Isaiah 33:17

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very farre off. Isaiah 33:17 (KJV)

This verse is part of a larger passage in Isaiah that speaks of the righteous and secure future of Jerusalem under the reign of the Lord. It points forward to a time when the people will experience the fullness of God’s kingship and the restoration of the city.

The Promise of Divine Revelation is expressed in the words, “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty.” The phrase refers to the future restoration of Jerusalem, where the people will have the privilege of seeing the king in his full splendor. In the context of Isaiah, it emphasizes the sovereignty of the Lord (YHWH) as King, and many Christian readers understand this as pointing to the reign of the Messianic king, whom they identify as Jesus Christ. The promise is that believers will behold the majesty and beauty of the Messiah firsthand.

The second clause, “They shall behold the land that is very far off,” symbols the restoration and flourishing of Jerusalem. It also signifies the expansion of the kingdom of God and the eternal inheritance and blessings promised to believers. Those who trust in God will have the privilege of seeing the fulfillment of His promises, even those that seem distant or beyond reach.

Overall, Isaiah 33:17 encourages the people of Jerusalem and believers today to anticipate the coming of God’s reign. It assures them that they will witness His glory, experience the abundant blessings that come with His rule, and keep their eyes fixed on God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.

As with any Bible study, it is important to read and consider the surrounding verses and the broader context of the book of Isaiah to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the passage and its message.