Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

ISAIAH 55:4KJV
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Isaiah 55:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 55:4 mean?

Isaiah 55:4 says that God has appointed someone to serve as a witness, leader, and commander for the people. This verse highlights a person given a special role by God to guide and direct others, showing God’s intentions and authority through this chosen figure.

In Isaiah 55:4, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, describing a figure who will represent God’s message and lead the people. The verse comes in a section where God is inviting people to come to Him and receive what they truly need, using the example of this leader to show how God provides guidance and direction for His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:4

  • "Given" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to appoint or set in place, emphasizing that the leader’s role is not self-chosen but assigned by God.
  • "Witness" (עֵד, ed): This word means someone who testifies or gives evidence, suggesting that the chosen person’s life and actions reveal God’s truth to others.
  • "Leader" (נָגִיד, nagid): This term often refers to a ruler or prince, highlighting authority and responsibility over the people.
  • "Commander" (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means someone who gives orders or instructions, stressing the role of directing and guiding the people.

Why Isaiah 55:4 matters

  • Isaiah 55:4 clarifies that the leader’s authority comes directly from God, not from personal ambition or human appointment.
  • The verse connects God’s promises to a specific person, showing that God works through individuals to fulfill His plans for the community.
  • This verse helps readers see the broader context of Isaiah 55, where God is inviting everyone to respond to His call, using the example of a divinely appointed leader as a sign of God’s ongoing care and guidance.

Where else these words appear

“people” Hebrew H3816 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 17:13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

“leader” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.