Isaiah 51:1-8

A Heartening Consolation. Yahweh, in words that echo Isaiah 50:4, bids His people, who seek the victory which ever eludes them, consider their origin. Abraham was but one; yet He made him a great people: how much more from a people, though their numbers be decreased, can He make a mighty nation. He will comfort Zion the perfects of Isaiah 51:3 are perfects of certainty her ruins shall be rebuilt and her waste places made fruitful as Eden. Instruction in the true religion shall go forth from Him as a light for the nations. His vindicating victory is near at hand; His power shall judge the nations. Though heaven and earth pass away, and men perish like gnats (mg.), His victory shall be eternal. Let not His people, who know His vindicating power and understand His instruction, fear the taunts of men. Their oppressors shall vanish like moth-eaten garments, but His victory shall endure for ever.

Isaiah 51:1. Read, and to the quarry whence ye were digged.

Isaiah 51:4 b - Isaiah 51:5 a. Read, for a law shall go forth from me, and my judgement for a light of the peoples. Suddenly I bring near my victory, etc.

Isaiah 51:6. Translate, and the earth as a garment; the world shall fall to pieces and they, etc. be abolished: read fail (LXX, Vulg.).