Isaiahchapter 51

23 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 438 cross-references outward and receives 549 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

Repeated summonses structure the chapter: three "hearken" calls to those who follow righteousness — look to the rock whence you were hewn, to Abraham and Sarah — with promises that Jehovah comforts Zion, making her wilderness like Eden, that law and justice go forth as a light of the peoples, and that while the heavens vanish like smoke, his salvation stands to all generations. Then come the "awake" cries: first to the arm of Jehovah, recalling the cutting of Rahab, the piercing of the monster, and the drying of the sea, so that the ransomed return to Zion with singing and everlasting joy; then to Jerusalem, who has drunk the cup of Jehovah's wrath, the cup of staggering, her sons fainted in the streets. Jehovah, who pleads his people's cause, takes that cup from her hand and puts it into the hand of them that afflict her.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek Jehovah: look unto the rock whence ye were hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye were digged.

2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you; for when he was but one I called him, and I blessed him, and made him many.

3 For Jehovah hath comforted Zion; he hath comforted all her waste places, and hath made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Jehovah; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

4 Attend unto me, O my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples.

5 My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the peoples; the isles shall wait for me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revilings.

8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation unto all generations.

9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Jehovah; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Is it not thou that didst cut Rahab in pieces, that didst pierce the monster?