KJV ORIGINAL
Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Be quiet and listen to me, you distant lands and coastlands; let the nations gather their strength. Let them come close to me; then they can speak. Let us come together for judgment.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is calling all the nations to be still, listen to Him, and come together for His judgment and decision.
📚 Historical Context
This verse opens a courtroom scene where God challenges the nations and their idols to prove their power. Written during Israel's exile in Babylon (around 540 BC), Isaiah is presenting God as the supreme judge who will vindicate His people. The 'islands' refers to distant maritime nations, representing the far reaches of the known world at that time.
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