Isaiah 27:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 27:13
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 27 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, worship, love. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 27:13
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
Analysis
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem. This climactic verse describes the eschatological gathering. The great trumpet (shofar gadol, שׁוֹפָר גָּדוֹל) recalls key moments: Sinai's theophany (Exodus 19:16), Jubilee year release (Leviticus 25:9), and prophetic Day of the LORD (Joel 2:1, Zephaniah 1:16). Jesus spoke of angels gathering elect "with a great sound of a trumpet" (Matthew 24:31). Paul describes the resurrection trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16). Revelation's seven trumpets announce final judgments and Christ's kingdom (Revelation 8-11).
They shall come which were ready to perish (ha'ovedim be'erets Ashur, הָאֹבְדִים בְּאֶרֶץ אַשּׁוּר, those lost/perishing in land of Assyria) and the outcasts in the land of Egypt (vehaniddachim be'erets Mitsrayim, וְהַנִּדָּחִים בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם, those driven out in land of Egypt) represents all dispersed Israelites. "Ready to perish" suggests desperate straits, near total loss. "Outcasts" (niddachim, from nadach, נָדַח, driven away, banished) emphasizes forced exile. Yet none are beyond God's reach or restoration.
And shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem (vehishtachavu la-Yahweh behar haqqodesh biYrushalayim, וְהִשְׁתַּחֲווּ לַיהוָה בְּהַר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּירוּשָׁלִָם) depicts the goal: not merely geographic return but restored worship. Hishtachavah (הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה) means to bow down, prostrate oneself—covenant worship of Yahweh. Jerusalem's holy mount (Temple Mount/Zion) represents God's presence. Hebrews 12:22-24 spiritualizes this as believers coming to heavenly Jerusalem. Revelation 21-22 pictures New Jerusalem descending, ultimate restoration where God dwells with His people forever.
Historical Context
No single historical event exhausts this prophecy. Partial returns occurred after Babylonian exile, but full worldwide regathering awaits consummation. Modern Israeli statehood (1948) saw Jews return from worldwide dispersion, which some see as beginning fulfillment. The church sees spiritual fulfillment as all nations worship in Zion (the church, Hebrews 12:22-23, Galatians 4:26). Ultimate fulfillment comes when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom, gathering elect from earth's four corners (Matthew 24:31, Revelation 7:9-10) to worship eternally in new creation.
Reflection
- What does the 'great trumpet' symbolize about God's final summons to His scattered people?
- How does this promise encourage believers who feel like 'outcasts' or 'ready to perish' in hostile environments?
- In what ways do you see partial fulfillment of worldwide gathering to worship God, and how does this shape your hope for Christ's return?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- References Lord: Luke 4:18
- References Jerusalem: Hebrews 12:22
- References Egypt: Isaiah 11:16
- Worship: Zechariah 14:16
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 25:9, 1 Chronicles 15:24, Matthew 24:31