Among all the sons she boreThis phrase refers to the people of Jerusalem, often personified as a mother in the prophetic literature. The "sons" symbolize the inhabitants or leaders of the city. Historically, Jerusalem had many leaders and prophets, yet during times of judgment, none were able to provide true guidance. This reflects the spiritual desolation and lack of righteous leadership. The imagery of a mother and her children is common in Scripture, emphasizing the nurturing role of the city and the expected loyalty and support from its inhabitants.
there is no one to guide her
The absence of guidance indicates a period of spiritual and moral decline. In the context of Isaiah, this is a time when the people have turned away from God, resulting in a lack of divine wisdom and direction. This can be compared to the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The need for guidance underscores the importance of godly leadership, as seen in the roles of Moses, Joshua, and later, the apostles in the New Testament.
among all the sons she brought up
This phrase reiterates the previous point, emphasizing the nurturing and educational role Jerusalem played for its people. Despite being raised in a city with a rich spiritual heritage, the inhabitants failed to uphold its values. This can be seen as a parallel to the church, which is called to raise disciples who follow Christ's teachings. The failure of these "sons" to provide leadership reflects a broader theme of human inadequacy without reliance on God.
there is no one to take her hand
The imagery of taking someone's hand suggests guidance, support, and protection. In biblical times, taking someone's hand was a gesture of assistance and leadership. The absence of anyone to take Jerusalem's hand signifies a complete lack of support and direction. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who is often depicted as the Good Shepherd, guiding and leading His flock. The need for divine intervention is highlighted, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who provides the guidance and salvation that human leaders could not.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Zion/JerusalemOften personified as a woman or mother in the book of Isaiah, representing the people of Israel and their spiritual state.
2.
Sons of ZionSymbolic of the inhabitants of Jerusalem or the people of Israel, who are expected to provide guidance and leadership.
3.
IsaiahThe prophet who delivers God's message to the people, calling them to repentance and offering hope for restoration.
Teaching Points
The Need for Godly LeadershipThe absence of guidance in Zion highlights the importance of godly leaders who can provide spiritual direction and support.
Human Limitations and Divine DependenceThe failure of human leaders to guide Zion underscores the necessity of relying on God, who is the ultimate guide and comforter.
God's Faithfulness Amidst DesolationEven when human support is lacking, God's promises remain steadfast, offering hope and restoration to His people.
The Role of the Community in Spiritual GuidanceThis passage challenges believers to step up as spiritual leaders within their communities, providing guidance and support to those in need.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 51:18?
2.How does Isaiah 51:18 highlight the absence of guidance for Jerusalem's people?
3.What lessons can we learn about leadership from Isaiah 51:18?
4.How does Isaiah 51:18 connect with Proverbs 11:14 on the need for guidance?
5.In what ways can we provide support to those lacking guidance today?
6.How can Isaiah 51:18 inspire us to seek God's wisdom in leadership?
7.What does Isaiah 51:18 reveal about God's role in guiding His people?
8.How does Isaiah 51:18 reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience?
9.Why is there no one to guide Israel in Isaiah 51:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 51?
11.What does the Bible say about being broken?
12.What is the purpose of prayer?
13.What are the key events in the Book of Acts?
14.How does God value the lost and found?What Does Isaiah 51:18 Mean
Among all the sons she bore“Among all the sons she bore…” (Isaiah 51:18)
• God pictures Jerusalem as a mother who once teemed with children—citizens who shared covenant privileges (Isaiah 1:2;Deuteronomy 32:6).
• These “sons” were literally the people of Judah, not a poetic abstraction. Their existence testified to God’s faithfulness in multiplying Abraham’s line (Genesis 22:17).
• Yet the statement hints at tragedy: the very abundance of offspring now highlights their collective failure.Lamentations 1:1 echoes the same shock—“How lonely sits the city that was full of people!”
there is no one to guide her“…there is no one to guide her…” (Isaiah 51:18)
• Leadership—spiritual, moral, and civil—has disappeared. Isaiah earlier warned of this vacuum: “I will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them” (Isaiah 3:4).
• A guide should have pointed the nation back to the LORD (2 Chronicles 15:2) yet, like sheep without a shepherd, they scattered (Ezekiel 34:5;Mark 6:34).
• The absence of guidance underscores the consequences of sin; when people reject the Word, God withholds wise leadership (Hosea 4:6).
among all the sons she brought up“…among all the sons she brought up…” (Isaiah 51:18)
• “Brought up” recalls patient nurturing—centuries of God’s instruction through prophets, priests, and kings (Nehemiah 9:20;Isaiah 46:3–4).
• The line emphasizes responsibility: privilege heightens accountability (Amos 3:2;Luke 12:48).
• Like a parent who invested everything in a child, Jerusalem can point to no one who reciprocated loyalty (Luke 13:34).
there is no one to take her hand“…there is no one to take her hand.” (Isaiah 51:18)
• Taking a hand implies rescue and steadying (Psalm 37:24;Isaiah 41:13).
• The stark image: a staggering mother, devastated by judgment (Isaiah 51:17), and not one child steps forward. Even the strongest proved helpless (Isaiah 63:5).
• The verse lays groundwork for hope: if no human can grasp her hand, the LORD Himself will (Isaiah 51:22; 54:5). Ultimately, Messiah fulfills that role, leading His people out of wrath into restoration (Hebrews 2:10).
summaryIsaiah 51:18 paints Jerusalem as a deserted mother—many children yet none willing or able to guide, defend, or rescue her. The wording underscores literal historical judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, reveals the bankruptcy of human leadership, and primes the reader to look beyond failed sons to the faithful Son who alone can take her hand.
Verse 18.- None to guide her. From the time that Johanan, the son of Kareah, and the other "captains of the forces," quitted Judaea and fled into Egypt, taking with them Jeremiah and Baruch (
Jeremiah 43:5-7), there was no one left in the country with any authority or any ability to direct affairs. The city, no doubt, suffered by this state of things, becoming more ruined and more desolate than it would have been otherwise. Had Johanan and the Jews under him remained in the land, God had promised to "build them, and not pull them down;" to "plant them, and not pluck them up" (
Jeremiah 42:10). Thus Jerusalem's extreme desolation was not wholly the result of the Babylonian conquest, but was partly due to the after-misconduct of the Jews left in the country.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Among allמִכָּל־(mik·kāl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe sonsבָּנִ֖ים(bā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonshe bore,יָלָ֑דָה(yā·lā·ḏāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagethere is noאֵין־(’ên-)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleone to guideמְנַהֵ֣ל(mə·na·hêl)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5095:To lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refreshher;לָ֔הּ(lāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrewamong allמִכָּל־(mik·kāl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe sonsבָּנִ֖ים(bā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonshe brought up,גִּדֵּֽלָה׃(gid·dê·lāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1431:To grow up, become greatthere is noוְאֵ֤ין(wə·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleone to takeמַחֲזִיק֙(ma·ḥă·zîq)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerher hand.בְּיָדָ֔הּ(bə·yā·ḏāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3027:A hand
Links
Isaiah 51:18 NIVIsaiah 51:18 NLTIsaiah 51:18 ESVIsaiah 51:18 NASBIsaiah 51:18 KJV
Isaiah 51:18 BibleApps.comIsaiah 51:18 Biblia ParalelaIsaiah 51:18 Chinese BibleIsaiah 51:18 French BibleIsaiah 51:18 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Isaiah 51:18 There is none to guide her among (Isa Isi Is) 
