Isaiah Chapter 14 · Verse 26
This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
Original Language Analysis
הַיְּעוּצָ֖ה
This is the purpose
H6098
הַיְּעוּצָ֖ה
This is the purpose
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
2 of 12
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
הַיְּעוּצָ֖ה
This is the purpose
H6098
הַיְּעוּצָ֖ה
This is the purpose
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
3 of 12
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֑רֶץ
upon the whole earth
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
upon the whole earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
הַיָּ֥ד
and this is the hand
H3027
הַיָּ֥ד
and this is the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַנְּטוּיָ֖ה
that is stretched out
H5186
הַנְּטוּיָ֖ה
that is stretched out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
9 of 12
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient peoples tended toward henotheism—believing their god ruled their land, other gods ruled other lands. Yahweh's claim to sovereignty over ALL nations, ALL the earth, was radical. This is ethical monotheism: one God rules all history, all geography, all peoples. History confirms this: empires rise and fall according to divine purposes (Daniel 2:21; 4:17). Assyria fell, Babylon fell, Persia fell, Greece fell, Rome fell. Every earthly kingdom proves temporary; only God's kingdom endures. This grounds Christian confidence in missions: Christ's authority extends over ALL nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over 'all the nations' ground confidence in the gospel's ultimate triumph worldwide?
- What does the 'stretched out hand' over all nations teach about accountability to God regardless of acknowledgment of Him?
Analysis & Commentary
'This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.' The specific judgments (Babylon, Assyria) illustrate a universal principle: God's purpose extends over 'the whole earth,' His hand over 'all the nations.' No nation escapes divine sovereignty; none exceeds divine jurisdiction. The 'stretched out hand' is covenant curse language (Exodus 9:15; Deuteronomy 28:20) now applied globally. This bridges from historical judgments to eschatological hope: God will judge all nations, establishing His universal kingdom. What He did to Assyria and Babylon, He will do to all opposition. This is both warning (to wicked nations) and comfort (to God's people).