration. This specific chapter, Isaiah 51, begins with a call to those who "follow after righteousness" and "seek the Lord" ([Isaiah 51:1](/isaiah/51-1 "Isaiah 51:1 - Call to Seek Righteousness")). The preceding verses remind the people of their origins in Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite their current desolate state. The call to "Hearken unto me" in verse 4 builds upon this foundational assurance, inviting a renewed attentiveness to God's word as the basis for their hope and future. It sets the stage for further declarations of God's unwavering power to deliver and comfort His people, contrasting the transient nature of human oppression with the eternal nature of divine salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 51 is the Babylonian Exile (586-538 BCE), a period of profound national despair and spiritual questioning for the Israelites. Stripped of their temple, land, and sovereignty, they grappled with the apparent failure of God's covenant promises. The prophet Isaiah, speaking centuries earlier, anticipates this period, offering messages designed to sustain faith during this dark time. Culturally, the concept of "law" (Torah) and "judgment" (Mishpat) was central to Israelite identity, representing God's revealed will and the principles of justice He established for their society. The idea of a nation's God extending His influence to other "peoples" was revolutionary, challenging the prevailing polytheistic and nationalistic religious paradigms of the ancient Near East, where deities were often confined to specific territories or ethnic groups.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Authority and the Imperative of Listening**. God's direct address, repeated twice ("Hearken unto me," "give ear unto me"), highlights His sovereign right to command and the absolute necessity of obedient attention from His covenant people. This theme of hearing and obeying God's voice is foundational to the covenant relationship (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Hear O Israel")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Steadfastness and Universality of God's Law and Justice**. The declaration that God's "law shall proceed" and His "judgment to rest" speaks to the unchanging nature of His character and His commitment to establishing righteousness. This isn't merely about legal codes but about God's very being manifesting in the world, providing a stable moral and ethical foundation for all. Finally, and crucially, the phrase "for a light of the people" introduces the theme of **God's Universal Redemptive Purpose**. This prophetic insight extends God's plan beyond Israel, indicating that His truth and justice are ultimately intended to enlighten and guide all nations. This theme is foundational to the broader biblical narrative of [God's salvation extending to the Gentiles](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"), culminating in the person and work of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to prick up the ears," this word signifies an active, intentional listening—not merely hearing sound, but giving diligent attention, inclining one's ear, and heeding what is said. It implies a readiness to receive and obey, emphasizing the urgency and importance of God's subsequent declaration.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** More than just a set of legal statutes, _Torah_ encompasses divine instruction, teaching, and guidance. It refers to God's revealed will, His authoritative teaching that shapes life, provides direction, and leads to flourishing. In this context, it speaks of God's comprehensive moral and spiritual revelation.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term denotes justice, righteousness, and divine decree. It refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, whether favorable or unfavorable, and encompasses the act, the place, the suit, and the penalty. When God's _mishpâṭ_ is said to "rest," it implies its firm establishment and unwavering presence, providing a stable foundation for equitable living and moral order in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto me, my people;":** This opening imperative is a direct, personal appeal from God to Israel, His covenant people. "Hearken" (qâshab) implies an active, attentive listening, not just passive hearing. It underscores the intimate relationship between God and His chosen nation and the expectation of their obedience to His voice.
* **"and give ear unto me, O my nation:":** This phrase serves as a powerful synonymous parallelism, reinforcing the initial call to listen. "Give ear" (azân) further emphasizes the need for careful, deliberate attention. The repetition highlights the gravity and significance of the message that follows, addressing Israel not just as "my people" (am) but also as "my nation" (le'om), emphasizing their collective identity and responsibility under God's sovereignty.
* **"for a law shall proceed from me,":** This clause introduces the content of God's declaration. The "law" (Torah) here refers to God's divine instruction, His revealed will and teaching. The verb "proceed" (yatsa) suggests an active emanation or outpouring from God Himself, indicating its divine origin and inherent authority. This law is not merely human legislation but a direct expression of God's character and purposes.
* **"and I will make my judgment to rest":** This parallel clause speaks of God's "judgment" (mishpat), encompassing justice, righteousness, and divine decree. The phrase "make...to rest" (raga) implies a firm, stable, and enduring establishment. It signifies that God's justice will not be fleeting or uncertain but will be firmly fixed and permanently settled, providing an unshakeable foundation for moral order.
* **"for a light of the people.":** This climactic phrase reveals the universal scope of God's plan. God's law and judgment are not confined to Israel but are intended to serve as "a light" (or) for "the people" (am), referring to humanity at large, the nations (often translated as Gentiles in other contexts). This "light" signifies guidance, truth, revelation, and salvation, illuminating the path for all who walk in darkness and extending God's redemptive influence across the entire world.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:4 is rich in **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism**. The phrases "Hearken unto me, my people" and "give ear unto me, O my nation" repeat the same idea with slightly different wording, intensifying the call to attention. Similarly, "a law shall proceed from me" and "I will make my judgment to rest" present two closely related concepts—divine instruction and divine justice—as emanating from the same source and having the same enduring quality. The verse also employs **Metaphor**, most notably in the phrase "a light of the people." Here, God's law and judgment are not literally a light but are compared to light, symbolizing guidance, truth, revelation, and salvation, illuminating the path for humanity in a world often shrouded in moral and spiritual darkness. This metaphor powerfully conveys the transformative and universal impact of God's divine principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:4 serves as a pivotal declaration, asserting God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, not just for Israel but for all humanity. It highlights the divine origin and enduring nature of God's moral and spiritual revelation, emphasizing that His law and justice are the very foundations upon which true order and flourishing are built. The expansion of this "light" beyond Israel foreshadows a central theme of biblical theology: God's universal redemptive plan, which culminates in the inclusion of the Gentiles into His covenant family. This verse thus connects the particularity of God's covenant with Israel to the universality of His saving purposes, demonstrating that His ultimate desire is to bring truth and justice to every corner of the earth.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")
* [Psalm 97:2](/psalms/97-2 "Psalm 97:2 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of His Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:4 calls us to a posture of deep attentiveness and trust in God's unchanging character and purposes. In a world characterized by shifting moral sands and fleeting ideologies, this verse provides an anchor: God's law and judgment are eternal and steadfast. For believers today, this means prioritizing diligent listening to God's Word, recognizing it as the ultimate source of truth and guidance for our lives. Our actions and decisions should be shaped by His divine instruction and righteous standards, not by cultural trends or personal preferences. Furthermore, the expansive vision of God's law and judgment becoming "a light of the people" compels us to embrace and participate in God's global mission. The Gospel, which embodies God's ultimate revelation of justice and grace, is indeed the light for a dark world, and we are called to be its bearers, reflecting His truth to those who do not yet know Him. This verse encourages us to live as beacons of God's righteousness, trusting that His light will ultimately illuminate all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most challenged to "hearken" and "give ear" to God's Word?**
* **How does understanding God's "law" and "judgment" as "resting" (firmly established) provide stability and confidence in my faith journey?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better reflect God's "light" of truth and justice to the people around me and in the broader world?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God addressing Israel as "my people" and "my nation" in this verse?**

Answer: God's address to Israel as "my people" (H5971, _ʻam_) and "my nation" (H3816, _lᵉʼôm_) underscores the intimate covenant relationship He has established with them. These terms emphasize not only their collective identity but also their unique status as His chosen possession. It highlights the special privilege and responsibility they have to hear and obey His voice, as they are the recipients of His divine revelation and the initial conduits through whom His purposes for the world will unfold. This personal address reinforces the foundational importance of their role in God's redemptive plan, even as that plan extends universally.

**How does God's "law" and "judgment" become a "light" for the people?**

Answer: God's "law" (H8451, _tôwrâh_) and "judgment" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) become a "light" (H216, _ʼôwr_) for the people by providing moral, spiritual, and ethical clarity in a world often characterized by darkness, confusion, and injustice. Just as physical light dispels darkness and reveals the path, God's divine instruction and righteous decrees illuminate the way of truth, justice, and life. They expose sin, reveal God's character, and guide humanity toward a right relationship with Him and with one another. This "light" is not merely intellectual understanding but a transformative power that brings salvation and flourishing to those who embrace it, extending beyond Israel to enlighten all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of God's "law" (Torah) and "judgment" (Mishpat). While the Old Testament law revealed God's righteous standards, Jesus did not come to abolish it but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He perfectly lived out the demands of the Torah, demonstrating true righteousness, and through His atoning sacrifice, He satisfied the demands of God's justice on behalf of humanity ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus declared Himself to be the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), directly fulfilling the prophecy that God's law and judgment would become "a light of the people." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought the ultimate revelation of God's truth and salvation, extending God's redemptive light not only to Israel but to all nations, inviting everyone to walk in His illuminating truth and experience His perfect justice and grace ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light in Him") and [Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Light for the Gentiles")).

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

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 9:21

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Micah 4:2

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Psalms 78:1

¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.