Isaiah 26:10

KJV

Let favour be shewed to the wicked, [yet] will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let favour be shewed {H2603} to the wicked {H7563}, yet will he not {H1077} learn {H3925} righteousness {H6664}: in the land {H776} of uprightness {H5229} will he deal unjustly {H5765}, and will not {H1077} behold {H7200} the majesty {H1348} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even if pity is shown to the wicked, he still doesn't learn what righteousness is. In a land of uprightness he will still act wrongly and fail to see the majesty of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:10 presents a stark and profound theological observation on the persistent human resistance to divine influence and truth, even when God extends His common grace and places individuals within an environment conducive to righteousness. It underscores the unyielding obstinacy of the wicked heart, which, despite experiencing favor, refuses to embrace justice, chooses to act deceitfully even in a land where integrity should flourish, and remains spiritually blind to the glorious presence and sovereign authority of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the prophetic "Little Apocalypse" of Isaiah (chapters 24-27), a section characterized by grand declarations of God's universal judgment, the ultimate overthrow of evil, and the glorious establishment of His righteous kingdom on earth. Immediately preceding [Isaiah 26:10](/isaiah/26-10 "Isaiah 26:10 - The Stubborn Heart") is a song of praise (found in [Isaiah 26:1-9](/isaiah/26 "Isaiah 26 - A Song of Trust and Righteousness")) that celebrates God's faithfulness, the security of His city for the righteous, and the eager anticipation of His judgments by those who trust Him. Verse 10 serves as a crucial counterpoint to this hopeful vision, explaining *why* such severe judgment is necessary: because not all hearts will yield to God's goodness, even when it is abundantly displayed. It highlights the enduring problem of human rebellion that persists despite divine favor and the promise of a righteous reign, thus justifying the coming divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BCE, a period of immense political and spiritual turmoil for Judah, marked by the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire and internal moral decay. The "land of uprightness" (Hebrew: *ʼerets nᵉkôchâh*) could refer specifically to Judah itself, a nation uniquely privileged by God's covenant, law, and prophetic revelation, where righteousness was expected to be known and practiced. Culturally, the concept of "favor" (Hebrew: *chânan*) was deeply ingrained, signifying a gracious act or kindness bestowed by a superior upon an inferior, often unmerited. The verse critiques the human response to such favor, emphasizing that even within a society exposed to divine truth and moral standards, and despite God's common grace or leniency, the inherent depravity of the wicked heart remains unyielding. It refuses to learn from divine instruction or acknowledge the very source of all goodness, revealing a profound spiritual sickness.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 26:10](/isaiah/26-10 "Isaiah 26:10 - The Resistance of the Wicked") contributes significantly to several overarching themes prominent throughout the book of Isaiah. A primary theme is the **stubbornness and recalcitrance of the wicked heart**, emphasizing its inherent resistance to divine truth and moral transformation, even when confronted with God's goodness. This verse profoundly illustrates the **ineffectiveness of external favor** alone to change an unrepentant spirit; true spiritual change requires an internal willingness to submit to God, which is often lacking. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **spiritual blindness**, as the wicked "will not behold the majesty of the LORD," indicating a willful refusal to acknowledge God's supreme authority and glory. This echoes other prophetic laments about Israel's unresponsiveness, such as in [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Refusal to Learn from Correction"), where the people refuse correction. This persistent rebellion ultimately underscores and justifies God's righteous judgment, a central and recurring theme throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Vision of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **favour (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow." This term signifies an act of grace, kindness, or leniency shown to someone. In this context, it suggests that even if God (or His people, acting on His principles) extends grace or favorable circumstances to the wicked, it does not inherently lead to their moral transformation. It speaks to God's common grace, which is given freely but not always received with a repentant heart.
* **learn (Hebrew, _lâmad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to goad, i.e. (by implication) to teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive)." It refers to the process of being taught, disciplined, or acquiring knowledge, often through instruction or experience. The verse states the wicked "will not learn righteousness," indicating a deliberate and active refusal to be instructed in or disciplined by the principles of justice and right living, despite opportunities and even the "goading" of divine favor.
* **majesty (Hebrew, _gêʼûwth'_):** From a root meaning "to be high." It refers to arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament, excellence, or pride. Here, it refers to the glorious, awe-inspiring, and sovereign greatness of the LORD. The wicked's refusal to "behold" this majesty signifies a profound spiritual blindness and a willful rejection of God's supreme authority, splendor, and inherent goodness. They choose not to perceive or acknowledge His rightful place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let favour be shewed to the wicked":** This clause introduces a hypothetical condition where the unrighteous are treated with kindness, leniency, or given advantages, perhaps experiencing God's common grace in their lives. It posits that even under such beneficial external circumstances, their inherent nature remains unchanged.
* **"yet will he not learn righteousness":** This is the immediate and sobering consequence. Despite receiving favor, the wicked person demonstrates an unwillingness to be taught, to internalize, or to practice what is just and right. Their heart remains closed to moral instruction and divine principles, actively resisting transformation.
* **"in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly":** This intensifies the indictment, highlighting the perversity of their actions. Even when situated in an environment where truth, integrity, and God's standards are known and expected (such as Judah, or any place where God's presence is acknowledged), the wicked individual persists in their unrighteous ways. Their actions are characterized by moral distortion and injustice, directly contradicting the very nature of their surroundings.
* **"and will not behold the majesty of the LORD":** This final clause reveals the profound spiritual root of their persistent wickedness: a deep-seated spiritual blindness and a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or be awestruck by God's supreme glory, authority, and inherent goodness. Their inability to "see" God's majesty is not a physical limitation but a willful rejection of His rightful claim on their lives and the beauty of His righteous ways.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. **Contrast** is central to the verse, juxtaposing the "favour" shown to the wicked with their unyielding refusal to "learn righteousness" and their continued "deal[ing] unjustly." This highlights the deep-seated nature of their rebellion, which external circumstances cannot easily sway. **Irony** is also powerfully present; one would naturally expect favor and a righteous environment to soften a heart and lead to positive change, but here it has no such effect, emphasizing the profound perversity of the wicked's disposition. The phrase "land of uprightness" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the land, representing the physical and social environment) stands for the whole (the moral and spiritual atmosphere God intends for His people). This setting further underscores the **Paradox** of the wicked's actions: they commit injustice precisely in a place designated for justice and truth. Finally, the inability to "behold the majesty of the LORD" is a powerful use of **Metaphor** for spiritual blindness, signifying not a physical inability to see, but a willful, internal rejection of divine truth, glory, and the ultimate source of all righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:10 articulates a foundational theological truth: the inherent resistance of the unregenerate human heart to God's grace and truth, even when exposed to it. It underscores that while God's common grace extends to all, true spiritual transformation requires an internal willingness to respond to His call and a divine work of illumination. The verse highlights the justice of God's ultimate judgment, as it is not arbitrary but a consequence of persistent, willful rebellion and spiritual blindness that refuses to acknowledge His glory and embrace His righteousness. This stubbornness demonstrates the necessity of divine intervention for genuine change, as mere external favor proves insufficient to alter a heart set against God.

* [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Judah's Refusal to Learn from Correction")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leading to Repentance")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Preference for Darkness Over Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:10 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting both the persistent human capacity for rebellion and the unwavering character of God. For believers, it's a sobering reminder that our salvation is not merely a result of favorable circumstances or external blessings, but a miraculous work of God's grace that opens our eyes and softens our hearts to "learn righteousness" and "behold the majesty of the LORD." This verse should cultivate deep gratitude for the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, recognizing that our ability to respond to God's favor is itself a gift. It also calls us to a greater understanding and compassion for those who remain spiritually hardened, prompting us to pray earnestly for their eyes to be opened and for the Spirit to break through their resistance. Furthermore, it reinforces the justice of God's final judgment, assuring us that His righteous decrees are not arbitrary but are a just response to persistent, willful rejection of His truth and glory. We are called to live out the righteousness we have learned, demonstrating the transformative power of beholding His majesty in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly resisting God's instruction or failing to "learn righteousness" even when His favor is evident in my life?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of the necessity of God's sovereign grace for true spiritual transformation, rather than relying on external circumstances alone?**
* **What does it mean for me to "behold the majesty of the LORD" in my daily life, and how might a deeper appreciation of His glory impact my actions, attitudes, and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Does "favour" in this verse refer to God's common grace or something else?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word *chânan* (H2603) broadly means "to favor" or "bestow kindness," in this context, it most likely refers to God's common grace—the general goodness, blessings, and opportunities for well-being that He extends to all humanity, regardless of their spiritual state. It implies that even when the wicked experience prosperity, peace, or leniency (which are expressions of God's general benevolence), this external favor does not inherently lead them to repentance or a change of heart. It highlights that the problem is not a lack of divine goodness, but a willful resistance within the human heart itself. This aligns with the New Testament concept that God "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good" ([Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Grace for All")).

**What does it mean that the wicked "will not behold the majesty of the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound spiritual blindness and a deliberate, willful refusal to acknowledge, appreciate, or be awestruck by God's glorious power, supreme authority, and inherent holiness. It's not a physical inability to see, but a spiritual one—a heart that is so hardened by sin and self-will that it refuses to recognize the Creator's rightful place and the splendor of His character. This spiritual blindness prevents them from responding to God in worship, obedience, or repentance, even when His presence or works are evident. It is a rejection of the very essence of who God is, leading to continued unrighteousness, as seen in [Romans 1:20-21](/romans/1-20-21 "Romans 1:20-21 - Suppression of Truth"). The wicked actively suppress the truth about God, choosing darkness over light.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most poignant illustration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse describes the wicked's unyielding resistance to grace and their refusal to "behold the majesty of the LORD" even in a "land of uprightness." This powerfully foreshadows the rejection of Jesus by many in His own time, particularly those who, despite being in the "land of uprightness" (Israel, where God's law and prophets were known), refused to recognize God's favor extended through Him. Jesus, the very embodiment of God's favor and grace, came "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of Grace and Truth")), yet He was rejected by many who "loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Preference for Darkness Over Light")). He revealed the "majesty of the LORD" in His miracles, teachings, and sinless life, yet many "did not behold" it, choosing instead to "deal unjustly" by condemning Him ([Acts 3:14-15](/acts/3-14-15 "Acts 3:14-15 - The Rejection of the Holy and Righteous One")). However, for those who do "behold" His majesty—those whose eyes are opened by the Spirit to see Him as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"))—they are given the power to "become children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God")), truly learning righteousness and experiencing the transformative favor of God through Him. Christ's death and resurrection decisively address the very problem highlighted in Isaiah 26:10, offering a new heart that can indeed "learn righteousness" and truly "behold the majesty of the LORD" in His glorious face ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")).

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

John 5:37

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

John 5:38

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Hosea 11:7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Revelation 2:21

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.