26:14 26:14

Isaiah 26:15

26:16 26:16

Bible Versions

Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth.
Thou hast increased {H3254} the nation {H1471}, O LORD {H3068}, thou hast increased {H3254} the nation {H1471}: thou art glorified {H3513}: thou hadst removed it far {H7368} unto all the ends {H7099} of the earth {H776}.
You enlarged the nation, ADONAI, you enlarged the nation; and thus you glorified yourself; you extended all the frontiers of the country.
You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; You have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for Yourself; You have extended all the borders of the land.
Thou hast increased the nation, O Jehovah, thou hast increased the nation; thou art glorified; thou hast enlarged all the borders of the land.

Commentary on Isaiah 26:15 (KJV)

Isaiah 26:15 is part of a prophetic song within the "Little Apocalypse" section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27), a passage often interpreted as looking forward to God's ultimate judgment on the world and the restoration of His people. This verse expresses a declaration of praise and acknowledgment of God's sovereign power over nations, particularly in relation to Israel's destiny.

Context

Chapter 26 follows a vivid description of divine judgment and impending restoration. The preceding verses (26:1-14) celebrate God's faithfulness, the security of those who trust in Him, and the eventual triumph of the righteous. The people of God acknowledge their past struggles and look forward to a time when God's hand will be revealed in glory. Verse 15 serves as a powerful declaration of God's work in increasing His nation and extending His glory, contrasting with periods of perceived weakness or scattering.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Glory: The verse emphatically declares, "Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified." This highlights God as the active agent behind all national prosperity and expansion. His actions in blessing and empowering His people bring Him immense glory. This aligns with a core biblical truth that God is sovereign over all earthly kingdoms and events (see Daniel 2:21).
  • National Increase and Expansion: The repetition "Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation" underscores the certainty and significance of this divine act. For Israel, this often pointed to demographic growth and territorial expansion, fulfilling the ancient covenant promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants becoming a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
  • God's Far-Reaching Influence: The latter part, "thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth," is a crucial phrase. The KJV's bracketed "[it]" is an interpretive addition. The Hebrew phrase, *hirḥaqta kol-qaṣwê ’āreṣ*, can be understood in several ways:
    • It could mean God has extended the nation's influence or reach "to all the ends of the earth," indicating a global impact of His glory through His people.
    • Alternatively, it might imply that God has "removed" or "pushed back" the boundaries of the nation, allowing for its expansion. This interpretation harmonizes well with the preceding declaration of increasing the nation. It signifies God's power to clear obstacles and make room for His people's growth.
    • Some interpretations suggest it refers to God removing the nation's enemies far away, or even removing the nation itself in scattering, which would then precede a future gathering and increase. However, in the immediate context of "increased the nation," the idea of removing limits or extending influence seems most fitting.
    The emphasis is on God's expansive, unlimited power and His ability to establish His people and His glory across the globe.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "increased" is הוספת (*hosafteh*), meaning "you have added" or "you have increased." Its repetition emphasizes the divine agency and the certainty of the nation's growth. The phrase "thou art glorified" comes from the verb כבד (*kabad*), meaning "to be heavy" or "to be honored/glorified," indicating that God's actions bring Him great honor and renown. The difficult phrase "thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth" (הִרְחַקְתָּ כָּל־קַצְוֵי אָרֶץ - *hirḥaqta kol-qaṣwê ’āreṣ*) literally means "you have made far all ends of the earth." This suggests God has extended or pushed boundaries, making His people's presence or influence felt globally, thus contributing to His glory.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereign Plan: Just as God superintended the increase and influence of ancient Israel, He continues to work in the world. We can trust that His plans for His people and His kingdom will ultimately prevail, even amidst challenges.
  • God is Glorified Through His People: Our lives, when lived in obedience and faith, are meant to bring glory to God. When God blesses and expands His church, it is ultimately for His glory, drawing others to Him.
  • Hope for Expansion: The concept of God "removing limits" and extending His reach to "all the ends of the earth" provides a prophetic hope for the global spread of the Gospel and the expansion of God's spiritual kingdom. It reminds us of the Great Commission to take the message of salvation to every nation (Matthew 28:19).
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.

  • Isaiah 9:3

    Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.

  • Ezekiel 36:24

    For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

  • John 13:31

    ¶ Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

  • John 13:32

    If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

  • Numbers 23:10

    Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth [part] of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!

  • Isaiah 54:2

    Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

  • Isaiah 54:3

    For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
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