Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 41:5

"The isles have seen, and fear; the ends of the earth tremble; they draw near, and come." — Isaiah 41:5 (ASV)

The isles saw it - The distant nations (see the note at Isaiah 41:1). They saw what was done in the conquests of the man whom God in this remarkable manner had raised up; and they had, therefore, received a demonstration of the mighty power of Yahweh above the power of idols.

And feared - They were alarmed and trembled. All were apprehensive that they would be subdued and driven away as with the tempest.

The ends of the earth - Distant nations occupying the extremities of the globe (see the note at Isaiah 40:28).

Drew near, and came - They came together for the purpose of mutual alliance and self-defense. The prophet evidently refers to what he says in the following verses, that they formed treaties; endeavored to prepare for self-defense; looked to their idol-gods, and encouraged each other in their attempts to offer a successful resistance to the victorious arms of Cyrus.