Isaiah 42:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Alternatively, the term Ἐκστήσω might be interpreted to mean that I will astonish those who witness My mighty acts, the workings of My divine construction, and the bounds of My incredible power, similar to how the prophet Habakkuk expressed wonder, saying, Lord, I have heard Thy report, and I am afraid: I perceive Thy works, and I am awestruck (Hab. 3:1). Furthermore, one might consider the expression Ἐκστήσω in another sense, referring to my intention to lead astray those who dwell in the darkness of sin and ignorance towards the light of truth and divine illumination; and I will transform those whose hearts are tainted and whose minds are defiled into a purer and more virtuous state, encouraging them to abandon their previous corruptness for righteousness.

The phrase I will dry up together also carries significance, as implied by the subsequent lines: I will place rivers into islands and dry up the meadows. What then are these rivers that are turned into islands and whose meadows are dried? They represent the Hellenic poets and orators, advocates of polytheistic error. They exalted creation and proposed numerous deities, resembling rivers that inundate those misled with murky poison, as noted (Hab. 2:15), and flow with eloquence that captivates the minds of their admirers, leading them astray, much like offering food that tempts with the sweetness of their rhetoric. Consequently, they are aptly compared to rivers and marshes or groves rich with vibrant growth.

God pledges to convert such rivers into islands, meaning He will render them dry and devoid of life, and will desiccate the marshes, which has indeed occurred. The charm of their rhetoric has ultimately proven ineffective, with no one holding onto them; conversely, those who were previously misled, stepping on the decayed and filthy tales of these deceivers—akin to the fables of women—find joy in the wisdom found in Christ. Paul articulates this truth: Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the advisor of this age? Has not God rendered the wisdom of this world foolish? (1 Cor. 1:20). Thus, we assert that the rivers transformed into islands symbolize the discourses of the Hellenic philosophers immersed in falsehood.

Or, as suggested earlier, the 'islands' could also refer to the churches of Christ, which receive those who navigate the mental and spiritual seas, akin to sailors seeking refuge in safe harbors—the leaders within them—escaping the oppressive spirit of evil that burdens those embarking upon the tumultuous waters. The sea is representative of the chaos of our existence and the disorder of worldly concerns, while the marshes signify the pastures of creation previously under Satan's control, which will be parched, so that ultimately, they may come under the care of the ultimate Shepherd, Christ, who guides His flock away from the thorns and brambles of false shepherds, leading them instead among the lilies, as His divine and sacred revelations are rich with spiritual fragrance.