1 Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.”
5 And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength—
6 he says:
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
I will make you as a light for the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation,
the servant of rulers:
“Kings shall see and arise;
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves;
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
8 Thus says the Lord: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages,
9 saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’
to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’
10 they shall not hunger or thirst,
neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,
for he who has pity on them will lead them,
and by springs of water will guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a road,
and my highways shall be raised up.
12 Behold, these shall come from afar,
and behold, these from the north and from the west,
and these from the land of Syene.
13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.
14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.”
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
17 Your builders make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste go out from you.
18 Lift up your eyes around and see;
they all gather, they come to you.
As I live, declares the Lord,
you shall put them all on as an ornament;
you shall bind them on as a bride does.
19 “Surely your waste and your desolate places and your devastated land— surely now you will be too narrow for your inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up will be far away.”
20 The children of your bereavement
will yet say in your ears:
‘The place is too narrow for me;
make room for me to dwell in.’
21 Then you will say in your heart: ‘Who has borne me these? I was bereaved and barren, exiled and put away, but who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; from where have these come?’”
22 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.”
23 Kings shall be your foster fathers,
and their queens your nursing mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.”
24 Can the prey be taken from the mighty,
or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?
25 But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.”
26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh,
and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine.
Then all flesh shall know
that I am the Lord your Savior,
and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
The True Meaning of Isaiah 49
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BCE. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, as he spoke on behalf of God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah continues to deliver God’s message in this chapter, focusing on the role of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. We will see the Messiah’s divine calling, the promise of salvation for all people, and the assurance of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness to his chosen people.
The chapter opens with the Messiah’s declaration of his divine commission, followed by God’s reassurance of his support and the promise of the Messiah’s ultimate triumph. We will then witness the Messiah’s appeal to the nations, inviting them to come to the light of salvation. Finally, the chapter concludes with God’s comforting words to Zion, assuring her of his enduring love and the restoration of her fortunes.
Throughout this passage, we will find echoes of other biblical texts, such as the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) and the prophecies of a suffering servant (Isaiah 53). These connections will deepen our understanding of God’s unfolding plan of redemption for his people and all of humanity.
Isaiah 49:1-6
The passage in Isaiah 49:1-6 can be broken down into several key sections that offer profound insights into the overarching themes of redemption and salvation in the Bible.
Starting with verse 1, “Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.” This verse sets the tone for the prophetic message Isaiah is delivering. The prophet Isaiah is speaking here, but on a deeper level, this verse can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ. The reference to being called from the womb echoes the miraculous birth of Jesus, who was foretold as the Messiah even before His birth. This verse emphasizes the divine plan and purpose that God has set in motion through His chosen servants.
Moving on to verse 2, “He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.” Here, Isaiah describes the empowering of his speech by God, equipping him to speak with authority and precision. The imagery of the sharpened sword and polished arrow symbolizes the effectiveness of God’s word as a tool for His purpose. This verse underscores the importance of speaking God’s truth boldly and accurately, reflecting the power and precision of His divine message.
Verse 3 continues, “He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.’” This verse echoes God’s promise to display His glory through His chosen servant, who is tasked with representing the nation of Israel. The servant here can be seen as a collective representation of the faithful remnant of Israel, but also prophetically points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Servant who brings salvation not only to Israel but to all nations. This verse emphasizes the role of the servant in revealing God’s splendor and glory to the world. “I said in verses 4 and 5, ‘I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all.’” Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.’ And now the Lord says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength.” Here, there is a sense of struggle and doubt expressed by the servant, feeling as though his efforts have been in vain. However, the servant ultimately recognizes that his reward and honor come from the Lord. This reflects a common theme seen throughout the Bible, where faithful servants may face challenges and hardships in their obedience to God, but find strength and purpose in knowing that their efforts are ultimately for His glory and will.
Finally, in verse 6, “He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’” This verse reveals the expansive nature of God’s salvation plan, extending beyond the borders of Israel to encompass all nations. The servant’s mission is not limited to the restoration of Israel but includes being a light to the Gentiles, signifying the universal scope of God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ. This verse aligns with the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, commanding them to make disciples of all nations, highlighting the inclusive nature of salvation in God’s plan. Isaiah 49:1-6 conveys a powerful message about God’s redemption plan through His chosen servants, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the divine call, empowerment, struggle, and universal scope of God’s salvation, highlighting the timeless message of hope and restoration found throughout the Bible.
Isaiah 49:7-13
The prophecy concerning the servant of the Lord continues in Isaiah 49:7-13. The text begins with, “This is what the Lord says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: ‘Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’” This section is a powerful declaration from the Lord concerning the servant of God. The servant is described as one who was despised and abhorred by the nation, yet he is ultimately chosen and exalted by God. This is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to elevate and use the most unlikely individuals for His purposes.
The mention of the servant being despised and abhorred by the nation brings to mind the suffering servant portrayed in Isaiah 53, who is rejected and despised by men. This connection highlights the theme of redemption and salvation through the suffering of the servant. Despite facing opposition and rejection, the servant is ultimately vindicated and honored by God. This serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate suffering and exaltation of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the role of the suffering servant in the New Testament.
The passage goes on to describe how kings and princes will acknowledge and honor the servant because of the Lord’s faithfulness and sovereign choice. This imagery of kings and princes bowing down before the servant underscores the universal recognition and exaltation that the servant will receive. It emphasizes the authority and power that God has bestowed upon His chosen servant, ultimately pointing to the divine plan of salvation that will be accomplished through him. The Lord declares in the prophecy that He will answer you in the time of His favor and help you in the day of salvation, keeping you and making you a covenant for the people to restore the land and reassign its desolate inheritances.” This portion emphasizes the restoration and redemption that the servant will bring. The servant is not only chosen and exalted by God but is also entrusted with the mission of being a covenant for the people, bringing salvation and restoration. This echoes God’s covenant with His people throughout the Old Testament, highlighting His faithfulness and promise of redemption through His chosen servant.
The imagery of the servant being a covenant for the people points to the new covenant that Jesus Christ establishes through His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus is described as the mediator of the new covenant in the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15), through which believers are reconciled to God. This connection between the servant in Isaiah and the person of Jesus Christ underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
The passage concludes with a message of hope and restoration, depicting a future where God’s people will be gathered from all corners of the earth. The imagery of barren women giving birth and the restoration of what was once desolate paints a picture of God’s renewal and blessing upon His people. This serves as a promise of God’s faithfulness and provision, reminding His people of His plan to bring about redemption and restoration to all who belong to Him. Isaiah 49:7-13 is a powerful prophecy that points to the exaltation, redemption, and restoration brought about through the servant of the Lord. This passage not only speaks to the historical context of Israel but also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus Christ. It highlights God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and redemptive purposes, offering hope and assurance to all who trust in Him.
Isaiah 49:14-18
The prophet Isaiah addresses the feelings of abandonment and hopelessness that the people of Israel are experiencing in Isaiah 49:14-18. The section begins with Zion, representing the people of Israel, saying, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” This reflects a common sentiment among the Israelites during times of trouble and hardship, where they felt as though God had abandoned them. It captures the despair and uncertainty that they were going through, echoing the feeling of being forsaken by their divine protector. However, Isaiah quickly challenges this perception by stating in verse 15, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
This powerful imagery of a mother’s love for her child serves to remind the Israelites of God’s unwavering commitment to them. It communicates the idea that God’s love and care for His people surpasses even that of a mother for her child. This reassurance is vital in restoring hope and faith among the Israelites, showing them that no matter how dire their circumstances may seem, God has not abandoned them.
The mention of Zion’s walls in verse 16 is symbolic of protection and security. God promises to engrave Zion on the palms of His hands, indicating that He will never forget or forsake His people. This promise of protection is reminiscent of the everlasting covenant God made with His chosen people throughout the Bible. It serves as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and commitment to His children, even in the midst of adversity.
The following verses (17-18) speak of the restoration and rebuilding of Zion. The desolate state of Zion is compared to a woman who has lost her children and is devastated. However, God promises a future where her children will come swiftly and the land will no longer be desolate. This imagery of restoration and renewal highlights God’s redemptive power and His ability to bring life out of barrenness. It reinforces the theme of hope and renewal that runs throughout the Bible, showing that even in the darkest of times, God is able to bring forth new life and blessings. Isaiah 49:14-18 serves as a powerful message of hope, redemption, and restoration for the people of Israel. It reminds them of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness, even in times of despair. This passage holds timeless lessons for believers today, encouraging them to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His ability to bring about renewal and blessings in their lives. It teaches us to turn to God in times of trouble, knowing that He will never forsake us and will always be our source of strength and hope.
Isaiah 49:19-21
The passage in Isaiah 49:19-21 reads: “‘For your waste and desolate places, and the land of your destruction, will even now be too small for the inhabitants; and those who swallowed you up will be far away. The children you will have, after you have lost the others, will say again in your ears, “The place is too small for me; give me a place where I may dwell.” Then you will say in your heart, “Who has begotten these for me, since I have lost my children and am desolate, a captive, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; but these, where were they?”’”
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For your waste and desolate places, and the land of your destruction, will even now be too small for the inhabitants: This part of the verse speaks to the restoration and growth that God promises to bring to His people. The desolate places will be too small to contain all the inhabitants because of the abundance and blessings that God will bestow upon them.
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The children you will have, after you have lost the others, will say again in your ears, “The place is too small for me; give me a place where I may dwell.” Then you will say in your heart, “Who has begotten these for me, since I have lost my children and am desolate, a captive, and wandering to and fro?: Here, we see a picture of restoration and multiplication. Despite past losses and hardships, God promises to bring about a new generation that will be so numerous that the place will seem too small for them. This imagery highlights God’s faithfulness in replenishing and rebuilding what was once lost.
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And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; but these, where were they?” This part delves into the wonder and amazement of how, despite feeling abandoned and desolate in the past, God will bring forth future generations that will be a testimony to His faithfulness and provision. It showcases the theme of God’s redemptive power and His ability to bring about new beginnings even in the midst of desolation.
This passage in Isaiah resonates with themes found in other parts of the Bible, where God promises restoration, multiplication, and renewal to His people. For example, in Ezekiel 36:10-11, it says, “I will multiply the people upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. I will multiply on you man and beast; and they shall increase and bear young…” This echoes the promise of growth and restoration seen in Isaiah 49:19-21, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in bringing about a flourishing future despite past hardships.
Isaiah 49:22-23
Several important sections in Isaiah 49:22-23 provide profound insight into God’s promise and plan for His people. Let’s break down these verses step by step:
Verse 22 begins with God declaring, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.’” This imagery of nations responding to God’s call and bringing back the sons and daughters of Israel is a powerful depiction of restoration and redemption. It shows God’s sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. This promise echoes similar themes found throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel despite their failures and hardships.
The following verse, 23, continues with God’s promise, “Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Here, the imagery of kings and queens serving and honoring the people of Israel signifies a profound reversal of roles and positions. This reversal symbolizes God’s ultimate plan to exalt His people and demonstrate His power and glory through them. It also underscores the idea that those who place their hope and trust in the Lord will ultimately find fulfillment and blessings beyond their expectations.
The overarching message of these verses in the context of Isaiah 49 speaks to the restoration, redemption, and ultimate glory of God’s people. Throughout the book of Isaiah, there is a consistent theme of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and redemption for Israel despite their disobedience and exile. These verses point to a future where God will draw all nations to Himself and demonstrate His power and sovereignty through the restoration of His people. This theme of restoration and redemption is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. These verses in Isaiah 49 ultimately remind us of God’s unfailing love and His promise to bring about ultimate restoration and blessing for those who put their trust in Him.
Isaiah 49:24-26
Several key sections in Isaiah 49:24-26 need to be dissected for a comprehensive understanding of the passage.
The verse starts with “Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce?” This rhetorical question sets the scene for a discussion on the power of God to deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations. The imagery of warriors and captives highlights the idea of strength and vulnerability, and it poses a challenge to the reader to consider whether any human effort could triumph over such circumstances. This verse emphasizes the sovereignty and supremacy of God in all situations, even those that appear insurmountable to human eyes.
The next part of the passage states, “But this is what the Lord says: ‘Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.’” Here, God directly responds to the rhetorical question posed earlier by affirming His authority and ability to reverse the fortunes of His people. This declaration signifies God’s promise of deliverance and protection for His chosen ones. The language used conveys a sense of redemption and victory, instilling hope and confidence in the hearts of those who put their trust in the Lord.
The final section of the passage declares, “I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” This vivid and intense imagery portrays the ultimate justice and retribution that God will mete out on behalf of His people. It serves as a warning to those who oppress the righteous and a reassurance to the downtrodden that their vindication will come from the Lord. The mention of the “Mighty One of Jacob” harkens back to the covenant God made with Jacob, reiterating His faithfulness to His promises and His enduring protection over His people. Isaiah 49:24-26 underscores the themes of divine deliverance, justice, and sovereignty that run throughout the Bible. It showcases God’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding His people and avenging their adversaries. This passage echoes similar sentiments found in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:14, which states, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” It reminds believers of the importance of trusting in God’s power and providence, even in the face of formidable challenges.
After Isaiah 49
The Lord had called Isaiah to be a prophet, to bring His message to the people. The Lord spoke of His servant in this chapter, who would be a light to the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. This servant would restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back the exiles of Israel. The Lord made a powerful promise as the chapter drew to a close. He declared that even if a mother could forget her child, He would never forget His people. The Lord would hold them in the palm of His hand, and no one could snatch them away. This was a message of hope and reassurance for the people of Israel, who had endured much suffering and hardship.
But the Lord’s work was not yet complete. The servant of the Lord would continue to fulfill his mission, bringing justice and righteousness to the world in the next chapter. The people would be called to trust in the Lord and walk in His ways, for His salvation was near.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.