What is the meaning of Isaiah 51:9? Awake, awake “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 51:9) is a heartfelt cry from God’s people, urging Him to act decisively once more. • It reflects the longing voiced in Psalm 44:23 – “Wake up, O Lord! Why do You sleep?” • It reminds us that although the LORD never slumbers (Psalm 121:4), He sometimes withholds visible intervention so that we will seek Him earnestly (Isaiah 64:7). • In Romans 13:11 believers are likewise exhorted to “wake up” spiritually. The plea in Isaiah 51 points both Godward and manward: God, reveal Your power again; people, ready your hearts in expectancy. put on strength, O arm of the LORD The “arm of the LORD” is Scripture’s picture of His mighty, saving power (Exodus 6:6; Isaiah 52:10). • “Put on strength” echoes the imagery of a warrior donning armor (Isaiah 59:17). • It anticipates the ultimate revelation of God’s arm in Christ’s redemptive work (John 12:38 cites Isaiah 53:1). • For the faithful remnant in Isaiah’s day, this phrase anchored hope: the same Lord who shattered Pharaoh’s grip (Exodus 15:6) still has unspent strength. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old Israel looks back to formative acts of deliverance as proof that God can do it again. • “Generations of old” recalls the Exodus, the conquest, and every historic rescue (Deuteronomy 32:7). • Psalm 77:11-15 sets the pattern: remember, recount, and rely on former wonders. • Hebrews 13:8 seals the confidence—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces “Rahab” here is the poetic name for Egypt, the oppressive power God crushed at the Red Sea (Psalm 87:4; Psalm 89:10). • Exodus 14:27-31 records the event: walls of water collapsed, armies drowned, God’s people walked free. • Job 26:12 praises the LORD who “shattered Rahab” as proof of His supremacy over proud nations and chaos alike. • Remembering this feat fuels present faith: if God once “cut” mighty Egypt down, no foe today is too formidable. who pierced through the dragon? The “dragon” (tannin) evokes the primordial sea monster, a symbol of untamed evil and hostile empires (Ezekiel 29:3; Revelation 12:9). • God “pierced” the monster at creation, establishing order (Psalm 74:13-14). • At the Exodus He struck Egypt, “the great dragon lying in the midst of his rivers” (Ezekiel 29:3), demonstrating dominion over cosmic and political chaos. • Isaiah’s question is rhetorical: of course it was the LORD! His past victories guarantee future triumphs—ultimately fulfilled when Christ defeats the dragon once for all (Revelation 20:2, 10). summary Isaiah 51:9 is a prayerful summons: “Lord, do again what You have always done.” By recalling God’s historic interventions—creation order, the Red Sea crossing, the crushing of proud Egypt—faith is stirred to expect fresh deliverance. The arm that once shattered Rahab and pierced the dragon still bears unbreakable strength; therefore, God’s people can face present threats with confident hope. |
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