Isaiah 55:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 55:4 declares a profound divine appointment, revealing a specific figure whom God has sovereignly given to serve as a definitive witness, an authoritative leader, and a commanding presence to all peoples. This verse stands as a cornerstone in God's gracious invitation to humanity, underscoring the universal scope and enduring nature of His everlasting covenant, particularly the "sure mercies of David," by identifying the essential roles of the one through whom these promises would be fully realized for the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 55 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), which offers messages of hope, restoration, and God's sovereign power to the exiled Israelites. Following the expansive invitations to spiritual refreshment and salvation in [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1-2 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - God's Invitation to the Thirsty"), and the reaffirmation of an [everlasting covenant](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant and Sure Mercies of David") rooted in the "sure mercies of David" in [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - God's Covenant with David"), verse 4 specifically details the means by which this covenant's blessings will extend universally. It serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the particular Davidic promise to its global fulfillment through a divinely designated individual, thereby preparing the reader for the broader themes of God's word going forth and accomplishing His purpose, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during or in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, Isaiah 55 speaks directly to a people who had suffered immense loss—their monarchy, their sacred temple, and their homeland. Their deepest yearning was for the restoration of the Davidic dynasty and the fulfillment of God's unbreakable promises to David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). In this specific historical setting, the depiction of a "witness," "leader," and "commander" would resonate deeply, evoking the traditional roles of a king, prophet, and military general. However, the language transcends these earthly offices, pointing to a figure of unparalleled divine appointment and authority. The repeated phrase "to the people" (H3816, _lᵉʼôm_) here signifies not only Israel but also the broader "nations," indicating a universal scope for this figure's influence, a concept that gains increasing prominence in later prophetic literature and ultimately finds its full expression in the New Testament.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Foremost is **Messianic Prophecy**, as the "him" is understood to point beyond any mere historical monarch to the ultimate Davidic heir, the Messiah, whose divinely ordained roles are globally impactful. The theme of **Divine Initiative** is central, emphasized by the declarative "I have given him," highlighting God's sovereign plan and active involvement in bringing about salvation. It also profoundly reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating how God meticulously fulfills His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, through a chosen representative. Finally, the verse speaks to **Universal Salvation**, indicating that the blessings and leadership of this figure are not confined to Israel but extend "to the people," encompassing all nations who heed God's gracious and far-reaching call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is exceptionally versatile, meaning "to give" with the greatest latitude of application. In Isaiah 55:4, "I have given him" signifies a profound divine appointment, a sovereign and deliberate act of God. It is not a mere suggestion or a temporary assignment, but a definitive bestowal of authority, purpose, and mission, underscoring the absolute legitimacy and divine origin of the appointed one's role. This verb emphasizes God's initiative and active role in establishing this pivotal figure.
* **witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** Contracted from `ʻûd` (H5707), this term concretely means "a witness" and abstractly "testimony." It refers to someone who testifies to a fact or truth, often carrying significant legal or covenantal implications. As a witness, this figure is the ultimate revealer of God's character, truth, and redemptive plan. Their very existence, life, and actions serve as irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness, His intentions for humanity, and the reality of His covenant.
* **leader (Hebrew, _nâgîyd'_):** From `nâgad` (H5057), this word denotes "a commander" or "prince," someone who occupies the front position. It inherently implies preeminence, authoritative guidance, and a position of significant influence. This figure is not merely a guide but one who is chief, noble, and a governor, signifying a comprehensive leadership that encompasses civil, military, and religious dimensions, directing the "people" towards God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I have given him":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn divine oracle, immediately drawing the reader's attention to a significant declaration from God Himself. The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew: `hinnēh`) commands attention, signaling a revelation of paramount importance. "I have given him" profoundly highlights God's sovereign action and deliberate choice. This figure is not self-appointed or chosen by human consensus, but is divinely commissioned, empowered, and endowed with absolute authority and legitimacy for his mission.
* **"[for] a witness to the people":** This clause introduces the first of the figure's three essential roles, identifying him as one who testifies to God's truth, character, and unwavering faithfulness. As a "witness" (`ʻêd`), he embodies and proclaims the divine revelation, serving as the ultimate embodiment of God's covenant promises and His grand redemptive plan for humanity. The phrase "to the people" (H3816, `lᵉʼôm`) indicates a broad, universal audience, extending God's message and the figure's testimony beyond the confines of Israel to encompass all nations.
* **"a leader and commander to the people":** These two roles describe the figure's authoritative, guiding, and executive functions. As a "leader" (`nâgîyd`), he guides and directs, showing the way to God's righteousness and salvation, embodying preeminence and noble guidance. As a "commander" (`tsâvâh`), he exercises ultimate authority, giving commands and decrees that bring God's purposes to fruition, overcoming obstacles, and establishing His kingdom. The repetition of "to the people" emphatically reinforces the universal scope of his mission and the comprehensive, all-encompassing nature of his influence over humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 55:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "Behold, I have given him" functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct and authoritative declaration from God, lending immense weight and solemnity to the pronouncement. The verse utilizes **Prophecy**, specifically **Messianic Prophecy**, by pointing to a future, divinely appointed figure whose roles and impact transcend any historical individual, anticipating the ultimate Davidic King and Redeemer. The description of this figure as a "witness," "leader," and "commander" employs **Figurative Language** and **Metaphor**, portraying the multifaceted nature of his divine appointment and comprehensive authority. These roles are not merely titles but describe the essential functions and character of the one through whom God's covenant promises will be globally realized. The repetition of "to the people" serves as **Emphasis**, powerfully underscoring the universal scope and inclusive nature of this figure's mission to all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 55:4 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, and His sovereign plan for universal salvation. It reveals that God's chosen method for extending the "sure mercies of David" to all nations is through a divinely appointed individual who embodies truth, leadership, and ultimate authority. This figure serves as God's supreme agent, testifying to His character, guiding humanity into His ways, and commanding the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes. The verse underscores that salvation is not merely an invitation but is actively enacted through a specific, empowered mediator, highlighting God's direct and active involvement in bringing humanity into a covenant relationship with Himself, thereby securing an eternal inheritance for all who believe.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "A Prophet Like Moses Promised")
* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "God's Anointed King on Zion")
* [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon on the Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 55:4 calls us to a deeper understanding of God's intentionality and the comprehensive nature of His provision for humanity's salvation. Recognizing that God "gave" this pivotal figure for our benefit should inspire profound gratitude and unwavering trust in His perfect plan. As believers, we are called to wholeheartedly submit to the leadership of the one whom God has appointed as our ultimate witness, leader, and commander. This means not only intellectually acknowledging His supreme authority but actively listening to His divine testimony, diligently following His guidance, and obediently carrying out His commands as revealed in His inspired Word. His role as a "witness" reminds us that ultimate truth is revealed and embodied, not merely conjectured or discovered by human effort. His role as "leader" calls us to dedicated discipleship, walking faithfully in His footsteps. And His role as "commander" assures us of His ultimate victory and sovereign rule over all things, providing profound security and unwavering hope in an often chaotic and uncertain world. Our lives, in turn, should reflect this joyful submission, becoming living testimonies to His truth and actively extending His transformative influence to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as God's divinely "given" witness, leader, and commander deepen your trust in His authority and guidance in your daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully submit to Christ's leadership and commands, allowing Him to direct your path?**
* **How can you, as a follower of the ultimate Witness, more effectively bear witness to God's truth and love in your daily interactions and through your lifestyle?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "him" referred to in Isaiah 55:4?**

Answer: While the "him" in Isaiah 55:4 has historical roots in the Davidic covenant and could initially evoke the historical King David, prophetic tradition and, most significantly, New Testament interpretation firmly identify "him" as the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promises, the one through whom God's "sure mercies of David" are extended universally to all humanity. Jesus Himself claimed to be a witness to the truth (as seen in [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Testifies to Pilate")), and the New Testament consistently presents Him as the supreme leader and commander of God's people (e.g., [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")).

**What does it mean for this figure to be a "witness," "leader," and "commander" to the people?**

Answer: These three roles comprehensively describe the multifaceted functions of the divinely appointed figure. As a "witness," he testifies to God's character, truth, and redemptive plan, revealing divine reality and serving as the ultimate revelation of God's will (e.g., [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")). As a "leader," he guides and directs humanity, showing the way to God's righteousness and salvation, embodying preeminence and noble guidance (e.g., [Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus as Prince and Savior")). As a "commander," he exercises ultimate authority and power to bring God's purposes to fruition, overcoming enemies, and establishing God's eternal kingdom (e.g., [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). These roles collectively signify a figure of absolute authority and pervasive influence, whose mission is both revelatory and executive for all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 55:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "him" whom God "gave" is none other than the eternal Son, sent into the world as the perfect embodiment of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. Jesus is the supreme "witness to the people," not merely speaking truth but being the very essence of Truth (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His entire life, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection serve as the definitive testimony to God's character, His comprehensive redemptive plan, and the undeniable reality of His sovereign kingdom (see [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")). Furthermore, Jesus is the divinely appointed "leader to the people," the Good Shepherd who lovingly guides His flock (as described in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")) and the "author and perfecter of our faith" (as celebrated in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). He leads humanity into profound reconciliation with God and onto the path of righteousness. Finally, Jesus is the supreme "commander to the people," to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (as powerfully proclaimed in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He exercises sovereign rule over all creation, bringing God's purposes to complete fruition, decisively defeating sin and death, and establishing His eternal kingdom. Thus, Isaiah 55:4 stands as a powerful Old Testament prophecy pointing directly and unequivocally to the comprehensive, universal, and authoritative ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom God's everlasting covenant is secured and extended to all who believe.

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

Ezekiel 34:23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.