Isaiah 41 2

Isaiah 41:2 kjv

Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.

Isaiah 41:2 nkjv

"Who raised up one from the east? Who in righteousness called him to His feet? Who gave the nations before him, And made him rule over kings? Who gave them as the dust to his sword, As driven stubble to his bow?

Isaiah 41:2 niv

"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.

Isaiah 41:2 esv

Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings underfoot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.

Isaiah 41:2 nlt

"Who has stirred up this king from the east,
rightly calling him to God's service?
Who gives this man victory over many nations
and permits him to trample their kings underfoot?
With his sword, he reduces armies to dust.
With his bow, he scatters them like chaff before the wind.

Isaiah 41 verses

Isaiah 41 2 Meaning

Isaiah 41:2 speaks of a righteous man, Abraham, raised from the East. This implies his divine calling and powerful intervention in global affairs. He is characterized as being successful in battle and a ruler over nations. The verse highlights God's sovereign hand in elevating and empowering His chosen servant.

Isaiah 41 2 Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah chapter 41, a broader prophecy dealing with God's judgment upon the nations and His vindication of His people. The immediate context (Isaiah 41:1-7) describes God summoning the nations to come near, presenting them with the certainty of His divine power and His chosen servant who will overcome them. The verse specifically introduces this powerful individual as one raised from the East. Later in the chapter, this individual's actions are further detailed as conquering adversaries and establishing peace and security. The historical backdrop is likely the period of the Babylonian Exile, where Judah felt vulnerable and surrounded by hostile powers. God uses this prophecy to assure them of His ultimate control and His ability to intervene decisively through chosen instruments.

Isaiah 41 2 Word Analysis

• Maqîym (מַקִּ֥ים): "raised," "roused," "caused to stand." This verb denotes God's active summoning and empowering.
• Tsedeq (צַדִּ֛יק): "righteous," "just." Refers to a character and standing aligned with God's will. Abraham exemplified this through faith and obedience.
• Mi-Qedem (מִקֶּ֖דֶם): "from the East," "from antiquity." Suggests Abraham's origins and possibly divine initiative preceding earthly events. The East was often associated with divine revelation and God's activities.
• Liqerāʼu (לִקְרַאת): "to meet," "to confront," "to encounter." Implies a purposeful bringing together, often for judgment or a significant meeting.
• Goyîm (עַמִּ֑ים): "nations," "peoples." The diverse groups of humanity, often portrayed as adversarial in biblical narratives.
• Yitten-lô (יִתֵּ֥ן־ל֖וֹ): "he will give him," "he will deliver to him." Denotes the transference of dominion or possession, showing God as the ultimate bestower of authority.
• Meleḵ (מֶֽלֶךְ): "king," "ruler." Indicates sovereign authority and leadership.
• Sheʼar (שְׁאֵרִֽית): "remainder," "residue." Suggests that even after conquest, a remnant or residue remains, signifying complete victory and possession.
• Naʻărîyv (נְעָרָ֔יו): "his servants," "his warriors." The retinue or forces under his command.
• Sharê‘ (שָׂרָ֔יו): "its princes," "its rulers." The leaders of the opposing nations or entities.

Word Group Analysis

• "Who raised a righteous man from the East": This phrase underscores divine initiation and election. God is the active agent, calling forth a person characterized by righteousness. The "East" signifies a source of God's powerful action, linking to patriarchal origins.
• "to meet nations before him": This depicts a direct confrontation and challenge. The righteous man is purposefully brought to face the collected peoples.
• "and made him have dominion over kings": This emphasizes the immense authority and victory granted to this individual. He surpasses earthly rulers.
• "He gave them as dust to his sword, as driven stubble to his bow": This powerful metaphor illustrates utter defeat and the ease with which the righteous man, empowered by God, conquers his enemies. His victory is complete and decisive.

Isaiah 41 2 Bonus Section

The verse's declaration of a righteous man from the East connects deeply with theological themes of God's providence and His ability to raise up leaders for His specific purposes. This also echoes throughout Scripture the concept of God acting "from ancient times" or "from the beginning," emphasizing His eternal plan. While Abraham is the primary referent, the archetype of this God-empowered victor is mirrored in figures like Joshua, David, and ultimately Christ. The mention of kings and princes highlights the divine overthrow of human pride and earthly powers when they stand against God's will.

Isaiah 41 2 Commentary

Isaiah 41:2 introduces a key figure, identified in the wider prophetic narrative as Abraham, the father of the faithful. God, from His sovereign vantage point, calls forth Abraham, marking him as righteous and placing him in a position of divine power and victory. This verse isn't merely historical; it speaks to a principle of God working through His chosen ones to accomplish His purposes. Abraham, as a forefather, foreshadows the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who is also characterized by righteousness and ultimately conquers all opposing spiritual forces. The imagery of conquest depicts the comprehensive nature of God's victory, where opposition is rendered powerless like dust or stubble.