So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it sounds like a powerful wind is driving a stream, the original Hebrew actually uses a word that can mean "breath." So, the verse isn't just about a strong wind, but the very breath of the LORD, signifying God's powerful, life-giving Spirit actively driving the force of judgment. This subtle shift highlights that it's God's own divine power, not just natural phenomena, that will bring about this awe-inspiring display of justice.
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy here shifts from describing Israel's sin and its consequences to detailing God's powerful intervention. Following the lament of injustice and the acknowledgment of their iniquities, this verse presents the ultimate triumph of God over any opposition, assuring that His name and glory will be feared universally. This promise of future victory sets the stage for the Redeemer's arrival and the establishment of God's eternal covenant.
This verse paints a picture of God's glory spreading far and wide. What does this tell us about God's ultimate plan for humanity?
A Worldwide Acknowledgement
Isaiah 59:19 begins by stating, 'So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.' This isn't just about Israel; it points to a future where people across the entire globe, from the furthest west to the furthest east, will recognize and revere God.
This global scope highlights:
The verse uses powerful imagery of a rushing stream and a driving wind. What does this dynamic tell us about God's intervention in times of crisis?
The Lord's Mighty Approach
The latter part of Isaiah 59:19 describes God's powerful, unstoppable arrival: 'for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.' This isn't a gentle breeze, but a force of nature unleashed by God Himself.
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Let's break down this imagery:
This imagery reassures us that when forces seem insurmountable, God's intervention is potent, swift, and driven by His own Spirit.
Understand the original words
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverent awe or profound respect for God’s character, power, and holiness. It involves a recognition of His majesty that leads to obedience and submission to His authority.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s presence, majesty, and character. It denotes the weight and significance of who He is, often associated with His light or powerful activity in the world.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God, revealing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It signifies the God who entered into a relationship with Israel and acts to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
This verse speaks to a future hope that transcends immediate historical events. While rooted in the prophetic tradition of judgment and restoration for Israel, its ultimate fulfillment is seen in the enduring work of God through Christ and the ongoing spread of His glory across the entire world, even in the face of formidable opposition.
c. 700 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah delivers prophetic oracles in the Kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period of Assyrian dominance and internal spiritual decay.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish citizens, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a massive wave of exiles and deepening the sense of God's absence and judgment.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple.
c. 440 BC
Post-Exilic Period
The community in Jerusalem grapples with rebuilding their nation and faith after exile, facing internal strife and external pressures, with prophets like Nehemiah and Malachi addressing the ongoing challenges.
c. 30 BC - c. AD 30
Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth lives, teaches, and performs miracles, initiating a new covenant and a spiritual redemption that fulfills many Old Testament prophecies.
c. AD 60-65— this verse
Paul's Epistles and Early Church
The Apostle Paul writes letters to various churches, addressing theological issues and the spread of the Gospel across the Roman Empire.
This passage speaks of nations fearing God's name and kings fearing His glory, directly paralleling the universal impact described in Isaiah 59:19.
Isaiah 11:10This verse describes a 'banner' raised for the peoples, which echoes the 'standard' lifted by the Spirit of the Lord in Isaiah 59:19 as a rallying point.
Jeremiah 46:7-8These verses describe a powerful, irresistible force like a river or flood coming up, mirroring the imagery of the enemy's advance in Isaiah 59:19, though here it's an enemy invading Egypt.
Malachi 1:11This passage prophesies that from east to west, God's name will be honored and a pure offering will be made, aligning with the global reach of God's glory and fear mentioned in Isaiah 59:19.
Revelation 12:15-16This describes the serpent (Satan) casting out a flood of water from his mouth in an attempt to destroy the woman (Israel/Church), offering a New Testament parallel to the 'enemy like a flood' concept.
barnesIsaiah 59:19: "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."
So shall they fear - That is, the result of the divine interposition to punish his enemies, shall be to secure the acknowledgment of the existence and perfections of Yahweh in every part of the world. See especially the notes at Isaiah 45:6 . When the enemy shall come in - There ha…
cambridgeIsaiah 59:19: "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."
19 . The effect of the judgement, as a manifestation of Jehovah’s glory, will be coextensive with humanity. The verse gives no hint that the judgement itself will be universal; the nations are affected by it only in so far as it reveals the character and deity of the God of Israel.…
While it sounds like a powerful wind is driving a stream, the original Hebrew actually uses a word that can mean "breath." So, the verse isn't just about a strong wind, but the very breath of the LORD, signifying God's powerful, life-giving Spirit actively driving the force of judgment. This subtle shift highlights that it's God's own divine power, not just natural phenomena, that will bring about this awe-inspiring display of justice.
The prophecy here shifts from describing Israel's sin and its consequences to detailing God's powerful intervention. Following the lament of injustice and the acknowledgment of their iniquities, this verse presents the ultimate triumph of God over any opposition, assuring that His name and glory will be feared universally. This promise of future victory sets the stage for the Redeemer's arrival and the establishment of God's eternal covenant.
The prophecy here shifts from describing Israel's sin and its consequences to detailing God's powerful intervention. Following the lament of injustice and the acknowledgment of their iniquities, this verse presents the ultimate triumph of God over any opposition, assuring that His name and glory will be feared universally. This promise of future victory sets the stage for the Redeemer's arrival and the establishment of God's eternal covenant.
"So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives." — While it sounds like a powerful wind is driving a stream, the original Hebrew actually uses a word that can mean "breath." So, the verse isn't just about a strong wind, but the very breath of the LOR…
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Last reviewed October 2026