What does Isaiah 51:19 mean?
"These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?" - Isaiah 51:19
Isaiah 51:19 (KJV) says, "These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?"
This verse serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and living in disobedience. In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is addressing the nation of Israel, warning them of the impending judgment and devastation that will come upon them as a result of their sinful ways. Through these words, God is calling for repentance and a return to Him, emphasizing the consequences of their actions and the need for His comfort and guidance.
The verse begins with the declaration, "These two things are come unto thee," indicating that the consequences of their actions have arrived and cannot be avoided. The "two things" being referred to are "desolation" and "destruction," which signify the devastation and ruin that will overtake the nation. This serves as a direct result of their disobedience and turning away from God. The use of parallelism in this verse is striking, as it emphasizes the severity and inevitability of these consequences. The repetition of "and" in the list of afflictions, such as "famine" and "sword," further accentuates the harsh reality of what is to come.
The verse then presents a rhetorical question, "who shall be sorry for thee?" This question reflects the idea that no one will have pity or compassion for the suffering of the nation, as they have brought these afflictions upon themselves through their disobedience. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the loneliness that can accompany a life lived outside of God's will.
Furthermore, the verse culminates with the plea, "by whom shall I comfort thee?" This cry for comfort and solace comes directly from God, highlighting His desire to bring healing and restoration to His people. Despite the judgment and devastation that they are facing, God still extends His compassion and mercy, offering comfort and hope in the midst of their suffering. This demonstrates His unwavering love and willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him in repentance.
In a broader context, this passage can also be applied to the spiritual condition of individuals and nations today. It serves as a poignant warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the ultimate futility of seeking comfort and solace apart from Him. It emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to God, as only He can offer true comfort and healing in the face of judgment and devastation.
Symbolically, this verse represents the opposing forces of sin and righteousness, as well as the consequences that result from each. The "desolation" and "destruction" symbolize the chaos and ruin that sin brings, while the plea for comfort and restoration represents the hope and healing that come from turning back to God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's comfort and guidance in all circumstances, as well as the consequences of straying from His path.
In conclusion, Isaiah 51:19 (KJV) serves as a sobering and impactful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and living in disobedience. Through this verse, God calls for repentance and offers His comfort and solace, emphasizing the need for His presence in the midst of judgment and devastation. It serves as a timeless and universal message, applicable to individuals and nations alike, highlighting the need for true restoration and healing that can only come from God.
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Isaiah 51:19 - "These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?"
"These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?" - Isaiah 51:19
Isaiah 51:21 - "¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:"
Isaiah 51:15 - "But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name."
"¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:" - Isaiah 51:21
Isaiah 51:14 - "The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail."
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."
Jeremiah 51:19 - "The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name."
Isaiah 51:20 - "Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God."
Isaiah 51:10 - "Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?"
Psalms 51:19 - "Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."
Isaiah 51:7 - "¶ Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
Isaiah 51:1 - "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged."
"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." - Isaiah 51:3
Isaiah 51:9 - "¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?"
Isaiah 51:5 - "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust."
Isaiah 51:17 - "¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out."
Isaiah 51:8 - "For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation."
Isaiah 51:12 - "I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;"
Isaiah 51:18 - "There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up."
Isaiah 51:11 - "Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away."
Isaiah 41, 19
Isaiah 19:8
Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah 51:4 - "¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people."
Isaiah 19:1
Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah 51:13 - "And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?"
Isaiah 43:18-19
Isaiah 19:19 - "In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."