Isaiah 49:18
Isaiah 49:18 in Multiple Translations
Lift up your eyes and look around. They all gather together; they come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride.
¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.
Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith Jehovah, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all as with an ornament, and gird thyself with them, like a bride.
Let your eyes be lifted up round about, and see: they are all coming together to you. By my life, says the Lord, truly you will put them all on you as an ornament, and be clothed with them like a bride.
Take a look around. See all your children gathering and coming back to you. As I live, declares the Lord, you will wear them all as jewelry, proudly putting them on like a bride.
Lift vp thine eies round about and behold: all these gather themselues together and come to thee: as I liue, sayeth the Lord, thou shalt surely put them all vpon thee as a garment, and girde thy selfe with them like a bride.
Lift up round about thine eyes and see, All of them have been gathered, They have come to thee. I live, an affirmation of Jehovah! Surely all of them as an ornament thou puttest on, And thou bindest them on like a bride.
Lift up your eyes all around, and see: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live,” says the LORD, “you shall surely clothe yourself with them all as with an ornament, and dress yourself with them, like a bride.
Lift up thy eyes around, and behold: all these assemble themselves, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee , as a bride doeth .
Lift up thy eyes round about, and see all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt be clothed with all these as with an ornament, and as a bride thou shalt put them about thee.
You will look around and see all of your children coming back to you. As surely as I live, they will be around you for you to show to people like [SIM] a bride shows her wedding ornaments!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 49:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 49:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׂאִֽי
סָבִ֤יב
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
וּ/רְאִ֔י
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
נִקְבְּצ֣וּ
בָֽאוּ
לָ֑/ךְ
חַי
אָ֣נִי
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֗ה
כִּ֤י
כֻלָּ/ם֙
כָּ/עֲדִ֣י
תִלְבָּ֔שִׁי
וּֽ/תְקַשְּׁרִ֖י/ם
כַּ/כַּלָּֽה
שְׂאִֽי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
סָבִ֤יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וּ/רְאִ֔י
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
נִקְבְּצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בָֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אָ֣נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֻלָּ/ם֙
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
כָּ/עֲדִ֣י
ʻădîy
H5716
ornament
Prep | N-ms
תִלְבָּ֔שִׁי
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
וּֽ/תְקַשְּׁרִ֖י/ם
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-2fs | Suff
כַּ/כַּלָּֽה
kallâh
H3618
daughter-in-law
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 49:18
שְׂאִֽי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
סָבִ֤יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וּ/רְאִ֔י
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נִקְבְּצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
בָֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אָ֣נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֻלָּ/ם֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כָּ/עֲדִ֣י
ʻădîy
H5716
"ornament"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ornaments or fine clothing, and can also describe the trappings of horses. It is used in books like Esther and Ezekiel to describe luxurious items. The word is about beautiful or impressive things.
Definition: 1) ornaments 1a) ornaments 1b) trappings (of horses)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament. See also: Exodus 33:4; Isaiah 49:18; Psalms 32:9.
תִלְבָּ֔שִׁי
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
וּֽ/תְקַשְּׁרִ֖י/ם
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-2fs | Suff
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
כַּ/כַּלָּֽה
kallâh
H3618
"daughter-in-law"
Prep | N-fs
In biblical times, this word referred to a bride or daughter-in-law, like Rebekah who became Isaac's bride in Genesis 24:67.
Definition: : bride 1) bride, daughter-in-law 1a) daughter-in-law 1b) bride, young wife Also means: kal.lah (כַּלָּה ": daughter-in-law" H3618H)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. See also: Genesis 11:31; Song of Solomon 4:10; Isaiah 49:18.
Study Notes — Isaiah 49:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 49:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 49:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 49:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 49:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 49:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 49:18
Context — The Servant and Light to the Gentiles
16Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.
17Your builders hasten back; your destroyers and wreckers depart from you.
18Lift up your eyes and look around. They all gather together; they come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride.
19For your ruined and desolate places and your ravaged land will now indeed be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. 20Yet the children of your bereavement will say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; make room for us to live here.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 54:1–3 | “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. “Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep. For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities. |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:12–13 | For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees. As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 61:10 | I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. |
| 4 | Isaiah 54:9 | “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. |
| 5 | Isaiah 66:20 | And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the LORD on horses and chariots and wagons, on mules and camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 2:32 | Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number. |
| 7 | Isaiah 49:12 | Behold, they will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Aswan. ” |
| 8 | Isaiah 54:7 | “For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back. |
| 9 | Isaiah 43:5–6 | Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— |
| 10 | Isaiah 60:4–11 | Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. |
Isaiah 49:18 Summary
In Isaiah 49:18, God is telling the nation of Israel to look around and see that all the people who were scattered are now gathering together and coming back to them. He promises that these people will be a beautiful adornment to the nation, bringing them joy and glory, much like a bride wears jewelry on her wedding day (as seen in Isaiah 61:10). This is a promise of restoration and gathering, where God is bringing His people back together and making them beautiful again. This reminds us that God is a God of restoration and redemption, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 where He says 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride' in Isaiah 49:18?
This is a metaphorical expression where God is saying that the people who are gathering to the nation will be a beautiful adornment to her, bringing her joy and glory, much like a bride wears jewelry on her wedding day, as seen in Isaiah 61:10 where it says 'I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will delight in My God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.'
Who are the people that are gathering together in Isaiah 49:18?
The people gathering are likely the Israelites who were previously scattered or in exile, now returning to their homeland, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:3-5 where God says He will gather them from all the nations where He has scattered them and bring them back to their own land.
What is the significance of God declaring 'As surely as I live' in Isaiah 49:18?
This is an oath that God is making, emphasizing the certainty and reliability of His promise, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11 where God says 'As surely as I live, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.'
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of Isaiah 49?
This verse is part of a larger section where God is comforting and reassuring the nation of Israel, telling them that they will be restored and their people will return to them, as seen in the preceding verse Isaiah 49:16 where God says 'Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the promise of God's restoration and gathering of His people in my own life, especially in times of feeling scattered or alone?
- How can I trust in God's faithfulness and reliability, especially when faced with uncertainty or doubt, as He declares 'As surely as I live'?
- In what ways can I see myself as a part of God's beautiful adornment, bringing joy and glory to Him, as described in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can practically live out the reality of being 'clothed with garments of salvation' and 'wrapped with a robe of righteousness' as described in Isaiah 61:10?
- How can I reflect on the times when God has gathered me or restored me in the past, and how can I trust in His promise to do so again in the future?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 49:18
Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold,.... Look east, west, north, and south, and behold the flocking converts from all parts; see on Isaiah 49:12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 49:18
Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
All these, to wit, the Gentiles, as sufficiently appeareth from what hath been already said, and from that which followeth. The sense is, Thy church shall not only be restored and established in Jerusalem, but it shall be vastly enlarged and adorned by the accession of the Gentiles to it. Come to thee, to receive instruction from thee, and to be incorporated with thee into one and the same church. As with an ornament; they shall not be a burden, as the Gentiles formerly were when they mixed themselves with the Jews; but an ornament, in respect of those excellent gifts and graces wherewith they shall enrich and honour thy church.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].Ver. 18. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold.] As those use to do which look upon ought with wonder and delight. Thou shalt surely clothe thee with them, as with an ornament.] The good sons of Zion are a great honour to their mother, as the two Scipios were to Cornelia; and as that elect lady’ s children were to her. A godly man is a gallant man, but the wicked are botches and blots to a Church.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
(18) Lift up thine eyes.—The daughter of Zion is called on to gaze on the returning exiles. They shall be her gems and her girdle as the bride of her new espousals. A distant parallel is found in the story of the mother of the Gracchi pointing to her children as more precious jewels than those of her wealthy rival.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
Verse 18. Bind them on thee, as a bride doeth - "Bind them about thee, as a bride her jewels."] The end of the sentence is manifestly imperfect. Does a bride bind her children, or her new subjects, about her? Sion clothes herself with her children, as a bride clothes herself, - with what? some other thing certainly. The Septuagint help us out in this difficulty, and supply the lost word: ὡςκοσμοννυμφη· as a bride her ornaments. ככליה כלה kichleyha callah, or ככלה כליה kecallah keleyha. The great similitude of the two words has occasioned the omission of one of them. See Isaiah 61:10.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 49:18
18. As I live, saith the Lord] Jehovah’s oath by Himself, ch. Isaiah 45:23. It introduces a new, though closely related, conception; the inhabitants being compared to the bridal attire with which Zion replaces the signs of her widowhood. bind them on thee] Strictly gird them on. The verb is connected with the word for “girdle” in ch. Isaiah 3:20 (qishshûrîm, A.V. “headbands”). It was evidently an ornamental girdle, possibly a part of the bridal costume (cf. Jeremiah 2:32, “can … a bride forget her girdle”).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 49:18
Lift up thine eyes round about - That is, see the multitudes that shall be converted to thee; see thy ruined city rise again in its former beauty; see the Gentiles come and yield themselves to the
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 49:18
14-21. But Zion — Probably the literal Zion, after such a paean or shout of praise that the Gentile world is seen rushing from every quarter into the number of the true Israel, or spiritual Zion.
Sermons on Isaiah 49:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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Pray for the Spirit by J.W. Alexander | J.W. Alexander preaches about the necessity of the whole Church humbling themselves before God in prayer for a mighty revival. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spir |
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The Dawn of a Golden Age by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan discusses the dire conditions on earth at the return of Christ, emphasizing the oppressive rule of the antichrist and the suffering of the Jewish people during t |
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The Gospel by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three results of the gospel that flow into our lives: restructuring of the heart, removal of sin, and reversal of values. The restructurin |
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Breaking Out of the Boundaries by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tendency of Christians to resist change and cling to the familiar. He uses the analogy of bears on a canoe trip to illustrate this point. |
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The Arm of the Lord - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of resurrection and its significance in the Bible. He highlights various instances in the New Testament where the resurrection of J |
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The Arm of the Lord - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the new prospect and hope that comes with the foundation laid by the cross. The Lord is focused on recovering, restoring, and rebuilding His p |
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Isaiah Chapter 62 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the church from God's perspective, despite our current circumstances. He reminds the audience that God is working to |