Verse

Isaiah 14:26

ESV This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.
NIV This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations.
NASB This is the plan devised against the entire earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations.
CSB This is the plan prepared for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out against all the nations.
NLT I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all the nations.
KJV This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

What does Isaiah 14:26 mean?

This verse, and the following, seem to conclude the oracle against Babylon and the Mesopotamian powers. This prophecy from the Lord began at the start of Chapter 13. Isaiah states simply that the Lord's purpose will be carried out over the entire world. There is no nation outside of His reach. His hand will touch all the nations (Psalm 22:28; 47:8; 148:13).

Isaiah is making a controversial claim in that era of history. He means that the God of the tiny nation of Israel was the One and only True God. He implies that the Lord of Israel executes His own purposes for the world and carries out His own plans for every nation, not just His own. The prophet Isaiah wants the people of Judah and Israel to understand that their God is not just one of the gods of the world. He is the God over all the world and He will accomplish what He sets out to do with every nation.
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