Isaiah 55:5
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)
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The verse promises a remarkable expansion of influence, not through the subject's own power or previous efforts, but as a direct result of God's action: nations unknown to the subject will be called, and those who previously had no knowledge will actively seek them out because God has glorified them. This highlights that the attraction and expansion aren't inherent but are divinely bestowed, demonstrating God's role in making His people a beacon.
This prophecy, spoken after the exile, offers a future hope not just for returning Israel, but for the entire world. It speaks of a grand invitation to all who thirst for spiritual fulfillment, a call to embrace God's generous provisions offered freely through the Messiah. This vision climaxes with a promise of an unprecedented expansion of God's people, where nations previously unknown and distant will flock to the Lord, drawn by His glory manifested in His chosen Servant.
Imagine a leader whose influence expands far beyond anyone's initial expectations, drawing in people and nations that were previously unknown. This verse paints a picture of just that.
Isaiah 55:5 describes a future reality where the one being addressed—understood by scholars to be the Messiah—will 'call a nation that you do not know.' This isn't about a small, exclusive group, but about an expansive, unexpected gathering.
A New People
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Why would people from distant lands, who've never heard of this leader, suddenly feel compelled to seek him out? The verse gives a powerful, singular reason.
The driving force behind this incredible expansion and eager response is not the Messiah's own power or charisma alone, but His relationship with God. The verse states it clearly: 'because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.'
God's Endorsement
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 speaks of a future messianic age where the people of God will expand far beyond ethnic Israel, drawing people from all nations who had no prior knowledge of God or His covenant. The 'glorification' mentioned points to the exalted status of the Messiah, Jesus, after His resurrection, which becomes the central attraction for these new followers.
c. 700 BC
Prophecies of Exile and Return
Isaiah delivers prophecies during a period of increasing Assyrian and Babylonian threat, foretelling both the judgment of exile and the eventual glorious return and restoration of Judah. This sets the stage for understanding the fulfillment of God's promises to a scattered and humbled people.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and deport the majority of the population into exile. This catastrophic event underscores the people's alienation from God and their need for a divinely orchestrated reconciliation.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Under Cyrus the Great of Persia, the Jewish exiles are permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While a significant step, this return does not fully realize the grand promises of universal inclusion envisioned in prophetic literature.
c. 200-150 BC— this verse
Composition of Isaiah 55
This passage is generally dated to the post-exilic period, reflecting on the covenant and the future expansion of God's people beyond ethnic Israel, looking towards a messianic era.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus, understood as the promised Messiah and the glorified 'Holy One of Israel,' is crucified and resurrected. This event fulfills the promise of God's ultimate act of glorification and reconciliation.
c. AD 30-50
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles begin proclaiming the message of salvation in Jesus Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. Nations previously unknown to Israel and unaware of God's specific covenant begin to 'run' to Christ through faith.
This Psalm echoes the sentiment of being delivered from a foreign people, drawing a parallel to the 'nation that you do not know' in Isaiah, suggesting a future ingathering from unexpected sources.
Isaiah 49:6This passage directly states that the Servant (understood to be the Messiah) will be a light to the nations and salvation to the ends of the earth, directly supporting the idea in Isaiah 55:5 that unknown nations will be called and run to him.
Acts 2:39Peter quotes Joel but refers to the promise of God's Spirit being poured out on 'all who are far off,' directly reflecting the concept of calling and attracting people from distant, unknown nations to Christ.
Romans 11:25This passage discusses the 'mystery' of Israel's hardening, which allows for the inclusion of the Gentiles, illustrating how nations previously unknown to God's covenant people would come to faith.
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…
The verse promises a remarkable expansion of influence, not through the subject's own power or previous efforts, but as a direct result of God's action: nations unknown to the subject will be called, and those who previously had no knowledge will actively seek them out because God has glorified them. This highlights that the attraction and expansion aren't inherent but are divinely bestowed, demonstrating God's role in making His people a beacon.
This prophecy, spoken after the exile, offers a future hope not just for returning Israel, but for the entire world. It speaks of a grand invitation to all who thirst for spiritual fulfillment, a call to embrace God's generous provisions offered freely through the Messiah. This vision climaxes with a promise of an unprecedented expansion of God's people, where nations previously unknown and distant will flock to the Lord, drawn by His glory manifested in His chosen Servant.
This prophecy, spoken after the exile, offers a future hope not just for returning Israel, but for the entire world. It speaks of a grand invitation to all who thirst for spiritual fulfillment, a call to embrace God's generous provisions offered freely through the Messiah. This vision climaxes with a promise of an unprecedented expansion of God's people, where nations previously unknown and distant will flock to the Lord, drawn by His glory manifested in His chosen Servant.
"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." — The verse promises a remarkable expansion of influence, not through the subject's own power or previous efforts, but as a direct result of God's action: nations unknown to the subject will be called,…
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