For I am the LORD your GodThis phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. It recalls the covenantal language used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch, where God repeatedly identifies Himself as the God of Israel (
Exodus 20:2). This declaration serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. It underscores the unique relationship that Israel has with God, distinguishing Him from the false gods of surrounding nations.
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar
This imagery of God stirring the sea is a demonstration of His power over creation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the sea often symbolized chaos and disorder. By asserting control over the sea, God is portrayed as the supreme authority over all chaos and natural forces. This echoes the creation narrative in Genesis, where God brings order out of chaos. It also connects to the Exodus event, where God parted the Red Sea, demonstrating His power to deliver His people (Exodus 14:21-22). The roaring waves symbolize the might and majesty of God's creation, which He commands effortlessly.
the LORD of Hosts is His name
The title "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) signifies God's supreme command over the heavenly armies and all cosmic forces. This title is used frequently in the prophetic books to emphasize God's omnipotence and His ability to execute judgment and deliverance. It reassures the faithful of God's ultimate control over all spiritual and earthly realms. This name also points to God's role as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people, a theme seen in passages like1 Samuel 17:45, where David confronts Goliath in the name of the LORD of Hosts. This title reinforces the assurance of God's protection and His active involvement in the affairs of the world.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.
2.
The SeaOften symbolic of chaos and disorder in ancient Near Eastern literature, representing the forces that God controls.
3.
The WavesA metaphor for the tumultuous and uncontrollable aspects of life that God has power over.
4.
The LORD of HostsA title for God that emphasizes His supreme authority over the heavenly armies and all creation.
5.
IsraelThe primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, representing God's chosen people who are being reassured of His power and protection.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over ChaosJust as God stirs up the sea, He has control over the chaotic and unpredictable aspects of our lives. Trust in His sovereignty brings peace amidst turmoil.
The Assurance of God's PresenceThe title "LORD of Hosts" assures us of God's powerful presence. In times of fear and uncertainty, remember that God is with us, commanding the forces of heaven.
Faith in God's DeliveranceReflect on how God delivered Israel through the Red Sea. In our own lives, God can make a way through seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Power of God's WordJust as God commands the sea, His Word has power and authority. Engage with Scripture to find strength and guidance in life's storms.
Worship and ReverenceRecognize God's majesty and power in creation. Let this lead us to worship Him with awe and reverence, acknowledging His lordship over all.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 51:15?
2.How does Isaiah 51:15 emphasize God's power over creation and our lives?
3.What does "stirs up the sea" reveal about God's control in Isaiah 51:15?
4.How can we trust God's sovereignty in our daily challenges, as Isaiah 51:15 suggests?
5.Connect Isaiah 51:15 with another scripture highlighting God's authority over nature.
6.How can acknowledging God's power in Isaiah 51:15 strengthen your faith today?
7.How does Isaiah 51:15 affirm God's power over creation and nature?
8.What historical context surrounds Isaiah 51:15's message of divine authority?
9.How does Isaiah 51:15 relate to God's covenant with Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 51?
11.What does worshiping God entail?
12.What does Exodus 15:2 signify about God's role?
13.Isaiah 51:9 references the defeat of Rahab and the dragon. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence to clarify who or what these entities represent?
14.How does Exodus 15:2 describe God's role for believers?What Does Isaiah 51:15 Mean
For I am the LORD your God“For I am the LORD your God” re-anchors the reader in covenant reality.
• The phrase reminds Israel that the same One who spoke at Sinai is still speaking (Exodus 20:2;Malachi 3:6).
• By placing His personal name “Yahweh” with “your God,” He affirms both sovereignty and relationship (Isaiah 41:13;Hosea 13:4).
• The statement follows a call to look back on Abraham and to trust God’s promised comfort (Isaiah 51:1–3). Identity leads to assurance: if the unchanging LORD is “your God,” current threats lose their terror (Psalm 46:1–2).
Who stirs up the sea“Who stirs up the sea” pictures divine control over creation’s most untamable force.
• Job heard the same voice declare, “I fixed limits for it” (Job 38:8-11).
• The psalmist exults, “You rule the raging sea” (Psalm 89:9) and “Mightier than the breakers… the LORD on high is majestic” (Psalm 93:4).
• Jeremiah ties this mastery to the stability of God’s covenant promises: “He gives the sun for light by day… who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar” (Jeremiah 31:35).
• In the Gospels, Jesus’ rebuke of the storm (Mark 4:39) silently insists He is this very LORD in flesh.
So that its waves roarBy adding “so that its waves roar”, Isaiah shows that even the chaos serves God’s purpose.
• The roar is not random; it is His orchestration (Jeremiah 5:22).
• Scripture often uses roaring waves as a picture of nations in upheaval (Psalm 46:3;Isaiah 17:12-13). If God governs the literal sea, He also governs geopolitical turmoil.
• For believers, the verse invites trust during cultural turbulence: the noise is loud, but it is never outside the Maestro’s score (Nahum 1:4-5;Matthew 14:30-31).
The LORD of Hosts is His name“The LORD of Hosts is His name” culminates the thought with a military title that blends majesty and might.
• First heard on Hannah’s lips (1 Samuel 1:11), the title frames every battle in Scripture—David confronted Goliath “in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45).
• Isaiah has already placed the whole earth beneath this holy Sovereign (Isaiah 6:3). The armies—angelic, cosmic, earthly—belong to Him (2 Kings 6:17;Revelation 19:14).
• Calling on the covenant Name plus the title “of Hosts” pledges omnipotent backing for the promise just given: divine comfort will prevail over every roaring wave (Jeremiah 10:16;Amos 4:13).
summaryIsaiah 51:15 lifts fearful hearts by shifting the gaze from present threats to the unchanging character of God. He is “the LORD your God”—personally committed, covenant-keeping. He “stirs up the sea”—fully in control of the fiercest powers. He causes “its waves [to] roar”—even chaos obeys Him. And He is “the LORD of Hosts”—Commander of all forces, ensuring His promises stand. When we read the verse literally and let each phrase build on the last, faith rises: the God who redeemed Israel and calmed Galilee’s storm remains Lord over every surge we face today.
(15)
But Iam . . .--Better,
Seeing that I am.The fact which follows is not contrasted with that which precedes, but given as its ground. The might of Jehovah is seen in the storm-waves of the sea. It is seen not less in the fall and rise of empires.
Verse 15. -
But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea; rather, for
I,
the Lord thy God,
am he that divided the sea (comp. ver. 10). The reference is once more to the great miracle wrought at the Exodus, when the Red Sea was "divided" before the host of Israelites (
Exodus 14:21; comp.
Psalm 74:13).
Whose waves roared (see
Exodus 14:27;
Exodus 15:10).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For Iוְאָֽנֹכִי֙(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iam the LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour Godאֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativewho stirs upרֹגַ֣ע(rō·ḡa‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7280:To toss violently and suddenly, to settle, quiet, to winkthe seaהַיָּ֔ם(hay·yām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basinso that its wavesגַּלָּ֑יו(gal·lāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1530:Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of waterroar—וַיֶּהֱמ֖וּ(way·ye·hĕ·mū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1993:To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamorthe LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelof Hostsצְבָא֖וֹת(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635:A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign[is] His name.שְׁמֽוֹ׃(šə·mōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A name
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 51:15 For I am Yahweh your God who (Isa Isi Is)