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
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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“Therefore, the glory of the Lord is in the islands of the sea.” That pertains obviously to the church, which is located in the midst of the godless nations as if an island in the sea. It is in that island that the glory of the Lord shines.
(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.
By “sea” he means the multitude of nations, and by “coastlands,” perhaps, he means cities. All their inhabitants will “raise their voices” when the divine wrath comes upon them. But the majesty of Christ will somehow be in the sea, that is, in all those nations, and they will realize that it is through divine Providence that they are destroyed and annihilated. They are destroyed because their impiety provoked the Almighty God; hence they will reject their gods who are unable to help them. That is how the majesty of the Lord is celebrated. It is clear that the purpose of the prophecy is to point to the mystery of Christ and to remind about the coming salvation in him.… Now, when the preaching of the holy apostles, which leads the nations from the idolatry to the grace of Christ, is spread to the ends of the earth, then, he says, “they shall cry aloud from the sea,” that is, all the nations of the world.
“And God remembered Babylon the great, who came into his sight.” This designates the confused multitude of all the lost. “That he might give it to drink from the wine of his wrath.” The retribution of due punishment to be returned to the wicked is here recorded. “And all the islands fled, and no mountains could be found.” I believe that these islands and mountains are literary figures for the church on account of the prominence of its stability, concerning which it is also said through Isaiah: “Glorify the Lord in doctrine, the name of the Lord God of Israel in the islands of the sea.”
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Summary
Isaiah 24:15 delivers a striking and counter-intuitive divine imperative, calling for the glorification of the LORD amidst the global desolation and severe judgments described throughout the chapter. Despite the widespread devastation and cosmic upheaval, the prophet commands that the name of the LORD God of Israel be honored and praised, not only within the land of Israel but also extending to the distant "isles of the sea," signifying a universal acknowledgment of His sovereign power, righteous character, and ultimate triumph even in the midst of the "fires" of divine wrath.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah chapter 24, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse," marks a significant shift in the book of Isaiah, moving from specific prophecies against nations (chapters 13-23) to a grand, eschatological vision of universal judgment and subsequent restoration. The chapter opens with a vivid portrayal of the earth's desolation, its inhabitants' terror, and the overturning of natural order due to human sin and the breaking of God's covenant, as detailed in Isaiah 24:1-6. This scene of widespread lament and cosmic distress, which continues through Isaiah 24:7-12, sets a grim backdrop. Within this context of divine wrath, verse 15 emerges as a profound contrast, offering a surprising call to worship. It suggests that even amidst God's judgments, a faithful remnant will acknowledge His sovereignty, or perhaps that the very acts of judgment will provoke a recognition of His glory, leading to praise from unexpected corners of the earth, as hinted in Isaiah 24:13-16.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophetic ministry of Isaiah occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, characterized by the rising power of Assyria and Babylon, and the looming threat of exile. While Isaiah's prophecies frequently contained messages of impending judgment for both Israel and surrounding nations, they were consistently interwoven with themes of hope, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Culturally, "glorifying" God involved a holistic response: acknowledging His divine attributes, praising His mighty deeds, declaring His inherent worth, and living in obedient reverence to His commands. The phrase "isles of the sea" (or "coastlands") was a common biblical idiom referring to distant Gentile nations, particularly those accessible by sea, symbolizing the farthest reaches of the known world. This phrase underscores the universal scope of God's dominion and the eventual recognition of His power by all peoples, transcending the geographical and covenantal boundaries of Israel.
Key Themes
Isaiah 24:15 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Worship Amidst Adversity, challenging the conventional notion that praise is reserved solely for times of prosperity. Instead, it posits that authentic worship is a steadfast response to God's unchanging character and sovereignty, even when circumstances are dire or when experiencing divine judgment. This resonates with the resilient faith exemplified by Job, who declared, "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the Universal Recognition of God, extending the command to glorify the God of Israel beyond His covenant people to the "isles of the sea." This serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the New Testament's emphasis on the global spread of the Gospel, where the message of Christ is destined to reach "the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Finally, it implicitly affirms God's Sovereignty in Judgment, suggesting that even the "fires" of divine wrath are under His control and serve His ultimate purposes, prompting a response of awe, reverence, and ultimately, glorification, rather than despair.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root primarily means "to be heavy." In a positive sense, it conveys being "numerous, rich, honorable," or possessing weight, dignity, and splendor. When used causatively, as it is here, it means "to make weighty," "to honor," or "to make glorious." The imperative "glorify ye" is a command to acknowledge, declare, and attribute inherent weight, dignity, and splendor to God. It is not about adding glory to God, as He is already inherently glorious, but rather recognizing and proclaiming the glory He already possesses, especially in the face of His awesome power and righteous judgments.
Derived from a root meaning "light," this word refers to flame or fire. While it can denote illumination, in contexts of judgment, trial, or affliction, it powerfully signifies intense heat, purification, or destruction. In Isaiah 24, given the surrounding descriptions of global desolation and divine wrath, "fires" clearly represents the severe judgments, tribulations, and overwhelming distress unleashed upon the earth as a consequence of human sin and the breaking of God's covenant.
Properly, a "habitable spot" (as desirable), this term refers to dry land, a coast, or an island. In biblical usage, particularly when paired with "of the sea" (as in "isles of the sea" or "coastlands"), it typically symbolizes distant Gentile nations or lands far removed from Israel, especially those reached by sea. Its inclusion here highlights the expansive, worldwide scope of both the judgment described in Isaiah 24 and the surprising, universal call to worship that arises from it, indicating that God's glory will be recognized even in the most remote regions.
Verse Breakdown
"Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires"
This opening clause issues a direct, emphatic command to praise, honor, and acknowledge the inherent glory of Yahweh, the covenant God. The striking and counter-intuitive element is the context: "in the fires." This phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for intense suffering, severe trials, or the very judgments of God described throughout Isaiah 24. It is a profound call to worship not after the storm has passed or despite the tribulation, but actively within it, demonstrating a deep-seated faith and an unwavering acknowledgment of God's sovereignty even in the midst of His righteous wrath.
"even the name of the LORD God of Israel"
This phrase clarifies and intensifies the object of glorification. "The name of the LORD" is a foundational biblical idiom, representing not merely a label but the full revelation of God's character, His attributes, His authority, His power, and His very being. To glorify His name is to honor and proclaim all that He is. The specification "the LORD God of Israel" grounds this universal call to worship in the particular covenant relationship God established with Israel, emphasizing His unique identity as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who acts decisively in history.
"in the isles of the sea"
This final phrase dramatically expands the geographical and demographic scope of the command, moving beyond a potentially localized remnant in Israel to a global audience. "The isles of the sea" refers to distant coastlands and Gentile nations, symbolizing the farthest reaches of the earth. This indicates that the call to glorify God, or the recognition of His glory, will extend universally, even to those far removed from the direct covenant relationship with Israel. It points to a worldwide acknowledgment of God's dominion, majesty, and justice, even as His judgments unfold.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Metaphor, particularly in the phrase "in the fires." This is not a literal fire but a vivid symbolic representation of severe tribulation, divine judgment, or intense suffering that engulfs the earth. It powerfully communicates the dire circumstances under which this worship is commanded. Synecdoche is evident in "the name of the LORD," where "name" functions as a part representing the whole, standing for the entire character, reputation, authority, and very being of God. To glorify His name is to glorify His complete essence. The phrase "isles of the sea" functions as a Merism, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole. Here, "isles of the sea" (distant lands) implicitly combined with the land of Israel represents the entire world, emphasizing the universal scope of God's glory and the call to worship. Finally, the verse presents a stark Contrast between the pervasive global desolation and judgment described in the surrounding verses and the surprising, unwavering command to glorify God within that very chaos, highlighting the enduring nature of God's worthiness and the resilient, counter-intuitive faith demanded of His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 24:15 offers a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and the true nature of worship. It asserts that God's glory is not diminished by human sin or global catastrophe; rather, His righteous judgments serve to reveal His power, justice, and holiness, prompting a response of awe and praise even from those experiencing His wrath. This verse anticipates a future where God's ultimate triumph and universal dominion will be acknowledged by all peoples, and His name will be glorified across the entire earth, regardless of their circumstances or previous relationship with Him. It underscores the truth that authentic worship is not contingent upon comfort or prosperity but is a steadfast recognition of God's inherent worth and unchanging character, even when His ways are mysterious, severe, or difficult to comprehend. This divine call to worship in the midst of suffering serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of faith and the ultimate purpose of all creation to bring glory to its Maker.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 24:15 presents a radical challenge and a deep source of comfort for believers across all generations. In a world frequently marked by suffering, injustice, and global crises, the powerful command to "glorify ye the LORD in the fires" calls us to adopt a counter-cultural posture of worship. It serves as a vital reminder that our praise is not merely a conditional response to pleasant circumstances but an unwavering act of steadfast faith in the unchanging character of God, who remains perfectly sovereign even amidst chaos, pain, and judgment. This verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate trials, whether personal afflictions or widespread global disasters, and to fix our gaze on the God who is eternally worthy of all honor and praise, whose judgments are always just, and whose ultimate purposes are always redemptive. Furthermore, it broadens our perspective, reminding us of the universal scope of God's kingdom and the ultimate destiny of all nations to acknowledge His glory, thereby impelling us to participate actively in His global mission to make His name known to the ends of the earth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "in the fires" specifically refer to in this verse?
"In the fires" (Hebrew: ba'ur) is a powerful and evocative metaphor for severe tribulation, intense suffering, or the very judgments of God. In the broader context of Isaiah 24, which describes a global desolation, cosmic upheaval, and widespread distress due to humanity's sin and the breaking of God's covenant, "the fires" represent the devastating effects of divine wrath and the profound distress experienced by the earth's inhabitants. It signifies a period of intense trial, purification, and judgment, where the call to glorify God is made not after the suffering has ceased, but within it, highlighting the steadfastness of true worship and God's unwavering worthiness even amidst His righteous indignation.
Who is called to glorify the LORD in this context?
The command "glorify ye the LORD" is directed broadly and inclusively. While it certainly encompasses a faithful remnant within Israel who endure the judgments, the subsequent phrase "in the isles of the sea" significantly expands the scope to include distant Gentile nations. This suggests a universal call to worship or a universal recognition of God's glory, even by those who are not part of the direct covenant people of Israel. It implies that the very judgments of God will serve to reveal His power, justice, and majesty to all the earth, prompting a response of awe and praise from unexpected corners of the world, thereby fulfilling prophecies about the nations coming to know the God of Israel, as seen in Isaiah 49:6.
How can one glorify God during times of intense judgment or suffering?
Glorifying God during judgment or suffering involves several crucial aspects that transcend mere emotional responses. It means acknowledging His absolute sovereignty, perfect justice, and unwavering goodness, even when His actions are difficult to comprehend or painful to experience. It entails trusting in His character and His ultimate redemptive purposes, believing that He remains good and righteous despite the circumstances. Practically, this might look like maintaining a posture of praise and thanksgiving, recognizing His enduring presence and faithfulness; continuing in prayer and acts of obedience; sharing the hope found in God with others who are suffering; and patiently enduring trials with a faith that looks beyond the present pain to God's ultimate triumph and restoration, as encouraged in Romans 5:3-5.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 24:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The call to "glorify the LORD in the fires" points forward to the ultimate "fire" of divine judgment that Christ Himself endured on the cross, taking upon Himself the full wrath due to humanity's sin. In His suffering and death, Jesus perfectly glorified the Father, demonstrating unparalleled obedience, sacrificial love, and unwavering faithfulness, even unto the most ignominious death (Philippians 2:8). His subsequent resurrection and ascension then established Him as the Lord to whom all glory is due, a truth that will be universally acknowledged. The concept of the "isles of the sea," representing distant nations, finds its glorious fulfillment in the global spread of the Gospel through Christ's redemptive work. He commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), ensuring that His "name" – His revealed character, divine authority, and saving power – would be proclaimed to the very ends of the earth. Thus, the universal worship envisioned by Isaiah is realized in the New Covenant, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are redeemed by the Lamb and join in glorifying God (Revelation 5:9-10). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to glorify God in all circumstances, knowing that He has overcome the world and secured ultimate victory over sin, death, and all the world's "fires," making true, steadfast worship possible for all who believe (John 16:33).