What does Isaiah 27:5 mean by "take hold of My strength"? Canonical Text Isaiah 27:5 — “Or else let them take hold of My strength; let him make peace with Me—yes, let him make peace with Me.” Immediate Literary Setting Verses 2-6 form a renewed “Song of the Vineyard,” contrasting Yahweh’s protective care of His covenant people with the fate of the “briars and thorns” (v.4) that threaten His vineyard. Those hostile powers have only two options: be consumed (v.4b) or “take hold of My strength” (v.5) and receive peace. The phrase is therefore an urgent, gracious invitation, not a threat. Historical Frame Isaiah prophesies amid Assyrian menace (ca. 740-701 BC). The Assyrians styled their kings “mighty.” Yahweh counters: true power resides in Him alone (cf. Isaiah 10:12-19; 36–37). Archaeological confirmation: Sennacherib’s Lachish reliefs (British Museum) depict the very campaign Isaiah addressed (Isaiah 36–37), corroborating the geopolitical backdrop of the passage. Theological Core 1. Divine Initiative: The call originates with God, highlighting unmerited grace (cf. Romans 5:8). 2. Exclusive Refuge: Only Yahweh’s “strength” provides safety; human devices fail (Psalm 20:7). 3. Reconciliation: “Make peace with Me” anticipates atonement language fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 1:20-22). 4. Two-Way Covenant: Taking hold is volitional; peace results only when the offer is embraced (Isaiah 55:1-3). Canonical Intertextuality • Strength as Refuge — Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:1-2; 46:1; Isaiah 12:2. • Taking Hold of the Lord — Isaiah 56:4, 6; cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 “take hold of eternal life.” • Peace Through Christ — John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-18. Christological Fulfillment The ultimate “strength” is a Person: “Christ the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Clinging to Him in faith is the New-Covenant counterpart to Isaiah’s admonition. The historical case for His bodily resurrection—minimal-facts data set (Jerusalem tomb empty, post-mortem appearances, origin of the disciples’ belief)—verifies that this strength is alive and sufficient (1 Peter 1:3). Application to Israel and the Nations National: Eschatologically, the remnant of Israel will at last grasp that strength (Romans 11:26). Individual: Gentiles are equally summoned (Isaiah 19:23-25; 56:6-7), underscoring the universal scope of the gospel. Pastoral Exhortation “To take hold” today is to repent and trust the risen Messiah. Refusal leaves one among the “briars and thorns” destined for burning (Hebrews 6:8). The alternative is peace—shalom—completeness, reconciliation, eternal security. Summary Definition “To take hold of My strength” (Isaiah 27:5) is a divinely issued invitation for every adversary and sinner to seize, by decisive faith, the protective, saving power of Yahweh—ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ—thereby entering into everlasting peace with God. |
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