King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:26 Mean?

Isaiah 5:26 in the King James Version says “And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:”

Isaiah 5:26 · KJV

Context

24

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. fire: Heb. tongue of fire

25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. torn: or, as dung

26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

27

None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:

28

Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's 'lifting up an ensign' (signal) to distant nations and 'hissing' (whistling to summon) them depicts sovereign control over foreign powers used as judgment instruments. The imagery of nations coming 'swiftly' from 'the end of the earth' shows divine orchestration of history—even pagan armies accomplish God's purposes. This anticipates Habakkuk's revelation that God raised Chaldeans for judgment (Habakkuk 1:6) and demonstrates the Reformed conviction of divine providence governing all events.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria and later Babylon functioned as God's rod of anger (Isaiah 10:5), unknowingly serving divine purposes while pursuing their own imperial ambitions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereign use of ungodly nations for judgment display His comprehensive providence?
  2. What modern powers might God be 'whistling' for purposes we don't yet perceive?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְנָֽשָׂא1 of 12

“And he will lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נֵ֤ס2 of 12

“an ensign”

H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

לַגּוֹיִם֙3 of 12

“to the nations”

H1471

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

מֵרָח֔וֹק4 of 12

“from far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

וְשָׁ֥רַק5 of 12

“and will hiss”

H8319

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

ל֖וֹ6 of 12
H0
מִקְצֵ֣ה7 of 12

“unto them from the end”

H7097

an extremity

הָאָ֑רֶץ8 of 12

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה9 of 12
H2009

lo!

מְהֵרָ֖ה10 of 12

“with speed”

H4120

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

קַ֥ל11 of 12

“swiftly”

H7031

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

יָבֽוֹא׃12 of 12

“and behold they shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 5:26 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 5:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 10:8Deuteronomy 28:49Isaiah 7:18Isaiah 18:3Isaiah 11:12Malachi 1:11

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 5 →

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