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 55:4 Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/55-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/23_Isa_55_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 55:4 - Invitation to the Needy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples." /><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/55-4.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/55-4.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/55.htm">Chapter 55</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/55-3.htm" title="Isaiah 55:3">◄</a> Isaiah 55:4 <a href="/isaiah/55-5.htm" title="Isaiah 55:5">►</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/55.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/55.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/55.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/55.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/55.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/55.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him <i>for</i> a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/55.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Indeed I have given him <i>as</i> a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/55.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, A leader and commander for the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/55.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, A leader and commander for the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/55.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, A leader and commander for the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/55.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Behold, I have given him as a witness to the peoples, A ruler and commander for the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/55.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Listen carefully, I have appointed him [David, representing the Messiah] to be a witness to the nations [regarding salvation], A leader and commander to the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/55.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/55.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/55.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/55.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I made him the leader and ruler of the nations; he was my witness to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/55.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/55.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I made him a witness to people, a leader and a commander for people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/55.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I made him a leader and commander of nations, and through him I showed them my power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/55.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Look! I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/55.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/55.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Look, I made him a witness to nations, a ruler and commander of nations." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/55.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/55.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/55.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/55.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him [as] a witness to peoples, "" A leader and commander to peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/55.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, a witness to peoples I have given him, A leader and commander to peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/55.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I gave him a witness of the nations, a leader and commanding the nations.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/55.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, for a leader and a master to the Gentiles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/55.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have presented him as a witness to the people, as a commander and instructor to the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/55.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As I made him a witness to peoples, a leader and commander of peoples, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/55.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/55.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you for a witness to the Gentiles, a ruler and leader to the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/55.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you as a witness to the nations, a Ruler and Leader to the peoples<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/55.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, A prince and commander to the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/55.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Behold I have made him a testimony among the Gentiles, a prince and commander to the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/55-4.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=12310" 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/55.htm">Invitation to the Needy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯat·tîw (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I have made him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-msc) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">a witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3816.htm" title="3816: lə·’ūm·mîm (N-mp) -- People. Or l owm; from an unused root meaning to gather; a community.">to the nations,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5057.htm" title="5057: nā·ḡîḏ (N-ms) -- A leader, ruler, prince. Or nagid; from nagad; a commander, civil, military or religious; generally, honorable themes.">a leader</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ū·mə·ṣaw·wêh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">and commander</a> <a href="/hebrew/3816.htm" title="3816: lə·’um·mîm (N-mp) -- People. Or l owm; from an unused root meaning to gather; a community.">of the peoples.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Surely you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, has bestowed glory on you.”…<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/89-27.htm">Psalm 89:27-29</a></span><br />I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. / I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. / I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8-16</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. / I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like that of the greatest in the land. / And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a></span><br />and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a></span><br />“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13</a></span><br />I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6-8</a></span><br />“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” / I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. / Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-34.htm">Acts 13:34</a></span><br />In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></span><br />Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14</a></span><br />To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-9.htm">Jeremiah 30:9</a></span><br />Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23-24</a></span><br />I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. / I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/3-5.htm">Hosea 3:5</a></span><br />Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-4.htm">1 Chronicles 28:4</a></span><br />Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-8.htm">Psalm 72:8-11</a></span><br />May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. / May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. / May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.</p><p class="hdg">I have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></b></br> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a></b></br> Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13</a></b></br> I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and <i>before</i> Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;</p><p class="hdg">a leader</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-8.htm">Isaiah 49:8-10</a></b></br> Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a></b></br> Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/30-9.htm">Jeremiah 30:9</a></b></br> But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/37-8.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-18.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-18.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-3.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-6.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/39-9.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-18.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-4.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-5.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-21.htm">Prince</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-17.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-12.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 55</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">The prophet, with the promises of Christ, calls to faith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">And to repentance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">The happy success of those who believe</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/55.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/55.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine appointment and purpose. The term "witness" suggests a role of testifying to God's truth and character. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a reference to the coming Messiah, who would reveal God's will to all nations, not just Israel. The use of "nations" indicates a universal scope, aligning with the Abrahamic promise that through his seed all nations would be blessed (<a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Genesis 22:18</a>). This anticipates the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, fulfilling the role of a witness to the world.<p><b>a leader and commander of the peoples</b><br>Here, the focus shifts to authority and governance. The terms "leader" and "commander" imply not only guidance but also the power to direct and govern. Historically, this reflects the Davidic covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever (<a href="/2_samuel/7-16.htm">2 Samuel 7:16</a>). This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" and is seen as the eternal King. The "peoples" suggests a broader audience beyond Israel, indicating the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-22</a>, where Paul speaks of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.<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's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. In the context of Isaiah, it often signifies the broader world beyond Israel, indicating God's plan for universal salvation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_witness.htm">The Witness</a></b><br>This is often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, who is to be a witness to God's truth and salvation to all nations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/leader_and_commander.htm">Leader and Commander</a></b><br>These titles suggest authority and guidance, roles that the Messiah fulfills in leading people to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_peoples.htm">The Peoples</a></b><br>This term encompasses all groups and ethnicities, emphasizing the universal scope of the Messiah's mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_universal_mission_of_christ.htm">The Universal Mission of Christ</a></b><br>Jesus is not only the Savior of Israel but of all nations. His mission is global, and as His followers, we are called to participate in this mission by sharing the Gospel with all peoples.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_witness.htm">The Role of a Witness</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be witnesses to the truth of Christ in our lives. This involves living out our faith authentically and sharing the message of salvation with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_christ.htm">Leadership in Christ</a></b><br>Christ's leadership is characterized by servanthood and sacrifice. We are called to emulate His example in our leadership roles, whether in the church, family, or community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_plan.htm">God's Sovereign Plan</a></b><br>God's plan for salvation is inclusive and sovereign. He has appointed Christ as the leader and commander, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_divine_authority.htm">Obedience to Divine Authority</a></b><br>Recognizing Christ as our leader and commander calls for our obedience and submission to His authority in every aspect of our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_55.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 55</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_prayer_work.htm">Why do you hypocritically ignore justice, mercy, and faithfulness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_add_to_scripture_if_god_forbids_it.htm">Why does God forbid adding to Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19), yet Christianity later included new books in the New Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_separate_if_some_converted.htm">Ezra 10:44 - How can a just God require separating from wives and children if some may have converted to the faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_dogmatic_theology.htm">What is Dogmatic Theology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/55.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">I have given him . . .</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">I gave, </span>the words referring primarily to the historic David (Comp. <a href="/context/psalms/78-70.htm" title="He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:">Psalm 78:70-71</a>), though realised fully only in Him who was the "faithful and true witness" (<a href="/john/18-37.htm" title="Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.">John 18:37</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm" title="And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,">Revelation 1:5</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-14.htm" title="And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things said the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;">Revelation 3:14</a>), the "captain" or "leader" of our salvation (<a href="/hebrews/2-10.htm" title="For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.">Hebrews 2:10</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/55.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Behold, I have given him for a witness</span>. By ordinary rules of grammar, the pronoun "him" should refer to David; and so the passage is understood by Gesenius, Maurer, Hitzig, Ewald, Knobel, Delitzsch, and Mr. Cheyne. But, as Isaiah frequently sets aside ordinary grammatical rules, and as the position to the person here spoken of seems too high for the historical David, a large number of commentators, including Vitringa, Michaelis, Dathe, Rosenmuller, Umbreit, and Dr. Kay, consider that the Messiah is intended. It is certainly difficult to see how the historical David could be, at this time and in the future, a "leader and commander to the peoples" who were about to flock into the Messianic kingdom. <span class="cmt_word">A</span> <span class="cmt_word">witness... a leader and commander.</span> Christ was all these. He "came to bear witness to the truth" (<a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a>), and "before Pilate witnessed a good confession" (<a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13</a>). He "feeds and leads" his people (<a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a>), and is the "Commander" under whose banner they serve (<a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3, 4</a>). What he is to his people, he is also of the "peoples" generally; for they have been called into his kingdom, <span class="cmt_word">People...</span> <span class="cmt_word">people;</span> rather, <span class="accented">peoples.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/55-4.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">Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֛ן</span> <span class="translit">(hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have made him</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתַתִּ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯat·tîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a witness</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the nations,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאוּמִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ūm·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3816.htm">Strong's 3816: </a> </span><span class="str2">A community</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a leader</span><br /><span class="heb">נָגִ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḡîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and commander</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְצַוֵּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ṣaw·wêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the peoples.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאֻמִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’um·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3816.htm">Strong's 3816: </a> </span><span class="str2">A community</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/55-4.htm">Isaiah 55:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/55-4.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:4 Behold I have given him (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 55:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 55:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/55-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 55:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 55:5" /></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>