Isaiah 51:4
Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
Original Language Analysis
עַמִּ֖ים
of the people
H5971
עַמִּ֖ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַאֲזִ֑ינוּ
and give ear
H238
הַאֲזִ֑ינוּ
and give ear
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
6 of 14
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תוֹרָה֙
for a law
H8451
תוֹרָה֙
for a law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
8 of 14
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
מֵאִתִּ֣י
H853
מֵאִתִּ֣י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תֵצֵ֔א
shall proceed
H3318
תֵצֵ֔א
shall proceed
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
10 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔י
from me and I will make my judgment
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔י
from me and I will make my judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לְא֥וֹר
for a light
H216
לְא֥וֹר
for a light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
12 of 14
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Isaiah 42:6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:1 Corinthians 9:21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.Micah 4:2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Historical Context
This anticipates new covenant when law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and Gentiles are grafted into Israel (Romans 11:17). Christ as 'light of the world' (John 8:12) fulfills this promise - His teaching illuminates all peoples.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you view God's law - as restrictive burden or gracious guidance providing 'light' for life's path?
- In what ways should Christ's universal light-giving compel you toward evangelistic concern for all peoples?
Analysis & Commentary
The call 'Hearken unto me, my people' establishes covenant relationship before issuing commands. The promise 'a law shall proceed from me' and 'I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people' depicts Torah as divine gift providing guidance. The universal scope 'light of the people' anticipates Gentile inclusion - God's law isn't ethnic restriction but universal revelation of His character.