Isaiah 58 14

Isaiah 58:14 kjv

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.

Isaiah 58:14 nkjv

Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Isaiah 58:14 niv

then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 58:14 esv

then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Isaiah 58:14 nlt

Then the LORD will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the LORD, have spoken!"

Isaiah 58 verses

Isaiah 58 14 Meaning

Isaiah 58:14 reveals the profound blessings contingent upon genuine obedience and a heart-led pursuit of God's justice and righteousness. If individuals truly cease superficial religiosity and instead practice merciful and just actions, along with honoring the Sabbath not merely by abstinence but with delight, then God promises intimate joy in Him. This delight will be accompanied by elevation to positions of triumph and security (riding on the heights of the earth), bountiful provision, and the full realization of the covenant promises made to their ancestor Jacob, all firmly guaranteed by the unchangeable word of the LORD.

Isaiah 58 14 Context

Isaiah chapter 58 stands as a profound rebuke and a call to genuine worship, addressing the spiritual hypocrisy prevalent among God's people. The people of Israel were diligently observing religious rituals like fasting, humility, and seeking God's ordinances (Isa 58:2-3). However, these outward displays of piety were hollow, devoid of sincere hearts and a practical commitment to justice, mercy, and compassion (Isa 58:3-5). They oppressed their workers, engaged in strife, and ignored the suffering of the poor and hungry. God exposes their fasting as a self-serving ritual, rather than an act of true repentance and solidarity.

In response to their question "Why have we fasted... and you do not see it?", God declares that true fasting and worship involve active love, justice, and concern for others (Isa 58:6-9). This includes breaking unjust yokes, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. Verses 13-14 specifically address the proper observance of the Sabbath, not merely as a day of abstinence from labor, but as a "delight," an honorable day for turning away from personal pleasures and activities to focus on God's will. Verse 14 is the glorious culmination of God's conditional promise: if His people respond with authentic faith expressed through righteous deeds and a sanctified Sabbath, then all the comprehensive blessings promised will be their portion. This prophecy was delivered to a post-exilic (or future exilic) audience, urging them towards spiritual renewal upon their return to the land and a proper understanding of their covenant relationship.

Isaiah 58 14 Word analysis

• Then (אָז, az): This temporal and logical conjunction firmly connects the blessings in this verse to the specific conditions laid out in the preceding verses, especially Isa 58:6-13. It signals a cause-and-effect relationship: when these conditions are met, then these blessings will follow.
• you will take delight (וְהִתְעַנַּגְתָּ, v'hit'annagta): From the root עָנַג (anag), meaning to be soft, dainty, luxurious, hence to find exquisite pleasure or joy. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep, intimate, and luxurious enjoyment or satisfaction found specifically in the LORD. It suggests a transformation of desire, where God Himself becomes the greatest source of joy.
• in the LORD (עַל־יְהוָה, al-YHWH): The phrase על־יהוה emphasizes that the delight is directed towards and in YHWH, the personal covenant name of God, indicating a relationship of trust and intimacy.
• and I will make you ride (וְהִרְכַּבְתִּיךָ, v'hir'kavticha): From רָכַב (rakav), meaning to ride, cause to ride. This verb, in the hiphil causative form, indicates that God will cause His people to be exalted. It signifies active divine intervention.
• on the heights of the earth (עַל־בָּמֹתֵי אָרֶץ, al-bamotei aretz): "Heights" (bamah) can refer to high places or cultic sites. Here, it denotes elevated, secure, and advantageous positions. To "ride on the heights" is a metaphor for triumph, dominion, security, prominence, and ultimate victory over one's adversaries and circumstances. It suggests living a life above the common struggles, under God's favor and protection.
• and feed you (וְהַאֲכַלְתִּיךָ, v'ha'akhaltikha): From אָכַל (akal), to eat, feed. Again, a causative (hiphil) verb, emphasizing that God will cause them to be fed. This denotes divine provision, sustenance, and abundant nourishment, both physical and spiritual.
• with the heritage (נַחֲלַת, nachalat): From נַחֲלָה (nachalah), meaning inheritance, possession, heritage. This refers to that which is inherited, particularly a patrimony or landed possession, strongly linked to covenant promises.
• of Jacob your father (יַעֲקֹב אָבִיךָ, Ya'akov avikha): Specifically tying the promised blessings to the foundational covenant God made with Jacob (and before him, Abraham and Isaac). This encompasses the land of Israel, abundant progeny, security, and the blessing of being God's chosen people, through whom the world would be blessed. It grounds the future blessings in a faithful, historical past.
• for the mouth of the LORD has spoken (כִּי פִּי יְהוָה דִּבֵּר, ki pi YHWH dibber): כִּי (ki) "for" provides the absolute certainty. "Mouth of the LORD" (pi YHWH) is a strong anthropomorphism emphasizing divine utterance and decree. דִּבֵּר (dibber) "has spoken" indicates a complete and authoritative pronouncement. This phrase serves as an unbreakable guarantee, affirming the immutability and reliability of God's word and thus the certainty of the promise.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Then you will take delight in the LORD: This phrase encapsulates the deepest spiritual reward. It's not just obedience for material gain, but obedience leading to a joyful, intimate relationship with God Himself. True observance of His ways transforms one's affections, shifting desires from worldly gratification to finding supreme satisfaction in the Divine.
• and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth: This imagery speaks of elevation, security, and triumph. It signifies that God will place His obedient people in a position of honor and authority, overseeing circumstances rather than being subject to them, dwelling securely, removed from dangers and distresses. It is a promise of unparalleled exaltation.
• and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: This promises both provision and the full, generational fulfillment of covenant. It assures that God will sustain them generously with all the good things promised to their patriarchs, particularly regarding the land, its bounty, and spiritual blessing. This connects their current obedience directly to their historical identity and destiny.
• for the mouth of the LORD has spoken: This closing declaration provides ultimate assurance. It asserts that these aren't merely hopeful wishes but infallible divine decrees. The promise is not based on human effort or might but on the sovereign will and unchallengeable word of the Almighty, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

Isaiah 58 14 Bonus section

This verse's promises, while initially addressing the post-exilic community of Israel and their physical restoration, also hold profound spiritual implications that transcend the Old Covenant. In the New Testament, through Christ, believers are seen as spiritual heirs to Abraham (and thus Jacob, Gal 3:29), receiving a spiritual "heritage" that is incorruptible and eternal (1 Pet 1:3-4), encompassing every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Eph 1:3). The concept of "delighting in the LORD" is beautifully fulfilled in the New Covenant through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables genuine spiritual joy and conformity to God's will. The "heights of the earth" can also be interpreted spiritually as being seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph 2:6), possessing spiritual authority, and living a life of peace and triumph over sin and worldly struggles, regardless of external circumstances. The certainty ("the mouth of the LORD has spoken") is sealed in Christ, who is the "Amen" to God's promises (2 Cor 1:20). Thus, Isaiah 58:14 points to a holistic salvation and blessedness, moving from the temporal to the eternal, from the physical land to spiritual realities in the Kingdom of God, made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 58 14 Commentary

Isaiah 58:14 serves as the crescendo of God's call for authentic faith, transitioning from a severe critique of ritualism to a glorious promise of restoration and blessing. The verse makes clear that divine favor is not earned by external performances but flows from a transformed heart that genuinely delights in the LORD and expresses that delight through active righteousness and hallowed time, particularly the Sabbath. The "then" is crucial, making these magnificent promises conditional upon turning from self-serving religiosity to God-honoring, justice-filled living and true Sabbath observance.

The blessings are comprehensive: inner joy (delighting in the LORD), outward exaltation and security (riding on the heights), and abundant provision fulfilling ancient covenant promises (heritage of Jacob). These blessings speak to both individual and national well-being. "Delight in the LORD" signifies finding joy and pleasure in His presence, character, and ways, a deeper satisfaction than any earthly pursuit. The imagery of "riding on the heights of the earth" paints a picture of honor, victory, stability, and freedom from oppression—a position of moral and spiritual superiority. The "heritage of Jacob" assures a full restoration of national identity, possession of the promised land, and all the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. Crucially, the verse concludes with "for the mouth of the LORD has spoken," stamping these promises with divine certainty and infallibility. This emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness; what He decrees, He will accomplish. The entire verse powerfully underscores that true prosperity and exaltation stem from a covenant relationship anchored in sincere obedience and a passion for God's justice.

Practical Examples:

• A person who consistently puts principles of fairness and generosity into practice in their workplace finds deeper satisfaction and peace than chasing solely financial gains.
• Families who intentionally set aside the Sabbath for rest, worship, and reconnecting with God and each other, often experience a deeper sense of contentment and spiritual grounding throughout the week.
• A community that genuinely cares for the marginalized and speaks out against injustice can experience a profound spiritual uplift and societal harmony that goes beyond mere social programs.