Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about bringing children back; it highlights a powerful reversal. Nations that once oppressed God's people will now tenderly carry their sons and daughters, illustrating a profound shift where the former captors become the caregivers, demonstrating God's ultimate restoration and authority.
Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of comfort and restoration for Zion, which has felt abandoned and desolate. It follows the powerful image of God engraving Zion on his palms and assures her that her children will return and that her desolate places will be too small to contain the coming multitude. This verse is a direct response to Zion's feeling of being forgotten and barren, promising a future where the nations themselves actively bring her descendants to her.
Imagine God Himself, not just speaking, but making a grand gesture to the entire world. What does it mean for God to 'lift up His hand' and 'raise His signal'?
The imagery of God lifting His hand and setting up a standard is powerful.
A Universal Call
Lifting the hand can be a gesture of beckoning, inviting, or commanding. Here, it signifies God's active and intentional invitation to the nations. It's not a subtle whisper, but a clear, visible signal.
The Standard of Messiah
Setting up a standard or banner was like a military rally point. For Isaiah, this standard points to the coming Messiah. It’s a rallying cry for people from all corners of the earth to gather under His leadership and embrace His salvation.
The most surprising part? The nations who respond to God's call don't just come, they actively carry and cherish His people. What does this intimate act reveal?
The vivid picture of sons being carried in arms and daughters on shoulders speaks volumes about the tender, nurturing care that will be shown.
Nurturing the New Family
This isn't a reluctant escort; it's a demonstration of deep affection and care. The image is of parents or loving caretakers gently carrying young children – with tenderness, closeness, and protection. It highlights the preciousness of God's people and the gentle way they will be integrated.
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Adoption and Belonging
This imagery transcends mere physical transport. It symbolizes adoption and a profound sense of belonging. Those who were once outsiders ('Gentiles,' 'peoples') are now actively participating in bringing and cherishing the 'sons and daughters' of God's people. It shows a future where the distinction between 'us' and 'them' dissolves in loving service.
Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The title indicates his absolute authority and his personal relationship with his people.
nasa yad · Hebrew Verb Phrase
The act of lifting up the hand (a gesture of power and authority) to act on behalf of or against nations, signifying God's sovereign intervention in human history.
nes · Hebrew Noun
A banner or a rallying point used to gather armies or groups of people; symbolically represents a signal for divine action or gathering.
This prophecy in Isaiah, originally given during the exile and return, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament era when the Gentile nations, through the spread of the Gospel, embrace God's people and contribute to the growth of His spiritual kingdom.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
Isaiah delivers his prophecies during a tumultuous period in Judah, a time marked by foreign threats and internal spiritual decline.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the loss of the ten tribes.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Assyrian king Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem, but the city is miraculously spared through God's intervention, as detailed in Isaiah's account.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population to Babylon.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem, a testament to the perseverance of the returning exiles.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Ministry of Jesus and the Early Church
Jesus' ministry ushers in a new era of salvation, and the early Church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, begins to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah 49:22, painting a similar picture of nations bringing their children to Zion, highlighting the expansive reach of God's kingdom.
Isaiah 66:20This verse further expands on the idea of Gentiles bringing the remnant of Israel, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity and God's sovereign gathering of His people from all nations.
Ezekiel 36:27While not a direct quote, this verse describes God giving a new spirit and cleansing His people, which is the internal transformation that enables Gentiles to be brought into God's favor and care for His people as described in Isaiah 49:22.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no partiality and accepts Gentiles who fear Him directly supports the prophetic vision of God lifting His hand to the nations and their eager response.
Romans 11:11-12Paul's explanation of how the Gentiles' acceptance leads to Israel's salvation illustrates the reciprocal relationship and divine plan for both Jew and Gentile coming to God, as envisioned in Isaiah 49:22.
barnesIsaiah 49:22: "Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders."
Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles - To lift up the hand is a sign of beckoning to, or inviting; and the idea here is, that God would call the Gentiles to partake of the blessings of the true religion, and to embrace the Messiah (see the notes at Isaiah…
bensonIsaiah 49:22: "Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders."
Isaiah 49:22-23 . I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles — I will call them to me; and set up my standard to the people — As generals do, to gather their forces together. And they shall bring thy sons — Those who shall be thine by adoption, who shall own God for their…
This verse isn't just about bringing children back; it highlights a powerful reversal. Nations that once oppressed God's people will now tenderly carry their sons and daughters, illustrating a profound shift where the former captors become the caregivers, demonstrating God's ultimate restoration and authority.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of comfort and restoration for Zion, which has felt abandoned and desolate. It follows the powerful image of God engraving Zion on his palms and assures her that her children will return and that her desolate places will be too small to contain the coming multitude. This verse is a direct response to Zion's feeling of being forgotten and barren, promising a future where the nations themselves actively bring her descendants to her.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of comfort and restoration for Zion, which has felt abandoned and desolate. It follows the powerful image of God engraving Zion on his palms and assures her that her children will return and that her desolate places will be too small to contain the coming multitude. This verse is a direct response to Zion's feeling of being forgotten and barren, promising a future where the nations themselves actively bring her descendants to her.
"Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders." — This verse isn't just about bringing children back; it highlights a powerful reversal. Nations that once oppressed God's people will now tenderly carry their sons and daughters, illustrating a profou…
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Last reviewed October 2026