Isaiah 49:18

¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

Lift up {H5375} thine eyes {H5869} round about {H5439}, and behold {H7200}: all these gather themselves together {H6908}, and come {H935} to thee. As I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, thou shalt surely clothe {H3847} thee with them all, as with an ornament {H5716}, and bind {H7194} them on thee, as a bride {H3618} doeth.

Raise your eyes, and look around: they are all gathering and coming to you. ADONAI swears: "As surely as I am alive, you will wear them all like jewels, adorn yourself with them like a bride."

Lift up your eyes and look around. They all gather together; they come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride.

Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith Jehovah, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all as with an ornament, and gird thyself with them, like a bride.

Commentary

Isaiah 49:18 presents a vivid prophetic image of God's restorative work for Zion, promising her future glory and the joyous return of her scattered children or the gathering of new adherents. This verse is part of a larger message of comfort and hope delivered through the prophet Isaiah, assuring Israel that despite past desolation, God's covenant promises remain steadfast.

Context

This verse is found within the "Servant Songs" section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), a period of prophecy often addressed to a people in exile or facing significant hardship. Chapter 49 specifically focuses on the Servant of the Lord and the restoration of Israel. Prior to this verse, Zion (representing Jerusalem and God's people) expresses feelings of abandonment by God (Isaiah 49:14). However, the Lord responds with tender assurances of His unwavering love and remembrance, likening His care to a mother's for her child. Verse 18 then builds upon this promise, painting a picture of overwhelming joy and abundance as those who were lost or distant now return to Zion, transforming her former desolation into a scene of beauty and honor.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active role in restoring His people and their land. It's not a self-generated recovery but a sovereign act of the Lord.
  • The Ingathering of People: "All these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee" signifies the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon or the gathering of a multitude, including Gentiles, into the spiritual community of God's people. This theme of a global ingathering is central to Isaiah's prophecies (see also Isaiah 60:4).
  • Zion's Renewed Beauty and Honor: The metaphor of clothing oneself with these gathered people "as with an ornament" and binding them "as a bride doeth" emphasizes that the returned population will be Zion's glory, joy, and adornment. Her shame and desolation will be replaced with splendor and celebration, much like a bride on her wedding day (compare Revelation 21:2).
  • God's Unbreakable Oath: The phrase "As I live, saith the LORD" is a solemn divine oath (Hebrew: Chai ani, חַי אָנִי), guaranteeing the absolute certainty and reliability of this promise. It underscores the Lord's faithfulness and His commitment to fulfilling His word.

Linguistic Insights

The oath "As I live, saith the LORD" is a powerful declaration of God's own existence as the guarantee of His promise. It's a common divine affirmation throughout Scripture, emphasizing the immutability of His word (e.g., Numbers 14:28). The imagery of "ornament" (עֲדִי, adiy) and "bride" (כַּלָּה, kallah) evokes profound cultural significance related to celebration, beauty, and new beginnings in ancient Near Eastern society. These terms highlight the honor and joy that will accompany Zion's repopulation.

Practical Application

Isaiah 49:18 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Faithful to His Promises: Even when circumstances seem bleak or we feel forgotten, God's word stands firm. He is committed to the restoration and flourishing of His people.
  • The Church's Beauty is in its People: Like Zion, the church's true beauty and strength come from the diverse individuals who are gathered into it through God's grace. Each person is a precious "ornament."
  • Hope in Desolation: For those experiencing spiritual or personal desolation, this verse provides a powerful message of hope. God can transform barrenness into beauty, and sorrow into joy, by bringing new life and purpose.
  • The Joy of Ingathering: There is immense joy in seeing people come to faith and join the community of believers, enriching and adorning the body of Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 54:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 54:3 (7 votes)

    For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

  • Isaiah 66:12 (6 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.

  • Isaiah 66:13 (6 votes)

    As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 61:10 (6 votes)

    ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • Isaiah 54:9 (5 votes)

    For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

  • Jeremiah 2:32 (4 votes)

    Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.