Isaiah 14:1

¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

For the LORD {H3068} will have mercy {H7355} on Jacob {H3290}, and will yet choose {H977} Israel {H3478}, and set {H3240} them in their own land {H127}: and the strangers {H1616} shall be joined {H3867} with them, and they shall cleave {H5596} to the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}.

For ADONAI will have compassion on Ya'akov - he will once again choose Isra'el and resettle them in their own land, where foreigners will join them, attaching themselves to the house of Ya'akov.

For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob.

For Jehovah will have compassion on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the sojourner shall join himself with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

Commentary

Isaiah 14:1 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and a stark contrast to the preceding prophecies of judgment against Babylon. This verse pivots from the destruction of an oppressor to the restoration and ultimate blessing of God's chosen people, Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows a lengthy oracle detailing the downfall of Babylon (Isaiah 13 and the beginning of Isaiah 14, culminating in the famous taunt against the king of Babylon, often associated with Lucifer's pride). After describing the desolation of Israel's oppressor, Isaiah 14:1 shifts focus dramatically, offering a message of hope and divine intervention for God's covenant people. It highlights that God's judgment on wicked nations is often intertwined with His plan to deliver and restore His own.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy and Unchanging Election: The phrase "the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel" underscores God's enduring love and commitment to His covenant people. Despite their failings and periods of exile, God's election of Israel remains steadfast. This speaks to a deeper truth about God's character – His everlasting love and faithfulness, which is not dependent on human performance but on His own divine purpose.
  • Restoration to the Land: The promise to "set them in their own land" is a foundational theme throughout the Old Testament, originating from the Abrahamic Covenant. It speaks to the physical return from exile, a historical reality for the Jewish people, but also points to a future, ultimate restoration.
  • Inclusion of Strangers/Gentiles: A remarkable aspect of this prophecy is that "the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob." This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a concept that becomes much clearer in the New Testament. The Hebrew word for "cleave" (lavah) implies a deep, permanent attachment and unity, suggesting that those from other nations would not just visit but would become integral to the community of faith, drawn by God's manifest blessing on Israel. This aligns with other prophecies of Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "Jacob" and "Israel" are used synonymously here, both referring to the nation descended from Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel). The repetition emphasizes the divine focus on this particular people. The word "cleave" (Hebrew: lavah) implies a strong attachment, joining, or uniting, indicating a deep bond between the returning exiles and the "strangers" who would join them.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:1 offers profound hope and insight for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness in Trials: Just as God restored Israel after their captivity, this verse reminds us that God remains faithful to His promises even through periods of hardship, exile, or spiritual wandering. His mercy endures.
  • Hope for Restoration: It provides a powerful message of hope that God can reverse difficult situations and bring about restoration, both individually and collectively.
  • The Inclusive Nature of God's Plan: The inclusion of "strangers" highlights God's expansive heart for all humanity. The Gospel message, which began with Israel, extends to all nations, inviting everyone to become part of God's spiritual household through faith in Christ.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, this verse affirms God's sovereign control over history and nations. He orchestrates events, bringing down oppressors and raising up His chosen ones, all according to His divine plan.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 102:13

    Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

  • Zechariah 1:17

    Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

  • Zechariah 8:22

    Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Isaiah 54:7

    For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

  • Isaiah 54:8

    In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

  • Ephesians 2:12

    That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: