I love WWII posters depicting Rosie the Riveter baring her strong arm. I applaud the women who rolled up their sleeves and got to work to help the troops on the front lines. Isaiah also refers to God this way. He previously used the metaphor of his righteous right hand. Now he speaks about the arm of the Lord.

The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 52:10

According to Blue Letter Bible “the arm of God is a Hebrew idiom for the might and the power of God.” ¹ Dr. Constable adds, “God would display His power (roll up His sleeves and bare His arm) before all the nations by redeeming His people. It was customary for warriors to bare their right arms up to their shoulders so they could fight without the encumbrance of a sleeve.” ²

God first “rolled up his sleeves” when he delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

• Where is he who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown (Is 63:12)
• The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. (Acts 13:17 NLT)

But they still did not believe.

• Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? (Is 53:1)
• Even after Jesus had performed so many signs, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.” (Jn 12:37–40; Is 6:10)

Therefore, God reiterated his promise to bring justice, hope, and salvation to Israel and to the nations.

• See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. (Is 40:10)
• My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. (Is 51:5)

God fulfilled this by sending his Messiah through the womb of a young Hebrew girl. In her song of praise, Mary of Nazareth declared that God continues to bare his strong arm.

• He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. (Lk 1:51 NIV)

Finally, Isaiah gives us permission (by modeling a prayer) to ask God to be our strong arm. I need that. I need God to roll up his sleeves for me. I need him to bring reconciliation, provide a way forward, answer very specific prayers, and bless my feeble efforts to serve others. Yet don’t forget these same powerful arms also hold us and carry us tenderly and gently.

• Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. (Is 33:2 NLT)
• He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Is 40:11)

How do you need God to be your strong yet gentle arm?

PRAYER

Lord, I am amazed that the same arm that led the Israelites out of slavery gathers me and holds me. Your arm that brings justice, hope, and salvation to all, performs mighty deeds for me. Be my strong arm every day.

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¹ https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1023/kjv/tr/0-1/

² https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/ot/isaiah/isaiah.htm#head193 (notes on Isaiah 52:10)

All scripture is from the New International Version unless otherwise noted with emphasis added.