Isaiah 58:14

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Then shalt thou delight {H6026} thyself in the LORD {H3068}; and I will cause thee to ride {H7392} upon the high places {H1116} of the earth {H776}, and feed {H398} thee with the heritage {H5159} of Jacob {H3290} thy father {H1}: for the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} it.

If you do, you will find delight in ADONAI - I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Ya'akov, for the mouth of ADONAI has spoken."

then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

then shalt thou delight thyself in Jehovah; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.

Isaiah 58:14 concludes a profound chapter that contrasts superficial religious observance with genuine righteousness and devotion. This verse offers a powerful promise of divine blessing for those who truly honor God and His commands, particularly regarding the Sabbath.

Context

This verse is the culmination of God's message to Israel through the prophet Isaiah, challenging their hypocritical fasting and outward displays of piety. In Isaiah 58:13, the Lord lays out the conditions for receiving these blessings: turning away from self-pleasure on the Sabbath, calling it a delight, and honoring God on His holy day. The chapter emphasizes that true worship involves not just ritual but also acts of justice, compassion, and a genuine delight in God's ways, leading to the restoration of spiritual and material prosperity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Delight in the LORD: The core promise is that believers will find their deepest satisfaction and joy in God Himself. This isn't merely an emotional state but a profound spiritual orientation that flows from obedience and reverence. It echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
  • Divine Exaltation and Security: To "cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth" is a metaphor for victory, dominion, security, and being placed in a position of honor and prominence. It signifies God's protection and elevation over all adversaries and difficulties, granting a life of stability and triumph.
  • Abundant Provision and Heritage: To "feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father" refers to the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. This includes the security of the land, prosperity, and God's faithful provision. It speaks to the blessings associated with their identity as God's chosen people, rooted in the foundational promises of the patriarchs, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15.
  • God's Unwavering Promise: The phrase "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" serves as a powerful assurance of the certainty and faithfulness of God's word. What God declares, He will undoubtedly bring to pass, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His covenant promises and the reliability of His divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "delight thyself" ('anag) conveys a sense of exquisite pleasure, finding true enjoyment and luxuriating in something. Here, it is directed towards the Lord, indicating that ultimate satisfaction is found in Him.
  • "High places of the earth" (bamothey eretz) often refers to elevated, strategic locations, symbolizing authority, safety, and triumph. It suggests a position of strength and security, far from the reach of enemies or hardship, implying God's provision of safety and honor.
  • "Heritage of Jacob" (nachalat Ya'akov) specifically points to the land and the blessings promised to Jacob (Israel) and his offspring, representing the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

Practical Application

Isaiah 58:14 reminds us that genuine spiritual blessings flow from a heart that truly delights in God and seeks to honor Him in all aspects of life, not just through outward rituals. It encourages believers to prioritize God's ways, including principles of rest, worship, and compassion, over personal desires and worldly pursuits. When we find our joy and satisfaction in the Lord, we open ourselves to His abundant provision, protection, and a life of true significance. This promise of exaltation and heritage is a timeless encouragement to cultivate a deep, sincere relationship with God, trusting in His spoken word for our future.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 32:13

    He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

  • Job 22:26

    For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

  • Isaiah 33:16

    He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

  • Isaiah 1:19

    If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

  • Isaiah 1:20

    But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Habakkuk 3:18

    Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

  • Habakkuk 3:19

    The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

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