Isaiah 51:5

KJV

My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

KJV (with Strong's)

My righteousness {H6664} is near {H7138}; my salvation {H3468} is gone forth {H3318}, and mine arms {H2220} shall judge {H8199} the people {H5971}; the isles {H339} shall wait {H6960} upon me, and on mine arm {H2220} shall they trust {H3176}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My righteousness is at hand, my salvation goes out, my arms will judge the peoples. The coastlands are putting their hope in me, trusting in my arm.

Berean Standard Bible

My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.

American Standard Version

My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the peoples; the isles shall wait for me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:5 stands as a profound declaration of God's imminent and universal redemptive activity. It powerfully asserts that the Lord's righteousness and salvation are not merely future hopes but present realities actively unfolding, extending His divine judgment and deliverance from Israel to the farthest reaches of the earth. This verse serves as a beacon of assurance, inviting all peoples, even the distant "isles," to place their trust in the unfailing power and saving arm of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51:5 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), specifically within a section (chapters 49-55) that focuses on God's unwavering commitment to restore Israel and extend His salvation to the nations. This verse follows a call to remember God's past faithfulness, particularly His miraculous work with Abraham and Sarah (Isaiah 51:1-2), which serves as a powerful precedent for His future acts of deliverance. The preceding verses emphasize God's comfort for Zion and His promise to make her wilderness like Eden (Isaiah 51:3), setting the stage for the global reach of His righteousness and salvation declared in verse 5. It is part of a larger prophetic discourse designed to instill hope and confidence in a dispirited exiled people, reminding them of God's ultimate sovereignty and His expansive redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary audience for this prophecy was the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who were suffering under foreign domination and questioning God's faithfulness and power. They felt abandoned and hopeless, longing for restoration to their homeland. The imagery of "isles" or "coastlands" (Hebrew: _ʼîy_) would have resonated with them as distant, Gentile nations, emphasizing the vastness of God's dominion beyond their immediate experience. In a world dominated by powerful empires and their gods, Isaiah's message boldly declares the singular supremacy of Yahweh, who not only controls the destiny of Israel but also holds sway over all nations. The concept of God's "arm" was a common biblical metaphor for divine power and intervention, readily understood by an ancient Near Eastern audience familiar with rulers demonstrating their strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Imminence and Action**, proclaiming that God's righteousness and salvation are "near" and "gone forth," indicating an active, unfolding process rather than a distant promise. This reinforces God's [unwavering covenant faithfulness](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness") and His readiness to intervene on behalf of His people. Secondly, it highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Plan**, as His judgment and salvation extend to "the people" and "the isles," signifying Gentile nations. This aligns with the broader prophetic theme of the Servant of the Lord being a [light to the Gentiles](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - The Servant as a Light to the Nations"), drawing all humanity to Himself. Lastly, the repeated mention of God's "arm" emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, portraying God as the supreme ruler who will [judge the world with righteousness](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God's Righteous Judgment") and bring about His purposes through irresistible might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term encompasses not only moral uprightness and justice but also God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His acts of salvation and vindication. Here, it refers to God's active, saving justice that sets things right and delivers His people.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** Denotes liberty, deliverance, prosperity, and safety. Its "going forth" implies an active, dynamic process already underway, indicating God's powerful and effective rescue operation.
* **arms (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** Literally meaning the arm or foreleg, this word is used figuratively to represent God's immense power, strength, and active intervention. It is the instrument through which He executes both judgment and deliverance.
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** Properly, a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, or an island. In prophetic literature, it frequently refers to distant lands or Gentile nations, emphasizing the global reach of God's redemptive and judicial work beyond the confines of Israel.
* **trust (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** A primitive root meaning to wait, by implication to be patient or hope. Here, it signifies a confident reliance and expectant hope placed upon God's power and promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth":** This clause declares the imminence and active nature of God's saving work. His "righteousness" (His just and vindicating action) is not delayed but is "near," already approaching or present. Similarly, His "salvation" (His deliverance and rescue) has "gone forth," implying it is already in motion, actively being dispensed.
* **"and mine arms shall judge the people":** God's "arms," symbolizing His mighty power and authority, are the instruments through which He will execute judgment. This judgment is not limited to Israel but extends to "the people," a broad term often referring to nations or humanity at large, indicating a universal scope of divine accountability.
* **"the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust":** This final clause portrays the global impact of God's actions. The "isles," representing distant Gentile nations, are depicted as patiently "waiting" for God, indicating their recognition of His sovereignty and their eager anticipation of His intervention. Furthermore, they will "trust" in His "arm," signifying their reliance on His power and their acceptance of His salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Personification** is evident in "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth," where abstract concepts are given active, almost human-like movement, emphasizing their dynamic and present reality. The repeated use of "mine arms" serves as powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the arm) stands for the whole (God's power, authority, and active intervention). This imagery of God's "arm" is a recurring **Symbol** throughout the Old Testament, consistently representing divine strength and the execution of His will. The contrast between "the people" (potentially Israel or closer nations) and "the isles" (distant Gentile nations) creates a sense of **Inclusivity** and **Hyperbole**, underscoring the universal and expansive nature of God's dominion and redemptive plan, reaching every corner of the earth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:5 powerfully articulates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, revealing that His saving and judging work is not confined to Israel but extends to all humanity. This verse paints a picture of a sovereign God whose righteousness and salvation are actively moving forth, drawing all nations to Himself. It underscores that God's justice is intrinsically linked with His deliverance, as His righteous character compels Him to act on behalf of His people and to establish His just rule over the entire earth. The ultimate hope for the "isles" and all peoples lies in trusting in the mighty "arm" of the Lord, recognizing His supreme authority and embracing His offer of salvation.

* [Psalm 98:2-3](/psalms/98-2-3 "Psalm 98:2-3 - God's Salvation Revealed to the Nations")
* [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - All Nations Worship God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:5 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to action for believers today. In a world often characterized by injustice, uncertainty, and despair, this verse reminds us that God's righteousness and salvation are not distant ideals but active, dynamic forces already at work. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His "arm"—His unwavering power and authority—knowing that He is both able and willing to bring about His purposes, whether in our personal lives or on a global scale. This truth should inspire patience and perseverance, assuring us that even in the midst of waiting, God is actively moving. Furthermore, the universal scope of this prophecy broadens our perspective, challenging us to embrace God's heart for all nations. It compels us to participate in His global mission, sharing the good news of His salvation so that people from every "isle" and corner of the earth might come to wait upon and trust in Him. Our hope is not in human efforts or political systems, but in the sovereign, saving arm of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration that God's "righteousness is near" and "salvation is gone forth" impact your current sense of hope and security?**
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you need to more fully trust in God's "arm" (His power and authority) to bring about justice and deliverance?**
* **How can you actively participate in God's mission to draw "the isles" (distant nations and peoples) to wait upon and trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth" mean?**
Answer: This phrase signifies the imminence and active progression of God's saving work. "Righteousness" (Hebrew: _tsedeq_) here refers to God's just and vindicating character, which compels Him to act on behalf of His people and establish what is right. "Salvation" (Hebrew: _yeshaʻ_) denotes deliverance and rescue. The declaration means that God's just intervention and His powerful deliverance are not delayed but are already approaching or actively being manifested. It emphasizes God's proactive engagement in human history to fulfill His promises and bring about redemption, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 46:13](/isaiah/46-13 "Isaiah 46:13 - God's Righteousness and Salvation").

**Who are "the isles" mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: In prophetic literature, "the isles" or "coastlands" (Hebrew: _ʼîy_) frequently refer to distant lands, particularly the Gentile nations beyond the immediate geographical confines of Israel. This usage highlights the universal reach of God's redemptive and judicial work. It signifies that God's plan of salvation and judgment extends not only to His chosen people, Israel, but also to all peoples and nations across the globe, as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:4](/isaiah/42-4 "Isaiah 42:4 - The Servant's Law for the Coastlands").

**What is the significance of God's "arm" in this context?**
Answer: God's "arm" (Hebrew: _zᵉrôwaʻ_) is a powerful biblical metaphor for His strength, power, and active intervention. It symbolizes His ability to execute His will, whether in judgment or in salvation. In this verse, the "arms" that "shall judge the people" and the "arm" upon which "the isles shall ... trust" emphasize God's supreme authority and irresistible might. It reassures believers of God's absolute control over all creation and history, affirming that His power is sufficient to bring about His purposes, as described in [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Outstretched Arm").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "righteousness" of God, which is "near" and "gone forth," is perfectly embodied and revealed in Jesus, who is Himself "the righteousness of God" for all who believe ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - The Righteousness of God Through Faith")). His coming marked the decisive moment when God's salvation truly "went forth" to the world, fulfilling the ancient prophecies. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating God's saving arm in its fullest extent. Furthermore, the declaration that God's "arms shall judge the people" points to Christ's role as the appointed judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). Crucially, the "isles" and all nations are now called to "wait upon" and "trust" in God's arm, which is none other than the crucified and resurrected Christ. His Great Commission sends His followers to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), ensuring that people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will ultimately acknowledge His sovereignty and place their trust in His mighty, saving arm, leading to the glorious vision of a multitude from every nation standing before the throne ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Romans 10:17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Romans 10:6

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above:])