Isaiah 51:2
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Original Language Analysis
הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙
Look
H5027
הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙
Look
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
1 of 12
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
אֲבִיכֶ֔ם
your father
H1
אֲבִיכֶ֔ם
your father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
תְּחוֹלֶלְכֶ֑ם
that bare
H2342
תְּחוֹלֶלְכֶ֑ם
that bare
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶחָ֣ד
him alone
H259
אֶחָ֣ד
him alone
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
קְרָאתִ֔יו
you for I called
H7121
קְרָאתִ֔יו
you for I called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Ezekiel 33:24Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.Isaiah 29:22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.Genesis 24:35And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.Genesis 22:17That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;Genesis 24:1And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.Joshua 24:3And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.
Historical Context
When exiles felt numerically insignificant (compared to Babylon's masses), this reminded them that Israel began with one elderly, childless couple. Their ancestor's faith in impossible promise should inspire their own trust in restoration promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Abraham's example of faith in impossible circumstances encourage you when you feel inadequate for God's calling?
- What does God's pattern of working through small, weak remnants teach about how He displays His power?
Analysis & Commentary
The historical rehearsal 'I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him' emphasizes God's ability to multiply from nothing. Abraham's singularity ('him alone') shows that numerical smallness doesn't limit God's purposes. This encourages remnant theology - faithful few are sufficient for God to accomplish His plans. The progression (call, bless, increase) models redemption's pattern: election, justification, glorification.