Isaiah 41 19

Isaiah 41:19 kjv

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

Isaiah 41:19 nkjv

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together,

Isaiah 41:19 niv

I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,

Isaiah 41:19 esv

I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together,

Isaiah 41:19 nlt

I will plant trees in the barren desert ?
cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine.

Isaiah 41 verses

Isaiah 41 19 Meaning

This verse promises God's glorious manifestation through the restored land of Israel. It signifies a transformation of the wilderness into a place of abundance and beauty, reflecting God's enduring presence and the flourishing of His people.

Isaiah 41 19 Context

Isaiah 41 is part of the second section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as the "Book of Consolation." This section focuses on God's promise of redemption and restoration for His people, the Israelites, who were in Babylonian exile. The chapter contrasts the impotence of idols and foreign gods with the supreme power of the LORD, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Israel is called to recognize God's sovereign might and His faithfulness in bringing them back from exile and restoring their land. This specific verse is part of God's declaration of His ability to bring beauty and life even to the most barren places, as a testament to His power and glory.

Isaiah 41 19 Word Analysis

• I (אֲנִי - ani): First-person singular pronoun. Emphasizes God's direct declaration and personal involvement.
• will (שׂוּם - sum): To place, set, put, appoint. Indicates a deliberate act of God.
• set (נָתַן - natan): To give, put, place, appoint. Reinforces God's active establishment of conditions.
• in (בְּ - be): Preposition. Indicates location or state.
• the wilderness (מִדְבָּר - midbar): Wilderness, pasture, desert. Refers to a desolate, uncultivated area.
• and (וְ - ve): Conjunction. Links phrases.
• give (נָתַן - natan): To give, put, place, appoint. God's bestowal of His presence.
• in (בְּ - be): Preposition.
• the desert (שְׁמָמָה - shemamah): Desolation, barrenness, waste. Emphasizes a state of ruin and emptiness.
• rivers (פְּלָגִים - pelagim): Streams, channels, brooks. Suggests flowing abundance of water.
• and (וְ - ve): Conjunction.
• springs (מַעְיָנוֹת - ma'yanot): Fountains, springs. Implies a continuous, natural source of life-giving water.
• of (מִן - min): Preposition. Indicates source or origin.
• water (מַיִם - mayim): Water. The essential element for life and fruitfulness.
• will I (אֶתֵּן - etten): Future tense of nathan. God's future action of giving.
• cause to (שׁוּר - shur): To flow.
• flow (הָלַךְ - halak): To go, walk, flow. Signifies the movement and active presence of water.
• in (בְּ - be): Preposition.
• the wilderness (מִדְבָּר - midbar): Wilderness.
• and (וְ - ve): Conjunction.
• rivers (פְּלָגִים - pelagim): Streams.
• in (בְּ - be): Preposition.
• the dry land (אֶרֶץ צִיָּה - erets tziyah): Dry land, parched land, desert land. Another term for extreme dryness and lifelessness.
• will I (וְנָתַנְתִּי - venatatti): And I will give. Recurrent emphasis on God's giving.
• cause to (שָׁתַל - shathal): To plant, to root.

Grouped Analysis:

• "I will set in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle": God's transformative power to plant enduring and fragrant trees in desolate places.
• "and I will give in the desert springs of water": God's provision of essential life and sustenance where none exists.
• "rivers": Symbolizes abundant and flowing water, not just a trickle.
• "springs of water": Represents a continuous, inexhaustible source.
• "I will put in the dry land the cypress, the pine, and the box tree together": God's bringing diverse and beautiful flora to barren regions, symbolizing a complete ecological and spiritual renewal.

Isaiah 41 19 Bonus Section

The specific trees mentioned – cedar, acacia, myrtle, cypress, and box tree – have symbolic significance in the ancient Near East. Cedars were prized for their durability and fragrance, often associated with strength and beauty. Myrtles were known for their sweet scent and were sometimes used in purification rites. Cypresses were evergreen and associated with eternal life or mourning, but also with enduring beauty. The combination suggests a complete and beautiful restoration, encompassing strength, fragrance, and enduring life. This imagery anticipates the spiritual life and beauty that flows from Christ, as described in the New Testament, where believers become "trees of righteousness, the saplings of the Lord, that he may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3). The paradox of life emerging from desolate wilderness areas is a recurring theme, pointing to God's power over sin and death.

Isaiah 41 19 Commentary

This verse is a powerful prophecy of God's redemptive work. It speaks not only of the literal restoration of the land of Israel after the exile, transforming desolate areas into fertile regions, but also of a spiritual transformation. God will infuse barren souls and circumstances with His life-giving presence, bringing forth spiritual fruitfulness where there was once death and decay. The planting of specific trees, known for their beauty and fragrance (cedar, myrtle, cypress), signifies a glorious and aesthetically pleasing renewal that reflects God's own perfect beauty and order. It’s a vision of God making the impossible possible, turning despair into flourishing hope, a testament to His supreme power and covenant faithfulness.