Isaiah 51:2
Isaiah 51:2 in Multiple Translations
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.
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you; for when he was but one I called him, and I blessed him, and made him many.
Let your thoughts be turned to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth: for when he was but one, my voice came to him, and I gave him my blessing, and made him a great people.
Look back at Abraham your father, and Sarah who gave birth to you. When I called him, he was only one man, but then I blessed him and he had many descendants.
Consider Abraham your father, and Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Look attentively unto Abraham your father, And unto Sarah — she bringeth you forth, For — one — I have called him, And I bless him, and multiply him.
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for when he was but one I called him, I blessed him, and made him many.
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah that bore you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Look unto Abraham your father, and to Sara that bore you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and multiplied him.
Think about your ancestor Abraham and his wife Sarah, of whom all of you are descendants. When I first spoke to Abraham, he had no children. But after I blessed him, he had a huge number of descendants.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:2
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 51:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַבִּ֨יטוּ֙
אֶל
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/אֶל
שָׂרָ֖ה
תְּחוֹלֶלְ/כֶ֑ם
כִּי
אֶחָ֣ד
קְרָאתִ֔י/ו
וַ/אֲבָרְכֵ֖/הוּ
וְ/אַרְבֵּֽ/הוּ
הַבִּ֨יטוּ֙
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
תְּחוֹלֶלְ/כֶ֑ם
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-o-Imperf-3fs | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
קְרָאתִ֔י/ו
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
וַ/אֲבָרְכֵ֖/הוּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/אַרְבֵּֽ/הוּ
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:2
הַבִּ֨יטוּ֙
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אֲבִי/כֶ֔ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
N-proper
Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.
תְּחוֹלֶלְ/כֶ֑ם
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-o-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
כִּי
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.
אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
קְרָאתִ֔י/ו
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וַ/אֲבָרְכֵ֖/הוּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
וְ/אַרְבֵּֽ/הוּ
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:2
Context — Salvation for Zion
1“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.
2Look 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.
3For 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. 4Pay 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:24 | “Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ |
| 2 | Galatians 3:9–14 | So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. |
| 3 | Romans 4:1–5 | What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, has discovered? If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. |
| 4 | Genesis 24:1 | By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:11–13 | And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:22 | Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed and no more will his face grow pale. |
| 7 | Hebrews 11:8–12 | By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 8 | Genesis 13:14–17 | After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. Get up and walk around the land, through its length and breadth, for I will give it to you.” |
| 9 | Romans 4:16–24 | Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham, but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. |
| 10 | Genesis 15:4–5 | Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” |
Isaiah 51:2 Summary
This verse reminds us to look back at the examples of faithfulness in our spiritual heritage, just like Abraham and Sarah, who trusted in God's promises even when it seemed impossible. God blessed and multiplied Abraham, showing His power and faithfulness to fulfill His promises, as seen in Genesis 15:5-6. We can trust in God's goodness and provision in our own lives, just as Abraham did, and remember that He is always faithful to His promises (Romans 4:20-22). By looking to the examples of the past, we can have hope and confidence in God's plans for our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God tell the Israelites to look to Abraham and Sarah as their father and mother?
God reminds the Israelites of their heritage and the faith of their ancestors, just as He did with Abraham in Genesis 15:5-6, to encourage them to trust in His promises and faithfulness.
What does it mean that Abraham was 'but one' when God called him?
This refers to the fact that Abraham was childless and alone when God first called him, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, but God's blessing and multiplication of him resulted in a numerous descendants, fulfilling His promise in Genesis 17:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual heritage?
This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring our spiritual heritage, just as the Israelites were to remember Abraham and Sarah, and as the apostle Paul encourages believers to follow the example of faithfulness in Hebrews 11:8-12 and Romans 4:11-12.
What is the significance of God's blessing and multiplication of Abraham?
God's blessing and multiplication of Abraham demonstrates His power and faithfulness to fulfill His promises, as seen in Genesis 22:17 and Isaiah 44:3, and serves as an encouragement to trust in God's goodness and provision in our own lives.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the example of Abraham's faith to my own life and trust in God's promises?
- What are some ways that I can honor my spiritual heritage and remember the faithfulness of those who have come before me?
- In what ways can I trust in God's blessing and multiplication in my own life, even when I feel alone or insignificant?
- How can I pass on the lessons of faith and trust that I have learned from scripture and my own experiences to others?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:2
Look unto Abraham your father,.... Not only the father of the Jewish nation, but of all them that believe: this explains what is meant by the rock, in the former verse, who is to be looked unto for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:2
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. I called him alone - translate, 'I called him when he was but one' (Ezekiel 33:24).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
I called him from his own country and kindred to follow me to an unknown land, where I promised that I would multiply and bless him, as is particularly explained, . Alone, Heb. one; either, 1. Him only of all his kindred; for though he carried some few of them with him, yet I called none but him. So this notes God’ s singular favour to their progenitors above all the rest of the world. Or, 2. Him when he was alone or solitary, to wit, as to any issue; when he neither had nor was likely to have any child by Sarah. And this word alone seems to belong not only to this word wherewith it is joined, but also unto the two following words, especially if we consider the order of rite words in the Hebrew text, where they lie thus; for one (or alone, or when he was alone, or but one) I called him, and blessed him, and increased him. Increased him into a vast multitude, when his condition was desperate in the eye of reason. And therefore God can as easily raise and deliver his church when they are in the most forlorn condition, and seem to be dead, and buried, and consumed, so that nothing but dry bones remain of them, as it is declared at large, Ezekiel 37.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah [that] bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.Ver. 2. Look unto Abraham your father.] "Look" and again "look." "Hearken" and again "hearken." These poor Jews, before the coming of Christ in the flesh, were vino somnoque sepulti, drunk with the cup of God’ s fury, and so fast asleep, that they needed to be thus roused and raised up to the hope of better times, which now were at hand. And unto Sarah that bare you.] By the force of her faith also, her son Isaac was emeritae fidel filius. Now these domestic examples are alleged to assure them that God could do the like again in respect of spiritual children, Abraham’ s right seed. For I called him alone.] Be not ye therefore troubled at your aloneness. And blessed him, and increased him.] God’ s benediction is his benefaction; the Pope’ s is not so; fumos vendit, fumo pereat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
(2) I called him alone.—Literally, as one. If so great a nation had sprung from one man (Hebrews 11:12), so would God out of the faithful remnant once more create a people. (Comp. Ezekiel 33:24, where the exiles arc represented as boastfully inverting the argument: “Abraham was one, and we are many; therefore we shall prosper, the chances are in our favour.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
Verse 2. I called him alone] As I have made out of one a great nation; so, although ye are brought low and minished, yet I can restore you to happiness, and greatly multiply your number.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:2
2. The explanation of the figure. I called him alone] lit. “as one,” i.e. a single individual. blessed him, and increased him] Cf. Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 22:17. The strict rendering of the Massoretic text would be “that I might bless” &c.; but the verbs should no doubt be pointed as consec. impfs. Without completing the analogy, the prophet proceeds at once in the next verse to comfort the spiritual children of Abraham with the assurance of the restoration of Zion.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:2
Look unto Abraham - What was figuratively expressed in the former verse is here expressed literally.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:2
2, 3. I called him alone — Or, one alone. I called him when he was but a single person — antithetical to what now appears in his descendants — “a great multitude.” I… blessed… increased him — The
Sermons on Isaiah 51:2
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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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Adoption (Rora 2003) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the double portion as a way to identify the supreme heir in ancient times. He explains that in Old Testament times, the inherit |
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Three Stages of Spiritual Growth - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to bless us and make us a blessing to others, highlighting that fulfilling this purpose is essential in our lives. It urges be |
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Can God Call You Faithful? by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel focuses on the theme of faithfulness, drawing inspiration from the story of Abraham in the Bible. He emphasizes that those who have faith are blessed |
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Pioneers (Abraham, a Pioneer of Revival, Missions, and Holiness) - Part 2 by David Smithers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pleasing God and growing in faith. He encourages the audience to abound more and more in their walk with Christ. The speake |
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(Exchanging Our Self-Life for Christ's Life) 3. the Pathway to the Christ-Life (Ii) : Being Emptied by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the way of the cross, emphasizing the importance of being broken and emptied, following the examples of Paul and Jesus who surrendered themselves complete |
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Epistle 97 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's own will to God's will, echoing the prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He warns against striving against God's |