Isaiah 26:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 26:10 offers a profound insight into the human heart's resistance to divine influence, even when shown kindness. It contrasts the steadfastness of God's people, who trust in Him, with the hardened nature of the wicked.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic song of praise and lament in Isaiah chapters 24-27, often called "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse," which describes God's ultimate judgment on the earth and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. Following a declaration of trust in God's mighty acts and His protective presence for the righteous (Isaiah 26:1-9), verse 10 serves as a stark observation about those who remain unrepentant. It highlights the futility of extending grace to those whose hearts are firmly set against God, even in an environment where righteousness is expected.

Key Themes

  • Stubbornness of the Wicked Heart: The verse underscores the inherent resistance of the unrighteous to change, even when presented with opportunities for goodness.
  • Ineffectiveness of External Favor: It reveals that mere favorable circumstances or kindness (favour) cannot compel a rebellious heart to embrace righteousness without a willingness to learn or repent.
  • Spiritual Blindness: The wicked refuse to "behold the majesty of the LORD," indicating a deep spiritual blindness and unwillingness to acknowledge God's supreme authority and glory.
  • Contrast with Righteousness: It implicitly contrasts with the righteous, who eagerly await and seek God's judgments and learn His ways, as noted in previous verses of the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "favour" is chen (חֵן), which implies grace, kindness, or charm. Here, it suggests that even if the wicked are treated with leniency or given advantages, it won't change their core disposition.

"Learn righteousness" translates from lamad tzedeq (לָמַד צֶדֶק), indicating an active refusal to be taught or disciplined by the principles of justice and right living.

"Land of uprightness" (eretz nekhohot - אֶרֶץ נְכֹחוֹת) refers to a place where truth and integrity should prevail, perhaps Judah or any place where God's standards are known. Yet, even there, the wicked act unjustly.

"Not behold the majesty of the LORD" (velo yir'eh ge'ut Yahweh) speaks of a deliberate spiritual refusal to acknowledge God's greatness, splendor, or sovereignty.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates with other biblical passages that speak to the hardened heart and spiritual inability to respond to God's grace. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah laments similar stubbornness in his people, noting that even correction doesn't lead to repentance (Jeremiah 5:3). The New Testament similarly describes those who, despite exposure to light, prefer darkness because their deeds are evil, failing to grasp the truth of God's love and judgment (John 3:19). This highlights a consistent biblical principle that while God's goodness is meant to lead to repentance, a hardened heart can resist even profound grace (Romans 2:4).

Practical Application

Isaiah 26:10 serves as a sobering reminder that external blessings or favorable circumstances alone do not guarantee a change of heart. True transformation comes from an internal willingness to acknowledge God's truth and submit to His ways. For believers, it's a call to humility and gratitude for God's grace that opens our eyes, and a reminder to pray for those whose hearts are still hardened. It also reinforces the biblical truth that God's ultimate judgment is just, as those who consistently refuse to learn righteousness and behold His majesty will face the consequences of their choices.

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.

  • 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.

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