◄ Isaiah 14:27 ►
The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
Study Bible
The LORD of Hosts
This phrase, "The LORD of Hosts," is a powerful title for God, emphasizing His supreme command over all heavenly and earthly armies. The Hebrew term "Yahweh Sabaoth" reflects God's sovereignty and omnipotence. Historically, this title reassured Israel of God's protection and authority, especially during times of war and conflict. It reminds believers today of God's ultimate control over all circumstances, encouraging trust in His divine plan.

has purposed
The word "purposed" comes from the Hebrew root "ya'ats," meaning to advise, counsel, or determine. This indicates a deliberate and sovereign decision by God. In the context of Isaiah, it underscores the certainty and intentionality of God's plans. For believers, it is a reminder that God's purposes are unchangeable and will ultimately prevail, offering comfort and assurance in His divine wisdom.

and who can thwart Him?
The rhetorical question "and who can thwart Him?" emphasizes the futility of opposing God's will. The Hebrew word "parar" means to break, frustrate, or annul. Historically, this reflects the many attempts by nations and individuals to resist God's plans, all of which ultimately fail. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's invincibility and the futility of human resistance against His divine will.

His hand is stretched out
The phrase "His hand is stretched out" symbolizes God's active intervention and power in the world. In biblical imagery, the hand of God often represents His strength and action. This phrase reassures believers of God's ongoing involvement in human history and His ability to accomplish His purposes. It is a call to recognize and submit to His mighty works.

and who can turn it back?
The question "and who can turn it back?" further emphasizes the irrevocability of God's actions. The Hebrew word "shuv" means to turn back or reverse. This rhetorical question highlights the impossibility of reversing God's decrees. For believers, it is a profound reminder of the certainty and reliability of God's promises, encouraging faith and perseverance in His unchangeable nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It reflects His sovereignty and ability to execute His plans without opposition.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered this message. Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah, and he often spoke of God's judgment and redemption.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies. The people of Judah were frequently reminded of God's sovereignty and their need for repentance.

4. Assyria
A dominant empire during Isaiah's time, often seen as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel and Judah. This verse reassures Judah of God's ultimate control over even the mightiest nations.

5. Prophetic Context
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Babylon, symbolizing God's judgment against pride and rebellion.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God's plans are unchangeable and unstoppable. Believers can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God's purposes will always prevail, regardless of human opposition or circumstances.

Trust in God's Plan
In times of uncertainty or fear, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's overarching plan. His hand is at work, even when we cannot see it.

Human Limitations
Recognize the limitations of human power and wisdom. No matter how powerful a person or nation may seem, they cannot thwart God's purposes.

Encouragement in Trials
When facing trials or opposition, remember that God's hand is stretched out in power and protection. He is actively working for the good of those who love Him.

Call to Humility
This verse serves as a reminder to remain humble before God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and control over all things.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Isaiah 14:27 impact your daily decision-making and trust in Him?

2. In what ways can you apply the assurance of God's unthwartable plans to a current challenge you are facing?

3. How does the concept of God's stretched-out hand provide comfort and encouragement in your spiritual journey?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed God's purposes prevailing despite human opposition. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can you cultivate humility in your life, recognizing God's ultimate authority as described in Isaiah 14:27? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize humility before God.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 42:2
This verse echoes the theme of God's unthwartable purposes, as Job acknowledges that no plan of God can be hindered.

Proverbs 19:21
Highlights the contrast between human plans and God's ultimate purpose, reinforcing the idea that God's will prevails.

Romans 8:31
Connects to the assurance of God's support for His people, emphasizing that if God is for us, no one can stand against us.

Ephesians 1:11
Speaks to God's sovereignty in working all things according to the counsel of His will, aligning with the message of Isaiah 14:27.
Sermons
Divine Purpose and Divine PowerW. Clarkson Isaiah 14:24-27
Oracle Concerning AsshurE. Johnson Isaiah 14:24-28
People
Ahaz, Isaiah, Jacob, Lucifer, Saraph
Places
Babylon, Lebanon, Philistia, Zion
Topics
Annul, Armies, Disannul, Effect, Frustrate, Hosts, Planned, Purpose, Purposed, Stop, Stretched, Stretched-out, Thwart, Turn, Void
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 14:27

     1105   God, power of
     1210   God, human descriptions
     5216   authority, nature of
     8125   guidance, promise
     8401   challenges

Isaiah 14:24-27

     4945   history
     5917   plans
     6708   predestination

Isaiah 14:26-27

     1115   God, purpose of

Library
The victory of Life (Preached at the Chapel Royal. )
ISAIAH xxxviii. 18, 19. The grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee. I may seem to have taken a strange text on which to speak,--a mournful, a seemingly hopeless text. Why I have chosen it, I trust that you will see presently; certainly not that I may make you hopeless about death. Meanwhile, let us consider it; for it is in the Bible, and, like all words in the Bible, was written …
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations, …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Evil of Sin visible in the Fall of Angels and Men.
1 When the great Builder arch'd the skies, And form'd all nature with a word, The joyful cherubs tun'd his praise, And every bending throne ador'd. 2 High in the midst of all the throng, Satan, a tall archangel, sat, Amongst the morning stars he sung [1] Till sin destroy'd his heavenly state. 3 ['Twas sin that hurl'd him from his throne, Grov'ling in fire the rebel lies: "How art thou sunk in darkness down, "Son of the morning, from the skies!" [2] 4 And thus our two first parents stood Till sin …
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy that Believers Experience...
The Disciple,--Master, some people say that the comfort and joy that believers experience are simply the outcome of their own thoughts and ideas. Is this true? The Master,--1. That comfort and abiding peace which believers have within themselves is due to My presence in their hearts, and to the life-giving influence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As for those who say that this spiritual joy is the result only of the thoughts of the heart, they are like a foolish man who was blind from his birth, …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Isaiah 14:27 NIV
Isaiah 14:27 NLT
Isaiah 14:27 ESV
Isaiah 14:27 NASB
Isaiah 14:27 KJV

Isaiah 14:27 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Isaiah 14:26
Top of Page
Top of Page