Isaiah 18:3

"that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!”"

Key Reflection

This passage describes the sending of swift messengers on papyrus boats across the sea, indicating a distant mission to a notable people known for their stature and influence. The message highlights God's outreach to nations far beyond Israel’s immediate borders, showcasing His sovereignty over diverse peoples.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

All ye inhabitants of the world -These are to be regarded as the words of the prophet summoning all nations to attend to that which was about to occur. Grotius, however, and some others, suppose that they are the words of the Ethiopians. The meaning is, that the events which are here predicted would be of so public a nature as to attract the attention of all the world. When he -Vitringa supposes that this means the Assyrians lifting up a standard on the mountains of Judea. But the better interpretation is that which refers it to the people of Nubia, mustering their forces for war.

More from Isaiah 18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion