Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 41:5
The isles saw [it], and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
5. At the end of the verse LXX. seems to have read “and came together to judgment” (in accordance with Isa 41:1).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
5 7. The alarm of the nations leads to the production of fresh images. The view that Isa 41:6-7 form part of ch. Isa 40:18-20 has already been mentioned. With regard to the suitability of the verses in their present connexion, opinions differ. While some consider the scene an appropriate sequel to Isa 41:1-4, and its irony exquisite and well-timed, others find the irony overstrained, and doubt if even the most benighted idolaters could be represented as seeking to arrest the advance of Cyrus by making “a particularly good and strong set of gods.” And it must be admitted that the transition from an assembly of peoples to the inside of an idol factory is extremely abrupt. The view in question gives a somewhat different turn to Isa 41:6 and probably necessitates the excision of Isa 41:5.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The isles saw it – The distant nations (see the note at Isa 41:1). They saw what was done in the conquests of the man whom God in this remarkable manner had raised up; and they had had demonstration, therefore, of the mighty power of Yahweh above the power of idols.
And feared – Were alarmed, and trembled. All were apprehensive that they would be subdued, and driven away as with the tempest.
The ends of the earth – Distant nations occupying the extremities of the globe (see the note at Isa 40:28).
Drew near, and came – Came together for the purpose of mutual alliance, and self-defense. The prophet evidently refers to what he says in the following verses, that they formed treaties; endeavored to prepare for self-defense; looked to their idol-gods, and encouraged each other in their attempts to offer a successful resistance to the victorious arms of Cyrus.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 5. Were afraid – “And they were terrified”] Three MSS. have vaiyecheridu, adding the conjunction vau, which restores the second member of the sentence to its true poetical form.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The isles, even remote countries, as Isa 41:1, saw it; discerned the mighty work of God in delivering his people, and overthrowing their enemies, in so wonderful a manner.
Feared, lest they should be involved in the same calamity, as being conscious to themselves that they also were enemies to Gods people.
Drew near, and came; they gathered themselves together to consult for their common safety, and to maintain the cause of their idols, whom by this instance they perceived in great jeopardy.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
5. fearedthat they would besubdued.
drew near, and cametogether,for mutual defense.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
The isles saw it, and feared,…. Not the victory which Abraham got over the kings; nor Cyrus’s expedition against Babylon, and other nations, and his deliverance of the Jews; but the progress of the Gospel, through the ministry of the Apostle Paul: the idolatrous inhabitants of the Gentile nations saw great multitudes embracing and professing the Gospel; they saw their idols neglected, and their temples abandoned; they feared what would be the consequence of all this, that their old religion their fathers retained, and they were brought up in, would be abolished; and especially a panic seized the priests on this account, whose livelihood depended upon it:
the ends of the earth were afraid; for the sound of the Gospel by him, and other apostles, went into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world, Ro 10:18 meaning the inhabitants that dwelt in the furthest parts of the earth, where ignorance and idolatry wholly reigned: they drew near, and came: not to God, nor to Abraham, or Cyrus; rather to their gods, to exert themselves in the defence of their religion; or, which is best, they got together to consult what was proper to be done on such an emergency.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In the following v. we have not a description of the impression made upon the heathen by the argument of Jehovah, but the argument itself is continued. Isa 41:5 “Islands have seen it, and shuddered; the ends of the earth trembled; they have approached, and drawn near.” We have here a description of the effects which the victorious course of Cyrus had begun to produce in the heathen world. The perfects denote the past, and the futures a simultaneous past; so that we have not to compare Isa 41:5 with Hab 3:10 so much as with Psa 77:17. The play upon the words … pairs together both seeing and fearing. The Cumaeans, when consulting the oracle, commenced thus: . The perfect with the aorist following in Isa 41:5 places the following picture upon the stage: They have approached and drawn near (from all directions) to meet the threatening danger; and how? Isa 41:6, Isa 41:7 “One helped his companion, and he said to his brother, Only firm! The caster put firmness into the melter, the hammer-smoother into the anvil-smiter, saying of the soldering, It is good; and made him firm with nails, that he should not shake.” Him, viz., the idol. Everything is in confusion, from the terror that prevails; and the gods from which they expect deliverance are not made till now, the workmen stimulating one another to work. The c harash , who casts the image, encourages the tsoreph , whose task it is to provide it with the plating of gold and silver chains (Isa 40:19), to work more bravely; and the man who smooths with the hammer ( pattish, instrumentalis ) does the same to the man who smites the anvil ( with seghol , whereas in other cases, e.g., Eze 22:25, the tone generally gives way without any change in the vowel-pointing). The latter finds the soldering all right, by which the gold plates of the covering are fastened together, so as to give to the golden idol a massive appearance. He is the last into whose hands it comes; and nothing more is wanting, than that he should forge upon the anvil the nails with which it is fastened, to prevent it from falling. To such foolish, fruitless proceedings have the nations resorted when threatened with subjugation by Cyrus.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
5. The isles saw, and feared. He now shows the excessive ingratitude of the world, which, after having perceived the works of God, still continued in the same blindness to which it had been formerly abandoned. A little before, he had said that he would easily gain a victory, if they would only listen to him; and now he adds, that the Gentiles knew his power, and yet were rebellious and obstinate. The consequence is, that they are altogether inexcusable; because the majesty of God was abundantly revealed, if they had not chosen to shut their eyes of their own accord. (137) In order, therefore, to take away the excuse of ignorance even from the most distant nations, he says that they trembled at the sight of his works, and yet returned immediately to their natural dispositions, so as to be entangled by many errors and superstitions. There is an elegant allusion in the two verbs ראו וייראו, (rau veyirau) which cannot be expressed in the Latin language; but the general meaning is, that they not only were eyewitnesses, but also were so deeply convinced, that fear was awakened in them by what they knew.
The farthest boundaries of the earth trembled. It might be objected, that the blessings which God bestowed on Abraham could not be celebrated throughout the whole world, so as to be known to foreign nations. But, as we have said, although Abraham alone was mentioned by him, yet he intended also to bring to remembrance other instances of his kindness which their fathers experienced, that these might lead them to entertain better hope; for not only did he bring Abraham out of Chaldea, but he rescued all his posterity from the bondage of Egypt, (Exo 13:16,) and put them in possession of the land of Canaan. He says therefore, that the Gentiles had experience of his power when he delivered and preserved his people, that they might know that he is the only true God; for amidst so many miracles his power was clearly and manifestly displayed. In short, he declares that the Gentiles were terrified by the wonderful power of God, when he delivered his people; for wicked men, when they hear something of that power, are every day terrified and filled with amazement, because they perceive that God is their enemy.
Drew near and came. This expression, drew near, is interpreted by some to mean, that unbelievers observed more closely the works of God; for, when we wish to perceive anything more accurately, we approach nearer. Others refer it to the king of Sodom,” who went out to meet Abraham.” (Gen 14:17.) But those interpretations are unsuitable, and indeed have nothing to do with the subject.
(137) “ Afin de ne la point voir.” “That they might not see it.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
LESSONS FROM THE HEATHEN WORKERS
Isa. 41:5-7. The isles saw it, and feared. &c.
These verses indicate the state of feeling which was created among the heathen nations by the rapid and victorious career of Cyrus. They remind us
1. That a sense of common danger promotes fraternal feeling and activity (Isa. 41:5-6). This has been often witnessed in the history of communities. Persecution, oppression, danger, will frequently unite them in one great movement for defence and safety, and thus call forth and develop principles that are too little cultivated in times of prosperity and security.
2. Mutual help is best rendered when each man does his best in his own way (Isa. 41:7). In the building of a house, in the rendering of a performance, in the manufacture of an article, in the ruling of a state, the general interest is secured, not by all doing the same things, but by each doing his own individual part in honesty and fidelity. Even when an idol was to be made, the carpenter may encourage the goldsmith, &c. A fine lesson is here taught to Christian Churches. See it fully reasoned out in 1 Corinthians 12.
3. Even the superstitions of heathendom are a witness to the spiritual cravings of men. We have here a pathetic example of the perversions amongst which idolatry grovels. In their panic-stricken state the people betake themselves for safety to gods that first their own fingers must fashion. Think of a human soul bowing down to an image that a few moments ago was fastened with nails that it should not be moved! Yet we do injustice to heathenism, and do not rightly interpret it, if we suppose its significance lies wholly in these material objects. In reality we see here the human soul crying out for Another, an Unseen, an Unknown. The very groping of heathenism is so far a testimony to God, that it proclaims God to be in the worshipper before the worshipper seeks Him elsewhere. Amongst all our modern idolatries, too, idolatries of wealth, pleasure, fashion, power, &c., we see the uneasiness of souls who can find no settled rest in the things that are touched, and tasted, and handled. Though not definitely expressed, the yearning is for God Himself, of whom, and through whom, and to whom are all things.William Manning.
Thus the heathen helped each other (Isa. 41:6). There are many seasons in which encouragement from our fellow-Christians is peculiarly soothing and grateful to the mind; for as ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so doth a man his friend by hearty counsel (Pro. 27:9). This is true
1. In the wintry day of adversity.
2. In the dreary night of affliction and bereavement. It is one of the privileges as well as the duties of religion to feel a brothers care, to weep with them that weep, and to pour the balm of consolation into the bleeding hearts of our suffering friends.
3. In the stormy day of persecution. It was a saying of Martin Luther, that the plough of persecution was yoked as early as the days of Cain; and it has been going upon the back of the Church ever since (Gal. 4:29; 2Ti. 3:12).
4. In the time of fierce conflict and strong temptation.
5. When entering the vale of death. The help we can thus afford we are bound to render.R. Bond: The Christians Remembrancer, p. 162, &c.
Passages in the history of idolatrous worship may be turned to account. Here certain idolaters were alarmed, and ran to seek relief of their gods. They are making a shrine or an idol; they are all in earnest. This suggests what we shall always see whenever we find a model Church. Such a Church is
I. A scene of activity. Every one is at work. Life is a scene of activity in the physical universe, in the business world. We rejoice that intellectual activity has disturbed the darkness and torpor of the Middle Ages; the printing-press does a nobler work than the old feudal castle; brute force, exclusiveness, have had their day. It is still more encouraging when spiritual life comes into a Church. Then a happy activity reigns.
II. A scene of cheerful, courageous toil. The carpenter encourages the goldsmith. Many Churches are scenes of recriminating discouragement. How much the minister is helped by a little encouragement now and then! It need not be flattery. Let every man do his own but let there be mutual encouragement.
III. A scene of prompt industry and thorough work. There are few worse things for the development of any kind of life than dilatoriness. Promptitude in Church worship and work is much needed. And thoroughness no less. He fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. We want cloths that will not rip; bridges that will bear; characters that will stand temptation; friendships that will last. The model Church does its work thoroughly.
IV. All are workingactively, cheerfully, courageously, promptly, thoroughlyfor one common end (Jer. 7:18). They are all building a shrine or an altar. So the Church has one end. It is a unity, not a uniformitya unity in spirit, in aim, in end.
V. Special marks of a model Church.
1. A common-sense sanctuary: central, easy of access, constructed so as to be a house of worship and instruction,not of worship only, still less for spectacular effect.
2. Kindness to strangers.
3. Well-organised charities.
4. Truly sanctified, truly consecrated by the indwelling Spirit of God. This is the crown of all.E. P. Thwing, Ph.D.: Christian World Pulpit, xxii. pp. 136137.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(5) The isles saw it, and feared . . .The words paint the terror caused by the rapid conquests of Cyrus, but the terror led, as the following verses show, to something very different from the acknowledgment of the Eternal. As the sailors in the ship of Tarshish called each man on his God (Jon. 1:5), so each nation turned to its oracles and its shrines. The gods had to be propitiated by new statues, and a fresh impetus was given to the manufacture of idols, probably for the purpose of being carried forth to battle as a protection. (Comp. 1Sa. 4:5-7; Herod. i. 26.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
5-7. Some suppose the idolatrous party of the heathen world respond at this point. But it seems more suitable to consider Jehovah’s argument not yet ended.
Isles saw it, and feared Still speaking, Jehovah says the preceding facts affect heathendom with consternation. Yet the idolaters run to each other with the rallying cry: Be of good courage. The prophet puts the case with keenest sarcasm. The craft of idol-makers confusedly appeal to each other to rush up the work; caster, melter, anvil-smiter, solderer, all bustling to finish the idol till it shall be able to stand complete and firm. Such is the picture.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 41:5-7. The isles saw it, &c. Bishop Lowth renders the 7th verse, The carver encouraged the smith; he that smootheth with the hammer, him that smiteth on the anvil; saying of the solder, it is good: and he fixeth the idol with nails, that it shall not move. We have here the consequence of raising up this illustrious prince, namely, the vain and fruitless attempt of idolaters to hinder the effects of his appearance,the demolition of Babylon and its idols, which the prophet describes in a lively manner, setting forth the vanity of superstitious men encouraging one another to make those idols wherein they so wretchedly placed their confidence. We learn from history, that nothing could be greater than the consternation of the nations upon the expedition of Cyrus, and particularly after his victory ever Croesus.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
It is enough to read the account which the Lord here gives of idolatry, to behold the folly of it to the full. One sinner encouraging another, is among the devices of Satan, to blind the eyes of all. 2Co 4:3-4 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 41:5 The isles saw [it], and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
Ver. 5. The isles saw it. ] The heathens were convinced by the former arguments, yet not converted; they were afraid, and yet they came together to confirm themselves mutually in their abominable idolatries.
Yea, they drew near.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 41:5-16
5The coastlands have seen and are afraid;
The ends of the earth tremble;
They have drawn near and have come.
6Each one helps his neighbor
And says to his brother, Be strong!
7So the craftsman encourages the smelter,
And he who smooths metal with the hammer encourages him who beats the anvil,
Saying of the soldering, It is good;
And he fastens it with nails,
So that it will not totter.
8But you, Israel, My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham My friend,
9You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
10Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
11Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
12You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them,
Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
13For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
14Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel;
I will help you, declares the LORD and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
15Behold, I have made you a new, sharp threshing sledge with double edges;
You will thresh the mountains and pulverize them,
And will make the hills like chaff.
16You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away,
And the storm will scatter them;
But you will rejoice in the LORD,
You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 41:5 The ends of the earth This second line is parallel to the coastlands, see note at Isa 41:1. They both refer to the whole known Mediterranean and Near Eastern world.
Isa 41:6-7 The Hebrew VERB make strong (BDB 304, KB 302) is used three times in these verses.
1. Qal IMPERATIVE – be strong, Isa 41:6
2. Piel IMPERFECT – encourage, Isa 41:7
3. Piel IMPERFECT – fastens it, Isa 41:7
The nations looked to each other’s deity for help, but in vain, for their gods could not see, hear, or act!
Isa 41:8 But you, Israel, My servant There has been much discussion over the term My servant (see Special Topic: My Servant ). It seems to be used in three distinct ways in the OT.
1. for an individual like the king or a prophet (cf. Num 12:7)
2. for the nation of Israel (cf. Isa 42:19; Isa 44:21)
3. ultimately for the ideal Israelite, the Messiah (cf. Isa 52:13 to Isa 53:12)
In the book of Isaiah the second and third options are often merged.
I have chosen This VERB (BDB 103, KB 119, Qal PERFECT) is an emphasis on God’s election (cf. Isa 41:9; Isa 43:10; Isa 44:1-2; Isa 49:7; Deu 7:6; Deu 14:2). In the OT election was for service (cf. Gen 12:3; Exo 19:5-6), while in the NT election is for salvation which leads to service.
Descendant of Abraham My friend Note YHWH’s call and promise in Genesis 12, 15, 22. This foundational Patriarchal covenant is emphasized by Paul in Romans 4 and Galatians 3. Abraham is also called YHWH’s friend in 2Ch 20:7; Jas 2:23. They talked face to face in Genesis 18.
Isa 41:9 You whom I have taken. . .called Both VERBS are PERFECTS (i.e., completed action).
1. taken – BDB 304, KB 302, Hiphil PERFECT
2. called – BDB 894, KB 1128, Qal PERFECT
Also note the synonymous parallelism between
1. from the ends of the earth
2. its remotest parts
In context this refers to the places that Assyria resettled (i.e., exiled) the Israelites (722 B.C.) and Babylon resettled the Judeans (605, 597, 586, 582 B.C.).
I have chosen you and not rejected you Judah felt that God had rejected them because of the exile and destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
The VERB reject (BDB 549, KB 540, Qal PERFECT, NEGATED) is used in Lev 26:44, where YHWH promises not to totally cut off His people because of their sin and covenant breaking. The question comes, how is this promise affected by the NT? It seems to me there are two main options.
1. Israel still has a crucial place in end-time events (i.e., Romans 9-11).
2. God’s people have always been those who trust Him and live for Him. In the OT this referred to the seed of Abraham, but also Melchizedek (Genesis 14); Job (Job 1); Jethro (Exodus); Caleb (Joshua); Uriah (2 Samuel 11); and others who were not Israelites. In the NT this is widened to all believing Gentiles (i.e., Rom 2:28-29; Galatians 3).
Isa 41:10 Do not fear This is a very common word from YHWH to His people (cf. Isa 41:13-14; Isa 43:1; Isa 43:5; Isa 44:2; Isa 44:8; Isa 51:7; Isa 51:12; Isa 54:4; Isa 54:14).
Notice why they should not fear.
1. YHWH is personally with them
2. YHWH is their covenant God
3. He will strengthen them
4. He will help them (Isa 41:10; Isa 41:14)
5. He will uphold them (Isa 41:10; Isa 41:13)
6. all who oppose them will
a. be shamed
b. be dishonored
c. be brought to nothing (Isa 41:11-12)
d. perish
for I am with you There is no stated VERB in this phrase (see NKJV). There is an obvious intended word play (cf. Isa 41:13) between the meaning of the needed VERB (I am) and the name for God, YHWH (I Am that I Am, cf. Exo 3:14). See Special Topic: Names for Deity . There is no greater promise in all the Bible (cf. Mat 28:20; Act 18:10).
NASBDo not anxiously look about you
NKJV, PESHITTAbe not discouraged
NRSV, REBdo not be afraid
TEVlet nothing terrify you
NJBdo not be alarmed
LXXwander not
The Hebrew VERB (BDB 1043, KB 1609) in the Hithpael, means gaze not about (in anxiety).
It is possible that the VERB is from another root (), which is found in Ugaritic, meaning fear (NET Bible, p. 1250, #21).
Isa 41:11 all those. . .those who contend Remember that God has promised blessings to those who bless His people and curses to those who curse them (cf. Gen 12:3). It must be remembered that Israel’s strength, trust, and hope was in YHWH, not in themselves.
Notice how the returning Israelites’ opponents are characterized.
1. all those who are angered at you, Isa 41:11
2. those who contend with you, Isa 41:11
3. those who quarrel with you, Isa 41:12
4. those who war with you, Isa 41:12
Also notice their fate.
1. will be shamed, Isa 41:11
2. will be dishonored, Isa 41:11
3. will be as nothing, Isa 41:11
4. will perish, Isa 41:11
5. will not be found, Isa 41:12
6. will be as nothing, Isa 41:12
7. will be non-existent, Isa 41:12
Isa 41:14 you worm Jacob, you men of Israel This reference to Jacob as being a worm is not a derogatory term, but seems to be a metaphor for his helplessness (cf. Job 25:6; Psa 22:6) without God’s aid, similar to the imagery of Eze 16:6.
your Redeemer This (PARTICIPIAL title, cf. Isa 43:14) reflects the Hebrew term Go’el (BDB 145, KB 169). This Hebrew term referred to the kinsmen redeemer or avenger. It is used of one who buys a near relative back from slavery or a prisoner of war (cf. the example of Boaz in Rth 4:1 ff).
SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM
the Holy One of Israel This is a favorite title for Deity in Isaiah (cf. Isa 1:4; Isa 5:19; Isa 10:17; Isa 10:20; Isa 12:6; Isa 17:7; Isa 29:19; Isa 29:23; Isa 30:11-12; Isa 30:15; Isa 31:1; Isa 37:23; also in the second part of Isaiah, Isa 40:25; Isa 41:14; Isa 41:16; Isa 41:20; Isa 43:3; Isa 43:14-15; Isa 45:11; Isa 47:4; Isa 48:17; Isa 49:7; Isa 54:5; Isa 55:5; Isa 60:9; Isa 60:14). Because He is holy, His people should be holy (cf. Lev 19:2; Mat 5:48; 1Pe 1:16). See Special Topic: The Holy One .
This title, in a sense, expresses the impossible tension of a sinful, fallen people conforming to a holy standard. The Mosaic Covenant was impossible to keep (cf. Acts 15; Galatians 3; Hebrews). The old covenant was a way to show the impossibility of humans to conform to God’s standard, yet He was with them, for them, preparing them for His answer to their fallen condition. He does not lower His standard, but provides it through His Messiah. The new covenant (cf. Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-38) is a covenant of faith and repentance, not human performance, though it issues in Christlikeness (cf. Jas 2:14-26). God wants a people who reflect His character to the nations (cf. Mat 5:48).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NEW TESTAMENT HOLINESS/SANCTIFICATION
Isa 41:15-16 Israel’s enemies are described as mountains (BDB 249) and hills (BDB 148) which will be threshed, which is an agricultural term for harvesting (cf. Mic 4:13; Hab 3:12). This is Hebrew poetry, be careful of literalism!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
isles: Gen 10:5, Eze 26:15, Eze 26:16
the ends: Exo 15:14, Jos 2:10, Jos 5:1, Psa 65:8, Psa 66:3, Psa 67:7
Reciprocal: Jos 10:4 – and help Job 26:2 – helped Psa 97:1 – let the multitude of isles Isa 24:15 – isles Isa 40:15 – the isles Isa 42:4 – and the isles Isa 44:11 – let them all Isa 45:20 – yourselves Hab 2:13 – is it Mat 22:34 – they Act 19:28 – and cried
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
41:5 The isles saw [it], and {f} feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and {g} came.
(f) Considering my excellent works among my people.
(g) They assembled themselves and conspired against me to maintain their idolatry.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Upon hearing this message of Yahweh’s sovereignty, the nations fear and try to encourage each other. They do not bow before the Lord but gather together and quake (cf. Psa 2:1-2).