Isaiah 41:5

The isles saw [it], and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

The isles {H339} saw {H7200} it, and feared {H3372}; the ends {H7098} of the earth {H776} were afraid {H2729}, drew near {H7126}, and came {H857}.

The coastlands have seen and became afraid. The ends of the earth have trembled. They have approached, and now they have come.

The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward.

The isles have seen, and fear; the ends of the earth tremble; they draw near, and come.

Commentary

Isaiah 41:5 vividly describes the profound global reaction to God's powerful and sovereign actions in history. This verse conveys the awe and fear that distant lands and the farthest reaches of the earth experience when confronted with the undeniable display of God's power and the unfolding of His divine plan.

Context

This verse is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) where God unequivocally asserts His uniqueness as the only true God, contrasting Himself with the impotent idols of the nations. In the preceding verses (Isaiah 41:2-4), God challenges the nations, declaring that He is raising up a righteous individual from the east who will conquer and subdue. The "it" that the "isles" and "ends of the earth" saw and feared in verse 5 refers to this powerful, divinely orchestrated event or the individual God is using. The immediate consequence of this fear is seen in the subsequent verses (Isaiah 41:6-7), where the nations, in their panic, turn to their idols, futilely reinforcing them in a desperate attempt to find security.

Key Themes

  • God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations and historical events. His actions compel even the most distant peoples to acknowledge His hand, whether in fear or wonder. This highlights His absolute control over the course of human history.
  • Global Impact of Divine Action: The phrases "the isles" (referring to distant coastlands or Gentile nations) and "the ends of the earth" underscore the universal reach of God's power and influence. No place or people is beyond the scope of His divine activity.
  • Fear and Reaction: The nations' response of "feared" and "drew near, and came" suggests a mixture of dread, curiosity, and an attempt to understand or perhaps counter the overwhelming force they perceive. This fear is a testament to God's immense power, which compels even His adversaries to take notice.
  • Contrast with Idolatry: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the fear of the nations in Isaiah 41:5 immediately precedes their frantic efforts to strengthen their idols in the verses that follow. This sharp contrast highlights the impotence of man-made gods compared to the living God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "isles" (Hebrew: 'iyyim - אִיִּים) often refers to distant coastlands, islands, or Gentile nations far from Israel. Its usage here emphasizes the global, non-Jewish reach of the events God orchestrates.
  • "Ends of the earth" (Hebrew: q'tzot ha'aretz - קְצוֹת הָאָרֶץ) further reinforces the idea of universal impact, indicating that God's power is recognized even in the remotest parts of the world.
  • The verb "feared" (Hebrew: vayyira'u - וַיִּירָאוּ) implies a deep sense of dread or awe, suggesting that the nations were truly shaken by what they witnessed of God's power.

Practical Application

Isaiah 41:5 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, shaping history according to His divine purposes. Just as the ancient nations reacted to His powerful displays, so too should we recognize His sovereignty in our lives and in global events. This verse encourages us to place our trust not in fleeting human powers or self-made solutions, but in the God who controls the "ends of the earth." It invites a response of reverent awe rather than fear-driven idolatry or denial, urging us to consider how we respond to the undeniable evidence of God's hand at work, just as the nations "drew near, and came" to witness His power.

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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 26:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

  • Ezekiel 26:16 (4 votes)

    Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

  • Psalms 65:8 (3 votes)

    They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

  • Psalms 67:7 (3 votes)

    God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

  • Joshua 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

  • Psalms 66:3 (3 votes)

    Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

  • Exodus 15:14 (2 votes)

    The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.