Isaiah 26:12

KJV

¶ LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

KJV (with Strong's)

LORD {H3068}, thou wilt ordain {H8239} peace {H7965} for us: for thou also hast wrought {H6466} all our works {H4639} in us.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, you will grant us peace; because all we have done, you have done for us.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, You will establish peace for us. For all that we have accomplished, You have done for us.

American Standard Version

Jehovah, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou hast also wrought all our works for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:12 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over the peace and purpose of His people. It affirms that the Lord alone is the source and establisher of true, holistic peace (shalom) for believers, and moreover, He is the divine agent who actively initiates, enables, and brings to fruition all the righteous works performed by His faithful ones, ensuring that every good deed is ultimately a testament to His indwelling power and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central declaration within a "song of praise" (Isaiah 26:1-19) sung by the righteous remnant in the aftermath of divine judgment and the anticipation of God's final triumph. It follows a section (Isaiah 24-27), often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse," that describes universal judgment on the earth and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Chapter 26 specifically celebrates the security of God's people in the "strong city" (Isaiah 26:1) and their unwavering trust in Him, even as the wicked are overthrown. The preceding verses (Isaiah 26:7-11) highlight God's righteous judgments and the people's longing for His name, setting the stage for this confident assertion of divine provision and enablement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by the rise of Assyria and Babylon, and the looming threat of exile. In such an environment, the concept of "peace" (shalom) was not merely the absence of war, but a comprehensive state of well-being, prosperity, security, and wholeness—a covenant blessing from God. The idea that God "ordains" or "establishes" peace speaks to His ultimate control over historical events and the destiny of His people, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and often violent peace achieved through human alliances or military might. The emphasis on God "wrought all our works in us" also reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of divine initiative in all aspects of life, where human actions, particularly righteous ones, were seen as responses to or empowerments by God's prior work.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 26:12 powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty** of God, particularly in His ability to establish and maintain peace, a concept echoed in prophecies of the coming Messiah as the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Active Indwelling and Empowerment**, asserting that even the good deeds of His people are not solely their own achievement but are "wrought" or accomplished by God within them. This theme of divine enablement for righteous living is foundational, demonstrating a profound dependence on God's grace rather than human self-sufficiency, a truth later expounded in the New Testament, as seen in [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in Believers to Will and to Act"). Finally, the verse conveys a deep sense of **Trust and Assurance** in God's faithfulness, providing comfort and stability amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenant name of God, often translated "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging nature, His absolute being, and His covenant faithfulness. The use of this name here underscores that the peace being ordained and the works being wrought are from the ultimate, sovereign, and faithful God of Israel.
* **ordain (Hebrew, _shâphath'_):** From H8239, meaning "to locate," "to hang on," or "to establish," "to set on." This verb implies a deliberate, decisive act of God to set something firmly in place. It's not a passive hope for peace, but an active, authoritative declaration and establishment of peace by the Lord, ensuring its reality and permanence for His people.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this word is far richer than the English "peace," encompassing safety, welfare, health, prosperity, completeness, soundness, and harmony in all aspects of life. It signifies a holistic well-being that is a gift from God, extending beyond the absence of conflict to encompass flourishing and restoration.
* **wrought (Hebrew, _pâʻal'_):** From H6466, a primitive root meaning "to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise." This verb denotes active, purposeful, and effective work. When applied to God, it emphasizes His dynamic and internal operation within believers, not merely observing their actions but actively producing and enabling them.
* **works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** From H4639, meaning "an action (good or bad)," "a transaction," "activity," or "a product." In this context, it refers to the righteous deeds, spiritual fruit, and acts of obedience performed by God's people. The verse asserts that even these "works" are ultimately the result of God's internal, enabling activity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of peace. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and sovereign power. The verb "ordain" (shâphath) indicates a deliberate, authoritative act of establishing or setting in place. This peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, security, and completeness, promised and provided by God for His people. It is a divine gift, not a human achievement.
* **"for thou also hast wrought all our works in us."** This second clause provides the reason and foundation for the first. The connective "for" (ki) links God's establishment of peace to His active, internal work within His people. The verb "wrought" (pâʻal) signifies that God has actively and effectively produced or accomplished "all our works" (maʻăseh), referring to righteous deeds and spiritual fruit. The crucial phrase "in us" highlights that this divine operation is internal and empowering, meaning that any good performed by believers is ultimately initiated, enabled, and brought to fruition by God's grace working within them. It underscores human dependence on divine power for all true righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:12 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Agency**, where God is presented as the singular, active subject of both ordaining peace and performing works within His people, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and initiative. There is also a strong sense of **Declaration** and **Affirmation**, as the verse is stated with unwavering confidence, reflecting the prophetic certainty of God's character and actions. The structure of the verse itself exhibits a form of **Causal Relationship** or **Reasoning**, where the second clause ("for thou also hast wrought all our works in us") provides the underlying justification and explanation for the first ("LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us"). This implies that God's internal work in His people is intrinsically linked to the peace He establishes for them. Finally, the use of "all our works" can be seen as an **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's involvement in every aspect of the believer's life and actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:12 is a powerful testament to God's all-encompassing grace and sovereign control over the lives of His people. It teaches us that true peace, in its fullest sense of shalom, is not something we can manufacture or secure through human effort, but is a divine gift, graciously established by the Lord Himself. Furthermore, the verse profoundly asserts that even our capacity for righteousness and the performance of good works are not products of our own strength or merit, but are divinely initiated and empowered by God working within us. This truth fosters humility, gratitude, and a deep reliance on God for both our spiritual well-being and our ethical conduct, reminding us that every good thing ultimately flows from His hand.

* [Psalm 29:11](/psalms/29-11 "Psalm 29:11 - The Lord Blesses His People with Peace")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often defined by anxiety, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency, Isaiah 26:12 offers a profound counter-narrative of divine peace and enablement. It calls us to relinquish our anxieties and trust in the Lord as the sole ordainer of our peace, a peace that transcends circumstances and permeates every aspect of our lives. This verse encourages us to recognize that our efforts, even our good deeds, are not born of our own strength but are gracious expressions of God's Spirit working within us. This understanding cultivates humility, eradicates self-righteousness, and fosters a deep sense of gratitude and dependence on God. When we acknowledge that God "wrought all our works in us," it frees us from the burden of striving in our own power and allows us to rest in His perfect provision and empowering grace, transforming our striving into joyful participation in His ongoing work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to find peace, and how might trusting God as the "ordainer of peace" change your perspective?**
* **How does the truth that God "wrought all our works in us" impact your understanding of personal responsibility versus divine grace in your spiritual life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully lean into God's enabling power rather than relying on your own strength for good deeds or spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**What does "ordain peace" truly mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 26:12, "ordain peace" (Hebrew: _shâphath shâlôwm_) signifies that God is the authoritative and active establisher of peace. It's not merely a wish or a passive hope, but a divine decree and a deliberate act by the Lord to set in place a comprehensive state of well-being, security, and wholeness (_shalom_) for His people. This peace is not dependent on human circumstances or efforts, but is a sovereign gift from God, ensuring the ultimate flourishing and safety of those who trust in Him, as seen throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of the Messiah").

**How does God "wrought all our works in us"? Does this negate human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: The phrase "wrought all our works in us" (Hebrew: _pâʻal maʻăseh_) emphasizes God's active and internal enablement. It means that any righteous deeds, spiritual fruit, or acts of obedience performed by believers are ultimately initiated, empowered, and brought to fruition by God's grace working within them. This does not negate human responsibility or free will but rather highlights that true righteousness is a partnership where God provides the desire and the ability, and humans respond in faith and obedience. It aligns with the New Testament teaching that God works in us "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in Believers")). Our good works are not solely our own merit but are a testament to God's transforming power.

**Is the peace mentioned in this verse only for the future, or can believers experience it now?**

Answer: The peace mentioned in Isaiah 26:12 has both present and future dimensions. While the broader context of Isaiah 24-27 points to an ultimate, eschatological peace in God's fully established kingdom, the declaration "thou wilt ordain peace for us" also speaks to a present reality. Believers can experience the _shalom_ of God even amidst tribulation, as it is a spiritual condition of wholeness and security that is a gift from God, regardless of external circumstances. This divine peace is a foretaste of the perfect peace to come, and it is a present reality for those whose minds are "stayed on thee" ([Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment and source of the peace that the Father ordains. As the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace") prophesied by Isaiah, Christ not only brings an end to hostility between God and humanity but also establishes a holistic, spiritual _shalom_ in the hearts of believers. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made [peace with God](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Jesus Christ") possible for all who believe, reconciling us to the Father. Furthermore, the second part of the verse—"for thou also hast wrought all our works in us"—is perfectly realized in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is through our union with Christ that we are made new creations, "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, indwells believers, empowering them to live righteously and bear spiritual fruit that glorifies God, thereby "wrought[ing] all our works in us." Thus, both the peace and the enablement for righteous living, declared by Isaiah, flow directly from the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate expression of God's sovereign grace.

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

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Psalms 57:2

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.

Psalms 29:11

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Ezekiel 20:14

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,