Isaiah 14:27

KJV

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} hath purposed {H3289}, and who shall disannul {H6565} it? and his hand {H3027} is stretched out {H5186}, and who shall turn it back {H7725}?

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot has made his decision. Who is there that can stop him? He has stretched out his hand. Who can turn it back?

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?

American Standard Version

For Jehovah of hosts hath purposed, and who shall annul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:27 stands as a profound and unyielding declaration of God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty. It asserts that the divine purposes of the "LORD of hosts" are immutable and irresistible; no earthly power, human scheme, or demonic force can annul His decrees or halt the execution of His outstretched hand. This verse serves as a definitive and powerful concluding statement to a prophetic oracle, affirming the certainty of God's judgment and redemptive plans over all nations and throughout all history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:27 provides a climactic and unassailable conclusion to a significant prophetic oracle spanning Isaiah 14:24-27. This immediate passage follows a scathing taunt-song directed against the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:3-23), which foretells his dramatic downfall. While the preceding verses focus on the demise of a specific oppressive ruler, the oracle then broadens its scope to a universal declaration of God's dominion. Verses 24-26 explicitly state the Lord's firm intention to "break the Assyrian in My land" and to "tread him under foot," emphasizing that this divine plan is "purposed upon the whole earth" and that God's "hand is stretched out upon all the nations." Verse 27, therefore, acts as the ultimate theological anchor, a definitive and unassailable affirmation of the certainty, irresistibility, and universality of these divine intentions, solidifying the foundation for all preceding judgments and future promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the formidable rise of the Assyrian Empire, which posed an existential threat to Judah and the surrounding kingdoms. While the immediate context of Isaiah 14:24-27 mentions Assyria, the broader prophecy within Isaiah 14 is often understood to encompass the future downfall of Babylon, which would later become the dominant imperial power and conquer Judah. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) was profoundly significant in ancient Israel, portraying God as the supreme commander of heavenly armies and the ultimate sovereign over all earthly powers, conflicts, and natural phenomena. In a world where empires rose and fell with terrifying speed, and human kings boasted of their might and permanence, this declaration served as a crucial theological corrective, reminding both Israel and the nations that true, enduring power resided solely with the God of Israel, whose plans transcended all human history and political machinations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate and unchallengeable control over all creation, history, and human affairs. His plans are not subject to review, reversal, or frustration by anyone, as seen in the unchallengeable nature of His decrees and the irresistibility of His actions, echoing the truth that "[the Lord] does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths" [Psalm 135:6](/psalm/135-6 "Psalm 135:6 - The Lord Does What He Pleases"). Closely related is the theme of **God's Unchangeable Purpose**, highlighting that what God has determined will inevitably come to pass, regardless of any opposition or human resistance. This provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that God's good purposes will always prevail, even amidst chaos and uncertainty, for "[many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")". Finally, the vivid imagery of God's "hand stretched out" underscores His **Irresistible Power** and active intervention in the world, demonstrating that when God acts, no force can hinder or divert His intended course, as affirmed in Daniel's declaration that "[He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: 'What have You done?'](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All Kingdoms")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This composite title combines H3068, "Jehovah," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal," the unique covenant name of God, with H6635, "hosts," referring to a "mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army)." Together, "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's omnipotence, His command over all heavenly and earthly armies, and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It portrays Him as the supreme warrior and ruler, fully capable of executing any plan, thus underscoring the ultimate, unassailable authority behind the prophetic word.
* **purposed (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** From H3289, a primitive root meaning "to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve." This word implies deep counsel, deliberate planning, and a firm, well-established decision. It signifies that God's intentions are not fleeting thoughts, tentative ideas, or reactive responses, but emanate from divine wisdom and are unswervingly set, reflecting His predetermined will.
* **disannul (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** From H6565, a primitive root meaning "to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate; to make void." The rhetorical question "who shall disannul it?" powerfully asserts that no one possesses the authority, power, or wisdom to nullify, frustrate, violate, or render ineffective God's counsel, decree, or predetermined plan. It emphasizes the absolute invincibility of His purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD of hosts hath purposed,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the preceding prophecies and, by extension, all of God's plans for history and humanity. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power and control over all creation and all forces, signifying that His purpose is backed by infinite might and wisdom. The word "purposed" indicates a deliberate, well-considered, and firmly established decision, not a fleeting thought or a tentative idea, but an eternal decree.
* **"and who shall disannul [it]?"**: This rhetorical question immediately follows God's declared purpose, serving as a powerful, unanswerable affirmation of its unchallengeable nature. It implies that no entity—whether human ruler, angelic power, or demonic force—possesses the authority, power, or wisdom to overturn, frustrate, or render void what the Almighty God has determined. The implied answer is a resounding "no one," underscoring the absolute certainty of God's will.
* **"and his hand [is] stretched out,"**: This anthropomorphic imagery vividly portrays God's active involvement and irresistible power in executing His will. The "hand" (H3027, _yâd'_) symbolizes power, means, direction, and active intervention, while "stretched out" (H5186, _nâṭâh'_) conveys an active, decisive, and pervasive movement, indicating that God is already in the process of bringing His purpose to fruition. It suggests an unstoppable force unleashed, actively at work in the world.
* **"and who shall turn it back?"**: Mirroring the first rhetorical question, this second query reinforces the absolute irreversibility and unhindered progress of God's actions. Once His hand is extended in judgment or deliverance, no force can stop, divert, or reverse its course. The phrase "turn it back" (H7725, _shûwb'_) implies an attempt to cause something to retreat, return to its original state, or be reversed, but the question emphatically states the futility of such an endeavor against God's sovereign will and active power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and unwavering message of divine sovereignty. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**, with "who shall disannul [it]?" and "who shall turn it back?" These questions are not posed to elicit an answer but to emphasize the undeniable truth that no one can thwart God's will. Their unanswerable nature underscores the absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and invincibility of the "LORD of hosts." **Anthropomorphism** is vividly evident in the phrase "his hand [is] stretched out," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to describe His active power, intervention, and decisive action in the world. This imagery makes God's action more relatable and impactful, conveying His direct and irresistible involvement. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]?"). This repetition amplifies the central theme of God's unchallengeable purpose and irresistible power, driving home the certainty and finality of His decrees. The consistent use of the divine title **"LORD of hosts"** also functions as a literary device, immediately establishing the immense authority, power, and cosmic scope of the subject of the prophecy, setting a tone of ultimate divine control over all things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:27 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and immutability. It asserts that God's plans are not contingent upon human will, earthly circumstances, or the machinations of nations, but are eternally purposed and irresistibly executed by His omnipotent hand. This truth provides both profound comfort and unwavering assurance for believers, while simultaneously serving as a stark warning for those who oppose His will. It underscores that all of history, including the rise and fall of nations and empires, is ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His overarching redemptive and judicial purposes, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The verse assures us that God is not merely a passive observer but an active, decisive, and unstoppable force in the universe, whose counsel stands forever.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - God Can Do All Things")
* [Romans 9:19](/romans/9-19 "Romans 9:19 - Who Can Resist God's Will?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by profound chaos, pervasive uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of evil, Isaiah 14:27 offers a profound and unshakeable anchor for the soul. It reminds us that beyond the shifting sands of human politics, economic instability, natural disasters, or deeply personal trials, there is an unchanging, all-powerful God whose purposes cannot be thwarted. This truth should inspire unwavering trust, deep peace, and resilient hope within the believer. When we face overwhelming circumstances, witness seemingly insurmountable injustices, or feel lost in the complexities of life, this verse calls us to lift our gaze above the immediate turmoil and remember that the "LORD of hosts" is actively and sovereignly at work, bringing His perfect, eternal plan to fruition. It challenges us to align our lives, prayers, and aspirations with His revealed will, knowing that striving against Him is futile and ultimately self-defeating, while partnering with Him guarantees ultimate victory and participation in His glorious purposes. For those who do not yet know Him, it serves as a solemn and gracious invitation to surrender to the One whose power is irresistible and whose counsel is unassailable, finding true peace and purpose in His sovereign embrace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's unchallengeable purpose impact your sense of security and peace amidst personal or global uncertainties?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "disannul" or "turn back" God's hand, perhaps by resisting His revealed will or doubting the wisdom of His plan?**
* **How might a deeper, more robust understanding of God as the "LORD of hosts" transform your approach to prayer, intercession, and your view of current events?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully surrender to God's sovereign will and trust His active hand in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" signify about God's character?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is one of the most powerful and frequently used titles for God in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books. It signifies God's absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and His role as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies. "Hosts" refers not only to human armies but also to celestial beings (angels), the stars, and all natural phenomena, encompassing the entire created order. Therefore, when Isaiah declares that the "LORD of hosts hath purposed," it means that the God who commands all forces in the universe, visible and invisible, has made a firm decision, and His power is limitless to execute it. This title assures us that God is actively involved in the world, capable of overcoming any opposition, and is the ultimate authority over all creation, as seen in [Psalm 24:10](/psalm/24-10 "Psalm 24:10 - The King of Glory, the LORD of hosts").

**If God's purpose cannot be disannulled, does that negate human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question that theologians have debated for centuries, often referred to as the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The Bible consistently affirms both God's absolute sovereignty and human responsibility. While Isaiah 14:27 emphatically emphasizes God's unchallengeable purpose and irresistible power, other scriptures clearly call humans to make choices, repent, believe, and obey (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life") and [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The biblical perspective is not that one negates the other, but that they coexist in a divine mystery that finite human minds cannot fully comprehend. God's sovereign plan is so vast and comprehensive that it often incorporates and works through the free choices of individuals—even their sinful ones—to achieve His ultimate good purposes. His purpose is never thwarted by human decisions, but rather, His omnipotence ensures that His overarching will will be accomplished, and His justice will prevail, regardless of human resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:27, with its declaration of the "LORD of hosts'" unchallengeable purpose and irresistible hand, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The eternal purpose of God, conceived before the foundation of the world, was to redeem humanity, reconcile all things to Himself, and establish His everlasting kingdom. This divine purpose is perfectly embodied, revealed, and executed in Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 1:9-11](/ephesians/1-9-11 "Ephesians 1:9-11 - God's Purpose in Christ")). Jesus, as the Word made flesh, is the very expression of God's unwavering will and power, through whom all things were created and sustained (e.g., [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")). His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection were not accidental events but the precise fulfillment of God's ancient, deliberate purpose, a plan that no earthly authority, human opposition, or demonic power could disannul or turn back (e.g., [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan and Foreknowledge")). The "hand stretched out" of the LORD of hosts is supremely manifested in Christ's outstretched arms on the cross, a profound demonstration of divine power not primarily in judgment, but in sacrificial love that conquers sin, death, and all spiritual enemies (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, Jesus' ascension to the right hand of God signifies His reigning authority and universal dominion, ensuring that His ultimate return and the full establishment of God's kingdom will likewise be an unchallengeable act of the "LORD of hosts," bringing all things under His feet and declaring His name above every name (e.g., [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus is Lord")).

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 43:13

Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Job 23:13

¶ But he [is] in one [mind], and who can turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Job 9:12

Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.