Isaiah 42:13
The LORD goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The prophet doesn't just describe God's power; he uses the imagery of a warrior to emphasize God's fierce, active intervention on behalf of His people, stirring up His "zeal" – a passionate indignation against His enemies. This isn't a distant, passive deity, but one who actively engages with the conflict, crying out and showing His might.
Isaiah is describing God's imminent action to rescue His people. The preceding chapter (41) established God's unique power and faithfulness, setting the stage for this declaration of His active intervention against His enemies. This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision that includes the concept of a suffering servant, but here the focus is on God's powerful and victorious advance to overcome opposition.
When God's people are in distress, God doesn't stay silent. He rises up with incredible passion!
Isaiah 42:13 paints a vivid picture of God as a "mighty man" and "man of war." This isn't a gentle, passive God. The language here, like "stirs up his zeal" and "cries out, yea, shouts aloud," conveys intense passion and a fierce determination to act.
This isn't uncontrolled anger, but a holy indignation against His foes. The original Hebrew word for "zeal" (or "jealousy" in some translations) implies a strong passion, even a protective fervor. When God's honor or His people are threatened, He doesn't hold back. He actively intervenes with overwhelming force and determination.
God's intervention isn't silent or subtle. It's a powerful announcement that His enemies will face His might!
The description of God crying out and shouting like a warrior preparing for battle is significant. This isn't just noise; it's a declaration. It's a battle cry that signals His decisive action and His ultimate victory over opposition.
This imagery emphasizes that God's intervention is purposeful and powerful. He doesn't just react; He actively confronts. This cry is a proclamation of His might and an announcement that His enemies will be overcome. It's a display of His sovereign power and His commitment to His people and His purposes.
Understand the original words
gibbor · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word denotes a warrior or a champion, often used of God to emphasize His strength, victory, and active intervention on behalf of His people against their enemies.
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, zeal describes a passionate, intense, and holy devotion to God’s honor or purpose, often manifesting as divine protective anger against anything that opposes His will or His people.
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
A person or power that opposes God or His people, representing the forces of evil, idolatry, or worldly rebellion that the Lord ultimately defeats.
c. 605 BC
First deportation of Judeans
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Judah and carries off some of the royal family and prominent citizens to Babylon, including Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
c. 597 BC
Second deportation of Judeans
Following a rebellion by King Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. Jerusalem's destruction and the third deportation follow in 586 BC.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus of Persia begins his conquests, eventually leading to the overthrow of the Babylonian Empire. His rise is seen by some scholars as the historical context for prophecies of a coming deliverer.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Cyrus
Cyrus conquers Babylon, fulfilling prophecies that had predicted its fall and the release of the Judean exiles. This event marks the end of the Babylonian Exile.
c. 540-530 BC— this verse
This passage echoes the imagery of God as a warrior, stating, 'The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name.' It reinforces the metaphor of God's mighty power and active engagement against His adversaries.
Psalm 24:8This psalm describes the Lord as 'mighty in battle,' further illustrating the powerful, warrior-like depiction of God found in Isaiah 42:13. It highlights His strength and triumph over opposition.
Isaiah 59:16-17This passage from Isaiah also portrays God's active intervention, stating that He saw 'there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; so His own arm brought salvation, and His righteousness sustained Him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate and His head was clad with the helmet of salvation.'
Zechariah 14:3This verse describes the Lord going out to fight for His people, stating, 'Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.' This aligns with the powerful, interventionist imagery of Isaiah 42:13.
bensonIsaiah 42:13: "The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies."
Isaiah 42:13-15 . The Lord shall go forth — Namely, to battle against his enemies. He shall stir up jealousy — His fierce indignation against the obstinate enemies of his Son and gospel. He shall cry, yea, roar — As a lion doth upon his prey, and as soldiers do when they begin the battle. I have long time held my peace — I have been…
cambridgeIsaiah 42:13: "The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies."
13 . The reason for the universal exultation; Jehovah takes the field against His enemies. The gracious side of His intervention is reserved for Isaiah 42:16 . The Lord shall go forth ] The technical expression for the initiation of a campaign ( 2 Samuel 11:1 ; Amos 5:3 &c.) as a mighty man (or, hero ) … a man of war ] Similar repre…
The prophet doesn't just describe God's power; he uses the imagery of a warrior to emphasize God's fierce, active intervention on behalf of His people, stirring up His "zeal" – a passionate indignation against His enemies. This isn't a distant, passive deity, but one who actively engages with the conflict, crying out and showing His might.
Isaiah is describing God's imminent action to rescue His people. The preceding chapter (41) established God's unique power and faithfulness, setting the stage for this declaration of His active intervention against His enemies. This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision that includes the concept of a suffering servant, but here the focus is on God's powerful and victorious advance to overcome opposition.
Isaiah is describing God's imminent action to rescue His people. The preceding chapter (41) established God's unique power and faithfulness, setting the stage for this declaration of His active intervention against His enemies. This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision that includes the concept of a suffering servant, but here the focus is on God's powerful and victorious advance to overcome opposition.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Isaiah 42:13 is available in the Sola app.
Isaiah's prophecy delivered
The prophet, known as 'Second Isaiah,' delivers his message of comfort and restoration to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, speaking of God's might and impending deliverance.
"The LORD goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes." — The prophet doesn't just describe God's power; he uses the imagery of a warrior to emphasize God's fierce, active intervention on behalf of His people, stirring up His "zeal" – a passionate indignati…
