Isaiah 59:19 - So shall they fear Yahweh’s name from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which Yahweh’s breath drives.
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 59:19" mean?
Isaiah 59:19 is a powerful verse that speaks of a coming recognition of God's power and glory, ultimately leading to a respect and awe of His name throughout the world. Let's break it down:
"So shall they fear Yahweh’s name from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun":
Fear of Yahweh's name: This doesn't mean being terrified of God in a cowering way. It means a profound respect, awe, and reverence for God's character, power, and holiness. It's the kind of fear that leads to obedience and worship.
From the west...from the rising of the sun: This is a way of saying "from everywhere," "from all directions," or "throughout the whole world." It indicates a universal recognition of God. People in the west and east will acknowledge and revere Yahweh's name and glory.
His glory: This refers to God's manifest presence, power, and splendor. It's the visible (or perceptible) evidence of God's greatness.
"for he will come as a rushing stream, which Yahweh’s breath drives":
He will come as a rushing stream: This is a powerful metaphor. A rushing stream suggests irresistible force, overwhelming power, and cleansing action. It can represent:
Judgment: God's judgment upon wickedness.
Deliverance: God's intervention to rescue His people.
The Spirit: The outpouring of God's Spirit, bringing revival and transformation.
Yahweh's breath drives: The "breath" of God (often translated as Spirit or wind) is the source of the rushing stream's power. This highlights that the coming action is not just a natural event, but divinely initiated and controlled by God's power. It means God is the source of all the action.
Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is:
The verse prophesies a time when the whole world will acknowledge and revere Yahweh's name and glory. This widespread recognition will be a result of God's powerful and undeniable intervention, symbolized by a rushing stream propelled by His own Spirit (or breath). This intervention could bring judgment, deliverance, or both, depending on the context.
Interpretational Considerations:
Historical Context: Isaiah was speaking to the nation of Israel, who were struggling with idolatry and injustice. The verse offered hope that God would ultimately vindicate His name and bring about a time of universal righteousness.
Messianic Interpretation: Some interpretations see this verse as a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and the spread of the Gospel. The "rushing stream" could symbolize the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers to spread the message of God's grace to the ends of the earth.
End-Times Interpretation: Other interpretations connect it to the end times when God will ultimately establish His kingdom on earth and all nations will worship Him.
In summary, Isaiah 59:19 paints a picture of God's ultimate triumph and the universal recognition of His glory. It's a promise of a powerful, divinely driven intervention that will lead to a worldwide reverence for God's name.
Isaiah 59:19 - So shall they fear Yahweh’s name from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which Yahweh’s breath drives.
What does "Isaiah 59:19" mean?
Isaiah 59:19 is a powerful verse that speaks of a coming recognition of God's power and glory, ultimately leading to a respect and awe of His name throughout the world. Let's break it down:
"So shall they fear Yahweh’s name from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun":
Fear of Yahweh's name: This doesn't mean being terrified of God in a cowering way. It means a profound respect, awe, and reverence for God's character, power, and holiness. It's the kind of fear that leads to obedience and worship.
From the west...from the rising of the sun: This is a way of saying "from everywhere," "from all directions," or "throughout the whole world." It indicates a universal recognition of God. People in the west and east will acknowledge and revere Yahweh's name and glory.
His glory: This refers to God's manifest presence, power, and splendor. It's the visible (or perceptible) evidence of God's greatness.
"for he will come as a rushing stream, which Yahweh’s breath drives":
He will come as a rushing stream: This is a powerful metaphor. A rushing stream suggests irresistible force, overwhelming power, and cleansing action. It can represent:
Judgment: God's judgment upon wickedness.
Deliverance: God's intervention to rescue His people.
The Spirit: The outpouring of God's Spirit, bringing revival and transformation.
Yahweh's breath drives: The "breath" of God (often translated as Spirit or wind) is the source of the rushing stream's power. This highlights that the coming action is not just a natural event, but divinely initiated and controlled by God's power. It means God is the source of all the action.
Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is:
The verse prophesies a time when the whole world will acknowledge and revere Yahweh's name and glory. This widespread recognition will be a result of God's powerful and undeniable intervention, symbolized by a rushing stream propelled by His own Spirit (or breath). This intervention could bring judgment, deliverance, or both, depending on the context.
Interpretational Considerations:
Historical Context: Isaiah was speaking to the nation of Israel, who were struggling with idolatry and injustice. The verse offered hope that God would ultimately vindicate His name and bring about a time of universal righteousness.
Messianic Interpretation: Some interpretations see this verse as a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and the spread of the Gospel. The "rushing stream" could symbolize the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers to spread the message of God's grace to the ends of the earth.
End-Times Interpretation: Other interpretations connect it to the end times when God will ultimately establish His kingdom on earth and all nations will worship Him.
In summary, Isaiah 59:19 paints a picture of God's ultimate triumph and the universal recognition of His glory. It's a promise of a powerful, divinely driven intervention that will lead to a worldwide reverence for God's name.