Isaiah 66:19
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
Isaiah 66:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah is a prophecy that foretells the spreading of God's glory among the Gentiles. The sign that will be set among the people will result in some individuals escaping and being sent to various nations such as Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, Javan, and other far off islands that have not heard of God's fame or seen His glory. These survivors will be tasked with declaring God's glory among the Gentiles, spreading knowledge of His majesty and power to those who had previously been unaware. This verse emphasizes the universal nature of God's message and His desire for all nations to come to know and worship Him. It speaks to the inclusivity of God's love and the importance of sharing His glory with people from all corners of the world. As believers, we are called to take up the mantle of spreading the gospel to those who have never heard, fulfilling the prophecy outlined in this verse.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Isaiah is that it speaks to God's desire for all nations, not just the Israelites, to come to know Him. The mention of sending those who have escaped to distant nations signifies God's plan to spread His glory to the ends of the earth. The destinations mentioned - Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, Javan, and the isles afar off - represent various regions symbolizing the breadth of God's reach and His intention for all peoples to hear of His greatness. The mention of these nations who have not heard of God's fame or seen His glory emphasizes God's intention to bring His message to those who are unfamiliar with Him. This verse highlights the inclusivity of God's love and His desire for all people, regardless of nationality or background, to come to know Him and declare His glory among the Gentiles. Through this verse, God's plan for global salvation and spreading His fame among all nations is evident.
Isaiah 66:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations.
World English Bible
“I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the islands afar off, who have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations.
Douay-Rheims
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send of them that shall be saved, to the Gentiles into the sea, into Africa, and Lydia them that draw the bow: into Italy, and Greece, to the islands afar off, to them that have not heard of me, and have not seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory to the Gentiles:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will set a signe among them, and will send those that escape of them, vnto the nations of Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, and to them that drawe the bowe, to Tubal and Tauan, yles afarre off, that haue not heard my fame, neither haue seene my glorie, and they shall declare my glorie among the Gentiles.