CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/48-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/23_Isa_48_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 48:18 - Deliverance Promised to Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/48-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/48-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/48.htm">Chapter 48</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm" title="Isaiah 48:17">◄</a> Isaiah 48:18 <a href="/isaiah/48-19.htm" title="Isaiah 48:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/48.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/48.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/48.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/48.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/48.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/48.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Oh, that you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your peace <i>and</i> prosperity would have been like a [flowing] river, And your righteousness [the holiness and purity of the nation] like the [abundant] waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to my commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/48.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />How I wish that you had obeyed my commands! Your success and good fortune would then have overflowed like a flooding river. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/48.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Oh that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If only you had listened to my commands! Your peace would be like a river [that never runs dry]. Your righteousness would be like waves on the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/48.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/48.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if only you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your success like the waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/48.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If only you had obeyed my commandments, prosperity would have flowed to you like a river, deliverance would have come to you like the waves of the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But would that you had listened to my commandments. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/48.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Oh that you had listened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />O that you had attended to My commands, "" Then your peace is as a river, "" And your righteousness as billows of the sea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> O that thou hadst attended to My commands, Then as a river is thy peace, And thy righteousness as billows of the sea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Would thou didst attend to my commands! and thy peace shall be as a river, and thy justice as the billows of the sea.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments: thy peace had been as a river, and thy justice as the waves of the sea, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to my commandments! Your peace would have been like a river, and your justice would have been like the waves of the sea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/48.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If only you would attend to my commandments, your peace would be like a river, your vindication like the waves of the sea, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your prosperity would have been like a river, and your success like the waves of the sea;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But, oh, that you had listened to my commands, and your peace had been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Oh that thou wouldest hearken to My commandments! Then would thy peace be as a river, And thy righteousness as the waves of the sea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if thou hadst hearkened to my commandments, <i>then</i> would thy peace have been like a river, and thy righteousness as a wave of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/48-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=10848" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm">Deliverance Promised to Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3863.htm" title="3863: lū (Prep) -- If, oh that. Or lu; or luw; a conditional particle; if; by implication would that!">If only</a> <a href="/hebrew/7181.htm" title="7181: hiq·šaḇ·tā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To incline (ears), attend. A primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. Hearken.">you had paid attention</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: lə·miṣ·wō·ṯāy (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">to My commandments,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šə·lō·w·me·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">your peace</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">would have been</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: ḵan·nā·hār (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">like a river,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯə·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">and your righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/1530.htm" title="1530: kə·ḡal·lê (Prep-k:: N-mpc) -- A heap, wave, billow. From galal; something rolled, i.e. A heap of stone or dung, by analogy, a spring of water.">like waves</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: hay·yām (Art:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">of the sea.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Your descendants would have been as countless as the sand, and your offspring as numerous as its grains; their name would never be cut off or eliminated from My presence.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Psalm 81:13-16</a></span><br />If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, / how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! / Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Deuteronomy 5:29</a></span><br />If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Deuteronomy 32:29</a></span><br />If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Jeremiah 7:23-24</a></span><br />but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. / Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/42-6.htm">Jeremiah 42:6</a></span><br />Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31-32</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-165.htm">Psalm 119:165</a></span><br />Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Proverbs 1:23-33</a></span><br />If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. / Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2</a></span><br />My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm">Proverbs 3:17</a></span><br />All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Luke 19:42</a></span><br />and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a></span><br />Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-10</a></span><br />God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea:</p><p class="hdg">that thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Deuteronomy 5:29</a></b></br> O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Deuteronomy 32:29</a></b></br> O that they were wise, <i>that</i> they understood this, <i>that</i> they would consider their latter end!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Psalm 81:13-16</a></b></br> Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, <i>and</i> Israel had walked in my ways! … </p><p class="hdg">then had</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/32-15.htm">Isaiah 32:15-18</a></b></br> Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/66-12.htm">Isaiah 66:12</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon <i>her</i> sides, and be dandled upon <i>her</i> knees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-8.htm">Psalm 36:8</a></b></br> They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-7.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/psalms/107-29.htm">Billows</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-15.htm">Hadst</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-12.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-7.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-2.htm">River</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-27.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/psalms/107-29.htm">Waves</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Well-Being</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-8.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/6-19.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-15.htm">Billows</a> <a href="/daniel/9-4.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-3.htm">Hadst</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-13.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-4.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-22.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-1.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-12.htm">River</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-12.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-15.htm">Waves</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Well-Being</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-11.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 48</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">God, to convince the people of their foreknown obstinance, revealed his prophecies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">He saves them for his own sake</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-12.htm">He exhorts them to obedience, because of his power and providence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-16.htm">He laments their backwardness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-20.htm">He powerfully delivers his people out of Babylon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/48.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/48.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If only you had paid attention to My commandments</b><br>This phrase reflects a lament over Israel's disobedience. The commandments refer to the laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were meant to guide Israel in righteousness and holiness. The historical context is the period of the Babylonian exile, a consequence of Israel's failure to adhere to God's laws. This echoes <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where blessings and curses are outlined based on obedience or disobedience. The call to "pay attention" suggests a deep, attentive listening and adherence, which is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature, such as <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20-22</a>.<p><b>your peace would have been like a river</b><br>The imagery of peace as a river suggests a continuous, flowing, and abundant state of well-being. In the ancient Near East, rivers were vital for life, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and trade. This metaphor indicates a life of prosperity and stability, which contrasts with the turmoil experienced by Israel due to their disobedience. The peace mentioned here is akin to the Hebrew concept of "shalom," encompassing wholeness and harmony. This peace is also a foreshadowing of the peace brought by the Messiah, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, where the coming of the "Prince of Peace" is prophesied.<p><b>and your righteousness like waves of the sea</b><br>Righteousness here refers to living in accordance with God's standards. The comparison to waves of the sea suggests a vast, powerful, and unending righteousness. This imagery conveys the idea of righteousness being as constant and overwhelming as the sea's waves. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, yet here it is used to describe the positive, relentless nature of righteousness. This righteousness is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and offers it to believers, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>. The waves also imply a dynamic and active righteousness, not static or passive, aligning with the call to live out one's faith actively.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah addressed in his prophecies. Judah was often warned about the consequences of their disobedience to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_commandments.htm">God's Commandments</a></b><br>Refers to the laws and instructions given by God to His people, which were meant to guide them in righteousness and peace.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/peace_like_a_river.htm">Peace Like a River</a></b><br>A metaphor used to describe the abundant and continuous peace that comes from obedience to God's commandments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_like_waves_of_the_sea.htm">Righteousness Like Waves of the Sea</a></b><br>Another metaphor illustrating the overflowing and enduring nature of righteousness that results from following God's ways.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commandments is not just a duty but a pathway to peace and righteousness. Reflect on areas in your life where you may need to align more closely with God's instructions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peace_as_a_result_of_faithfulness.htm">Peace as a Result of Faithfulness</a></b><br>True peace, like a river, is a result of living in accordance with God's will. Consider how you can cultivate this peace in your daily life through prayer and meditation on Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_overflowing.htm">Righteousness Overflowing</a></b><br>Just as waves are constant and powerful, righteousness should be a continuous and evident part of a believer's life. Evaluate how your actions reflect God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Reflect on the consequences of ignoring God's commandments, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah. Use these lessons to guide your choices today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_desire_for_our_well-being.htm">God's Desire for Our Well-being</a></b><br>God’s commandments are given out of love and a desire for our well-being. Trust in His wisdom and seek to understand His heart behind the laws.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_48.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 48</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul_misquote_psalms_in_romans.htm">If the Bible is divinely inspired, why does Paul misquote the Old Testament (Romans 3:10-18 vs. Psalms)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promise_peace_if_believers_suffer.htm">Why does Isaiah 26:3 promise perfect peace to the righteous when other passages show devout believers enduring great suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_isaiah_32_18's_peace_promise_valid.htm">How can Isaiah 32:18's promise of peaceful habitations be defended historically when the region in question has experienced centuries of unrest and conflict?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_isaiah_57_1-2_with_suffering.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2: How can the claim that righteous people are taken away to be spared from evil be reconciled with the historical suffering of the faithful throughout Israel's history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/48.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Then had thy peace been as a river.</span>--Literally, "as <span class= "ital">the </span>river," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the Euphrates, which for the Babylonian exiles was a natural standard of comparison. "Righteousness," as elsewhere, includes the idea of the blessedness which is its recompense. United with "peace" it implies every element of prosperity.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Oh that thou hadst hearkened!</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Psalm 81:13-16</a>, "Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries," etc.) Some render, "Oh that thou wouldst hearken!" etc., on the analogy of <a href="/isaiah/64-1.htm">Isaiah 64:1</a>; but unnecessarily. Dr. Kay says that God "upbraideth not," referring to <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>. But he may expostulate. What is it but expostulation, when our Lord says, "O Jerusalem, <span class="accented">Jerusalem</span>, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (<a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27, 28</a>)? To look back on the past, and see what we have missed, is a good lesson for the future. <span class="cmt_word">Then had thy peace been as a river</span>; literally, <span class="accented">as the river</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the Euphrates), abounding, overflowing, continuous. Thy righteousness. Not "thy prosperity" (Cheyne), but "thy good deeds." If Israel had clung to God, then God's blessing would have been poured upon them, and have enabled them to bring forth abundant fruits of righteousness. <span class="cmt_word">As the waves</span> <span class="cmt_word">of</span> <span class="cmt_word">the sea;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> innumerable and unceasing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/48-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If only</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֥וּא</span> <span class="translit">(lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3863.htm">Strong's 3863: </a> </span><span class="str2">If, would that!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you had paid attention</span><br /><span class="heb">הִקְשַׁ֖בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(hiq·šaḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7181.htm">Strong's 7181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prick up the ears, hearken</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to My commandments,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִצְוֺתָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miṣ·wō·ṯāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your peace</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלוֹמֶ֔ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·w·me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would have been</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a river,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַנָּהָר֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḵan·nā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and your righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצִדְקָתְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like waves</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּגַלֵּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḡal·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1530.htm">Strong's 1530: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sea.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיָּֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/48-18.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 48:18 Oh that you had listened to my (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 48:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 48:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/48-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 48:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 48:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>