Isaiah 55:4 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

Behold, I have given him - the mystical David (Ezekiel 37:24-25; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5). Given by God (Isaiah 49:6).

For a witness to the people - Hebrew, peoples. He bore witness even unto death for God, to His law, His claims, and His plan of redeeming love (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5, "the Faithful Witness.") Revelation is a "testimony" ('eedah and 'eeduth, from 'eed, a witness); because it is propounded to be received on the authority of the Giver, and not merely because it can be proved by arguments.

A leader - Nagiyd (H5057), Prince х archeegon (G747)]: Acts 3:15, "the Prince of life:" the same Hebrew term as in Daniel 9:26.

Commander - `preceptor' (Horsley). So Vulgate. But the Chaldaic, Septuagint, Arabic, and Syriac much the same as the English version. Hebrew, uwmtsaweek (H6680), from tsaawah (H6680), to enjoin, or command.

To the people - Hebrew, peoples.

Isaiah 55:4

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