Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a future expansion of God's people; it highlights that the very reason unknown nations will flock to God is because He has already brought glory to the one calling them. This glory, bestowed by God, is the magnetic force drawing them in, proving that God's initiative and honor are the ultimate source of this great gathering.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the prophet's invitation to partake in God's abundant provision, promising that this salvation will extend far beyond Israel. Following the call for all who thirst to come and receive freely, Isaiah reveals that a seemingly impossible expansion will occur: the Messiah will draw people from nations previously unknown and unresponsive, all because of God's glorifying work. This imagery sets the stage for a future where the scope of God's kingdom dramatically widens, encompassing those who were once outside.
Imagine a family reunion where guests arrive from every corner of the globe, speaking languages you've never heard. This verse paints a picture of an ever-expanding family, a testament to God's incredible plan.
Isaiah 55:5 speaks of a surprising expansion of God's people. The one being addressed – often understood as the Messiah – will 'call a nation that you do not know.' This isn't about finding people who were already part of God's known community. It's about reaching out to those who were previously outside, even unknown.
The Unforeseen Ingathering
Why do people flock to certain individuals or movements? Isaiah points to a unique attraction, not based on earthly power, but on something far more profound and radiant.
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The reason for this unexpected gathering is explicitly stated: 'because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.' This highlights that the ultimate draw is God Himself, manifested through the one He has chosen.
God's Glory as the Magnet
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God, signifying His eternal self-existence, holiness, and His personal, redemptive relationship with His covenant people.
qadosh Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title emphasizing God's transcendence, purity, and absolute separation from all creation, while also highlighting His specific, intimate covenantal relationship with the people of Israel.
pa'ar · Hebrew Verb
To bestow honor, beauty, or majesty upon someone, often referring to God elevating His people or His Messiah to a position of prominence and revelation of His own character.
This prophecy looks beyond the return from Babylonian exile to a future Messianic era where God's salvation is extended to all nations, radically expanding the concept of 'Israel' to include Gentiles who run to the glorified Messiah.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had exiled many Israelites, falls to the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. This event marks a significant shift in regional power and opens the door for the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This allows for the initial return of many Jewish exiles from Babylon.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, symbolizing the rebuilding of Jewish religious and national life after the exile. This event represents a crucial step in the restoration of the Jewish community.
c. 458 BC - 432 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms
The religious and social reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah aim to re-establish covenant faithfulness among the returned exiles and strengthen their distinct identity in Jerusalem.
c. 2nd Century BC - 1st Century BC
Intertestamental Period
This period sees significant geopolitical shifts, including the rule of the Seleucid Empire and the Maccabean Revolt, leading to a complex religious and political landscape for Jewish people.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus
The coming of John the Baptist and Jesus heralds a new era of God's redemptive plan, marked by a call to repentance and faith, and the inauguration of a new covenant that extends beyond ethnic Israel.
c. AD 30 - AD 60
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers actively spread the gospel message, drawing people from diverse nations into the community of faith, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 55:5.
This passage uses similar imagery of a people who were not previously known to the speaker now submitting to them, echoing the expansion of influence described in Isaiah.
Isaiah 49:7This verse directly states that rulers and nations will bow down to Israel because of the Lord, reinforcing the theme of widespread recognition and submission brought about by God's chosen.
Isaiah 60:3This prophecy describes nations coming to the light of Israel and kings to its radiance, mirroring the idea of people from unknown lands being drawn to God's people.
Matthew 28:19This New Testament command for disciples to make disciples of all nations directly fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 55:5, showing the 'nations that did not know you' running to the Messiah's followers.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right illustrates the principle of previously unknown nations being welcomed into God's favor.
pulpitIsaiah 55:5: "Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee."
Verse 5. - Thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not (comp. Psalm 18:43). The object of address in this verse appears to be the Messiah. He, at his coming, will "call" into his kingdom "a nation," or rather, "people," with whom he has had no covenant hitherto; and they will readily…
ellicottIsaiah 55:5: "Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee."
(5) Thou shalt call a nation. —The calling of the Gentiles and the consequent expansion of the true idea of Israel is again dominant. The words sound like an echo from Psalm 18:43 . Because of the Lord thy God . . .—The words are repeated, as expressing a thought on which the prophet lov…
This verse isn't just about a future expansion of God's people; it highlights that the very reason unknown nations will flock to God is because He has already brought glory to the one calling them. This glory, bestowed by God, is the magnetic force drawing them in, proving that God's initiative and honor are the ultimate source of this great gathering.
This passage continues the prophet's invitation to partake in God's abundant provision, promising that this salvation will extend far beyond Israel. Following the call for all who thirst to come and receive freely, Isaiah reveals that a seemingly impossible expansion will occur: the Messiah will draw people from nations previously unknown and unresponsive, all because of God's glorifying work. This imagery sets the stage for a future where the scope of God's kingdom dramatically widens, encompassing those who were once outside.
This passage continues the prophet's invitation to partake in God's abundant provision, promising that this salvation will extend far beyond Israel. Following the call for all who thirst to come and receive freely, Isaiah reveals that a seemingly impossible expansion will occur: the Messiah will draw people from nations previously unknown and unresponsive, all because of God's glorifying work. This imagery sets the stage for a future where the scope of God's kingdom dramatically widens, encompassing those who were once outside.
"Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you." — This verse isn't just about a future expansion of God's people; it highlights that the very reason unknown nations will flock to God is because He has already brought glory to the one calling the…
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Last reviewed October 2026