Isaiah 14:26

KJV

This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the purpose {H6098} that is purposed {H3289} upon the whole earth {H776}: and this is the hand {H3027} that is stretched out {H5186} upon all the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the program planned for all the earth, this is the hand stretched out over all the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations.

American Standard Version

This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:26 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute and unyielding sovereignty over all earthly affairs. It powerfully asserts that the divine purpose, once established, is irrevocably fixed and will inevitably come to pass across the entire globe. This verse serves as a climactic affirmation that God's active power and decisive intervention extend to every nation, ensuring the fulfillment of His predetermined will, regardless of human opposition or perceived chaos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:26 concludes a significant prophetic oracle (Isaiah 14:3-27) primarily directed against Babylon, though it also contains allusions to Assyria, which served as a type of oppressive empire. The preceding verses, specifically [Isaiah 14:24-25](/isaiah/14-24 "Isaiah 14:24-25 - God's Oath Against Assyria"), detail God's specific oath and plan to break Assyria's power and trample them on His mountains. Verse 26 then broadens this specific judgment to a universal principle, stating that God's purpose and outstretched hand are not limited to one empire but encompass the "whole earth" and "all the nations." This expansion from a particular judgment to a universal decree emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty. The subsequent verse, [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - The Unstoppable Counsel of the Lord"), further solidifies the unalterable nature of this divine purpose, posing the rhetorical question, "For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?"
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is set against the backdrop of significant geopolitical turmoil in the Ancient Near East, particularly the rise and fall of powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. During Isaiah's ministry (8th century BCE), the Assyrian Empire was the dominant world power, frequently threatening Israel and Judah. The prophecies concerning Babylon often look forward to a later period when Babylon would become the primary oppressor. In this context, the declaration of God's universal purpose and outstretched hand would have been a radical and counter-cultural assertion. While human kings and empires boasted of their might and destiny, Isaiah proclaims that the true power resides with Yahweh, who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His sovereign plan. This message would have offered both a warning to oppressive powers and immense comfort and hope to the beleaguered people of Judah, reminding them that their ultimate deliverance was secured by an omnipotent God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, emphasizing that God's plans are not subject to human will or geopolitical machinations. He is the ultimate ruler of history and nations, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All Kingdoms") where it states that God "does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth." Secondly, the phrase "the purpose that is purposed" highlights the **Unwavering and Immutable Nature of God's Decree**. It is a decided, irrevocable plan that will inevitably come to pass, reinforcing the idea that God's counsel stands forever, as proclaimed in [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the Lord Stands Forever"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **Universal Scope of God's Authority**, extending His "hand" upon "all the nations," signifying His comprehensive control over global events and the destinies of every people group. This universal dominion is a consistent theme in prophetic literature, preparing the way for the global reach of God's redemptive plan. Finally, while the immediate context is judgment, the underlying theme is the **Certainty of God's Action** – whether it be in judgment for the wicked or deliverance for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **purpose (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** From the root _yâʻats_ (to advise, deliberate, resolve), this word signifies advice, counsel, or a plan. In this context, it denotes a divine plan or decree that is well-thought-out, decisive, and pre-determined. The repetition of the root in "purpose that is purposed" (from _ʻêtsâh_ and _yâʻats_) intensifies the sense of an unchangeable, firmly established divine intention.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word, "hand" is used in a vast array of applications, both literally and figuratively. Here, it functions as a powerful idiom for divine power, authority, intervention, and action. An "outstretched hand" often symbolizes God's mighty acts of judgment (as in the plagues of Exodus) or deliverance. It conveys the active, forceful, and effective execution of God's will.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to a foreign nation, often used in contrast to Israel, or Gentile peoples. Its use here in the plural ("all the nations") emphasizes the universal scope of God's dominion. It underscores that no people group, empire, or geographical boundary is outside the purview and ultimate control of God's sovereign plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth:"** This clause declares the absolute certainty and universality of God's divine plan. The emphatic repetition ("purpose that is purposed") conveys an unalterable, firmly established decree. It is not a mere suggestion or a conditional intention, but a fixed, predetermined counsel. Furthermore, this purpose is "upon the whole earth," signifying its global reach and comprehensive scope, encompassing all lands, peoples, and historical events.
* **"and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations."** This parallel clause reinforces the first by emphasizing the active, powerful, and universal execution of God's purpose. The "hand that is stretched out" is a powerful anthropomorphism, symbolizing God's direct and irresistible intervention. It signifies His active power, authority, and judgment. Just as the purpose is for the "whole earth," so God's active hand extends "upon all the nations," demonstrating His comprehensive dominion over every human kingdom and people group, ensuring the fulfillment of His sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine sovereignty. The most striking is **polyptoton**, the repetition of words derived from the same root but used in different forms, as seen in "purpose that is purposed" (Hebrew: _ʻêtsâh ye'utzah_). This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the absolute certainty, immutability, and decisive nature of God's plan; it is not merely a thought, but a settled and unchangeable decree. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the hand that is stretched out," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to describe His active power, intervention, and authority. This imagery vividly portrays God's direct involvement in world affairs. Finally, the use of **hyperbole** or **universal language** in "the whole earth" and "all the nations" emphasizes the boundless and comprehensive scope of God's dominion, leaving no realm or people outside of His sovereign control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:26 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous providential control over history. It asserts that all events, from the rise and fall of empires to the destinies of individuals, are ultimately encompassed within God's predetermined and unalterable plan. This divine purpose is not merely a passive decree but is actively executed by God's powerful "hand," demonstrating His direct involvement and irresistible will in the affairs of humanity. This truth provides profound comfort to believers, assuring them that even amidst chaos and injustice, a sovereign God is at work, orchestrating all things for His ultimate glory and the good of His people. It also serves as a solemn warning to those who oppose God, reminding them that their power is fleeting and subject to the divine decree.

* [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - God's Purposes Cannot Be Thwarted")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart, But the Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political upheaval, economic instability, and seemingly random acts of evil, Isaiah 14:26 offers an anchor for the soul. It reminds us that our God is not a distant observer but an active participant, whose "purpose that is purposed" stands firm above all human machinations and global turmoil. This truth invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in His providential care, knowing that His "hand that is stretched out" is not only for judgment but also for the protection and ultimate deliverance of His people. For those who feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, this verse calls for a shift in perspective, from despair over human failures to confidence in divine omnipotence. It encourages us to live with unwavering faith, actively participating in God's unfolding plan through prayer, obedience, and proclaiming His kingdom, even as we acknowledge His ultimate control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's unchangeable purpose (Isaiah 14:26) impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways does the imagery of God's "stretched out hand" provide comfort or conviction in your life?**
* **If God's purpose is fixed, how does this truth motivate or inform your prayers and actions rather than leading to passivity?**

### FAQ
**What does "the purpose that is purposed" mean in Isaiah 14:26?**

Answer: The phrase "the purpose that is purposed" (Hebrew: _ʻêtsâh ye'utzah_) is a powerful literary device known as polyptoton, which uses words derived from the same root. It emphasizes the absolute certainty, immutability, and decisive nature of God's plan. It means that God's counsel or decree is not merely a thought or a wish, but a firmly established, unalterable, and predetermined intention that will inevitably come to pass. It underscores that God's will is fixed and cannot be thwarted by any human or demonic opposition, as highlighted in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

**How does God's "hand that is stretched out" relate to His sovereignty over nations?**

Answer: The "hand that is stretched out" is a common biblical idiom for God's active power, intervention, and authority. In the context of Isaiah 14:26, it signifies God's direct and irresistible execution of His divine purpose upon "all the nations." It means that God is not a passive observer but actively intervenes in the affairs of human kingdoms, orchestrating their rise and fall, their judgments, and their destinies according to His sovereign will. This imagery often appears in the Old Testament to describe God's mighty acts of deliverance (e.g., the Exodus from Egypt, as in [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Outstretched Arm in the Exodus")) or judgment, demonstrating His comprehensive dominion over the entire world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:26, with its declaration of God's universal purpose and outstretched hand over all nations, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth" is ultimately God's redemptive plan to reconcile humanity to Himself, a plan conceived in eternity and perfectly executed through His Son. The "hand that is stretched out upon all the nations" is most powerfully manifested in Christ's crucifixion, where His hands were stretched out on the cross to bear the sins of the world, and in His resurrection and ascension, where He was given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Through Christ, God's sovereign purpose extends not only in judgment but preeminently in grace and salvation to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")). The universal reign of Christ, established at His ascension, ensures that God's eternal counsel for the cosmos will be perfectly realized, culminating in the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, God's unyielding purpose and active hand, proclaimed in Isaiah, are perfectly embodied and brought to fruition in the comprehensive and universal Lordship of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

Exodus 15:12

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

Zephaniah 3:6

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

Zephaniah 3:8

¶ Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination [is] to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.