TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 24:13–15. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is mercy remembered in the midst of wrath. In Judah and Jerusalem, and the neighbouring countries, when they are overrun by the enemy, Sennacherib or Nebuchadnezzar, there shall be a remnant preserved from the general ruin, and it shall be a devout and pious remnant. And this method God usually observes when his judgments are abroad; he does not make a full end, Isa 6:13. Or we may take it thus: Though the greatest part of mankind have all their comfort ruined by the emptying of the earth, and the making of that desolate, yet there are some few who understand their interests better, who have laid up their treasure in heaven and not in things below, and therefore can keep up their comfort and joy in God even when the earth mourns and fades away. Observe,
I.The small number of this remnant, Isa 24:13.
When all goes to ruin there shall be as the shaking of an olive-tree, and the gleaning grapes, here and there one who shall escape the common calamity (as Noah and his family when the old world was drowned), that shall be able to sit down upon a heap of the ruins of all their creature comforts, and even then rejoice in the Lord (Hab 3:16-18), who, when all faces gather blackness, can lift up their heads with joy, Luk 21:26, Luk 21:28. These few are dispersed, and at a distance from each other, like the gleanings of the olive-tree; and they are concealed, hid under the leaves. The Lord only knows those that are his; the world does not.
II.The great devotion of this remnant, which is the greater for their having so narrowly escaped this great destruction (Isa 24:14): They shall lift up their voice; they shall sing.
1.They shall sing for joy in their deliverance. When the mirth of carnal worldlings ceases the joy of the saints is as lively as ever; when the merry-hearted do sigh because the vine languishes the upright-hearted do sing because the covenant of grace, the fountain of their comforts and the foundation of their hopes, never fails. Those that rejoice in the Lord can rejoice in tribulation, and by faith may be in triumphs when all about them are in tears.
2.They shall sing to the glory and praise of God, shall sing not only for the mercy but for the majesty of the Lord. Their songs are awful and serious, and in their spiritual joys they have a reverend regard to the greatness of God, and keep at a humble distance when they attend him with their praises. The majesty of the Lord, which is matter of terror to wicked people, furnishes the saints with songs of praise. They shall sing for the magnificence, or transcendent excellency, of the Lord, shown both in his judgments and in his mercies; for we must sing, and sing unto him, of both, Psa 101:1. Those who have made, or are making, their escape from the land (that being emptied and made desolate) to the sea and the isles of the sea, shall thence cry aloud; their dispersion shall help to spread the knowledge of God, and they shall make even remote shores to ring with his praises. It is much for the honour of God if those who fear him rejoice in him, and praise him, even in the most melancholy times.
III.Their holy zeal to excite others to the same devotion (Isa 24:15); they encourage their fellow-sufferers to do likewise.
1.Those who are in the fires, in the furnace of affliction, those fires by which the inhabitants of the earth are burned, Isa 24:6. Or in the valleys, the low, dark, dirty places.
2.Those who are in the isles of the sea, whither they are banished, or are forced to flee for shelter, and hide themselves remote from all their friends. They went through fire and water (Psa 66:12); yet in both let them glorify the Lord, and glory him as the Lord God of Israel. Those who through grace can glory in tribulation ought to glorify God in tribulation, and give him thanks for their comforts, which abound as their afflictions do abound. We must in every fire, even the hottest, in every isle, even the remotest, keep up our good thoughts of God. When, though he slay us, yet we trust in him - when, though for his sake we are killed all the day long, yet none of these things move us - then we glorify the Lord in the fires. Thus the three children, and the martyrs that sang at the stake.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verses 13-15) Just as when a few olives, which remain, are shaken from the olive tree, and the grape harvest is finished, these will lift up their voice and praise when the Lord is glorified, they will neigh from the sea: therefore, glorify the Lord in your teachings, in the islands of the sea proclaim the name of the Lord God of Israel. The following words will show how much the LXX translation differs from the Hebrew truth in this place: LXX: Just as if someone shakes an olive, they will shake them: and if the grape harvest rests, these will shout with a loud voice. But those who are left on the earth will rejoice together with the glory of the Lord, the water of the sea will be troubled, therefore the glory of the Lord will be in the islands of the sea, the name of the glorious Lord will be, the Lord God of Israel. With few men left, when the curse devours the earth, and there is solitude in the city, and all these things happen in the midst of the earth, in the midst of peoples and nations, the number of the saints will be so few, of whom the Lord speaks in the Gospel: Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. 20:16); and the pressure on the righteous will be so great that, if possible, even the chosen of God will be tempted; and their number will be compared to the rarest berries of olives, which, when shaken and harvested, very few remain on the top of the branches; and just as after the harvest, the poor, forced by poverty, go around empty vines and gather a few grapes. Therefore, those who remain, and after the harvest of the world and the pressure, their hands trembling, will flee from the persecuting Antichrist or the impending flames of punishment, and they will raise their voices on high and praise God. When the Lord comes in the glory of his Father, with the holy Angels, and they see him reigning in majesty, then they will neigh like horses, rejoicing with great joy, and they will neigh from the sea of this age. Therefore, you who are now learned in the holy Scriptures and know that great joy and rewards are reserved for you, glorify the Lord in your teachings, hearing what is written: 'Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord' (2 Corinthians 10:17). Not in the land of Judea, but in the islands, that is, in the Churches of this sea and age, where the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, is blessed and praised, or, the name of the man who sees God. According to the Septuagint, everything that we understand about the saints can be referred to as the wicked, because when the vintage is finished, then those who are established in punishment will cry out. But those who have escaped the number of the wicked shall rejoice in the glory of the Lord, and the waters of this people in this age shall be troubled.
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Summary
Isaiah 24:14, embedded within a prophetic passage detailing widespread global judgment, presents a striking and hopeful contrast by envisioning a future where a redeemed remnant, drawn from the most distant parts of the earth, will spontaneously erupt in joyous praise and song. This verse powerfully anticipates a time when the overwhelming majesty of the Lord will be universally recognized and celebrated, transforming the world's lament into a resounding chorus of adoration emanating from unexpected corners, specifically "from the sea."
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 24:14 is situated within a distinct section of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment marks a significant shift from prophecies primarily concerning specific nations to a more universal, eschatological vision of God's judgment and ultimate salvation for the entire earth. The preceding verses, such as Isaiah 24:1-13, vividly describe widespread devastation, desolation, and the emptying of the earth due to humanity's rebellion against God's covenant and laws. Amidst this backdrop of divine wrath and universal lament, verse 14 introduces a dramatic pivot, presenting a hopeful counter-narrative where a scattered remnant, having endured the judgment, will respond not with despair but with an uninhibited outpouring of praise for the Lord's enduring majesty. This powerful juxtaposition highlights God's absolute sovereignty over both judgment and redemption.
Historical & Cultural Context
While Isaiah's prophecies primarily addressed the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, this "apocalyptic" section transcends immediate historical circumstances to speak of a cosmic and global judgment. The concept of "the sea" (Hebrew: yam) in the ancient Near East often referred to the vast, sometimes mysterious, regions beyond the known landmasses, including distant coastlands, islands, and by extension, the Gentile nations. For an Israelite audience, praise emanating "from the sea" would have been a profound and perhaps astonishing image, signifying that God's glory would be acknowledged not just by His covenant people, but by those considered outside the traditional boundaries of His direct revelation. This reflects a broader prophetic theme of God's universal dominion and His eventual inclusion of all peoples in His redemptive plan, a concept that would later be fully revealed in the New Covenant.
Key Themes
Isaiah 24:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Majesty and Sovereignty, asserting that despite widespread rebellion and judgment, God's inherent glory (gâʼôwn) remains undiminished and will ultimately be acknowledged by all creation. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Universal Praise, envisioning a future where adoration for the Lord transcends national and geographical boundaries, echoing the prophetic hope that all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord. Thirdly, the verse offers a profound message of Hope Amidst Judgment, demonstrating that even in the midst of the most severe divine reckoning, God preserves a remnant whose ultimate response is worship and joy, not despair. This serves as a beacon of assurance that God's redemptive purposes will prevail, culminating in a global chorus of praise for His ultimate triumph, as also seen in Isaiah 2:2-4.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root verb signifies to raise, bear, or carry. In the context of voice, it implies an audible, strong, and uninhibited expression, a deliberate act of raising one's voice in a loud and clear manner. It suggests a collective, unified sound, not a whisper, but a powerful declaration of praise, indicating a profound and uncontainable response.
Derived from a root meaning "to rise up," this noun denotes exaltation, dignity, splendor, and inherent glory. While it can sometimes refer to human pride or arrogance, when applied to the LORD (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), it describes His magnificent and overwhelming greatness, His intrinsic glory that demands reverence and awe. It speaks to the awe-inspiring, unapproachable splendor of God's being and character.
This term literally refers to a large body of water, often the Mediterranean Sea. However, in prophetic literature, "the sea" frequently functions metaphorically to represent distant lands, maritime regions, islands, or the Gentile nations beyond the immediate land of Israel. Its use here powerfully conveys the idea of universal, global praise emanating from regions traditionally considered outside the direct sphere of Israelite worship, underscoring the expansive reach of God's redemptive plan.
Verse Breakdown
"They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing"
This opening phrase describes a spontaneous, enthusiastic, and collective outburst of vocal expression. "Lifting up their voice" (H5375, nâsâʼ with H6963, qôwl) suggests a loud, unsuppressed sound, while "sing" (H7442, rânan, to shout for joy) specifies the nature of this vocalization as joyful, celebratory song. It indicates an uncontainable joy and recognition of God's profound worthiness.
"for the majesty of the LORD"
This clause provides the motivation and object of their praise. Their singing and shouting are not arbitrary but are a direct, fervent response to the overwhelming "majesty" (H1347, gâʼôwn) of Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. It is His inherent splendor, His sovereign power, and His glorious character that elicits this profound adoration and worship.
"they shall cry aloud from the sea"
This final phrase reinforces the widespread nature of this praise and specifies its surprising origin. "Cry aloud" (H6670, tsâhal, to gleam, be cheerful, or sound clear) emphasizes a clear, resonant shout of joy, a triumphant declaration. The crucial addition "from the sea" (H3220, yâm) signifies that this praise will not be confined to the land of Israel but will emanate from distant maritime regions, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentile nations or the most remote corners of the earth in this universal chorus of worship.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Antithesis is prominently featured, as the joyous praise described in this verse stands in stark contrast to the widespread lament, desolation, and judgment depicted in the preceding verses of chapter 24. This dramatic shift highlights God's ultimate triumph over chaos and sin, transforming despair into adoration. Imagery is vividly used, painting a picture of voices rising from the "sea," evoking a sense of vastness and universality, suggesting that no corner of the earth will be untouched by this future praise. The phrases "lift up their voice" and "cry aloud" are examples of Auditory Imagery, emphasizing the loud, clear, and uninhibited nature of the worship. Furthermore, the verse uses Symbolism, where "the sea" serves as a powerful symbol for distant lands and Gentile nations, expanding the scope of God's future kingdom and the universal recognition of His glory beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 24:14 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, even amidst judgment and desolation. It proclaims that His inherent majesty will not only endure but will ultimately be universally acknowledged and celebrated by a redeemed people drawn from every corner of the earth. This vision underscores the eschatological hope that God's kingdom will triumph, transforming lament into a global chorus of worship, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His desire for all peoples to know and praise Him. It speaks to the ultimate purpose of creation: to bring glory to its Creator, culminating in a worldwide symphony of adoration.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 24:14 offers a powerful message of enduring hope and profound purpose for believers today. In a world often characterized by turmoil, despair, and widespread spiritual darkness, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan is one of universal recognition and worship of His majesty. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and embrace the grand narrative of God's redemptive work, which culminates in a global chorus of praise. This future reality should profoundly shape our present lives, calling us to live as anticipatory worshipers, lifting our voices in praise even when the world around us groans. It also compels us to actively participate in God's mission, sharing the good news so that more voices might join the future song of adoration, knowing that every act of worship, every declaration of His majesty, contributes to the fulfillment of this glorious prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27)?
"Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" (chapters Isaiah 24 to Isaiah 27) is a distinct prophetic section within the book of Isaiah that shifts from specific judgments against nations to a more universal, eschatological vision. It describes a worldwide judgment upon the earth due to humanity's rebellion against God's laws, followed by a glorious future of salvation, the defeat of God's enemies, and the restoration of His people. It uses vivid apocalyptic imagery to portray God's ultimate sovereignty over history and His final triumph, offering both warning and profound hope.
Who are "they" who shall lift up their voice and sing in Isaiah 24:14?
"They" refers to the remnant of humanity who survive the devastating judgments described in the preceding verses of Isaiah 24. While the earth is laid waste and its inhabitants lament, a preserved group responds with praise. The phrase "from the sea" strongly suggests that this remnant includes not only Israelites but also people from distant Gentile nations, indicating a universal scope of those who will ultimately recognize and worship the Lord's majesty, demonstrating God's inclusive redemptive plan.
What does "from the sea" signify in this prophetic context?
In biblical prophecy, "the sea" (yâm) often symbolizes distant lands, maritime regions, islands, or the Gentile nations beyond the immediate land of Israel. Therefore, "from the sea" in Isaiah 24:14 signifies that the praise and worship of the Lord will not be confined to the traditional boundaries of Israel but will extend to the most remote corners of the earth, including those peoples previously considered outside the covenant. It powerfully underscores the universal and global nature of God's future kingdom and the worship it will inspire from all peoples.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The universal praise envisioned in Isaiah 24:14, where voices "from the sea" cry aloud for the majesty of the LORD, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "majesty of the LORD" that elicits such adoration is fully embodied in Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature. His first advent initiated the gathering of a people from every nation, as He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, extending salvation beyond Israel. The "cry aloud from the sea" foreshadows the New Testament reality that salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility through His cross (e.g., Ephesians 2:14). Ultimately, the universal chorus of praise anticipated in Isaiah will culminate in the eschatological worship of the Lamb, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language will stand before the throne and before the Lamb, crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" This future reality, centered on Christ, is the glorious culmination of Isaiah's prophetic vision.