Isaiah 14:32

What shall [one] then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

What shall one then answer {H6030} the messengers {H4397} of the nation {H1471}? That the LORD {H3068} hath founded {H3245} Zion {H6726}, and the poor {H6041} of his people {H5971} shall trust {H2620} in it.

And what is one to answer the messengers of the nation? That ADONAI founded Tziyon, and there the poor of his people will find refuge.

What answer will be given to the envoys of that nation? “The LORD has founded Zion, where His afflicted people will find refuge.”

What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge.

Isaiah 14:32 serves as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and a source of comfort for His people amidst international turmoil. This verse concludes a prophetic oracle concerning Philistia, answering a crucial question about Judah's response to inquiring nations.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a "burden" or oracle against Philistia, beginning in Isaiah 14:28. The question, "What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation?" implies that surrounding nations, perhaps Philistia itself or others observing the events, would send envoys to Judah after significant political shifts (possibly the death of a powerful king like Ahaz or an Assyrian monarch). The answer provided is not one of military might or political alliance, but a theological truth: Judah's strength and security lie in God's foundational work.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foundation of Zion: The core message is that "the LORD hath founded Zion." This emphasizes that Jerusalem (Zion) is not merely a human city or a political capital, but a place divinely established and protected. This concept underscores God's active involvement in the history and destiny of His chosen people. It speaks to the unshakeable nature of God's plans, contrasting sharply with the rise and fall of human empires as seen throughout Isaiah's prophecies (e.g., the burden against Babylon in earlier parts of this chapter).
  • Security for the Vulnerable: "And the poor of his people shall trust in it." This highlights God's special care for the marginalized and humble. Despite their apparent weakness or lack of worldly influence, those who truly belong to God ("his people") and are dependent on Him ("the poor") will find refuge and security in Zion, precisely because it is God-founded. This echoes themes of divine justice and provision for the needy found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Psalm 9:18.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: The verse is a powerful call to trust in God's ultimate control over history and nations. When facing external threats or internal anxieties, the answer for God's people is always to look to His steadfastness and His promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "founded" is yasad (יָסַד), which means to lay a foundation, establish, or ordain. It implies a deliberate, firm, and permanent act of creation. This isn't a temporary settlement but a divinely ordained and enduring establishment. The phrase "the poor of his people" uses the Hebrew 'aniy (עָנִי) which refers to the afflicted, humble, or lowly, often those who are economically disadvantaged but also those who are spiritually humble and dependent on God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 14:32 offers profound reassurance. Just as God founded Zion, He also establishes His spiritual kingdom and cares for His church. When facing global uncertainties, political instability, or personal struggles, the answer remains the same: our ultimate security and hope are found in the Lord. We are called to place our trust not in human institutions or fleeting powers, but in the eternal foundation laid by God Himself. This verse encourages us to remember that God champions the cause of the humble and provides a secure refuge for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 102:16

    When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

  • Psalms 87:5

    And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Zephaniah 3:12

    I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

  • Psalms 87:1

    ¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation [is] in the holy mountains.

  • Isaiah 25:4

    For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

  • Psalms 102:28

    The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

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