Isaiah 14:26

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 14:26 KJV is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His divine plan over all earthly powers. This verse serves as a concluding statement to a significant prophetic oracle, reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's decrees.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy prophecy (Isaiah 14:3-27) primarily aimed at the king of Babylon, depicting his fall from power and the subsequent liberation of Israel. While the immediate historical context may have involved the Assyrian Empire (which often served as a type for future oppressors like Babylon), the broader message is about God's ultimate triumph over all tyrannical forces. The preceding verses, Isaiah 14:24-25, speak of God's specific oath and plan to break Assyria's power and trample them. Verse 26 then broadens this specific judgment to a universal principle: God's purpose extends to the "whole earth" and His "hand" is stretched out upon "all the nations." The following verse, Isaiah 14:27, further solidifies the unalterable nature of this divine purpose.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The verse powerfully asserts that God's plans are not subject to human or national will. He is the ultimate ruler of history and nations. This echoes themes found throughout scripture that God's dominion is over all kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 4:35.
  • Unwavering Purpose: The phrase "the purpose that is purposed" highlights the fixed and unchangeable nature of God's decree. It is a decided, irrevocable plan that will inevitably come to pass. This divine counsel stands forever, a truth emphasized in Psalm 33:11.
  • Universal Scope: God's authority is not limited to Israel or its immediate enemies; His "hand" is stretched out upon "all the nations." This signifies His comprehensive control over global events and the destinies of every people group.
  • Certainty of Judgment and Deliverance: While the immediate context is judgment upon an oppressor, the underlying theme is the certainty of God's action – whether it be in judgment for the wicked or deliverance for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "the purpose that is purposed" ('etzah ye'utzah) is a striking repetition that emphasizes the firm, decisive, and unalterable nature of God's plan. It's not a suggestion or a wish, but a settled decree. The imagery of God's "hand that is stretched out" is a common biblical idiom for divine power, intervention, and authority, often denoting an act of judgment or mighty deliverance, as seen in the Exodus narrative.

Practical Application

For believers, Isaiah 14:26 offers immense comfort and assurance. In a world often marked by political turmoil, international conflicts, and seemingly chaotic events, this verse reminds us that a sovereign God is ultimately in control. No human government, dictator, or global power can thwart His ultimate purpose. This truth encourages unwavering faith and trust, knowing that God's plan will prevail. For those who oppose God or oppress others, it serves as a solemn warning that their power is temporary and subject to the divine will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 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.
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