A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is a beautiful echo of Isaiah's own son's name, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return." It highlights that even in judgment, God preserves a faithful few, and their return isn't just to a place, but to the "mighty God" Himself. This echoes with the anticipation of the Messiah, who is also called "Mighty God," pointing to a deeper restoration and relationship beyond mere survival.
A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is spoken in the aftermath of Assyria’s brutal conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. Isaiah has just declared that while the Assyrian empire will be God's instrument of judgment against Judah too, it will eventually be overthrown. This verse then offers a word of hope, revealing that despite the devastation, a faithful remnant of Jacob will turn back to God, the mighty one.
Isaiah's own son carried a name that echoed this very promise. What was it, and why does it matter?
The prophet Isaiah had a son named Shear-jashub, which means 'a remnant shall return.' This wasn't just a random name; it was a living prophecy, a constant reminder spoken into the reality of Israel's impending judgment.
A Living Sign
When Isaiah spoke these words in chapter 10, he was calling back to his son's name. It was a way of saying, 'This isn't just a hypothetical; it's a guaranteed future, etched into my family!' Even amidst the threat of Assyria's destruction, God's promise of a faithful few who would return held firm.
More Than Survival
This 'remnant' wasn't just about survival; it was about returning to God in truth. They wouldn't lean on false hopes or earthly powers anymore. They would turn back to the Lord, the source of all might and salvation.
Who is this 'Mighty God' the remnant returns to? It's a title packed with power and comfort.
The phrase 'the mighty God' (El gibbor in the original language) is a powerful descriptor. It’s the same title used for the promised Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, highlighting divine strength and victory.
God's Ultimate Power
This isn't just any god; it's the God who has demonstrated His power throughout history, especially in delivering His people. The commentators note that in this context, it points to Jehovah Himself, emphasizing His sovereignty and His ability to overcome any enemy, including the mighty Assyrian empire.
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A Source of True Confidence
When the remnant returns, they aren't turning to a weak or distant deity. They are turning to the 'Mighty God,' the One who can truly save and sustain them. This return signifies a renewed trust and dependence on God's unmatched strength, moving away from reliance on human power or political alliances.
Understand the original words
she'ar · Hebrew Noun
A small portion or survivors of a larger group who remain faithful to God through judgment. It represents the faithful minority within the covenant community whom God preserves for His purposes.
El Gibbor · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His absolute power, strength, and authority over all creation. It serves as a reminder of His ability to deliver His people from overwhelming opposition.
This verse speaks of hope amidst devastating Assyrian threat and impending exile. The 'remnant' signifies those who would survive the immediate judgment and later exile, returning not to an earthly king or power, but to the eternal, mighty God, echoing the promise tied to Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub ('a remnant shall return').
c. 734 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War Begins
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) attempt to force Judah into an alliance against Assyria, but Judah, under King Ahaz, appeals to Assyria for help instead.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire, under Sargon II, conquers the northern kingdom of Israel and deports many of its inhabitants, scattering them throughout the empire.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem, though he ultimately fails to capture it.
c. 701 BC
Miraculous Deliverance of Jerusalem
An angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, causing Sennacherib to withdraw his siege of Jerusalem.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
As Babylon rises to power, King Jehoiakim of Judah is taken captive, along with some treasures of the temple, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon.
This verse directly links to Isaiah 10:21 through the name of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub, meaning 'a remnant shall return.' It sets the stage for understanding that God's plan often involves a faithful few.
Isaiah 9:6The phrase 'mighty God' in Isaiah 10:21 is a title also given to the future Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. This connection suggests the ultimate return of the remnant will be to God in his Messianic form.
Romans 11:5Paul echoes the theme of a remnant, stating 'So then at the present time also there is a remnant, chosen by grace.' This New Testament passage shows the enduring principle of God preserving a faithful few throughout history.
Jeremiah 23:3This passage promises that God will 'gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries to which I have driven them' and bring them back. It parallels Isaiah's prophecy by highlighting God's restorative action towards His scattered people.
2 Chronicles 30:6During Hezekiah's revival, messengers were sent throughout Israel and Judah, urging people to 'return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.' This historical event illustrates the call for a remnant to return to God, mirroring the message in Isaiah 10:21.
pulpitIsaiah 10:21: "The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God."
Verse 21. - The mighty God (comp. Isaiah 9:6). The name is not, however, Messianic in this place.
pooleIsaiah 10:21: "The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God."
The remnant; or, a remnant ; or, but a remnant ; or, a remnant only; which particles are oft understood, as hath been formerly and frequently observed, and may be here supplied from the following verses. Unto the mighty God; unto the Messiah, expressly called the mighty God, Isaiah 9:6 .
This verse is a beautiful echo of Isaiah's own son's name, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return." It highlights that even in judgment, God preserves a faithful few, and their return isn't just to a place, but to the "mighty God" Himself. This echoes with the anticipation of the Messiah, who is also called "Mighty God," pointing to a deeper restoration and relationship beyond mere survival.
This verse is spoken in the aftermath of Assyria’s brutal conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. Isaiah has just declared that while the Assyrian empire will be God's instrument of judgment against Judah too, it will eventually be overthrown. This verse then offers a word of hope, revealing that despite the devastation, a faithful remnant of Jacob will turn back to God, the mighty one.
This verse is spoken in the aftermath of Assyria’s brutal conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. Isaiah has just declared that while the Assyrian empire will be God's instrument of judgment against Judah too, it will eventually be overthrown. This verse then offers a word of hope, revealing that despite the devastation, a faithful remnant of Jacob will turn back to God, the mighty one.
"A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God." — This verse is a beautiful echo of Isaiah's own son's name, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return." It highlights that even in judgment, God preserves a faithful few, and their return isn't ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026