Isaiah 66:19

KJV

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set {H7760} a sign {H226} among them, and I will send {H7971} those that escape {H6412} of them unto the nations {H1471}, to Tarshish {H8659}, Pul {H6322}, and Lud {H3865}, that draw {H4900} the bow {H7198}, to Tubal {H8422}, and Javan {H3120}, to the isles {H339} afar off {H7350}, that have not heard {H8085} my fame {H8088}, neither have seen {H7200} my glory {H3519}; and they shall declare {H5046} my glory {H3519} among the Gentiles {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will give them a sign. I will send some of their survivors to the nations of Tarshish, Pul, Lud (these are archers), Tuval, Greece and more distant coasts, where they have neither heard of my fame nor seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory in these nations;

Berean Standard Bible

I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.

American Standard Version

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:19 concludes a profound prophetic vision, depicting God's sovereign plan to extend His fame and glory beyond the confines of Israel to the furthest reaches of the earth. Following a period of divine judgment and restoration, the Lord declares His intention to establish a powerful sign and dispatch a faithful remnant to distant nations, including Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, and Javan, who have never encountered His renown or witnessed His majesty. The ultimate purpose of this divine mission is for these messengers to proclaim God's inherent splendor and magnificent character among all peoples, ushering in an era of universal knowledge of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic declaration within the final chapter of Isaiah, which oscillates between themes of judgment for the unfaithful and comfort and restoration for those who humble themselves before God's word. Chapter 66 begins by contrasting true worship with external rituals, emphasizing God's preference for the contrite heart. It then details divine judgment upon those who reject Him, followed by promises of new heavens and a new earth, and the ingathering of God's scattered people. Isaiah 66:19 transitions from the immediate restoration of Jerusalem and its people to a grand, eschatological vision of global outreach, where the restored remnant becomes the instrument for God's universal revelation, directly preceding the final vision of all flesh coming to worship the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The nation faced threats from Assyria and Babylon, and internal spiritual decay. The concept of God's glory being known only to Israel was prevalent, yet Isaiah consistently pushed against this ethnocentric view, envisioning a future where all nations would come to Jerusalem to learn of the Lord (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). The specific nations mentioned—Tarshish (likely Spain, representing the far west), Pul (possibly in Africa), Lud (Lydia in Asia Minor), Tubal (in modern Turkey), and Javan (Greece)—represent the known extremities of the ancient world, emphasizing the truly global scope of God's future mission. These were distant lands, often associated with trade or military prowess, and notably, "the isles afar off," signifying maritime regions beyond the immediate Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:19 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, the **Universal Sovereignty of God** is paramount, demonstrating His authority and redemptive purpose extending to all peoples, not just Israel. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Initiative in Salvation** is evident, as God Himself "will set a sign" and "will send" His messengers, underscoring that the global spread of His glory is part of His preordained plan. Thirdly, the **Mission of the Remnant** is highlighted, as "those that escape" are commissioned as agents of God's revelation, foreshadowing the missional call to believers. Lastly, the **Glory of God** is the central object and outcome, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is not merely conversion but the universal recognition and declaration of God's inherent weightiness, splendor, and majesty, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:5](/isaiah/40-5 "Isaiah 40:5 - The Glory of the Lord Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** From H226, this word signifies a signal, a mark, a token, or a miraculous evidence. In this context, the "sign" is a powerful, visible demonstration of God's presence, power, or deliverance, intended to be so compelling that it draws the attention of distant nations. It is an undeniable proof of God's work, serving as a beacon to those who have not known Him.
* **Send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, this primitive root means "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a wide variety of applications. Here, it emphasizes God's deliberate and active commissioning of His chosen messengers. It highlights the divine initiative behind the global mission, indicating that the spread of His glory is not a human endeavor but a divinely ordained and empowered task.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this word primarily denotes "weight," but figuratively refers to splendor, copiousness, honor, or majesty. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent, weighty presence, His magnificent character, His visible manifestation of power and holiness. The declaration of God's "glory" is not merely telling about Him, but revealing His intrinsic worth, His dazzling splendor, and His profound majesty to those who have never perceived it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set a sign among them,"**: This opening clause indicates God's sovereign and decisive action. The "sign" (H226, _ʼôwth_) is a powerful, perhaps miraculous, demonstration of His presence or a distinguishing mark among His people, serving as an undeniable witness to the nations. It is the divine catalyst for the subsequent mission.
* **"and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory;"**: Here, God identifies His chosen messengers—"those that escape" (H6412, _pâlîyṭ_), a remnant preserved through judgment. He commissions them to go to a specific list of distant nations and "isles afar off" (H339, _ʼîy_; H7350, _râchôwq_), representing the known world's extremities. The description "that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_; H8088, _shêmaʻ_; H7200, _râʼâh_; H3519, _kâbôwd_) underscores the profound spiritual ignorance of these peoples, highlighting the necessity and urgency of the divine mission.
* **"and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles."**: This final clause states the ultimate purpose and outcome of the mission. The remnant, having been sent by God, will "declare" (H5046, _nâgad_)—meaning to proclaim, manifest, or make known—God's "glory" (H3519, _kâbôwd_) among the "Gentiles" (H1471, _gôwy_), which refers to all foreign nations. This declaration is a revelation of God's inherent splendor, power, and majesty, intended to bring about universal recognition and worship.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:19 is rich with **Prophecy**, foretelling a future global mission initiated by God. The verse employs vivid **Imagery** by listing specific, distant nations and "isles afar off," painting a picture of the vast geographical scope of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory" utilizes **Parallelism** to emphasize the profound spiritual ignorance of these unreached peoples. The **Repetition** of "my glory" underscores the central theme and ultimate goal of the mission: the universal revelation of God's inherent majesty. Furthermore, the divine "I will" statements (e.g., "I will set," "I will send") highlight God's **Divine Initiative** and sovereign control over the unfolding of His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:19 is a monumental prophetic declaration, revealing God's unwavering and expansive heart for all humanity. It shatters any notion of an exclusive covenant with Israel, instead presenting a vision where God's ultimate desire is for His glory to be known and declared among every nation, tribe, and tongue. This passage serves as a foundational Old Testament text for the concept of global missions, demonstrating that the universal reach of God's redemptive plan is not a New Testament innovation but deeply rooted in His eternal character and purposes. The sending of a remnant, preserved through judgment, to proclaim God's glory to those who have not heard, foreshadows the New Testament's Great Commission and the church's role as God's witnesses to the ends of the earth.
* [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory")
* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - Knowledge of God's Glory Covering the Earth")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples and Strong Nations Seek the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:19 is a profound call to participate in God's global mission. It reminds us that God's heart beats for all peoples, especially those who have never heard His fame or seen His glory. For believers today, this verse underscores our identity as the "those that escape," recipients of God's grace and salvation, now commissioned to be His witnesses. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate contexts and embrace a global perspective, praying for, supporting, and actively engaging in the spread of the Gospel to the unreached. Our lives, transformed by His glory, are meant to be a living declaration of His majesty to a world in desperate need of knowing Him. This passage cultivates a sense of urgency and privilege in joining God in His grand, universal plan of redemption, ensuring that His glory fills the earth as the waters cover the sea.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 66:19 challenge my understanding of God's heart for the nations?**
* **In what ways am I, as one who has "escaped," actively participating in declaring God's glory to those who have not heard?**
* **What specific actions can I take to support or engage in global missions, whether through prayer, giving, or going?**
* **How can my daily life and witness more effectively "declare God's glory" to my immediate community and beyond?**

### FAQ
**What is the "sign" that God will set among them?**

Answer: The "sign" (Hebrew: *'ôwth*) is likely a powerful, miraculous demonstration of God's presence, judgment, or deliverance, so compelling that it serves as an undeniable witness to the distant nations. While not explicitly defined, it could refer to the visible restoration of Israel, a unique manifestation of God's power, or even a spiritual transformation among His people that serves as a beacon. Its purpose is to draw the attention of those who have not known God, preparing them to receive the message of His glory.

**Who are "those that escape of them" and why are they sent?**

Answer: "Those that escape" refers to a faithful remnant of God's people who have been preserved through periods of judgment and tribulation. They are not merely survivors but are chosen and commissioned by God. They are sent because they have personally experienced God's salvation and judgment, making them uniquely qualified to declare His glory to the unreached nations. Their mission is a direct divine initiative, fulfilling God's long-standing purpose for His fame to extend globally, as seen in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles").

**What is the significance of the specific nations mentioned (Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, Javan)?**

Answer: These nations represent the geographical extremities of the ancient world known to the prophet Isaiah. Tarshish was often associated with distant maritime trade (possibly Spain), Pul and Lud with regions in Africa and Asia Minor, and Tubal and Javan (Greece) with areas to the north and west. By listing these diverse and distant peoples, the prophet emphasizes the truly universal scope of God's mission. It signifies that God's glory is intended to reach not just neighboring lands but "the isles afar off," encompassing every corner of the earth, irrespective of culture or geography.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and revelation of God's glory. The "sign" God sets among His people is supremely manifested in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, which serves as the most profound and undeniable demonstration of God's power, love, and redemptive plan for all humanity. The "those that escape" are transformed into the church, the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out the global mission. Jesus Himself gives the Great Commission, commanding His followers to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), echoing Isaiah's prophetic vision. The apostles, particularly Paul, understood their mission as declaring Christ's glory among the Gentiles, bringing the light of the gospel to those who had not heard ([Romans 15:20-21](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20-21 - Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Known")). Ultimately, the declaration of God's glory among the Gentiles culminates in the heavenly vision of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation worshipping the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worships God")), demonstrating that through Christ, God's fame and glory truly extend to the ends of the earth.

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 52:15

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

Romans 15:21

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

Isaiah 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

1 Chronicles 16:24

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

Isaiah 62:10

¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.