Isaiah 26:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 26:15
15 Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 26 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, wisdom. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 26:15
15 Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.
Analysis
Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified (יָסַפְתָּ לַגּוֹי יְהוָה יָסַפְתָּ לַגּוֹי נִכְבָּדְתָּ / yasafta lagoy YHWH yasafta lagoy nikbadta)—The verb יָסַף (yasaf, "to add, increase") appears twice for emphasis. After judgment purges the wicked (v. 14), God enlarges His people. The passive נִכְבָּד (nikhbad, "you are glorified") shows that national restoration brings glory to God, not the nation. This anticipates the ingathering of Gentiles into God's people (Isaiah 2:2-4, 49:6, 56:6-8).
Thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth (רִחַקְתָּ כָּל־קַצְוֵי־אָרֶץ / richaqta kol-qatsvey-aretz)—The verb רָחַק (rachaq, "to be far, removed") refers to exile and diaspora. God scattered Israel to earth's ends in judgment, yet this same dispersion becomes the means of worldwide witness and eventual regathering. The paradox: divine judgment becomes the instrument of global redemption.
Historical Context
This prophecy looked beyond the Assyrian threat to Babylonian exile (586 BC) and the wider Jewish diaspora. After 70 AD, Jewish dispersion became global. Yet Isaiah envisions this scattering reversed—God increasing the nation and gathering exiles. The New Testament sees fulfillment in the church: Jews and Gentiles united in Messiah, God's people multiplied to earth's ends. Paul cites Isaiah extensively in Romans 9-11 to explain how Israel's temporary hardening facilitates Gentile inclusion, leading to Israel's eventual restoration.
Reflection
- How does God use even scattering and exile to accomplish His purposes of glorifying Himself and expanding His people?
- In what ways has God 'increased the nation' through the church, incorporating Gentiles into Abraham's spiritual family?
- How should knowing that God's glory is the ultimate purpose of national/church growth shape our evangelism and mission?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Glory: Isaiah 44:23, 60:21, John 15:8
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 9:3, 33:17, Genesis 12:2, Nehemiah 9:23, Jeremiah 30:19, 32:37