Isaiah 41:1
Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
Original Language Analysis
הַחֲרִ֤ישׁוּ
Keep silence
H2790
הַחֲרִ֤ישׁוּ
Keep silence
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
1 of 12
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
אִיִּ֔ים
before me O islands
H339
אִיִּ֔ים
before me O islands
Strong's:
H339
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
יַחֲלִ֣יפוּ
renew
H2498
יַחֲלִ֣יפוּ
renew
Strong's:
H2498
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change
כֹ֑חַ
their strength
H3581
כֹ֑חַ
their strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
6 of 12
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
יִגְּשׁוּ֙
let them come near
H5066
יִגְּשׁוּ֙
let them come near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
7 of 12
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
אָ֣ז
H227
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
then let them speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
then let them speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Habakkuk 2:20But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.Zechariah 2:13Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.Psalms 46:10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.Isaiah 34:1Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.Isaiah 11:11And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.Job 38:3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Historical Context
This trial scene sets the stage for announcing Cyrus's rise (verse 2), showing that God, not chance or Babylonian gods, controls history and raises up world rulers according to His plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing history as God's courtroom drama change your understanding of current events?
- What does it mean that God invites nations to approach and argue, confident in His case?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God summons the nations ('islands'—Hebrew 'iyim' refers to distant coastlands) to a cosmic courtroom. The call to 'renew strength' (Hebrew 'chalaph') suggests gathering resources for legal battle. God initiates this confrontation, demonstrating His sovereignty to judge all nations and vindicate His purposes before witnesses.