Isaiah 55:4

Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

Behold, I have given {H5414} him for a witness {H5707} to the people {H3816}, a leader {H5057} and commander {H6680} to the people {H3816}.

I have given him as a witness to the peoples, a leader and lawgiver for the peoples.

Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.

Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.

Commentary

Isaiah 55:4 stands as a powerful declaration within a chapter renowned for its invitation to spiritual refreshment and salvation. This verse specifically highlights the divine appointment of a key figure, often understood as the Messiah, who would fulfill crucial roles for God's people.

Context

Chapter 55 of Isaiah opens with a gracious invitation from God to all who thirst and hunger, promising satisfaction and life. It transitions quickly to the establishment of an everlasting covenant, particularly emphasizing the "sure mercies of David." This verse, Isaiah 55:4, identifies the central figure through whom these covenant promises would be realized. While initially referring to the historical King David as a type, prophetic tradition and New Testament understanding firmly identify "him" as the ultimate Davidic heir, Jesus Christ, who embodies the promises of God for all humanity.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Prophecy: This verse is a profound prophetic statement pointing to the person and work of the Messiah. It outlines the divine purpose for His existence and ministry.
  • Divine Appointment: The phrase "I have given him" underscores that this figure is chosen and commissioned by God Himself, not by human will or merit. This divine sanction gives His roles absolute authority and legitimacy.
  • Threefold Role: The verse delineates three primary functions for this appointed one:
    1. A Witness to the People: He testifies to God's truth, character, and faithfulness. His life, words, and actions serve as an irrefutable testimony of God's redemptive plan.
    2. A Leader to the People: He guides them, showing the way to God's righteousness and salvation. This leadership is not merely political but spiritual, moral, and directional.
    3. A Commander to the People: He exercises authority and power, not for self-gain, but to bring God's purposes to fruition, to overcome enemies, and to establish His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here illuminate the depth of these roles:

  • The word for "witness" (Hebrew: ‘ed) implies someone who testifies to a fact or truth, often with legal implications. It speaks to the Messiah's role as the ultimate revealer of God's will and truth. Jesus Himself testified to being born to bear witness to the truth.
  • "Leader" (Hebrew: nagid) can mean a prince, chief, or ruler. It signifies one who is preeminent and guides.
  • "Commander" (Hebrew: metzavveh) derives from a root meaning "to command" or "to decree." This emphasizes the Messiah's authoritative position, one who gives orders and whose word carries ultimate weight. This speaks to His sovereign rule and ability to bring about God's will.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 55:4 provides immense comfort and direction:

  • Trust in Christ's Authority: We can confidently follow Jesus Christ because He is divinely appointed as our witness, leader, and commander. His truth is unwavering, His guidance perfect, and His authority supreme.
  • Embrace His Leadership: Just as He was given as a leader, we are called to submit to His direction for our lives, allowing Him to guide us through His Word and Spirit. He is the "Captain of their salvation" (Hebrews 2:10).
  • Live as Witnesses: As followers of the ultimate Witness, we are also called to bear witness to His truth and love in the world, reflecting His character and sharing His message.
  • Security in His Covenant: This verse reinforces the stability of God's "everlasting covenant," which is secured by the faithful and powerful leadership of the Messiah.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 34:23 (4 votes)

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

  • Ezekiel 34:24 (4 votes)

    And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

  • Revelation 1:5 (4 votes)

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

  • Daniel 9:25 (4 votes)

    Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

  • Isaiah 9:6 (4 votes)

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Isaiah 9:7 (4 votes)

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

  • John 18:37 (3 votes)

    Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.