Isaiah 5:19
That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
Original Language Analysis
יְמַהֵ֧ר׀
Let him make speed
H4116
יְמַהֵ֧ר׀
Let him make speed
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
יָחִ֛ישָׁה
and hasten
H2363
יָחִ֛ישָׁה
and hasten
Strong's:
H2363
Word #:
3 of 12
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
מַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ
his work
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ
his work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 12
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
נִרְאֶ֑ה
that we may see
H7200
נִרְאֶ֑ה
that we may see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְתִקְרַ֣ב
draw nigh
H7126
וְתִקְרַ֣ב
draw nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
7 of 12
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
וְתָב֗וֹאָה
and come
H935
וְתָב֗וֹאָה
and come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עֲצַ֛ת
it and let the counsel
H6098
עֲצַ֛ת
it and let the counsel
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
9 of 12
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
קְד֥וֹשׁ
of the Holy One
H6918
קְד֥וֹשׁ
of the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
10 of 12
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Ezekiel 12:22Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?Jeremiah 17:15Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.Jeremiah 23:36And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.
Historical Context
Decades between Isaiah's warnings and Babylonian conquest allowed scoffers to mock prophetic threats. Yet delay didn't indicate divine indifference but longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's patience in delaying promised judgment sometimes embolden rather than soften hearts?
- What modern scoffing at divine promises do we encounter or participate in?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The mockers' challenge—'Let him make speed, and hasten his work...let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh'—expresses arrogant unbelief, daring God to judge. This cynical demand for immediate divine action demonstrates hardened hearts that mistake patience for impotence. Peter later identifies this same scoffing: 'Where is the promise of his coming?' (2 Peter 3:3-4). God's patience in delaying judgment, meant to prompt repentance, instead emboldens the rebellious.