Isaiah 27:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 27:5
5 Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 27 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, discipleship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 27:5
5 Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.
Analysis
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me. This verse offers stunning grace: enemies (the "briers and thorns" of v.4) can avoid destruction by taking hold of God's strength (ma'uzzi, מָעוּזִּי, literally "my stronghold" or "my fortress"). Instead of fighting God and being burned, they can flee TO Him for refuge. The phrase take hold (yachazek, יַחֲזֵק) means to seize, grasp firmly, cling to—depicting urgent, desperate faith.
The repetition make peace with me...make peace with me (ya'aseh shalom li...ve'ya'aseh shalom li, יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם לִי...וְיַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם לִי) emphasizes certainty—whoever takes hold of God's strength will definitely make peace. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses wholeness, reconciliation, covenant relationship, not merely cease-fire. This is gospel in the Old Testament: enemies of God can become friends by fleeing to God Himself as their refuge. Paul echoes this in Romans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Christ is our ma'oz (stronghold) and our peace (Ephesians 2:14). We who were enemies are reconciled by grasping Christ by faith (Colossians 1:21-22).
Historical Context
Isaiah's original hearers would have seen this as invitation to Gentile nations to join covenant relationship with Israel's God rather than opposing Him. Historically, proselytes did exactly this—grasping Israel's God as their stronghold. The New Testament reveals fuller meaning: all humanity (Jew and Gentile) were enemies needing to make peace through Christ (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The early church's mission was proclaiming this peace to all nations (Acts 10:36, Ephesians 2:17).
Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'take hold of God's strength' as your refuge from His wrath?
- How does this verse illustrate that the gospel is an invitation to peace, not just a threat of judgment?
- In what ways is Christ our 'stronghold' and our 'peace' with God?
Cross-References
- Peace: Job 22:21
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 25:4