Isaiah 26:13

KJV

O LORD our God, [other] lords beside thee have had dominion over us: [but] by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, other lords {H113} beside {H2108} thee have had dominion {H1166} over us: but by thee only will we make mention {H2142} of thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI our God, other lords besides you have ruled us, but only you do we invoke by name.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD our God, other lords besides You have had dominion, but Your name alone do we confess.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:13 is a profound confession and declaration of renewed allegiance from God's people, embedded within a prophetic song of trust and future hope. It acknowledges a past period of spiritual infidelity where "other lords"—whether foreign oppressors, false deities, or human systems—had exerted control and diverted their devotion. This confession is immediately followed by a resolute vow to exclusively honor and proclaim the name of Yahweh, signifying a repentant return to singular worship and covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 26:13 is situated within the "Song of Trust" (Isaiah 26), a hymn of praise and anticipation for God's righteous rule. This chapter is part of a larger prophetic section often termed Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - Judgment and Restoration")-[Isaiah 27](/isaiah/27 "Isaiah 27 - The Restoration of Israel")), which describes a period of divine judgment on the earth, followed by the ultimate restoration and blessing of God's faithful remnant. The song reflects on past oppression and present hope, culminating in a fervent pledge of exclusive loyalty to Yahweh, anticipating the secure and peaceful reign of God's kingdom. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 26:1-6](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1-6 - Song of Trust and Salvation")) celebrate God's steadfastness and the security of those who trust in Him, setting the stage for the confession of past failures and the renewed commitment found in verse 13.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies is a period of intense geopolitical turmoil for Judah, marked by the rising power of Assyria and later Babylon. Israel and Judah frequently faced the temptation to form alliances with powerful nations (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Alliance with Egypt Condemned")) or to adopt the religious practices of their neighbors, effectively placing "other lords" above Yahweh. These "other lords" could represent literal foreign rulers who had dominion over them (e.g., during periods of tribute or exile), but also the spiritual dominion of pagan gods (e.g., Baal, Asherah) or the allure of human wisdom and strength. The cultural landscape was one where polytheism was common, making the call to exclusive monotheism radical and counter-cultural. The covenant relationship between God and Israel, established at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 20:2-3](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2-3 - The First Commandment")), demanded singular devotion, a command often violated throughout Israel's history.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereignty of Yahweh** as the one true God, contrasting His rightful dominion with the illegitimate rule of "other lords." Secondly, it underscores the pervasive biblical theme of **idolatry and unfaithfulness**, acknowledging Israel's historical tendency to stray from exclusive devotion to God (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Broken Cisterns")). Thirdly, it presents a profound example of **repentance and renewed covenant loyalty**, where the people, having experienced the consequences of their straying, turn back to God with a sincere pledge of exclusive worship. This act of "making mention of thy name" signifies not just verbal acknowledgement but a holistic commitment to live in accordance with God's character and commands, echoing the call for singular devotion found in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lords (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This word, H113, derives from an unused root meaning "to rule." It signifies a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, applicable to both human and divine figures. In this context, "other lords" refers to any entity—whether foreign rulers, false gods, or even self-reliance—that usurped God's rightful place of authority and allegiance in the lives of His people. The use of this term emphasizes the illegitimate claim these entities had over Israel, contrasting sharply with the true and rightful Lord, Yahweh.
* **dominion (Hebrew, _bâʻal'_):** H1166 is a primitive root meaning "to be master" or "to have dominion over." It is also the root for "Baal," a prominent Canaanite deity, underscoring the deep theological implications of this term. When "other lords" had "dominion" over Israel, it implied a master-slave relationship or a form of spiritual marriage to false gods, directly violating the covenant with Yahweh, who alone is the true "husband" of Israel. This word powerfully conveys the extent of Israel's spiritual straying and the control exerted by these rival powers.
* **make mention (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** H2142 is a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)," "to remember," and by implication, "to mention." It encompasses a broad range of actions: remembering, proclaiming, celebrating, and living out the implications of God's name. It's not merely a verbal utterance but an active, conscious engagement with divine truth, a public declaration of allegiance, and a commitment to live in a way that honors and reflects God's character. To "make mention of thy name" is an act of worship, testimony, and covenant fidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD our God,"**: This opening address immediately establishes the covenant relationship between the speaker (representing the faithful remnant of Israel) and Yahweh (H3068, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God) as their Elohim (H430, the supreme God). It is a direct, personal appeal, acknowledging His unique identity and their belonging to Him, even in the midst of confessing their unfaithfulness.
* **"other lords beside thee have had dominion over us:"**: This clause is a stark confession of corporate sin and idolatry. "Other lords" (H113) refers to any power or authority—political, religious, or personal—that had usurped the rightful place of Yahweh in Israel's life. To "have had dominion" (H1166) implies that these rival powers exerted control and authority, leading Israel away from exclusive devotion. The phrase "beside thee" (H2108) emphasizes the exclusivity of God's claim and the sinfulness of their divided allegiance. It acknowledges a period of spiritual and perhaps literal subjugation to forces other than God.
* **"but by thee only will we make mention of thy name."**: This is the pivot point of the verse, a powerful declaration of repentance and renewed, singular devotion. "By thee only" underscores the absolute exclusivity of their future allegiance. To "make mention of thy name" (H2142, H8034) signifies far more than just speaking God's name; it implies remembering, honoring, proclaiming, and living in accordance with His character, authority, and covenant. It is a vow to abandon all other allegiances and to publicly acknowledge, worship, and serve Yahweh alone, reflecting a profound spiritual transformation and recommitment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Confession**, as the verse opens with a direct admission of past unfaithfulness: "other lords beside thee have had dominion over us." This honest acknowledgement sets the stage for genuine repentance. Following this, **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is powerfully used, juxtaposing the past dominion of "other lords" with the future, exclusive mention of Yahweh's name. The "but" serves as a sharp turning point, highlighting the radical shift from divided loyalty to singular devotion. There is also an element of **Pledge** or **Vow**, as the latter part of the verse ("by thee only will we make mention of thy name") functions as a solemn commitment to exclusive worship and obedience. The phrase "make mention of thy name" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire character, authority, and presence of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:13 articulates a foundational theological truth: God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship. It highlights the pervasive biblical theme of idolatry, not merely as the worship of physical idols, but as any ultimate allegiance given to something or someone other than God. The confession acknowledges humanity's propensity to seek security, identity, or fulfillment in "other lords"—be they political powers, material wealth, human wisdom, or even self-reliance. The turning point in the verse, however, underscores the possibility and necessity of repentance, a return to singular devotion where God's name, representing His very being and covenant faithfulness, is honored above all. This reflects the core of the First Commandment and the Shema, emphasizing that true life and peace are found only in unreserved commitment to Yahweh alone.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Declaration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:13 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to honestly assess what "other lords" might subtly or overtly hold dominion in their lives today. In a world saturated with competing loyalties—from the allure of materialism and career success to the pursuit of social approval or personal comfort—this verse calls us to a radical reorientation. It demands a conscious turning away from anything that usurps God's rightful place as the supreme object of our affection, trust, and obedience. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual reset, a renewed pledge to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. To "make mention of thy name" in our contemporary context means living a life that consistently honors God, proclaims His truth, and submits to His will in every circumstance, allowing His character to be reflected in our words, actions, and priorities. It is a daily, active declaration that He alone is our Lord and Master, the source of our identity, purpose, and ultimate satisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other lords" (e.g., career, money, relationships, comfort, self-image) might be subtly or overtly competing for dominion in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally "make mention of thy name" in my daily life, beyond mere verbal acknowledgment?**
* **What specific areas of my life need a renewed pledge of exclusive allegiance to God, similar to the one expressed in this verse?**
* **How does my public and private life demonstrate that Yahweh alone is my God and Lord?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "other lords" mentioned in Isaiah 26:13?**

Answer: The "other lords" in Isaiah 26:13 refer to any entity or power that had usurped God's rightful place of authority and allegiance in the lives of His people. Historically, this could include foreign rulers who had conquered or oppressed Israel, demanding tribute and loyalty. It also profoundly refers to false gods (idols) that the Israelites were tempted to worship, such as Baal or Asherah, which were prevalent in the surrounding cultures. Theologically, it extends to anything that becomes an ultimate source of trust, security, or identity apart from God—whether human wisdom, political alliances, wealth, or even self-reliance. The essence is that anything that demands ultimate loyalty or dominion over one's life, besides the one true God, functions as an "other lord." This concept is a direct challenge to the first commandment found in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), "You shall have no other gods before me."

**What does it mean to "make mention of thy name"?**

Answer: To "make mention of thy name" (H2142, H8034) in biblical Hebrew is far more profound than simply speaking God's name. It encompasses a comprehensive act of remembrance, honor, proclamation, and living in accordance with God's character and covenant. It means to acknowledge His unique identity, authority, and power. It implies a public declaration of allegiance, a commitment to live in a way that brings glory to His name, and to actively remember His deeds, His promises, and His nature. It's an act of worship, a testimony, and a pledge of covenant faithfulness. This phrase signifies a turning away from all other allegiances and an exclusive devotion to Yahweh, living out the implications of who He is in every aspect of life. It reflects the call to love God with all one's being, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord your God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who alone delivers humanity from the dominion of "other lords" and establishes the supreme authority of God's name. While Israel confessed their past allegiance to foreign powers and false gods, humanity's deepest "other lord" is sin and death, which held dominion over all (e.g., [Romans 6:12-14](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12-14 - Sin's Dominion Broken")). Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, broke the power of these spiritual lords, setting us free from their tyranny (e.g., [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Furthermore, the exclusive mention of Yahweh's name is fulfilled in the New Covenant's call to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation") declares that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him "the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Thus, our exclusive devotion to God is now mediated through Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's name and character (e.g., [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father in Jesus")). In Him, we truly "make mention of thy name" by confessing Him as Lord, living under His dominion, and proclaiming His saving power to the world, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing of this ancient prophetic confession.

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

Isaiah 63:7

¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

Romans 6:22

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Isaiah 2:8

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

2 Chronicles 12:8

Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.

Isaiah 10:11

Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: