Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
My righteousness is near - The word ' righteousness' is used in a great variety of significations. Here it means, probably, the faithful completion of his promises to his people (Lowth).
My salvation is gone forth - The promise of salvation is gone forth, and already the execution of that purpose is commenced. He would soon deliver his people; he would at no distant period extend salvation to all nations.
And mine arm shall judge the people - That is, shall dispense judgment to them. The ' arm' here is put for himself, as the arm is the instrument by which we execute our purposes (see the notes at Isaiah 51:9).
The isles shall wait upon me - The distant nations; the pagan lands (see the note at Isaiah 41:1). The idea is, that distant lands would become interested in the true religion, and acknowledge and worship the true God.
Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Isaiah 51:5:
Isaiah 11:11
Isaiah 52:13-15
Isaiah 59:16
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