Isaiah 41:25
I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.
Original Language Analysis
מִצָּפוֹן֙
one from the north
H6828
מִצָּפוֹן֙
one from the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ
of the sun
H8121
שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ
of the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
5 of 15
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
יִקְרָ֣א
shall he call
H7121
יִקְרָ֣א
shall he call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בִשְׁמִ֑י
upon my name
H8034
בִשְׁמִ֑י
upon my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְיָבֹ֤א
and he shall come
H935
וְיָבֹ֤א
and he shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
חֹ֔מֶר
as upon morter
H2563
חֹ֔מֶר
as upon morter
Strong's:
H2563
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
יוֹצֵ֖ר
and as the potter
H3335
יוֹצֵ֖ר
and as the potter
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
13 of 15
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
Cross References
Isaiah 41:2Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.Isaiah 10:6I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.2 Samuel 22:43Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.Zechariah 10:5And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.Micah 7:10Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.Isaiah 45:13I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.Isaiah 21:2A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.Jeremiah 50:3For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.
Historical Context
Cyrus's conquest fulfilled this prophecy precisely—he came from the northeast, conquered Babylon's rulers, and decreed recognition of Israel's God in his proclamation allowing return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of those who don't fully know Him demonstrate His sovereign grace?
- What does this verse teach about God's control of secular rulers for His people's benefit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God announces raising up one from the north and east (Cyrus came from Persia, northeast of Babylon) who will call on God's name and trample rulers 'as the potter treadeth clay.' The Hebrew 'ramas' (tread down) depicts thorough subjugation. Though Cyrus didn't know God personally, he acknowledged Him (Ezra 1:2) and served His purposes.