John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 33:13

"Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might." — Isaiah 33:13 (ASV)

Hear, you that are far off. Isaiah here makes a preface, as if he were about to speak on a very weighty subject, for he instructs his hearers to be attentive, which is commonly done when any important and remarkable subject is addressed.

He addresses both those who are near, who would be eyewitnesses of this event, and the most distant nations to whom the report would be communicated; as if he had said that the power of God will be such as to be perceived not only by a few people, or by those who are nearby, but also by those who will be very far away.

Thus, he means that it will be a striking and extraordinary demonstration of the power of God, because wicked men, who previously were careless and unconcerned, as if they were free from all danger of distress or annoyance, will be shaken with terror.