Isaiah 25:3

Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

Therefore shall the strong {H5794} people {H5971} glorify {H3513} thee, the city {H7151} of the terrible {H6184} nations {H1471} shall fear {H3372} thee.

Therefore mighty peoples glorify you, the city of ruthless nations fears you.

Therefore, a strong people will honor You. The cities of ruthless nations will revere You.

Therefore shall a strong people glorify thee; a city of terrible nations shall fear thee.

Commentary

Isaiah 25:3 is part of a prophetic song of praise and triumph, anticipating a future time when God's righteous judgment and ultimate victory will be undeniably clear to all, even His former adversaries.

Context

This verse follows a vivid description of God's mighty acts, where He has overthrown mighty cities and strongholds of oppression, making them a ruin. It also precedes the joyous vision of a great feast on Mount Zion and the swallowing up of death. The "Therefore" links directly to God's demonstrated power and justice: because He has shown Himself supreme, the natural consequence is universal recognition. Historically, this could refer to specific historical judgments on empires like Assyria or Babylon, but prophetically, it points to a grander, ultimate display of God's sovereignty over all nations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unquestionable Sovereignty: The verse powerfully declares that ultimately, all earthly power, represented by "strong people" and "terrible nations," will acknowledge God's supreme authority. This speaks to God's control over human history and destiny.
  • Divine Judgment and Transformation: The destruction of oppressive powers (implied from previous verses) leads to a transformation where those who once defied God will now glorify Him or fear Him. This isn't just about punishment, but about the revelation of God's true nature that compels awe and reverence.
  • Universal Recognition of God: It foretells a future where the knowledge and glory of the Lord will fill the earth. Even the most formidable and hostile nations will be forced to concede His power and majesty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strong people" (Hebrew: ʻam ʻaz) denotes powerful, formidable nations or armies. The word for "glorify" (kābōd) means to give weight, honor, or respect, acknowledging God's inherent greatness and majesty. "Terrible nations" (Hebrew: goyim ʻaritsim) refers to ruthless, violent, or tyrannical peoples. Their "fear" is not merely terror, but a profound recognition of God's irresistible power and an acknowledgment of His dominion, leading to submission and awe, similar to the concept of the "fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom.

Related Scriptures

  • This prophetic vision of nations recognizing God's power echoes passages like Psalm 86:9, which states, "All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name."
  • The ultimate subjugation of hostile powers and their acknowledgment of God is also a theme in Revelation 15:4: "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."

Practical Application

Isaiah 25:3 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today. In a world often dominated by oppressive powers and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control. His justice will prevail, and His sovereignty will be recognized by all. It encourages us to have faith that even the most resistant hearts and nations will one day bow before Him. It also serves as a call to live in a way that glorifies God now, anticipating the day when all will do so.

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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

  • Psalms 46:10 (3 votes)

    Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

  • Psalms 46:11 (3 votes)

    The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

  • Zechariah 14:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

  • Zechariah 14:9 (3 votes)

    And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

  • Isaiah 49:23 (3 votes)

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Isaiah 49:26 (3 votes)

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Revelation 11:15 (2 votes)

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.