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Isaiah 49:26

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:26 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, God is promising to take vengeance on those who oppress His people. By stating that He will feed the oppressors with their own flesh and make them drunk with their own blood, God is illustrating the severity of His punishment against those who harm His chosen ones. The imagery of consuming one's own flesh and blood conveys the idea of a complete and utter destruction brought upon by God's divine intervention. The reference to sweet wine symbolizes the intoxicating effect of the bloodshed and violence that the oppressors will face as a result of their actions. Ultimately, the purpose of this punishment is to show all people that God is the ultimate Savior and Redeemer, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all creation. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice and protection for His people, ensuring that they will be defended and vindicated in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it depicts a powerful imagery of divine retribution against those who oppress God's people. The language used, such as feeding oppressors with their own flesh and making them drunk with their own blood, symbolizes a gruesome and poetic justice. This can be seen as a warning against mistreating or harming the chosen people of God, as the consequences will be severe and met with divine intervention. The phrase "all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power as the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people. The word study of phrases like "oppress thee," "sweet wine," and "mighty One of Jacob" can shed light on the historical context and cultural significance of these terms, enhancing our understanding of the verse and its implications.

Isaiah 49:26 in other translations

American Standard Version

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

World English Bible

I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Douay-Rheims

And I will feed thy enemies with their own flesh: and they shall be made drunk with their own blood, as with new wine: and all flesh shall know, that I am the Lord that save thee, and thy Redeemer the Mighty One of Jacob.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And will feede them that spoile thee, with their owne flesh, and they shall be drunken with their owne bloode, as with sweete wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy sauiour and thy redeemer, the mighty one of Iaakob.