Isaiah Chapter 24 · Verse 15

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

Original Language Analysis

עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 1 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֥ן H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בָּאֻרִ֖ים in the fires H217
בָּאֻרִ֖ים in the fires
Strong's: H217
Word #: 3 of 11
flame; hence (in the plural) the east (as being the region of light)
כַּבְּד֣וּ Wherefore glorify H3513
כַּבְּד֣וּ Wherefore glorify
Strong's: H3513
Word #: 4 of 11
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּאִיֵּ֣י in the isles H339
בְּאִיֵּ֣י in the isles
Strong's: H339
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
הַיָּ֔ם of the sea H3220
הַיָּ֔ם of the sea
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 7 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
שֵׁ֥ם even the name H8034
שֵׁ֥ם even the name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 8 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֥י God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 11 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires (בָּאֻרִים, ba'urim)—This difficult phrase has sparked interpretive debate. The Hebrew אוּר (ur) can mean light, fire, or regions of light (east). Some translations render it 'in the east' (NIV), others 'in the fires' (KJV), still others 'in the valleys of light.' The ambiguity may be intentional: whether in fires of affliction or distant eastern lands, God deserves glory.

If 'fires' is correct, it commands worship through suffering—glorifying God not despite trials but in them. If 'east,' it parallels 'isles of the sea' (west), creating merism (totality through extremes): from east to west, glorify the LORD. Either way, the verse demands universal, unconditional praise.

Even the name of the LORD God of Israel (שֵׁם־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, shem-Yahweh Elohei Yisrael)—The 'name' represents God's revealed character, His reputation, His covenant identity. In the isles of the sea (בְּאִיֵּי הַיָּם, be'iyei hayam) refers to Mediterranean coastlands and distant shores—Gentile territories. This prophesies Gentiles worshiping Israel's covenant God, fulfilled in the church's global spread.

Historical Context

The 8th century BC prophet envisions worship transcending ethnic and geographic boundaries—revolutionary for ancient Israel's particularistic context. While Israel often viewed YHWH as their national deity, prophets increasingly proclaimed Him as universal sovereign deserving all nations' worship. Paul quotes similar themes when explaining Gentile inclusion (Romans 15:9-12). The early church saw these 'isles' prophecies fulfilled as the gospel reached Cyprus, Crete, Malta, and eventually Rome and beyond. By the 2nd century AD, Christianity had spread throughout Mediterranean coastlands exactly as Isaiah envisioned.

Questions for Reflection