Isaiah 55:5 - Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Isaiah 55:5" mean?
Isaiah 55:5 is a prophecy with multiple layers of meaning, ultimately pointing to the inclusive nature of God's salvation through the Messiah. Here's a breakdown:
"Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you...": This speaks of a future where people who were previously unfamiliar with God's chosen people (initially Israel, later the Church) will be drawn to them. They haven't been actively proselytizing or teaching these nations, yet they will come seeking guidance and relationship. The "you" in this verse can refer to both the remnant of faithful Israel and, more broadly, to the Messiah himself and his followers.
"...because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel...": The reason these nations are drawn is not due to human merit or persuasive power. It is because of God's reputation and character. They are attracted by the revelation of God's holiness, love, justice, and mercy as demonstrated through his people. It's a testimony to God's power working through his people.
"...for he has glorified you.": God has honored and magnified his people in some way, making them a beacon of his grace and truth. This glorification isn't about earthly power or prestige, but about being a visible representation of God's character and purpose. This could refer to the spiritual blessings and influence that God pours out on his faithful servants, enabling them to be a light to the nations.
Possible Interpretations & Applications:
Historically (within the context of Isaiah): This could be seen as a promise to the exiled Israelites that they would eventually be restored to their land and that Gentiles would be drawn to the knowledge of the true God through them.
Messianically: Most Christians interpret this as a prophecy pointing toward Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the embodiment of God's character, draws people from all nations who were previously "unknown" to God's covenant. His followers, the Church, are then tasked with proclaiming His message and being a light to the world, drawing others to Him.
Theologically: It highlights the universal scope of God's salvation. God's plan is not limited to one nation or people group. He desires that all people come to know Him. It also emphasizes the importance of God's people living in a way that reflects His character, so that others may be drawn to Him.
In essence, Isaiah 55:5 is a powerful promise of God's grace reaching beyond familiar boundaries, drawing those who were once distant into a relationship with Him, all because of His own character and purpose.
Isaiah 55:5 - Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.”
What does "Isaiah 55:5" mean?
Isaiah 55:5 is a prophecy with multiple layers of meaning, ultimately pointing to the inclusive nature of God's salvation through the Messiah. Here's a breakdown:
"Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you...": This speaks of a future where people who were previously unfamiliar with God's chosen people (initially Israel, later the Church) will be drawn to them. They haven't been actively proselytizing or teaching these nations, yet they will come seeking guidance and relationship. The "you" in this verse can refer to both the remnant of faithful Israel and, more broadly, to the Messiah himself and his followers.
"...because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel...": The reason these nations are drawn is not due to human merit or persuasive power. It is because of God's reputation and character. They are attracted by the revelation of God's holiness, love, justice, and mercy as demonstrated through his people. It's a testimony to God's power working through his people.
"...for he has glorified you.": God has honored and magnified his people in some way, making them a beacon of his grace and truth. This glorification isn't about earthly power or prestige, but about being a visible representation of God's character and purpose. This could refer to the spiritual blessings and influence that God pours out on his faithful servants, enabling them to be a light to the nations.
Possible Interpretations & Applications:
Historically (within the context of Isaiah): This could be seen as a promise to the exiled Israelites that they would eventually be restored to their land and that Gentiles would be drawn to the knowledge of the true God through them.
Messianically: Most Christians interpret this as a prophecy pointing toward Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the embodiment of God's character, draws people from all nations who were previously "unknown" to God's covenant. His followers, the Church, are then tasked with proclaiming His message and being a light to the world, drawing others to Him.
Theologically: It highlights the universal scope of God's salvation. God's plan is not limited to one nation or people group. He desires that all people come to know Him. It also emphasizes the importance of God's people living in a way that reflects His character, so that others may be drawn to Him.
In essence, Isaiah 55:5 is a powerful promise of God's grace reaching beyond familiar boundaries, drawing those who were once distant into a relationship with Him, all because of His own character and purpose.