Isaiah 17:7 Meaning and Explanation
“At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In the midst of judgment, people will finally turn and look to God with respect and reverence.
The Context of Isaiah 17:7
The positive turning point: judgment leads survivors to recognize God again.
What Does Isaiah 17:7 Mean?
'That day' refers to the day of judgment and the hard lessons it brings. In their weakness and loss, survivors will look upward—not outward to other nations or false powers. 'His Maker' points to God as the creator who formed them. 'The Holy One of Israel' emphasizes God's transcendent power and covenant relationship with the people. Their eyes will have 'respect'—awe, reverence, and recognition of what they had ignored.
This turning point is the purpose of judgment. Catastrophe strips away false confidence and forces a reckoning with reality: their survival and identity rest not in military strength or political cunning but in their relationship to the God who made them. Humbling judgment becomes the path to restored vision and faith.
Isaiah 17:7 in the Original Language
יִשְׁמְרוּ (yishmru), 'have respect' — literally 'will regard' or 'look upon' with awe and attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 17:7
What does Isaiah 17:7 mean?
In the midst of judgment, people will finally turn and look to God with respect and reverence.
What is the context of Isaiah 17:7?
The positive turning point: judgment leads survivors to recognize God again.