King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:2 Mean?

Isaiah 41:2 in the King James Version says “Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule ov...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. the righteous: Heb. righteousness”

Isaiah 41:2 · KJV

Context

1

Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.

2

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. the righteous: Heb. righteousness

3

He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet. safely: Heb. in peace

4

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse prophetically describes Cyrus of Persia (named in 44:28, 45:1), whom God raises from the east as His instrument. The Hebrew 'tsedeq' (righteousness) indicates God's righteous purpose in raising this pagan king. Cyrus will conquer nations and subdue kings, yet does so as God's unwitting servant, demonstrating that even unbelieving rulers fulfill divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written 150 years before Cyrus's birth, this prophecy was fulfilled when Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC and decreed the Jews' return. His rapid military success vindicated God's sovereign control of history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan rulers like Cyrus demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations?
  2. In what ways does this prophecy strengthen your trust in God's control of seemingly secular events?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מִ֤י1 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הֵעִיר֙2 of 17

“Who raised up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

מִמִּזְרָ֔ח3 of 17

“man from the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

צֶ֖דֶק4 of 17

“the righteous”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

יִקְרָאֵ֣הוּ5 of 17

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְרַגְל֑וֹ6 of 17

“him to his foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

יִתֵּ֤ן7 of 17

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְפָנָ֤יו8 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

גּוֹיִם֙9 of 17

“the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּמְלָכִ֣ים10 of 17

“over kings”

H4428

a king

יַ֔רְדְּ11 of 17

“him and made him rule”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

יִתֵּ֤ן12 of 17

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כֶּֽעָפָר֙13 of 17

“them as the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

חַרְבּ֔וֹ14 of 17

“to his sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

כְּקַ֥שׁ15 of 17

“stubble”

H7179

straw (as dry)

נִדָּ֖ף16 of 17

“and as driven”

H5086

to shove asunder, i.e., disperse

קַשְׁתּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“to his bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 41:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 41:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:12 Samuel 22:43Isaiah 41:25Ezra 1:2Isaiah 40:24Isaiah 46:11

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