Isaiah 5:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord will signal to distant nations, summoning them with a hiss, and they will come swiftly to execute His judgment.
The Context of Isaiah 5:26
The Lord summons distant nations to invade as instruments of judgment.
What Does Isaiah 5:26 Mean?
The ensign (battle standard, flag) lifted high is the call to war. The hiss is the sound a shepherd makes to summon animals or an officer to rally troops. These are commands the distant nations will understand and obey, not because they love Israel but because the Lord directs events.
The swiftness ('with speed swiftly') emphasizes how rapidly the invading army will appear. Those who thought themselves secure will be overrun before they can organize defense. The metaphor shifts from covenant judgment to military invasion: the Lord uses foreign armies as His instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 5:26
What does Isaiah 5:26 mean?
The Lord will signal to distant nations, summoning them with a hiss, and they will come swiftly to execute His judgment.
What is the context of Isaiah 5:26?
The Lord summons distant nations to invade as instruments of judgment.