Isaiah 54:2
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
Original Language Analysis
הַרְחִ֣יבִי׀
Enlarge
H7337
הַרְחִ֣יבִי׀
Enlarge
Strong's:
H7337
Word #:
1 of 12
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
מְק֣וֹם
the place
H4725
מְק֣וֹם
the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אָהֳלֵ֗ךְ
of thy tent
H168
אָהֳלֵ֗ךְ
of thy tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
3 of 12
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מִשְׁכְּנוֹתַ֛יִךְ
of thine habitations
H4908
מִשְׁכְּנוֹתַ֛יִךְ
of thine habitations
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 12
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יַטּ֖וּ
and let them stretch forth
H5186
יַטּ֖וּ
and let them stretch forth
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
6 of 12
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּחְשֹׂ֑כִי
spare
H2820
תַּחְשֹׂ֑כִי
spare
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
8 of 12
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
הַאֲרִ֙יכִי֙
not lengthen
H748
הַאֲרִ֙יכִי֙
not lengthen
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
9 of 12
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 33:20Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.Jeremiah 10:20My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.Exodus 39:40The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,Exodus 35:18The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,
Historical Context
Returning remnant was small, yet God commanded preparation for massive population growth. The church began with 120 in upper room but must 'enlarge tent' for billions. This models vision-driven planning - faith prepares for promised harvest before it arrives.
Questions for Reflection
- How is God calling you to 'enlarge your tent' - prepare in advance for growth He's promised?
- What does it mean to 'strengthen stakes' while 'lengthening cords' - balance expansion with stability?
Analysis & Commentary
The architectural imagery 'enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations' calls for expansion in anticipation of promised growth. The commands 'spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes' depict preparation for multitudes. This teaches faith that acts in advance of blessing, making room for what God promises before seeing fulfillment - Abraham-like faith that believes God's impossible promises.