Isaiah 51:5
My righteousnes is neere: my saluation is gone foorth, and mine armes shall iudge the people: the Iles shall wait vpon me, and on mine arme shall they trust. Isaiah 51:5 (KJV)
My righteousness
is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Isaiah 51:5 (KJV)
Isaiah 51 belongs to the prophetic book of Isaiah and addresses a people in exile who are experiencing suffering and displacement. The chapter offers comfort and encouragement, reminding Israel of God’s steadfast faithfulness and the certainty of His deliverance.
God’s righteousness is declared in the opening words, “My righteousness is near.” The nearness of divine righteousness signifies God’s moral perfection and covenant faithfulness, indicating that He is ready to act on behalf of His people and to bring about justice and deliverance.
The verse continues, “My salvation is gone forth,” proclaiming that God’s salvation has been set in motion. This salvation encompasses both physical and spiritual restoration and points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The language of salvation “gone forth” conveys an active, forward‑moving work of God on behalf of His people.
The KJV wording adds, “and mine arms shall judge the people,” using the image of God’s arms to symbolize His power and authority to execute judgment. This emphasizes that God is not only a God of mercy but also a God of justice who will hold peoples accountable.
The verse also states, “the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.” The “isles” represent distant nations that will look to God and place their confidence in His strength. While some translations focus solely on righteousness and salvation and do not include these phrases, the KJV text explicitly extends the promise of God’s saving work beyond Israel to all nations that trust in Him.
Overall, Isaiah 51:5 highlights the imminence of God’s righteousness and salvation, offering hope to a suffering Israel and affirming that God’s deliverance ultimately reaches every nation that puts its trust in Him.
