Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

O thou afflicted {H6041}, tossed with tempest {H5590}, and not comforted {H5162}, behold, I will lay {H7257} thy stones {H68} with fair colours {H6320}, and lay thy foundations {H3245} with sapphires {H5601}.

"Storm-ravaged [city], unconsoled, I will set your stones in the finest way, lay your foundations with sapphires,

“O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set thy stones in fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Commentary

Isaiah 54:11 offers a profound message of hope and restoration to a people deeply afflicted and despairing. This verse is part of a larger prophetic song of comfort addressed to Jerusalem, personified as a barren, desolate woman, now promised abundant fruitfulness and glory by God Himself.

Context

The prophet Isaiah here speaks to Zion, representing the nation of Israel, which had endured periods of immense suffering, including the Babylonian exile. The imagery of being "tossed with tempest, and not comforted" vividly portrays their state of desolation, political turmoil, and spiritual distress. Historically, the people felt abandoned and without hope, much like a ship battered by a storm and left adrift. This chapter follows prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) and precedes promises of an everlasting covenant, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness even amidst their unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Comfort: God sees the deep distress of His people. The opening address, "O thou afflicted," acknowledges their pain and suffering, immediately followed by a promise of divine intervention and comfort, demonstrating His intimate care.
  • Glorious Restoration: The imagery of "laying thy stones with fair colours" and "foundations with sapphires" symbolizes a magnificent rebuilding and beautification of Jerusalem far beyond its former glory. This isn't just a physical reconstruction but a spiritual renewal, promising a future of unparalleled splendor and security. It speaks to God's ability to transform desolation into divine beauty.
  • Unshakable Foundations: Sapphires, known for their beauty and hardness, represent the strength and permanence of God's work. The new foundations will be divinely established, ensuring stability and protection against future storms. This echoes the concept of the New Jerusalem's foundations being built with precious stones.
  • God's Unconditional Promise: This verse is a testament to God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. Despite Israel's past failings, God's promise to restore them is based on His character, not their merit.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fair colours" translates the Hebrew word פּוּך (pûḵ), which often refers to antimony or kohl, used for eye-paint. However, in this context, it signifies dazzling, brilliant hues, suggesting not mere cosmetics but the vibrant, precious nature of the materials God will use to rebuild Zion. The "sapphires" (סַפִּיר - *sappîr*) denote a highly valuable and durable stone, emphasizing the preciousness and permanence of the promised restoration.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 54:11 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people, even in their darkest hours. When life feels like a tempest, and we are "tossed" by trials, this verse assures us that God sees our affliction and promises a future of comfort and stability. It encourages us to trust in His restorative power, knowing that He can take the broken pieces of our lives and rebuild them with divine beauty and foundations that cannot be shaken. This promise extends beyond personal comfort to the ultimate hope of a new creation, where God's glory will be fully manifested and all sorrow will cease.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:4 (10 votes)

    ¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

  • 1 Peter 2:6 (10 votes)

    Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

  • Jeremiah 30:17 (8 votes)

    For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:2 (6 votes)

    Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

  • Acts 14:22 (6 votes)

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Revelation 21:18 (5 votes)

    And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.

  • Revelation 21:21 (5 votes)

    And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.