Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
Isaiah 18:2 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you have selected comes from the book of Isaiah, a prophet in the Old Testament. In this particular verse, Isaiah describes a nation that is portrayed as a formidable and powerful force. The imagery of sending ambassadors by sea in vessels of bulrushes on the waters emphasizes the importance and urgency of delivering a message to this nation. The description of the nation as scattered and peeled, terrible from their beginning, and meted out and trodden down suggests a history of struggles, conflicts, and conquests. The mention of rivers spoiling their land further emphasizes the challenges faced by this nation.
Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the complexities and hardships faced by nations throughout history. It highlights the strength and resilience of a people who have endured challenges and adversities. It also conveys the importance of communication and diplomacy in reaching out to nations and peoples, even those who may appear intimidating or powerful. By understanding the context and significance of this verse, readers can gain insight into the historical and cultural background of the time, as well as the enduring themes of strength, perseverance, and communication found throughout the Bible.
Theological Overview
Isaiah 18:2 presents a vivid depiction of God calling forth messengers to deliver a message to a distant and formidable nation. The use of bulrush vessels highlights the urgency and swiftness of the mission, as these vessels were known for their speed on the water. The nation described is portrayed as powerful yet troubled, with a history of being conquered and oppressed. The imagery of a nation "scattered and peeled" speaks to the challenges and struggles they have faced. The mention of rivers spoiling their land further underscores the extent of their hardship. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations, even those that appear unbeatable. It also conveys the importance of spreading God's message to all corners of the earth, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in the way. Overall, Isaiah 18:2 offers a powerful message of hope and redemption for all people, no matter how daunting their circumstances may seem.
Isaiah 18:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!
World English Bible
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!”
Douay-Rheims
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, and in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters. Go, ye swift angels, to a nation rent and torn in pieces: to a terrible people, after which there is no other: to a nation expecting and trodden underfoot, whose land the rivers have spoiled.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Sending ambassadours by the Sea, euen in vessels of reedes vpon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, vnto a terrible people from their beginning euen hitherto: a nation by litle and litle, euen troden vnder foote, whose land the floods haue spoyled.