Isaiah 51:13
And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Isaiah 51:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse serves as a reminder to humanity of the power and majesty of God, the Creator of the universe. It portrays a sense of astonishment that people could forget about the one who created everything around them - the one who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. The verse also highlights the tendency of human beings to fear earthly oppressors more than fearing God. It questions the logic of fearing the wrath of oppressors who are mortal and temporary, compared to the everlasting and omnipotent nature of God. By pondering the source of the oppressor's fury and realizing the insignificance of it in comparison to the might of the Lord, this verse encourages individuals to refocus their fear and reverence onto the one who truly deserves it. It prompts believers to place their trust in God rather than in the fleeting powers of this world.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse speaks to the importance of remembering and acknowledging the power and authority of the Lord as the maker of the heavens and the earth. It highlights the tendency of people to forget the greatness of God in the face of adversity and the threat of oppression, choosing instead to focus on the fear and anxiety brought on by the oppressor. The verse calls into question the efficacy and lasting power of the oppressor, challenging the reader to consider where the fury of the oppressor truly lies in comparison to the eternal strength and sovereignty of God. This reminder serves as a message of hope and encouragement, urging individuals to place their trust in the Lord who has the ultimate power to overcome any oppressor or challenge that they may face.
Isaiah 51:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
World English Bible
and have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, who stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fear continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he makes ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Douay-Rheims
And thou hast forgotten the Lord thy maker, who stretched out the heavens, and founded the earth: and thou hast been afraid continually all the day at the presence of his fury who afflicted thee, and had prepared himself to destroy thee: where is now the fury of the oppressor?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath spred out the heauens, and layde the foundations of the earth? and hast feared continually all the day, because of the rage of the oppressour, which is readie to destroy? Where is now the rage of the oppressour?