Isaiah 33:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 33:13
13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 33 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, judgment, fellowship. 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 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 33:13
13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
Analysis
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done (שִׁמְעוּ רְחוֹקִים אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי, shim'u rechoqim asher asiti)—hear (שָׁמַע, shama) you who are רָחוֹק (rachoq, far, distant) what I've done (עָשָׂה, asah). And, ye that are near, acknowledge my might (וּדְעוּ קְרוֹבִים גְּבֻרָתִי, ude'u qerovim geburati)—and know (יָדַע, yada) you who are קָרוֹב (qarov, near) my גְּבוּרָה (geburah, might, power, strength).
God summons universal witness—both far (Gentile nations) and near (Israel/Judah)—to observe His mighty acts. The 'far' must hear reports; the 'near' witnessed directly and must acknowledge. Psalm 46:10: 'Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.' Sennacherib's destruction testified to all nations of Yahweh's supremacy. Acts 1:8 uses similar geography: 'ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.'
Historical Context
News of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers' overnight death spread throughout the ancient Near East. Assyria was the superpower; its humiliation shocked nations. The 'far off' heard reports; Judah experienced it directly. God's מִיָּה (geburah, might) was demonstrated unmistakably. Similarly, Jesus's resurrection was witnessed by those 'near' (apostles, disciples) and proclaimed to those 'far' (Gentiles)—both must hear and acknowledge God's power.
Reflection
- How do God's mighty acts serve as witness to both those 'far' and 'near'—what's your responsibility to testify?
- What distinction exists between hearing reports (far) and personally acknowledging (near)?
- How can you help those 'far off' hear what God has done, and those 'near' truly acknowledge His might?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 49:1, Psalms 48:10