Isaiah 59 19

Isaiah 59:19 kjv

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 59:19 nkjv

So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 59:19 niv

From the west, people will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along.

Isaiah 59:19 esv

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.

Isaiah 59:19 nlt

In the west, people will respect the name of the LORD;
in the east, they will glorify him.
For he will come like a raging flood tide
driven by the breath of the LORD.

Isaiah 59 verses

Isaiah 59 19 Meaning

Isaiah 59:19 declares God's universal recognition and His powerful intervention against forces of evil. It signifies that from all directions, people will acknowledge the LORD's name and glory. In times of overwhelming adversarial attack, God's Spirit actively engages, providing decisive defense, repelling the enemy, and establishing His authority. This verse provides assurance that when human efforts fail against formidable evil, divine power through the Spirit triumphs.

Isaiah 59 19 Context

Isaiah chapter 59 portrays a vivid and stark picture of Judah's moral and spiritual decay, highlighting their pervasive sin, injustice, and violence (verses 1-8). The people openly confess their transgressions (verses 9-15a), acknowledging their separation from God and the lack of truth. In response, God observes their fallen state, their inability to help themselves, and the absence of any human intercessor. This moves God to act on His own initiative to bring salvation and justice (verses 15b-18). Verse 19 then transitions from the declaration of God's coming judgment and zeal to a promise of His universal recognition and powerful intervention on behalf of His people against overwhelming evil, setting the stage for the glorious restoration of Zion in Chapter 60.

Isaiah 59 19 Word analysis

• So they shall fear: Hebrew: יִרְאוּ (`yir'u`) – "they will fear" or "they will revere." Significance: This fear is not terror, but a reverential awe, worship, and obedient acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness. It signifies a profound shift from their previous sinful state to recognition and submission. This fear is a cornerstone of wisdom and true relationship with God (Ps 111:10; Prov 9:10).
• the name of the LORD: Hebrew: שֵׁם יְהוָה (`shem YHWH`) – "name of Yahweh." Significance: "The name" in Hebrew thought represents the essence, character, authority, and presence of God. Fearing His name means honoring all that God is, as revealed in His acts and attributes. It is an acknowledgment of His unique divine nature and power, as opposed to the empty worship of idols.
• from the west: Hebrew: מִמַּעֲרָב (`mimma'arav`) – "from the sunset," indicating the western horizon. Significance: Geographically represents the distant nations and peoples to the west of Israel, often symbolizing the farthest reaches of the known world, indicating the universal scope of God's renown.
• And His glory: Hebrew: כְּבוֹדּוֹ (`kevodo`) – "His glory." Significance: God's manifest presence, His majesty, splendor, power, and holiness, visibly revealed. This speaks to the revelation of God's intrinsic greatness to all people.
• from the rising of the sun: Hebrew: מִמִּזְרַח־שָׁמֶשׁ (`mimmizraḥ-shamesh`) – "from the rising of the sun," indicating the eastern horizon. Significance: Similar to "from the west," this term represents the distant nations and peoples to the east, reinforcing the concept of God's universal acknowledgment from every direction across the globe (Ps 113:3).
• When the enemy: Hebrew: כִּי־יָבוֹא צַר (`ki-yavo tzar`) – "When adversary comes." `Tzar` refers to an adversary, foe, or one who brings distress or trouble. Significance: This refers to any opposing force, whether military, political, spiritual (like Satan or demonic powers), or even the overwhelming internal forces of sin and despair. The context in Isaiah 59 is broad, encompassing both national adversaries and the pervasive evil within.
• comes in like a flood: Hebrew: כַּנָּהָר (`kannahar`) – "like the river," "as a torrent." Significance: Evokes an image of overwhelming, unstoppable, and destructive power. Floods symbolize forces that threaten to engulf, overpower, and bring devastation, leaving no hope for human resistance. This imagery underscores the desperation of the situation.
• The Spirit of the LORD: Hebrew: רוּחַ יְהוָה (`Ruaḥ YHWH`) – "Spirit of Yahweh." Significance: Refers to the divine active agent, the Third Person of the Godhead. The Spirit represents God's power, wisdom, presence, and life-giving force. It is the very presence of God acting in the world.
• will lift up a standard against him: Hebrew: תִּשְׁטֹף נָסָה בּוֹ (`tishṭof nəsah bo`) – This phrase is subject to multiple interpretations due to the nuanced Hebrew. Interpretation 1 (Standard/Banner): The verb `nasa` (related to `nes`) can mean "to raise a banner" or "standard." The word `tishṭof` typically means "to rush," "to overflow," or "to sweep away." Meaning: The Spirit of the LORD (Himself being like a sweeping force) will raise a banner or standard for His people against the invading enemy. A "standard" (`nes`) serves as a rallying point, a signal for deliverance, and a declaration of God's presence and victory, providing direction and hope amid chaos. This ties into "Yahweh Nissi" (Ex 17:15). Interpretation 2 (Drive away/Put to flight): Another valid interpretation connects `tishṭof` (sweep away) and interprets `nasa` as "to flee" or "to cause to flee." Meaning: When the enemy comes like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will act as a counter-flood, rushing or sweeping over the enemy to put him to flight or drive him away decisively. This interpretation highlights the Spirit's direct, overpowering action to defeat the adversary by sweeping him away. Consolidated Significance: Both interpretations powerfully convey God's direct, potent, and overwhelming intervention against any enemy that seeks to destroy His people. The Spirit is the dynamic agent of God's defense and deliverance, providing a sure response when all human resistance is futile.

Isaiah 59 19 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of the enemy's "flood" with the Spirit's counter-action creates a profound theological metaphor. Just as a physical flood can be overwhelming, the forces of evil (sin, spiritual oppression, injustice) often appear irresistible. However, the Spirit of the LORD is presented as the ultimate and infinitely superior force. This highlights the concept that God's intervention is not merely adequate, but is an absolute and definitive victory that mirrors and ultimately dwarfs the enemy's might. The phrase implicitly answers the cry for justice and intervention earlier in the chapter (Isa 59:15-16), revealing God as the sole Champion who brings about true salvation and vindication through His active Spirit.

Isaiah 59 19 Commentary

Isaiah 59:19 stands as a pivotal promise within a chapter saturated with human sin and divine despair over that sin. It declares a future when God's holiness, revealed in His mighty acts, will draw universal awe and worship. This global recognition is guaranteed not by human effort, but by God's sovereign intervention. Crucially, the verse assures that when evil manifests with overwhelming, destructive force, akin to an unstoppable flood, God does not remain passive. Instead, the Spirit of the LORD directly engages, acting as the divine counter-force. Whether lifting a standard as a rallying point for His people or sweeping the adversary away with divine power, the outcome is the same: God's triumph over His enemies and the salvation of His own. It’s a message of hope, affirming God’s absolute commitment to defend and deliver, not just a nation, but all who would eventually acknowledge Him worldwide, through the dynamic presence of His Spirit.