Isaiah 66:14

And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

And when ye see {H7200} this, your heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H7797}, and your bones {H6106} shall flourish {H6524} like an herb {H1877}: and the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} shall be known {H3045} toward his servants {H5650}, and his indignation {H2194} toward his enemies {H341}.

Your heart will rejoice at the sight, your bodies will flourish like newly sprouted grass. It will be known that the hand of ADONAI is with his servants; but with his enemies, his fury.

When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies.

And ye shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Jehovah shall be known toward his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies.

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 66:14 concludes the prophetic book of Isaiah, a grand tapestry of judgment, comfort, and ultimate restoration. This verse immediately follows God's powerful declaration of comfort for Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:13), likening it to a mother comforting her child. The "this" that the audience will "see" refers to the preceding promises of God's intervention: His judgment on the wicked and His glorious return to Zion, bringing peace and prosperity to His faithful servants. The chapter as a whole describes the coming of the Lord's glory, the gathering of all nations, and the establishment of new heavens and a new earth, signifying the culmination of God's plan for His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Comfort and Joy: The promise that "your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb" speaks to a profound, holistic restoration and revitalization. It signifies not just emotional happiness, but a deep, physical and spiritual renewal, a flourishing of life after a period of hardship or spiritual drought. This is the ultimate comfort God provides to His faithful.
  • Clear Distinction of God's Hand: The verse sharply contrasts God's disposition towards two groups: "his servants" and "his enemies." For His servants, the "hand of the LORD shall be known," indicating His active favor, protection, and blessing. Conversely, "his indignation" will be known "toward his enemies," highlighting His righteous judgment and wrath against those who oppose Him. This emphasizes God's justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant.
  • Ultimate Vindication and Sovereignty: The fulfillment of these promises demonstrates God's absolute control over history and destiny. His servants will be vindicated, experiencing joy and vitality, while His adversaries will face His just recompense. This reinforces the theme of God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to His chosen people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Bones shall flourish like an herb": The Hebrew word for "flourish" here, parach (ืคึผึธืจึทื—), means to sprout, bud, or blossom. It evokes imagery of new growth, vitality, and renewal, much like a plant bursting forth with life after rain or winter. This powerfully illustrates the complete rejuvenation and vigor that God bestows upon His people.
  • "Hand of the LORD shall be known": The "hand of the LORD" (yad YHWH) is a common biblical idiom representing God's power, active intervention, and visible demonstration of His presence and authority. Here, it signifies His benevolent and protective action towards His servants.
  • "His indignation": The Hebrew word za'am (ื–ึทืขึทื) denotes strong displeasure, rage, or fury, often specifically referring to divine wrath and judgment. It conveys the intensity of God's righteous anger against sin and rebellion.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 66:14 offers profound hope and assurance:

  • Hope in Adversity: Regardless of present difficulties or suffering, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan for His faithful includes joy, renewal, and complete restoration. It encourages perseverance and trust in His future promises, much like the promise of no more tears in the new heaven and new earth.
  • Assurance of God's Care: Those who genuinely serve the Lord can find great comfort in the assurance that God's protective and benevolent "hand" is known towards them. He actively cares for and blesses His own.
  • Understanding Divine Justice: The stark contrast between God's disposition towards His servants and His enemies underscores His perfect justice. While He is merciful, He will also bring righteous judgment upon those who persistently reject Him. This provides a framework for understanding God's character and His dealings with humanity.
  • Call to Alignment: The verse implicitly calls individuals to align themselves with God and become His servants, thereby positioning themselves to receive His favor and experience His promised joy.

Reflection

Isaiah 66:14 is a powerful concluding statement in a book filled with profound prophecy. It paints a vivid picture of the future blessed state of God's people, a future characterized by deep joy and flourishing life, all under the known, protecting hand of the Lord. It serves as a timeless reminder that God is just, faithful, and ultimately victorious, bringing comfort and renewal to His own while dealing righteously with His adversaries.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 10:7

    And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

  • Ezra 8:31

    ยถ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

  • Ezra 8:22

    For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him.

  • Ezra 7:9

    For upon the first [day] of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first [day] of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

  • Isaiah 65:12

    Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

  • Isaiah 65:16

    That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

  • Proverbs 17:22

    ยถ A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.