Isaiah 58:14
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֗ז
H227
תִּתְעַנַּג֙
Then shalt thou delight
H6026
תִּתְעַנַּג֙
Then shalt thou delight
Strong's:
H6026
Word #:
2 of 16
to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהִרְכַּבְתִּ֖יךָ
and I will cause thee to ride
H7392
וְהִרְכַּבְתִּ֖יךָ
and I will cause thee to ride
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
5 of 16
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַחֲלַת֙
thee with the heritage
H5159
נַחֲלַת֙
thee with the heritage
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
H1
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פִּ֥י
for the mouth
H6310
פִּ֥י
for the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
14 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:13He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;Isaiah 33:16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.Job 22:26For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.Deuteronomy 33:29Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Psalms 37:4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Psalms 36:8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.Jeremiah 3:19But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Job 27:10Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
Historical Context
Sabbath-breaking was a persistent problem in post-exilic Judah (Nehemiah 10:31, 13:15-22). Economic pressure tempted people to treat holy days as business opportunities, neglecting worship for commerce. This violated the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) and demonstrated misplaced trust in human effort rather than divine provision. Nehemiah instituted reforms to restore Sabbath observance, recognizing that proper worship undergirded social justice and community health. The principle extended into the New Testament era, where Christians gathered on the Lord's Day for worship (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we cultivate genuine delight in God rather than merely performing religious duties?
- What does Sabbath-keeping teach us about trust in God's provision versus self-reliance?
- How does Christ's fulfillment of the Sabbath change our understanding of rest and worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with promises for Sabbath observance: "Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD." The Hebrew hitanag (delight) describes exquisite pleasure and satisfaction—finding ultimate joy in God Himself rather than in created things. "And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth" uses military imagery of victory and dominion (Deuteronomy 32:13, 33:29). "And feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father" promises covenant blessings—the inheritance given to the patriarchs. The chapter ends with divine authority: "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." This phrase (pi Adonai diber) seals the promise with absolute certainty. God's spoken word ensures fulfillment. These blessings flow from turning from Sabbath-breaking and finding delight in God's appointed means of grace. The Sabbath represents trusting God's provision rather than endless striving, and dedicating time specifically for worship rather than perpetual commerce. From a Reformed perspective, Christ fulfills the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10), but the principle remains: those who truly delight in God, prioritizing worship and dependence on Him rather than self-reliance, will experience His covenant blessings. True religion reforms all of life—worship, work, justice, mercy, and rest.