Isaiah 24:15

KJV

Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, [even] the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore glorify {H3513} ye the LORD {H3068} in the fires {H217}, even the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} in the isles {H339} of the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So in the east, honor ADONAI ; in the coastlands, honor the name of ADONAI, the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore glorify the LORD in the east. Extol the name of the LORD, the God of Israel in the islands of the sea.

American Standard Version

Wherefore glorify ye Jehovah in the east, even the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel, in the isles of the sea.

Commentary

### 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](/isaiah/24-1-6 "Isaiah 24:1-6 - The Earth Laid Waste"). This scene of widespread lament and cosmic distress, which continues through [Isaiah 24:7-12](/isaiah/24-7-12 "Isaiah 24:7-12 - Desolation and Mourning"), 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](/isaiah/24-13-16 "Isaiah 24:13-16 - A Remnant Sings Praise").
* **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](/job/1-21 "Job's Response to Suffering")). 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](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). 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
* **Glorify (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** 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.
* **Fires (Hebrew, _ʼûwr'_):** 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.
* **Isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** 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.

* [Daniel 3:27](/daniel/3-27 "Daniel 3:27 - Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace")
* [1 Peter 1:7](/1_peter/1-7 "1 Peter 1:7 - The Testing of Faith")
* [Isaiah 42:12](/isaiah/42-12 "Isaiah 42:12 - Glory in the Coastlands")

### 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
* **How does the command to "glorify the LORD in the fires" challenge my typical understanding of when and why I should worship God?**
* **What "fires" (e.g., personal trials, societal injustices, global crises) am I currently experiencing or witnessing, and how can I intentionally choose to glorify God in the midst of them?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to the "name of the LORD God of Israel" being glorified "in the isles of the sea" today, both within my local community and through broader global efforts?**

### FAQ
**What does "in the fires" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "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?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles").

**How can one glorify God during times of intense judgment or suffering?**

Answer: 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](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering").

### 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](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). 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](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), 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](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Song of the Redeemed")). 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](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")).

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

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 51:5

My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Revelation 15:2

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.