Breakdown of Isaiah 31:6-7

"Turn to him from whom people have deeply revolted, O children of Israel. For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you." — The phrase "deeply revolted" hints at more than just straying; it suggests a profound, ingrained alienation from God, like a deeply rooted rebellion that has shaped their very identity. This isn't a…

Isaiah 31:6-7 Meaning Explained

All verses

Isaiah 31:6-7

Turn to him from whom people have deeply revolted, O children of Israel. For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The phrase "deeply revolted" hints at more than just straying; it suggests a profound, ingrained alienation from God, like a deeply rooted rebellion that has shaped their very identity. This isn't a minor detour, but a fundamental turning away that makes the call to "turn" all the more urgent and significant.

What Isaiah 31:6-7 means

God has just declared His fierce protection over Jerusalem against the Assyrians, but immediately turns to address the people directly. He calls them to repent and return to Him, emphasizing their deep and extensive rebellion against the very God who promises to defend them, highlighting the hypocrisy of seeking foreign aid while turning away from their Divine Protector.

The Gravity of Deep Revolt

Ever felt like you've messed up so badly there's no coming back? This verse calls out a 'deep revolt' – let's unpack what that means and why it matters.

The phrase 'deeply revolted' isn't just a casual way of saying 'sinned.' It points to a profound turning away from God, a rebellion that affects the heart and life.

A Turning Away

Heart and Life: This revolt isn't just a one-time mistake, but a deep alienation from God. It's when our affections are drawn to other things – idols, self-reliance, or other nations like Egypt – instead of to the Lord.
Ingratitude: The people of Israel were called by a name that signified their covenant relationship with God. To 'revolt' from Him was a betrayal of that special relationship, an act of profound ingratitude.
Consequences: This deep revolt leads to seeking help in the wrong places, like trusting in Egypt's military might, which is ultimately fragile and destined to fail.

The Persistent Call to Return

Even after a 'deep revolt,' God's message isn't one of abandonment, but of invitation. Discover the power in His persistent call to come back.

Despite the severity of their rebellion, God's heart still turns towards His people with an offer of restoration. The command to 'Turn ye unto him' is a powerful act of grace.

A Gracious Invitation

'Turn Ye': This is an imperative, a direct command, but it's also an invitation. It assumes that a 'turning' is possible and that God desires it.
Focus on God: The direction is clear: 'unto him.' The remedy for deep revolt is not looking inward or to other sources of help, but a conscious, deliberate return to the One they left.

Understand the original words

Original language

Turnשׁוּב

shuwb · Hebrew Verb

To turn back, return, or repent; it implies a decisive change of direction, specifically a turning away from sin or idols back toward God.

revoltedפָּשַׁע

pasha' · Hebrew Verb

Those who have rebelled, acted treacherously, or apostatized against God. In the context of Israel, it highlights the violation of the covenant relationship.

idolsאֱלִיל

eliyl · Hebrew Noun

Physical representations of false gods or objects of worship that rival the LORD. Biblically, they are considered non-entities that lead people into spiritual adultery and away from the Creator.

sinfullyחָטָא

chata' · Hebrew Adverb

To miss the mark or violate the law of God; it characterizes actions that are contrary to God’s holy standards and nature.

Historical context

Written: Mid-8th century BC
Author: Isaiah, a prophet who served during the 8th century BC.
Location: Written from Judah (likely Jerusalem) during a time of Assyrian threat.
Genre: Prophetic oracle with poetic elements; features direct address and vivid imagery.

Historical background

This passage directly addresses the people of Judah during the Assyrian crisis around 701 BC. The prophet implores them to turn back to God, emphasizing their deep unfaithfulness, especially their dangerous reliance on Egypt for military aid instead of trusting in the Lord, who alone can deliver them.

c. 734-722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Shalmaneser V, progressively conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, culminating in the destruction of its capital, Samaria.
c. 705 BC
Hezekiah's Rebellion Against Assyria
King Hezekiah of Judah, against the counsel of Isaiah, aligned with other rebellious states and refused tribute to Assyria, a policy that angered the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib marched into Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This invasion represents a direct threat that forms the backdrop of Isaiah's prophecy.
c. 701 BC
Divine Deliverance of Jerusalem
The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem was miraculously lifted when an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw.

Key themes

01Call to repentance
02Divine faithfulness despite rebellion
03Turning from false security

Cross-references

Jeremiah 3:14

This passage echoes Isaiah's call to repentance, urging 'faithless Israel' to return to the Lord, highlighting the concept of a deep revolt against God's covenant.

Ezekiel 16:62-63

Here, God promises to establish His covenant with Israel, not based on their past faithlessness, but on His own mercy, recalling their deep revolt and offering forgiveness upon their return.

Hosea 6:1

This verse directly parallels Isaiah's message, calling for a return to the Lord with a recognition of their sin: 'Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has smitten us, and he will bind us up.'

Luke 15:18-20

The parable of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates the idea of a deep revolt and the father's eager readiness to receive him back, mirroring God's persistent call for His people to return.

Scholarly commentary

Isaiah 31:6: "Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted."

Isaiah 31:6-7 . Turn ye unto him, &c. — Let the consideration of this gracious promise engage you to repent of all your sins, and among the rest, of your carnal policies in seeking and trusting to Egypt for help, and sincerely to return to God. From whom the children of Israel — From whom not only the Israelites, strictly so called, those of the ten tribes, but from whom you of the two tribes, you Jews, who a…
benson

Isaiah 31:6: "Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted."

Have deeply revolted "Have so deeply engaged in revolt" - All the ancient Versions read תעמיקו taamiku, in the second person, instead of העמיקו heemiku, they have deeply revolted, etc.
clarke

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What Isaiah 31:6-7 means

Original language

Turnשׁוּב

shuwb · Hebrew Verb

To turn back, return, or repent; it implies a decisive change of direction, specifically a turning away from sin or idols back toward God.

revoltedפָּשַׁע

pasha' · Hebrew Verb

Those who have rebelled, acted treacherously, or apostatized against God. In the context of Israel, it highlights the violation of the covenant relationship.

idolsאֱלִיל

eliyl · Hebrew Noun

Physical representations of false gods or objects of worship that rival the LORD. Biblically, they are considered non-entities that lead people into spiritual adultery and away from the Creator.

sinfullyחָטָא

chata' · Hebrew Adverb

To miss the mark or violate the law of God; it characterizes actions that are contrary to God’s holy standards and nature.

Historical background

c. 734-722 BC

Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom

The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Shalmaneser V, progressively conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, culminating in the destruction of its capital, Samaria.

c. 705 BC

Hezekiah's Rebellion Against Assyria

King Hezekiah of Judah, against the counsel of Isaiah, aligned with other rebellious states and refused tribute to Assyria, a policy that angered the Assyrian king Sennacherib.

c. 701 BC— this verse

Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah

The Assyrian army under Sennacherib marched into Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This invasion represents a direct threat that forms the backdrop of Isaiah's prophecy.

c. 701 BC

Divine Deliverance of Jerusalem

The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem was miraculously lifted when an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw.