Thy children shall make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.

ISAIAH 49:17KJV
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Isaiah 49:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 49:17 mean?

Isaiah 49:17 promises that the children of Zion will return quickly, while those who destroyed and devastated the city will leave it. The verse assures the people that the time of their suffering and ruin is ending, and restoration is coming as their enemies depart.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who have experienced destruction and exile. The "children" refers to the people who belong to Zion (Jerusalem), and the verse contrasts their eager return with the departure of those who harmed the city. The message is one of hope and reversal, highlighting a shift from loss to renewal.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 49:17

  • "Children" (בָּנִים, banim): This word often means sons or descendants, emphasizing the return of the people who truly belong to Zion, not just literal offspring.
  • "Haste" (מַהֵר, maher): The sense here is of eagerness or urgency, suggesting the returning people are not reluctant but are coming back quickly and willingly.
  • "Destroyers" (חָרְבַּיִךְ, chorbaiykh): This word points to those who actively ruined or laid waste to the city, making clear that the threat is being removed.
  • "Waste" (חָרֵב, charev): Closely related to "destroyers," this word underlines the devastation experienced, but now it is being undone.
  • "Forth" (יֵצֵאוּ, yetze'u): This verb means to go out or depart, stressing that the enemies are leaving, not just being defeated but actually exiting the scene.

Why Isaiah 49:17 matters

  • Isaiah 49:17 clarifies that restoration is not just spiritual but involves real, visible changes: the return of people and the removal of enemies.
  • The verse highlights a dramatic reversal, showing that those who once caused harm will not remain, while those who belong will come back eagerly.
  • This promise fits into the wider context of Isaiah 49, where God reassures Israel of His ongoing care and the certainty of their future restoration, even after long periods of hardship.

Where else these words appear

“waste” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“destroyers” Hebrew H2040 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Psalms 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
  • Jeremiah 50:15 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

“haste” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.