Isaiah 52:7

KJV

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

KJV (with Strong's)

How beautiful {H4998} upon the mountains {H2022} are the feet {H7272} of him that bringeth good tidings {H1319}, that publisheth {H8085} peace {H7965}; that bringeth good tidings {H1319} of good {H2896}, that publisheth {H8085} salvation {H3444}; that saith {H559} unto Zion {H6726}, Thy God {H430} reigneth {H4427}!

Complete Jewish Bible

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming shalom, bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation and saying to Tziyon, "Your God is King!"

Berean Standard Bible

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

American Standard Version

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:7 is a vibrant prophetic declaration celebrating the arrival of a messenger bearing news of profound significance: peace, salvation, and the ultimate reign of God. It paints a vivid picture of the joy and beauty associated with the proclamation of divine deliverance, initially referring to Israel's liberation from Babylonian exile but ultimately pointing to the comprehensive spiritual redemption offered by God's sovereign rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section brimming with prophecies of hope and restoration following the dire pronouncements of judgment in the earlier chapters. Specifically, it appears at the beginning of Isaiah 52, which serves as a triumphant prelude to the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah 53. Chapters 51 and 52 shift from lament and exhortation to a fervent call for Zion to awaken and embrace her coming redemption. The "good tidings" of verse 7 follow a divine command for Jerusalem to "put on her beautiful garments" and "shake herself from the dust" [Isaiah 52:1-2](/isaiah/52-1 "Isaiah 52:1-2 - Wake Up, Zion!"), signifying an imminent restoration and the end of her captivity. The announcement of God's reign is the climax of this call to awaken, providing the theological basis for Zion's renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for Isaiah 52 is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and despair for the people of Judah. For nearly 70 years, they lived in a foreign land, their temple destroyed, their monarchy abolished, and their covenant relationship with God seemingly broken. In this context, the arrival of a messenger with news of liberation from captivity would have been met with overwhelming relief and joy. Mountains often served as natural barriers or strategic vantage points; a messenger seen descending from them would signify the successful completion of a difficult journey to deliver vital news. The concept of a king reigning was central to ancient Near Eastern political structures, but here it is applied to God, asserting His ultimate authority over human empires and historical events, even over the mighty Babylonian power.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 52:7 encapsulates several pivotal themes woven throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The central theme is **God's Sovereignty and Reign**, emphatically declared with "Thy God reigneth!" This affirms that despite Israel's apparent defeat and exile, God remains in control, actively working out His purposes. Another key theme is **Deliverance and Salvation**, signified by the Hebrew word _yᵉshûwʻâh_, which encompasses not only physical liberation from exile but also spiritual redemption from sin, pointing forward to the ultimate salvation brought by the Messiah. The concept of **Peace (Shalom)** is also paramount, representing not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, harmony, and flourishing that God intends for His people. Finally, the **Role of the Messenger** is highlighted, emphasizing the beauty and importance of those who proclaim God's redemptive truth. This theme resonates with the call to witness found throughout the prophetic books, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:10](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10 - Israel as God's Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beautiful (Hebrew, _nâʼâh'_):** This primitive root properly means "to be at home" or "to be pleasant," and by implication, "to be suitable" or "beautiful." In this context, it describes the aesthetic and emotional impact of the messenger's arrival, signifying that their presence and the news they carry are profoundly pleasing, fitting, and welcome, bringing a sense of rightness and joy.
* **bringeth good tidings (Hebrew, _bâsar'_):** This primitive root means "to be fresh" or "full," and figuratively, "to announce glad news," "to preach," or "to publish." It is the Old Testament equivalent of the Greek _euangelion_, from which we derive "gospel." It implies a joyful, life-altering proclamation, not just information, but news that transforms circumstances and outlook.
* **reigneth (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to reign," "to ascend the throne," or "to be inducted into royalty." It speaks of active kingship, sovereignty, and the exercise of divine authority. The declaration "Thy God reigneth!" is a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate control and rule over all circumstances, His triumph over all opposing forces, and His faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings":** This opening clause sets a dramatic scene, emphasizing the arduous journey of the messenger and the profound relief and joy associated with their arrival. The "mountains" suggest a challenging path, making the messenger's successful traverse and appearance all the more significant. The "feet" are a **synecdoche**, representing the entire person and their mission, highlighting the eager anticipation and warm welcome for the one who brings such vital news. The exclamation "How beautiful!" conveys deep admiration and gratitude for this life-changing message.
* **"that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation;":** This segment elaborates on the content of the "good tidings." The message is threefold: "peace" (_shalom_, encompassing wholeness, well-being, and harmony), "good" (_ṭôwb_, referring to all that is beneficial and desirable), and "salvation" (_yᵉshûwʻâh_, denoting deliverance, rescue, and liberation). The repetition of "bringeth good tidings" and "publisheth" underscores the importance and public nature of this proclamation, ensuring its widespread dissemination.
* **"that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!":** This climactic declaration reveals the ultimate source and core of the good news. The message is specifically directed to "Zion" (Jerusalem, representing God's covenant people), assuring them that despite their current circumstances of exile and suffering, their God is not absent or defeated. He is actively reigning, sovereign over all events, and His kingship guarantees their ultimate restoration and triumph. This is the foundational truth that underpins the peace, good, and salvation being announced.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:7 is rich in literary artistry. The most striking device is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid picture of "feet upon the mountains," which evokes the arduous journey of the messenger and the long-awaited sight of their arrival. This is further enhanced by **Synecdoche**, where "feet" represent the entire person and their mission, underscoring the welcome given to the bearer of good news. The verse employs strong **Parallelism**, repeating phrases like "bringeth good tidings" and "publisheth," which serves to emphasize the message's content and the messenger's role. The structure also includes **Climax**, building from the general "good tidings" to the specific and ultimate declaration: "Thy God reigneth!" The entire verse functions as an **Exclamation**, conveying profound emotion and awe at the significance of the news.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:7 is a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and His commitment to delivering His people. It reveals that true peace and salvation flow directly from the recognition and experience of God's kingship. The "good tidings" are not merely news of political liberation but a spiritual truth about God's enduring power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse establishes a foundational understanding that God's reign is the ultimate source of hope and restoration, transforming despair into joy and bondage into freedom. It foreshadows a universal message of divine rule that transcends national boundaries.

* [Psalm 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalm 96:10 - The Lord Reigns") - "Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously."
* [Nahum 1:15](/nahum/1-15 "Nahum 1:15 - Proclaiming Peace on the Mountains") - "Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off."
* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - Paul's Quote of Isaiah 52:7") - "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:7 transcends its original historical context to offer timeless truths for believers today. It calls us to recognize the profound beauty and privilege of being a messenger of God's good news in a world desperately searching for peace and hope. In an age often characterized by anxiety, division, and despair, the declaration "Thy God reigneth!" remains the most powerful and comforting truth we can proclaim. This verse encourages us to embrace our role in sharing the comprehensive _shalom_ and _yᵉshûwʻâh_ that God offers, understanding that our efforts, though humble ("feet"), are part of a divine mission. It reminds us that the message of God's active sovereignty is not just for our personal comfort but is meant to be published widely, transforming communities and bringing light to darkness. Our lives, our words, and our actions can become "beautiful upon the mountains" as we faithfully bear witness to the reigning King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or obstacles might prevent us from eagerly sharing the good news of God's reign today?**
* **How does understanding the comprehensive meaning of _shalom_ (peace) and _yᵉshûwʻâh_ (salvation) deepen our appreciation for the message we carry?**
* **In what practical ways can we embody the "beautiful feet" of the messenger in our daily lives, reflecting the joy and hope of God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why are the "feet" of the messenger emphasized as beautiful?**

Answer: The emphasis on the "feet" in [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Beautiful Feet of the Messenger") is a powerful use of **synecdoche**, where a part represents the whole. It signifies the entire journey and effort of the messenger who travels over difficult terrain ("upon the mountains") to deliver crucial news. In a time before rapid communication, the arrival of a messenger was often the sole source of vital information. Thus, their very arrival, symbolized by their feet, was a sight of immense beauty and relief, signaling the imminent proclamation of peace and deliverance. It highlights the welcome and joy associated with the bearer of such transformative tidings, particularly after a long period of waiting and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:7 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the quintessential messenger and the embodiment of the good tidings. Jesus Himself inaugurated His ministry by proclaiming "good news" (Greek: _euangelion_), echoing the prophetic language of Isaiah. In [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Inaugural Sermon"), quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus declares His mission to "preach the gospel to the poor... to preach deliverance to the captives... to set at liberty them that are bruised." He is the one who truly brings peace, not merely the absence of conflict, but the holistic _shalom_ of reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). His life, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate "salvation" (_yᵉshûwʻâh_) for all humanity, delivering us from the bondage of sin and death [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God"). Most significantly, Jesus's resurrection and ascension confirm that "Thy God reigneth!" through Him; He has been given "all power in heaven and in earth" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"), establishing His eternal kingdom. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects this verse to the Christian mission in [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - Paul's Application of Isaiah 52:7"), emphasizing the beauty and necessity of those who are sent to preach the Gospel of Christ, making the feet of every evangelist beautiful as they carry the news of the reigning King.

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 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Nahum 1:15

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Isaiah 40:9

¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!