Isaiah 41:5
The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
Original Language Analysis
רָא֤וּ
saw
H7200
רָא֤וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִיִּים֙
The isles
H339
אִיִּים֙
The isles
Strong's:
H339
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
וְיִירָ֔אוּ
it and feared
H3372
וְיִירָ֔אוּ
it and feared
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
3 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
יֶחֱרָ֑דוּ
were afraid
H2729
יֶחֱרָ֑דוּ
were afraid
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
6 of 8
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
Cross References
Psalms 67:7God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.Psalms 65:8They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Joshua 5:1And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
Historical Context
As news of Cyrus's conquests spread, nations recognized something unprecedented was happening, yet most responded by strengthening their false gods rather than turning to the true God.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people today respond to God's evident works with renewed idolatry rather than repentance?
- What does it mean to respond to God's power with proper fear that leads to worship, not just terror?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The nations' fear response to Cyrus's God-ordained rise is both appropriate (recognizing divine action) and inadequate (leading to idol-making, verse 7, rather than repentance). The Hebrew 'yare' (feared) and 'charad' (trembled) indicate terror before manifest divine power. The 'ends of the earth' emphasizes universal awareness of God's work.