Isaiah 26:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You enlarged the nation, ADONAI, you enlarged the nation; and thus you glorified yourself; you extended all the frontiers of the country.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:15 is a profound declaration of praise and trust, celebrating Yahweh's sovereign power to expand and glorify His people, Israel. It affirms that the Lord is the active agent behind the nation's increase, demonstrating His honor and extending His influence to the farthest reaches of the earth, thereby establishing His kingdom and revealing His unmatched authority over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 26:15 is embedded within a prophetic song of deliverance and praise (Isaiah 26:1-19), which itself forms part of the "Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27). This section vividly describes God's universal judgment on the wicked and the ultimate vindication and restoration of His faithful people. The preceding verses (Isaiah 26:1-14) celebrate the security of those who trust in the Lord, contrasting their steadfastness with the downfall of the proud. They speak of a strong city, a righteous nation, and God's just judgments being revealed on the earth. Verse 15 serves as a climactic affirmation of God's active hand in fulfilling His promises to Israel, acknowledging His past and future work in their expansion and glory, particularly after periods of oppression or decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans various historical periods, from the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE to prophecies concerning the Babylonian exile and future restoration. While the immediate historical backdrop might involve the struggles of Judah against foreign powers, the "Little Apocalypse" often transcends specific historical moments, speaking to universal themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and redemption. Culturally, the concept of a nation's increase (demographic growth, territorial expansion, political influence) was a primary sign of divine favor and blessing in the ancient Near East, deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant promises. The "ends of the earth" (קַצְוֵי אָרֶץ) signifies the known world, emphasizing a global reach or influence, whether through physical presence or the spread of God's renown.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God alone is the ultimate orchestrator of national destinies, increasing or diminishing them according to His will. This aligns with the understanding that "the Most High is [sovereign] over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever he wishes" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, the theme of **God's Glory** is central, as the nation's increase is directly linked to God being "glorified." This reflects the biblical truth that all creation exists to display God's splendor, and His redemptive work among His people is a primary means of revealing His character and power to the world. Finally, the verse touches upon the theme of **Restoration and Expansion**, a recurring motif in Isaiah, which envisions a future where Israel is not only restored from exile but also becomes a light to the nations, drawing all peoples to the Lord ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Israel as a Light to the Nations")). The idea of God "removing limits" or extending influence to "all the ends of the earth" foreshadows the global scope of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **increased (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, a primitive root meaning "to add or augment," often adverbial, "to continue to do a thing." The repetition in the verse, "Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation," emphasizes the certainty, abundance, and ongoing nature of God's work in multiplying His people. It signifies not just growth in number, but also in strength, influence, and blessing.
* **glorified (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, a primitive root meaning "to be heavy," which can denote being burdensome or severe, but also, in a good sense, "numerous, rich, honorable." Here, it means "to make weighty," "to honor," or "to glorify." God's actions in increasing His nation bring Him immense honor and renown, demonstrating His power and faithfulness for all to see. His glory is revealed through the flourishing of His people.
* **removed it far (Hebrew, _râchaq'_):** From H7368, a primitive root meaning "to widen (in any direction), i.e., recede or remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)." In this context, coupled with "all the ends of the earth" (H7099 _qetsev_ and H776 _ʼerets_), it implies God's action of extending or pushing back the boundaries, making room for the nation's expansion, or extending its influence globally. It suggests God's power to clear obstacles and establish His people's presence or renown across vast distances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation":** This opening clause serves as a powerful, repeated affirmation of God's direct and sovereign action. The repetition underscores the certainty and significance of this divine work. It speaks to both demographic growth and the expansion of Israel's influence and blessing, fulfilling ancient covenant promises. The direct address, "O LORD" (Yahweh), highlights the personal and covenantal relationship God has with His people, emphasizing His faithfulness as the source of their prosperity.
* **"thou art glorified:"** This phrase immediately connects the nation's increase to God's honor. The growth and flourishing of His people are not merely for their own benefit but are ultimately for the display of God's character, power, and faithfulness. When God's people thrive, His glory is made manifest to the world, demonstrating His unique sovereignty and goodness.
* **"thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth."** This challenging phrase, where the bracketed "it" is an interpretive addition in the KJV, speaks to God's expansive work. The Hebrew *hirḥaqta kol-qaṣwê ’āreṣ* literally means "you have made far all ends of the earth." This can be interpreted in several ways: God has extended the nation's influence or renown to the farthest reaches, or He has pushed back the boundaries of the land, making room for greater expansion. It signifies God's boundless power to establish His people and His glory globally, overcoming all limitations and obstacles.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent in the phrase "Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation," which serves to emphasize the certainty, abundance, and divine agency behind Israel's growth. This rhetorical device not only reinforces the message but also creates a sense of solemn declaration and praise. **Personification** is subtly present as the nation is portrayed as something that can be "increased" or "removed," implying an active, living entity under God's direct manipulation. Furthermore, the phrase "all the ends of the earth" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying the totality and vastness of God's reach and influence, extending to the farthest conceivable boundaries. This evokes a sense of God's omnipotence and His global dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:15 profoundly articulates God's active role in the destiny of His people, emphasizing His sovereignty over nations and His commitment to His covenant promises. The increase of the nation is not merely a demographic phenomenon but a divine act that brings glory to God, demonstrating His power to bless and expand His kingdom. This theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God's purposes are unwavering and His ability to achieve them is limitless, even when human circumstances seem dire. The ultimate goal of this increase and expansion is the manifestation of God's glory, inviting all creation to acknowledge His supreme authority.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Promise of a Great Nation")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God Is in the Heavens; He Does All That He Pleases")
* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:15 offers a powerful anchor for faith in a world often marked by uncertainty and decline. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the growth and influence of His people. Just as He actively increased ancient Israel, so too does He continue to build His church today. This verse calls us to trust in God's unfailing power to expand His kingdom, not through human might or strategy alone, but through His divine intervention. Our role is to be faithful vessels through whom His glory can be revealed, understanding that our flourishing, individually and corporately, is ultimately for His renown. It instills a hopeful perspective, knowing that despite challenges, God's ultimate plan for His people to fill the earth with His praise will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the primary agent of increase and glory impact your understanding of personal success or the growth of your community?**
* **In what ways can your life or your church family actively seek to bring glory to God, reflecting His increase and influence "to all the ends of the earth"?**
* **What specific "ends of the earth" (geographical, relational, or cultural) might God be calling you to impact with His glory and truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "Thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth" (KJV), is a challenging but rich expression. The Hebrew *hirḥaqta kol-qaṣwê ’āreṣ* literally means "you have made far all ends of the earth." The KJV's "[it]" is an interpretive addition, as the direct object is not explicitly stated. The most common and contextually fitting interpretations suggest that God has either:
* **Extended the nation's influence or renown:** God has caused His people's fame, His glory, or their spiritual impact to reach the farthest corners of the known world, making His name known through them.
* **Pushed back the boundaries:** God has cleared obstacles or expanded the physical or metaphorical borders for His people, allowing them to grow and spread unhindered.
* **Removed enemies far away:** While less prominent in this immediate context, it could imply God's power to push back or banish those who oppose His people, ensuring their security and ability to flourish.
In light of the preceding declaration of "increased the nation," the first two interpretations, emphasizing expansion and global influence, are most harmonious, signifying God's boundless power to establish His people and His glory across the globe. This foreshadows the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, as seen in the spread of the Gospel to all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:15, with its declaration of God increasing His nation and being glorified to the ends of the earth, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant community—the Church. While initially spoken to Israel, the promise of increase and global reach transcends ethnic boundaries in Christ. Jesus, the true Israel, is the one through whom God's glory is fully revealed ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "nation" that God increases is now His spiritual people, drawn from every tribe and tongue, united in Christ ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). Through the Great Commission, Christ commanded His followers to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), extending His kingdom and His glory to the "ends of the earth" not through territorial conquest but through the transformative power of the Gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Thus, the increase of God's people and the spread of His glory, prophesied in Isaiah, are realized in the global expansion of the Church, where Christ is glorified as Lord over all creation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above All Names")).

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 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.