Isaiah 26:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 26:13 is a powerful declaration of repentance and renewed allegiance, set within a prophetic song of trust and future restoration for God's people. It encapsulates the journey from spiritual straying to exclusive devotion to the one true God.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic hymn (Isaiah 26) that follows a period of divine judgment and anticipates the ultimate restoration of God's people. Often referred to as part of Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), it speaks to a future time when the faithful remnant will experience peace and security under God's righteous rule. The song reflects on past struggles and oppression, both spiritual and physical, and culminates in a fervent pledge of loyalty to Yahweh alone.

Key Themes

  • Confession of Past Disloyalty: The opening phrase, "O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us," is a candid admission of Israel's historical unfaithfulness. This refers not only to foreign oppressors but also to the temptation to worship false gods or rely on human powers, which effectively become "lords" in their lives. It acknowledges a period where their allegiance was divided or misplaced.
  • Exclusive Devotion to God: The verse pivots sharply with the declaration, "but by thee only will we make mention of thy name." This signifies a profound act of repentance and a renewed, singular commitment to Yahweh. It's a vow to abandon all other allegiances and to acknowledge, worship, and proclaim the name of the Lord alone. This resonates deeply with the spirit of the first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
  • The Significance of God's Name: To "make mention of thy name" means more than just speaking it; it implies remembering, honoring, proclaiming, and living in accordance with who God is. It's an act of worship and a public declaration of allegiance to His character, His power, and His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "LORD" (capitalized in KJV) translates the Hebrew personal name of God, Yahweh (יהוה), emphasizing His self-existence and covenant faithfulness.
  • "Dominion" comes from the Hebrew word mashal (משל), meaning "to rule, reign, have power," highlighting the authority or control these "other lords" once held.
  • "Make mention" is from the Hebrew zakhar (זכר), which encompasses remembering, proclaiming, celebrating, and living out the implications of God's name. It's an active, conscious engagement with divine truth.

Practical Application

Isaiah 26:13 serves as a timeless call to spiritual integrity and exclusive worship for believers today:

  • Self-Examination: We are challenged to consider what "other lords" might subtly or overtly hold dominion in our lives. This could be materialism, career, social approval, comfort, personal ambition, or anything that competes with God for our ultimate loyalty and affection.
  • Repentance and Recommitment: The verse calls for a conscious turning away from anything that usurps God's rightful place. It's a spiritual reset, a renewed pledge to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and might.
  • Living a Life of Worship: To "make mention of thy name" means living a life that consistently honors God, proclaims His truth, and submits to His will in all circumstances. It's a declaration, like Joshua's, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This verse reminds us that true freedom and peace are found only in singular devotion to God.

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.
  • 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:

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