Isaiah 14:1
For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְרַחֵ֨ם
will have mercy
H7355
יְרַחֵ֨ם
will have mercy
Strong's:
H7355
Word #:
2 of 18
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
יְהוָ֜ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּבָחַ֥ר
and will yet choose
H977
וּבָחַ֥ר
and will yet choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנִלְוָ֤ה
shall be joined
H3867
וְנִלְוָ֤ה
shall be joined
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
הַגֵּר֙
and the strangers
H1616
הַגֵּר֙
and the strangers
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנִסְפְּח֖וּ
with them and they shall cleave
H5596
וְנִסְפְּח֖וּ
with them and they shall cleave
Strong's:
H5596
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to scrape out, but in certain peculiar senses (of removal or association)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 102:13Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.Zechariah 1:17Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.Isaiah 49:13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.Jeremiah 50:33Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.
Historical Context
Fulfilled when Jews returned from Babylonian exile (538 BC onward) and Gentiles like Rahab, Ruth, and later entire nations joined God's people through Christ. The church epitomizes this—Jews and Gentiles united as one people (Ephesians 2:11-22). The promise of restoration demonstrates covenant faithfulness—God disciplines but doesn't ultimately reject His elect. Modern Christian theology sees this ultimately fulfilled in new covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's mercy and renewed choice of Israel demonstrate covenant faithfulness?
- What does Gentile inclusion ('strangers joined') reveal about God's expanding purposes?
- How do we see this pattern of judgment-then-restoration throughout redemptive history?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After judgment oracles, hope emerges: 'the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel.' Divine mercy and election persist despite judgment. God will 'set them in their own land'—restoration after exile. Remarkably, 'strangers shall be joined with them'—Gentile inclusion in Israel's restoration. This prophesies both physical return from exile and spiritual inclusion of Gentiles in God's people. The phrase 'will yet choose' reaffirms unconditional election—God's choice of Israel isn't revoked despite their unfaithfulness.