Isaiah 33:13
Heare yee that are farre off, what I haue done; and yee that are neere, acknowledge my might. Isaiah 33:13 (KJV)
The book of Isaiah is a prophetic work in the Old Testament that contains warnings, judgments, and messages of hope for Israel. In chapter 33 the prophet delivers a combined message of impending judgment and future restoration to the people of Judah. At the time this prophecy was given, the kingdom of Assyria was a dominant threat. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were now pressing against Judah, a situation that culminated in the siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. Isaiah warned that if the people did not turn back to God, destruction would follow.
The verse opens with a striking call to attention: “Hear, ye that are far off… and ye that are near, acknowledge my might.” God summons both those who are close—the people of Judah—and those who are distant, even the whole creation, to listen to His words. This universal summons underscores the seriousness of the message.
The phrase “what I have done” points to God’s recent interventions against the Assyrian forces, as recorded in the surrounding verses where He scatters the enemy. It also recalls the great deeds of salvation throughout Israel’s history—deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness, conquest of Canaan, and preservation despite disobedience. These acts demonstrate God’s power, sovereignty, and unfailing faithfulness.
Recognizing God’s might therefore involves more than intellectual assent; it requires a heartfelt acknowledgment of His authority over all things and a trust that He can deliver His people. The call to acknowledge His might is an invitation to place confidence in Him, especially when faced with formidable opposition.
For contemporary believers the passage carries a timeless application. We are invited to remember and reflect on God’s mighty deeds recorded in Scripture and experienced in our own lives. By recalling how He has acted in the past, we are encouraged to trust Him amid present trials. The verse also urges us to turn back to God, seek His guidance, and rely on His deliverance according to His will.
