Isaiah 55:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 55:5
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 55 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, holiness, wisdom. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 55:5
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
Analysis
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. This verse describes remarkable reversals: Israel calling unknown nations, and unknown nations running to Israel. "Call" (tiqra, תִקְרָא) suggests summoning, inviting. "Knowest not" (lo yeda'ta, לֹא יְדַעְתָּ) indicates nations previously outside covenant relationship. The response—"shall run" (yarutsu, יָרוּצוּ)—depicts eager, swift approach.
The dual motivation: "because of the LORD thy God" and "the Holy One of Israel"—Gentiles come not for Israel's sake but because of Israel's God. The concluding explanation—"for he hath glorified thee" (ki pe'arekha, כִּי פֵאֲרָךְ)—indicates God's glorification of Israel attracts the nations. Israel becomes exhibit of divine grace, drawing others to the source.
From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the Great Commission and Gentile ingathering. Romans 9-11 explains how Israel's role facilitates Gentile salvation, provoking Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:11). The church, comprised of Jew and Gentile, fulfills this summons. The ultimate attractiveness is Christ Himself (John 12:32—"if I be lifted up...will draw all men unto me"). This verse teaches that God's glorification of His people serves missionary purpose—others are drawn to the God who redeems.
Historical Context
Israel's original calling included being "a kingdom of priests" mediating God to nations (Exodus 19:6). Yet Old Testament period saw limited Gentile inclusion. Isaiah promises future reversal where nations actively seek Israel's God. Post-exilic period saw some Gentile proselytes, but nothing matching this prophecy's scale.
The New Testament demonstrates fulfillment: Pentecost included "devout men out of every nation" (Acts 2:5); Ethiopian eunuch sought truth (Acts 8:27); Cornelius sought God (Acts 10); Philippian jailer was converted (Acts 16:30-34). Church history shows continuous running of nations to Christ—Roman Empire, Germanic tribes, Slavic peoples, African nations, Asian countries. The missionary movement demonstrates nations that "knew not thee" now eagerly embracing the gospel.
Reflection
- How does your life exhibit God's glory in ways that attract others to Him?
- What unknown 'nations' (unreached groups) is God calling you to summon?
- How can the church better demonstrate God's glorifying work to draw the nations?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Zechariah 2:11
- References God: Isaiah 56:8, Acts 5:31
- Glory: Isaiah 60:9, Acts 3:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 45:23, 55:4, 60:5, Psalms 18:43, Romans 15:20