Isaiah 52:7

¶ 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!

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}!

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!"

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!”

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

Isaiah 52:7 is a powerful and poetic verse that celebrates the arrival of good news, particularly concerning God's sovereignty and deliverance. It paints a vivid picture of the beauty of those who bring tidings of peace and salvation.

Context

This verse is nestled within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), following prophecies of Israel's suffering and exile in Babylon. Chapters 52 and 53 transition from the promise of physical return from captivity to the deeper, spiritual deliverance offered by the Suffering Servant, who is ultimately Jesus Christ. The "good tidings" initially refer to the news of liberation from Babylonian exile and the restoration of Jerusalem, but prophetically extend to the ultimate spiritual redemption for all humanity.

Key Themes

  • The Messenger of Good News: The verse highlights the one who brings the message, emphasizing the beauty of their feet—a metaphor for the joy and welcome associated with their arrival and the message they carry.
  • Peace (Shalom): The primary content of the tidings is "peace." This isn't merely the absence of conflict but the comprehensive Hebrew concept of shalom, encompassing wholeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and completeness in all aspects of life.
  • Salvation (Yeshu'ah): Coupled with peace is "salvation," signifying deliverance, rescue, and liberation. In its fullest sense, it points to spiritual redemption from sin and its consequences.
  • God's Reign (Sovereignty): The ultimate declaration is "Thy God reigneth!" This is the core of the good news, proclaiming God's active and enduring kingship over all circumstances, His triumph over evil, and His faithfulness to His people.
  • Hope and Restoration for Zion: The message is specifically directed to Zion (Jerusalem), symbolizing God's covenant people and the place of His dwelling, promising their restoration and divine presence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good tidings" comes from the Hebrew root bāśar, which means "to bring good news" or "to preach." This is the Old Testament equivalent of the Greek euangelion, from which we get the word "gospel." Thus, this verse directly foreshadows the proclamation of the Christian Gospel. The word for "peace," shalom, is rich in meaning, signifying not just peace with God but also inner peace and harmonious relationships, a comprehensive well-being that Christ ultimately brings.

Deeper Significance and New Testament Connection

This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the advent of Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul famously quotes this verse in Romans 10:15 to underscore the necessity and beauty of those who are sent to proclaim the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. Jesus Himself inaugurated His ministry by proclaiming good news (see Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, which uses similar language of preaching good tidings).

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 52:7 serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege and responsibility of sharing the Gospel. Just as the messenger's feet were beautiful in ancient times, so too are the lives and efforts of those who carry the life-transforming message of God's love, peace, and salvation. It encourages us to be eager to spread the news that, despite the world's chaos, "Thy God reigneth!"—a message of enduring hope and ultimate victory.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 10:12 (32 votes)

    ¶ 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 (32 votes)

    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 (27 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

    ¶ 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 (21 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 40:9 (12 votes)

    ¶ 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!