It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a profound shift: the waiting is over, and the people’s joyful declaration, "Behold, this is our God," isn't just about God's actions, but their recognition of Him as their God after a long period of expectation and faithfulness. Their present gladness is a direct result of that enduring hope being fulfilled.
It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is a triumphant declaration from God's people after a period of waiting and anticipation. It follows descriptions of God's feast for all nations and the removal of suffering, signaling the fulfillment of His promises. The verse expresses their joyful recognition of God as their Savior, emphasizing their long-held hope and current gladness in His salvation.
Have you ever waited so long for something good that the moment it arrived, you could only stand in awe and worship? Isaiah 25:9 captures that powerful transition.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where the people of God move from a posture of patient waiting to one of exultant worship.
The Lingering Wait
The repeated phrase "we have waited for him" speaks to a prolonged period of looking for God's intervention. It wasn't a quick glance, but a deep, enduring hope amidst trials and perhaps even opposition. This waiting wasn't passive; it was an active trust that God would fulfill His promises.
The Arrival of God
But the core of the verse is the declaration: "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us." The "behold" (or "Lo" in some translations) is an exclamation of discovery and recognition. Their waiting is over, and the one they longed for has finally arrived, not just as a deliverer, but as their God. This isn't just relief; it's the recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness.
The Response of Joy
The culmination is found in the second half: "This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." The salvation isn't just a past event; it's an ongoing reality that fuels present and future joy. This isn't a muted appreciation; it's an invitation to unrestrained gladness and rejoicing.
Ask a follow-up
What does it mean to truly know God? Isaiah 25:9 suggests it's intimately connected to recognizing Him as our Savior.
The verse isn't just about celebrating salvation; it's about understanding who God is through the lens of His saving acts.
More Than Just Power
When the people exclaim, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him...", they are not merely acknowledging God's power, but His specific identity as their Savior. The commentaries highlight that this deliverance could only come from their God, the LORD (Yahweh). It's a personal revelation of His character.
Contrast with Idols
Commentators point out the implied contrast with impotent idols. Unlike lifeless gods, this God actively intervenes and saves. The people's declaration is a triumphant affirmation of the true God against all false representations.
Salvation as Revelation
Therefore, encountering God's salvation isn't just receiving a gift; it's gaining a deeper, more intimate knowledge of His name and nature. The act of saving reveals who He truly is: the LORD, the faithful, the one who answers the deepest needs of His people.
Understand the original words
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Deliverance from danger, enemies, or judgment; biblically, it refers to God's act of rescuing His people and ultimately providing eternal redemption through Christ.
This prophecy looks forward to a future, ultimate salvation, celebrated by God's people after enduring long periods of waiting and hardship, culminating in the Messianic era.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
Isaiah delivers prophecies during a time of Assyrian expansion and internal political tension in Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people and a climate of fear in Judah.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon begins deporting Judean elites and resources, marking the start of the Babylonian exile and a period of national crisis.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, initiating the Persian Empire and eventually allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, a pivotal moment of hope and restoration.
c. 1st Century AD
First Coming of Christ
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, enters the world, bringing salvation and fulfilling prophecies. This event marks a new era for believers, both Jewish and Gentile.
Simeon's prayer echoes Isaiah's theme of waiting for God's salvation, expressing that he has seen the Lord's salvation and is ready to depart in peace.
John 1:14This passage speaks to the fulfillment of the anticipation in Isaiah 25:9, highlighting that the promised salvation comes through the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.
Hebrews 11:13-16This chapter illustrates the faith of those who 'waited' for promises like those in Isaiah, understanding that they looked for a heavenly city and a better country, a fulfillment of God's ultimate salvation.
Revelation 7:9-10This passage offers a vision of the redeemed from all nations gathered before God's throne, expressing ultimate joy and salvation in Him, mirroring the triumphant declaration in Isaiah 25:9.
Psalm 118:24The exclamatory 'This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!' directly parallels the sentiment of gladness and rejoicing in God's salvation expressed by Isaiah's people.
barnesIsaiah 25:9: "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
And it shall be said in that day - By the people of God. This shall be the language of exultation and joy which they shall use. Lo, this is our God - This is the language of those who now see and hail their Deliverer. It implies that such deliverance, and such mercy could be bestowed only by God…
bensonIsaiah 25:9: "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:9 . And it shall be said in that day — By God’s people, in the way of triumph and reply to their enemies; Lo, this is our God — Your gods are senseless and impotent idols; but our God is omnipotent, and hath done these great and glorious works which fill the world with admiration. We m…
This verse highlights a profound shift: the waiting is over, and the people’s joyful declaration, "Behold, this is our God," isn't just about God's actions, but their recognition of Him as their God after a long period of expectation and faithfulness. Their present gladness is a direct result of that enduring hope being fulfilled.
This passage is a triumphant declaration from God's people after a period of waiting and anticipation. It follows descriptions of God's feast for all nations and the removal of suffering, signaling the fulfillment of His promises. The verse expresses their joyful recognition of God as their Savior, emphasizing their long-held hope and current gladness in His salvation.
This passage is a triumphant declaration from God's people after a period of waiting and anticipation. It follows descriptions of God's feast for all nations and the removal of suffering, signaling the fulfillment of His promises. The verse expresses their joyful recognition of God as their Savior, emphasizing their long-held hope and current gladness in His salvation.
"It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”" — This verse highlights a profound shift: the waiting is over, and the people’s joyful declaration, "Behold, this is our God," isn't just about God's actions, but their recognition of Him as their Go…
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Last reviewed October 2026