Isaiah 51
BSB1 “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. 2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. 3 For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song. 4 Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly. 5 My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail. 7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. 8 For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations." 9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? 10 Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over? 11 So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. 12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? 13 But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking. 15 For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of Hosts is His name. 16 I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’" 17 Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs— the cup that makes men stagger. 18 Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand. 19 These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you? 20 Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore now hear this, you afflicted one, drunken, but not with wine. 22 Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God, who defends His people: “See, I have removed from your hand the cup of staggering. From that goblet, the cup of My fury, you will never drink again. 23 I will place it in the hands of your tormentors, who told you: ‘Lie down, so we can walk over you,’ so that you made your back like the ground, like a street to be traversed."
Study Notes — Isaiah 51
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 51
- Themes from Isaiah 51
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 51
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a call to listen to God's Word and to remember His past deeds, particularly the creation of the world and the deliverance of His people from Egypt (Isaiah 51:1-3). It then looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence (Isaiah 51:4-6). The chapter also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people, rather than trusting in idols or human strength (Isaiah 51:7-16). Finally, it concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies (Isaiah 51:17-23).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 51 is part of the larger context of Isaiah 40-55, which is a message of hope and redemption to the people of God. The chapter is addressed to the people of God who are in exile, and it calls them to trust in God's power and promise to restore them. The chapter also looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence.
Heart Application
The chapter calls God's people to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to God's Word and remembering His past deeds. As we read this chapter, we are called to apply these principles to our own lives, trusting in God's power and promise to restore us, and remembering His past deeds in our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 51 is a message of hope and redemption to the people of God. It calls them to trust in God's power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. As we read this chapter, we are called to trust in God's power and promise to restore us, and to remember His past deeds in our lives. For example, in Isaiah 51:11, God promises that His people will return to Zion with singing and joy.
Voices from the Church
“The promises of God are not like the promises of men, which are often broken and forgotten. The promises of God are sure and steadfast, and they will be fulfilled in due time.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The redemption that is promised in this chapter is not just a redemption from sin, but also a redemption from the curse of the law. It is a redemption that will bring us into a new heaven and a new earth, where we will rejoice in God's presence forever.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: Listen to God's Word (Isaiah 51:1-3) — The chapter begins with a call to listen to God's Word and to remember His past deeds, particularly the creation of the world and the deliverance of His people from Egypt.
- The Promise of Redemption (Isaiah 51:4-6) — The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence.
- The Contrast between God's Power and Human Strength (Isaiah 51:7-16) — The chapter contrasts God's power with human strength, emphasizing that God's people should trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength.
- The Promise of Restoration (Isaiah 51:17-23) — The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy.
- Conclusion: The Redemption of God's People (Isaiah 51:11) — The chapter concludes with a promise that God's people will be redeemed and will return to Zion with singing and joy.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter emphasizes the doctrine of redemption, which is the idea that God will redeem His people from sin and its consequences. This is seen in Isaiah 51:11, where God promises that His people will be redeemed and will return to Zion with singing and joy.
- The Doctrine of Providence
- The chapter also emphasizes the doctrine of providence, which is the idea that God is actively involved in the world and is working out His plans and purposes. This is seen in Isaiah 51:4-6, where God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth.
- The Doctrine of Trust
- The chapter calls God's people to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. This is seen in Isaiah 51:7-16, where God contrasts His power with human strength.
- The Doctrine of Restoration
- The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. This is seen in Isaiah 51:17-23, where God promises to restore His people.
Lessons from Isaiah 51
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore us, rather than trusting in idols or human strength.
- The Importance of Remembering God's Past Deeds — The chapter also emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past deeds, particularly the creation of the world and the deliverance of His people from Egypt.
- The Promise of Redemption and Restoration — The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will redeem His people and create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence.
- The Contrast between God's Power and Human Strength — The chapter contrasts God's power with human strength, emphasizing that God's people should trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength.
- The Call to Awaken and Trust in God's Power — The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy.
Themes from Isaiah 51
- Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the theme of redemption, which is the idea that God will redeem His people from sin and its consequences.
- Trust — The chapter calls God's people to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength.
- Restoration — The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy.
- Providence — The chapter emphasizes the theme of providence, which is the idea that God is actively involved in the world and is working out His plans and purposes.
- Hope — The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's power and promise to restore you, rather than trusting in idols or human strength?
- How can you apply the principles of Isaiah 51 to your own life, particularly in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
- What are some ways that you can remember God's past deeds in your life, and how can you use these memories to trust in His power and promise to restore you?
- How can you look forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence?
- What are some ways that you can awaken and trust in God's power to deliver you from your enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: Listen to God's Word (Isaiah 51:1-3)
| Isaiah 51:1 | The chapter begins with a call to listen to God's Word and to remember His past deeds, particularly the creation of the world and the deliverance of His people from Egypt. |
| Isaiah 51:2 | The call to listen to God's Word is emphasized, and God's people are reminded of their heritage as the children of Abraham. |
| Isaiah 51:3 | The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will comfort His people and make their wilderness like Eden. |
2. The Promise of Redemption (Isaiah 51:4-6)
| Isaiah 51:4 | The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. |
| Isaiah 51:5 | God's people are called to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:6 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people, and looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. |
3. The Contrast between God's Power and Human Strength (Isaiah 51:7-16)
| Isaiah 51:7 | The chapter contrasts God's power with human strength, emphasizing that God's people should trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:8 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:9 | God's people are called to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. |
| Isaiah 51:10 | The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will redeem His people and create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. |
| Isaiah 51:11 | The chapter concludes with a promise that God's people will be redeemed and will return to Zion with singing and joy. |
| Isaiah 51:12 | God's people are called to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:13 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people, and looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. |
| Isaiah 51:14 | The chapter contrasts God's power with human strength, emphasizing that God's people should trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:15 | God's people are called to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. |
| Isaiah 51:16 | The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will redeem His people and create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. |
4. The Promise of Restoration (Isaiah 51:17-23)
| Isaiah 51:17 | The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. |
| Isaiah 51:18 | God's people are called to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:19 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people, and looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. |
| Isaiah 51:20 | God's people are called to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. |
| Isaiah 51:21 | The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will redeem His people and create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. |
| Isaiah 51:22 | God's people are called to trust in His power and promise to restore them, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. |
| Isaiah 51:23 | The chapter concludes with a promise that God's people will be redeemed and will return to Zion with singing and joy. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 51?
The main theme of Isaiah 51 is the promise of redemption and restoration, and the call to trust in God's power and promise to restore His people. This is seen in Isaiah 51:11, where God promises that His people will be redeemed and will return to Zion with singing and joy.
How can I apply the principles of Isaiah 51 to my own life?
You can apply the principles of Isaiah 51 to your own life by trusting in God's power and promise to restore you, rather than trusting in idols or human strength. You can also remember God's past deeds in your life, and use these memories to trust in His power and promise to restore you.
What is the significance of the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 51?
The promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 51 is a promise of redemption and restoration, and looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. This is seen in Isaiah 51:4-6, where God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 51:1 → Genesis 2:8 | The reference to the garden of Eden in Isaiah 51:3 is a cross-reference to Genesis 2:8, where the garden of Eden is first mentioned. |
| 2 | Isaiah 51:4 → Isaiah 65:17 | The promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 51:4 is a cross-reference to Isaiah 65:17, where God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. |
| 3 | Isaiah 51:5 → Psalm 37:3-4 | The call to trust in God's power and promise to restore His people in Isaiah 51:5 is a cross-reference to Psalm 37:3-4, where God's people are called to trust in Him and to do good. |
| 4 | Isaiah 51:7 → Psalm 115:1-8 | The contrast between God's power and human strength in Isaiah 51:7 is a cross-reference to Psalm 115:1-8, where the psalmist contrasts God's power with the power of idols. |
| 5 | Isaiah 51:9 → Job 26:12 | The reference to God's power in Isaiah 51:9 is a cross-reference to Job 26:12, where God's power is described as being able to still the waves of the sea. |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:10 → Psalm 107:1-2 | The call to give thanks to God in Isaiah 51:10 is a cross-reference to Psalm 107:1-2, where God's people are called to give thanks to Him for His goodness and mercy. |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:11 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 51:11 is a cross-reference to Revelation 21:1-4, where God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:12 → Isaiah 40:1-2 | The call to comfort God's people in Isaiah 51:12 is a cross-reference to Isaiah 40:1-2, where God calls His people to comfort and to speak tenderly to them. |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:13 → Psalm 102:12-13 | The reference to God's power and promise to restore His people in Isaiah 51:13 is a cross-reference to Psalm 102:12-13, where God's people are called to trust in His power and promise to restore them. |
| 10 | Isaiah 51:14 → Isaiah 49:24-25 | The promise of redemption and restoration in Isaiah 51:14 is a cross-reference to Isaiah 49:24-25, where God promises to redeem and restore His people. |
Sermons on Isaiah 51
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Awake! Series): Two Kinds of Sleeping People by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive to the call of God. He compares it to a person who suddenly wakes up and reacts quickly when th |
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Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli |
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A Prophecy for Russia and America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses frustration and anger towards the wickedness in the world, particularly highlighting a case where a young man who had beaten up an elderly ma |
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A Word for the Down-Hearted by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are feeling discouraged and downhearted. God speaks to His people, urging them to listen to Him amidst the various voices they have |
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Can These Dry Bones Live by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church's role in reaching out to the Jewish people. He shares his personal journey of coming to recognize the significa |
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God's Grief Over His People by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the minister shares various stories and concerns about the state of the church and God's people. He mentions a pastor whose wife left him, grandparents who feel dis |
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The Significance of Israel's Restoration by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the injustice of wealthy individuals enriching themselves at the expense of impoverished people. The speaker believes that God w |
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Faith Series - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to God. He reminds the audience that life is short and that only what is done for God will last. T |
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The World Situation by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes God's promise of rest and protection for His people amidst global turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for believers to find rest in the finished work of |
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God Is Doing a New Thing - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories of miraculous interventions by God in people's lives. He talks about a man who was able to rescue someone stuck in an elevator, and a wo |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 51
In his commentary on Isaiah 51, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to restore His people. He notes that the chapter is a message of hope and redemption to the people of God, and that it looks forward to the future, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will rejoice in His presence. Henry also emphasizes the contrast between God's power and human strength, and calls God's people to trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength. He concludes by noting that the chapter is a call to God's people to awaken and to trust in His power to deliver them from their enemies, and to return to Zion with singing and joy. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The importance of remembering God's past deeds
The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past deeds, particularly the creation of the world and the deliverance of His people from Egypt. This is seen in Isaiah 51:1-3, where God calls His people to listen to His Word and to remember His past deeds.
The contrast between God's power and human strength
The chapter contrasts God's power with human strength, emphasizing that God's people should trust in His power rather than in idols or human strength. This is seen in Isaiah 51:7-16, where God calls His people to trust in His power and promise to restore them.
The emphasis on God's redemption and restoration
The chapter looks forward to the future, when God will redeem His people and create a new heaven and a new earth. This is seen in Isaiah 51:4-6 and 11, where God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth, and to redeem His people.