Isaiah 52:10

KJV

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath made bare {H2834} his holy {H6944} arm {H2220} in the eyes {H5869} of all the nations {H1471}; and all the ends {H657} of the earth {H776} shall see {H7200} the salvation {H3444} of our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has bared his holy arm in the sight of every nation, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:10 stands as a triumphant declaration of God's sovereign and irresistible intervention on behalf of His people, a display of divine power intended for global observation. This verse proclaims that the Lord will visibly demonstrate His holy strength, ensuring that His redemptive work, which brings deliverance and wholeness, will be unmistakably witnessed by all peoples across the entire earth. It foreshadows a grand spiritual liberation and a universal acknowledgment of God's ultimate salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 52:10 is nestled within a profoundly hopeful and eschatological section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-66, often referred to as "Second Isaiah." This portion of the prophecy primarily addresses the exilic and post-exilic community, offering comfort, hope, and promises of restoration after the Babylonian captivity. Chapter 52 opens with a call for Zion to "awake, awake" and put on her strength, signaling a new era of freedom and glory, as seen in [Isaiah 52:1](/isaiah/52-1 "Isaiah 52:1 - Zion's Call to Awaken"). Verses 7-9 vividly depict the arrival of a messenger proclaiming "peace" and "good tidings," announcing that "your God reigns!" as beautifully described in [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Beautiful Feet of the Messenger"). Verse 10 serves as the climactic assurance of this divine intervention, emphasizing the global scope of God's saving act, directly preceding the profound and pivotal prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 52:13-53:12](/isaiah/52-13-53-12 "Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Suffering Servant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC), a period of immense national humiliation and spiritual despair for the Israelites. They had lost their land, their temple, and their political independence, leading many to question God's faithfulness and power. In this context, Isaiah's message of comfort and imminent deliverance was revolutionary. The imagery of God "making bare His arm" is drawn from ancient Near Eastern military practices, where a warrior would roll up or remove his sleeve to prepare for battle, signifying readiness for decisive action and the full exertion of strength. The concept of "nations" (Hebrew: *goyim*) often referred to the Gentile peoples who surrounded Israel, many of whom were hostile or ignorant of Yahweh. The prophecy's emphasis on "all the nations" and "all the ends of the earth" seeing God's salvation was a radical departure from a purely nationalistic understanding of God's work, pointing to a universal scope that would eventually encompass all humanity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, as God is depicted as the active agent who "makes bare His holy arm," demonstrating His unchallengeable authority and ability to deliver. This directly counters the despair of the exiles who might have felt God was absent or powerless. Secondly, the theme of **Universal Revelation and Salvation** is paramount. The phrase "in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" expands the scope of God's redemptive work beyond Israel, foreshadowing a time when His glory and saving power would be revealed to all humanity. This theme is echoed elsewhere in Isaiah, such as in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"), where the Servant is called to be a "light for the Gentiles, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Faithfulness and Restoration**. Despite Israel's failures and their current plight, God remains committed to His covenant promises, promising not only to restore His people but to do so in such a way that His glory is magnified before the entire world. This divine faithfulness culminates in the ultimate salvation provided by the "arm" of the Lord, as further elaborated in the Suffering Servant passage that immediately follows [Isaiah 52:13](/isaiah/52-13 "Isaiah 52:13 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bare (Hebrew, _châsaph'_):** From H2834, meaning "to strip off, i.e. generally to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid)." In this context, it signifies an unveiling or exposure, specifically of God's arm. It implies a deliberate action to reveal strength and readiness for decisive intervention, removing any impediment to the full display of power.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** From H2220, referring to "the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force." The arm is a universal symbol of strength, power, and action. When God's arm is "made bare," it denotes the unhindered, visible exertion of His might, demonstrating His ability to execute His will with irresistible force.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, meaning "something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity." This term encompasses a holistic sense of rescue, liberation, and well-being. It is the comprehensive deliverance that God provides, not merely political freedom but spiritual and existential wholeness, ultimately revealed to the entire world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath made bare his holy arm":** This clause presents a powerful anthropomorphism, portraying God as a warrior preparing for battle. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) emphasizes His covenant name and personal involvement. To "make bare" (H2834) His "holy arm" (H6944, H2220) means to reveal His unhindered, set-apart, and righteous power. It signifies that God is actively and decisively intervening, removing any covering or restraint that might obscure His strength or prevent His action. The "holy" aspect underscores that His power is exercised in perfect righteousness and for His divine purposes.
* **"in the eyes of all the nations;":** This phrase specifies the intended audience for God's display of power. "In the eyes" (H5869) denotes a visible, undeniable manifestation. "All the nations" (H1471) highlights the universal scope, indicating that God's actions are not confined to Israel but are intended to be observed and acknowledged by every people group on earth, demonstrating His sovereignty over all humanity.
* **"and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.":** This final clause declares the ultimate outcome and the universal impact of God's intervention. "All the ends of the earth" (H657, H776) reinforces the global reach, signifying the farthest geographical boundaries. The verb "shall see" (H7200) implies a clear, undeniable perception and understanding. What they will see is "the salvation" (H3444) of "our God" (H430), which is the comprehensive deliverance, victory, and restoration that Yahweh provides for His people, a salvation that will ultimately extend to and be recognized by all.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:10 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human attributes, specifically having an "arm." This vivid imagery of God "making bare His holy arm" transforms an abstract concept of divine power into a tangible, relatable action, emphasizing His readiness and ability to act decisively. This is further enhanced by **Metonymy**, where the "arm" stands in for God's entire power and strength. The phrase "in the eyes of all the nations" uses **Synecdoche**, where "eyes" represent the entire perception and witness of humanity. The repetition of "all the nations" and "all the ends of the earth" serves as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the truly global and comprehensive nature of God's universal revelation and salvation, ensuring no corner of the world is untouched by this divine display. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event of divine intervention and universal recognition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:10 is a pivotal prophetic declaration that profoundly shapes our understanding of God's redemptive plan, moving beyond a narrow, nationalistic scope to embrace a universal vision. It reveals a God who is not only mighty to save His chosen people but who desires His saving acts to be witnessed and acknowledged by all humanity. This verse establishes that God's ultimate purpose is the global display of His glory through His salvation, setting the stage for the New Testament's emphasis on the worldwide proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores that God's power is always exercised for holy and redemptive purposes, culminating in the comprehensive deliverance that brings wholeness and peace to all who believe.

* [Psalm 98:2](/psalms/98-2 "God's Salvation Revealed to the Nations")
* [Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "All Flesh Shall See God's Salvation")
* [Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Paul and Barnabas as a Light for the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:10 offers a profound source of encouragement and a clear call to missional living for believers today. It reminds us that our God is not a distant or passive deity, but one who actively intervenes in human history, unveiling His power for all to see. In a world often marked by despair, conflict, and a sense of God's hiddenness, this verse assures us that God's "holy arm" is still at work, bringing about His redemptive purposes. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and embrace a global perspective, recognizing that God's salvation is for "all the ends of the earth." This truth should ignite within us a passion for evangelism and missions, compelling us to participate in God's grand plan to make His salvation known to every nation, tribe, and tongue. We are called to be witnesses to this revealed salvation, living lives that reflect its transforming power and actively sharing the good news so that others may also "see the salvation of our God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "making bare His holy arm" impact your understanding of His power and active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the Church, better participate in God's desire for "all the ends of the earth" to see His salvation?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's salvation, as declared in this verse, shape your prayers and priorities for global missions?**
* **What specific actions can you take this week to make God's salvation more visible to those around you, whether through word or deed?**

### FAQ
**What does "The LORD hath made bare his holy arm" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action to God. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a warrior would "make bare" or roll up his sleeve to prepare for battle, signifying readiness for decisive, unhindered action and the full exertion of strength. Thus, when the Lord "makes bare His holy arm," it means He is openly and powerfully displaying His sacred, set-apart strength and authority to intervene on behalf of His people and to accomplish His purposes. It speaks to God's active, visible, and irresistible power.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of universal salvation?**

Answer: Isaiah 52:10 explicitly states that God's saving work will be witnessed "in the eyes of all the nations" and that "all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." This demonstrates a clear move beyond a purely nationalistic understanding of salvation, indicating God's desire for His redemptive power to be revealed globally. While the immediate context is Israel's deliverance from exile, the language points to a broader, universal scope of God's ultimate plan for humanity, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel message, as commanded by Christ to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "holy arm" of the Lord, made bare for all to see, is none other than the incarnate Son of God, Jesus, through whom God's saving power is fully revealed. Just as the prophet declares that "all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God," the New Testament proclaims that Jesus is the very embodiment of this salvation. When Simeon held the infant Jesus, he declared, "my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" as recorded in [Luke 2:30-32](/luke/2-30-32 "Luke 2:30-32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Salvation"). The "salvation" (Hebrew: *yeshu'ah*) of Isaiah 52:10 resonates deeply with the name of Jesus (*Yeshua*), meaning "Yahweh saves." Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, God's saving power was undeniably displayed, not just to Israel but to the entire world. The Great Commission, commanding disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), is the ongoing fulfillment of this prophecy, ensuring that the light of God's salvation, revealed in Christ, continues to shine "to the ends of the earth" as described in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"), until every nation has seen and experienced the saving grace of our God.

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 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Psalms 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Luke 3:6

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Revelation 14:6

¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

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.

Isaiah 66:18

For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.