Isaiah 18 2

Isaiah 18:2 kjv

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Isaiah 18:2 nkjv

Which sends ambassadors by sea, Even in vessels of reed on the waters, saying, "Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth of skin, To a people terrible from their beginning onward, A nation powerful and treading down, Whose land the rivers divide."

Isaiah 18:2 niv

which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.

Isaiah 18:2 esv

which sends ambassadors by the sea, in vessels of papyrus on the waters! Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide.

Isaiah 18:2 nlt

that sends ambassadors
in swift boats down the river.
Go, swift messengers!
Take a message to a tall, smooth-skinned people,
who are feared far and wide
for their conquests and destruction,
and whose land is divided by rivers.

Isaiah 18 verses

Isaiah 18 2 Meaning

This verse describes messengers being sent to a people, a nation far and wide, described as "dreaded from its entangling to this day." It signifies the sending of God's word and judgment to a people whose influence and power are recognized, yet their own internal state is one of fragmentation and apprehension. The message sent is of God's impending action.

Isaiah 18 2 Context

Isaiah chapter 18 is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the nation of Ethiopia (Kush). This chapter is situated within a broader context of Isaiah's prophecies addressing the nations surrounding Israel and Judah, detailing God's judgment and future restoration. Specifically, chapter 18 is thought to follow a prophecy of judgment against Egypt and potentially Cush. The "messengers" spoken of here are likely emissaries from Cush or God's own heralds announcing judgment. The historical backdrop involves the geopolitical landscape of the late Assyrian and early Babylonian periods, where empires like Egypt and Cush were significant regional powers. The "dreaded from its entangling" suggests a powerful but internally conflicted or fear-inducing nation. This message would have been received by an audience deeply concerned with international relations and the divine hand in these affairs.

Isaiah 18 2 Word Analysis

• "Go" (לְכוּ - lekhu): Imperative plural verb, meaning "go" or "come." It's a command, calling for action or movement. This sets the tone of an announcement or commission.
• "Ye" (אֵת - et): This is the accusative particle. Here it functions to introduce the direct object.
• "Messengers" (מַלְאָכִים - mal'akhim): Plural noun from mal'akh, meaning "messenger," "envoy," or "angel." In this context, it refers to human messengers, likely representing God's commission or announcement to a foreign people.
• "Swift" (קַלִּים - qalím): Adjective from qal, meaning "light," "swift," or "quick." It describes the nature of the messengers, emphasizing urgency or readiness in delivering the message.
• "Go" (לְכוּ - lekhu): Another instance of the imperative plural verb.
• "To" (אֶל - el): Preposition indicating direction or to whom the message is sent.
• "A" (אֶל - el): Another preposition.
• "Nation" (גּוֹי - goy): Noun meaning "nation," "people," or "ethnic group." This refers to the specific recipients of the message.
• "Meted out" (מְדִידָה - medidáh): Noun derived from madad, meaning "measuring" or "measured." It implies a people whose boundaries or characteristics are distinctly defined and observable.
• "And" (וְ - ve): Conjunction.
• "Treading down" (מִרְמָס - mirmás): Noun from ramás, meaning "trampling" or "treading underfoot." This highlights a characteristic of oppression or subjugation, either as a victim or an aggressor.
• "Since that time" (מֵאָז - me'az): Temporal adverb indicating a point in time, "from then until now."
• "To the place" (אֶל־מָקוֹם - el-maqóm): Phrase indicating destination.
• "The name" (שֵׁם - shem): Noun meaning "name." It refers to the renown or presence of God.
• "Of the Lord" (יְהוָה - YHVH): The covenant name of God.
• "Of hosts" (צְבָאוֹת - tséva'ót): "Of armies" or "of hosts," emphasizing God's sovereignty and power over all forces.
• "Which" (אֲשֶׁר - asher): Relative pronoun.
• "Is" (הוּא - hu): Pronoun, "he" or "it."
• "The mount" (הַר - har): Noun, "mountain."
• "Zion" (צִיּוֹן - tsiyyón): The sacred mountain in Jerusalem, representing God's dwelling place and chosen people.

Group Analysis:

• "Messengers swift": The swiftness implies a divine imperative for immediate proclamation. It is God initiating the communication, not awaiting human response.
• "Nation meted out and treading down": This dual description signifies a people known for its defined boundaries and potentially for its aggressive or oppressive actions. The historical context often links this to Ethiopia (Cush), known for its military might and territorial influence.
• "To the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion": This indicates the ultimate destination or focus of the message. Even though the message is sent to a distant nation, the divine purpose is connected to His presence and authority at Zion.

Isaiah 18 2 Bonus Section

The "nation meted out and treading down" might also be interpreted dualistically within theological discussions. Some see this as referring to Israel itself at times, measured and then tread down by enemies. However, the context of Isaiah 18, which speaks of messengers going to a land across rivers, strongly points to a foreign power like Cush. The phrase "terrible from their beginning hitherto" (in verse 2, referenced earlier) implies a long-standing formidable reputation. The focus on Mount Zion at the end of verse 7 serves as a crucial reminder that all international events, even those involving distant powers, are viewed through the lens of God's redemptive plan centered on His people and His holy city. This also connects to New Testament themes of the Gospel going out to all nations.

Isaiah 18 2 Commentary

This verse commands messengers to go to a distant and powerful nation, identified historically with Ethiopia (Cush). This nation is characterized by its distinctive identity ("meted out") and its role as either a trampler or one being trampled ("treading down"). The message is from the Lord of Hosts, whose ultimate authority and focal point is Mount Zion. The swiftness of the messengers underscores the urgency and divine initiative in this communication. It signifies that even distant and formidable nations are under God's sovereign purview and are subject to His prophetic announcements, which ultimately relate back to His covenantal purpose centered in Jerusalem.