Isaiah 54:17 Meaning of No Weapon Formed Against You Will Prevail

Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Explanation and Commentary of Isaiah 54:17

Jesus told his disciples that when they are dragged before the judges for preaching the Gospel, they should not prepare in advance their remarks (Mt 10:19). The Holy Spirit, sent from Christ would give them the words at the moment they are needed. Like Christ, who refuted every tongue when he was challenged by the religious lawyers of the day, God will speak through his servants who rely on him for vindication.

But Isaiah is speaking also, and more importantly, of the end of days. When God’s remnant on the earth just before the dawn of the return of Christ is being attacked by satan’s final thrust God will protect his people, though the situation looks impossible. This also speaks to the general principle that the Lord is our protector even in these times where satan still has some of his authority over the earth. The child of God who truly relies on God will find himself strengthened and protected for the daily battles.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Isaiah 54:17

#1 “no weapon forged against you will prevail,”
The evil one has come up with new “weapons” to try against the church in every generation since the creation of man. But Jesus said that he would build his church and “and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Mt 16:18). There may be some casualties in the battle against the darkness, but the enemy cannot succeed. God has promised it. The Church will live to see the coming of the Lord.

#2 “and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”
There are two ways this manifests. The first is that the accuser has no power over the child of God. Day and night his tongue rises against you in judgment, but it is only a ruse. The only power he has to harm us is when we believe him. To believe him is to disbelieve the promises of God. But if we will walk in faith, we will refute all his “judgment.” The second is that the people who walk in darkness will rise up against the church in every generation. God has promised to give us the words and the power to face them. He has given us the truth that will prevail ultimately against the lies.

#3 “This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and this is their vindication from me,”
We have received and will receive an inheritance in Christ of everlasting life and a place in the New Heavens and the New Earth forever. Part of our heritage is this promise of protection from slander and accusation. It will be vindication for the harm that is done to God’s people for a little while in the battle against the principalities at work in the world.

#4 “declares the Lord.”
The Lord has spoken definitively through the prophet. It will be done.

Expert Overview of Isaiah 40-66

Biblical Translations of Isaiah 54:17

NIV
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

NLT
“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

ESV
“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

KJV
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me,” saith the Lord.

NKJV
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.