For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

ISAIAH 14:1KJV
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Isaiah 14:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:1 mean?

Isaiah 14:1 says that the LORD will show compassion to Jacob and again choose Israel, bringing them back to their own land, where foreigners will join them and become closely connected to the people of Jacob. This verse promises restoration and inclusion, showing that God’s favor toward Israel will continue and that others will be welcomed alongside them.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel during a time of hardship and exile, assuring them that God (the LORD) will not abandon them. The verse looks ahead to a future when Israel will be restored to their homeland, and even “strangers” (non-Israelites) will become part of their community. This sets the stage for the following verses, which describe a reversal of fortunes for Israel and those around them.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:1

  • The word “LORD” (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the personal name of God, emphasizing a covenant relationship and God’s faithfulness to Israel.
  • “Mercy” (רָחַם, racham) means deep compassion or tender love, highlighting that God’s actions are motivated by heartfelt care, not just obligation.
  • “Strangers” (גֵּרִים, gerim) refers to foreigners or non-Israelites living among Israel, showing that the promise of restoration includes people from outside Israel’s ethnic line.
  • “Cleave” (סָפַח, saphach) means to join closely or attach, suggesting that these outsiders will not just live nearby but will become deeply connected to Israel’s community.

Why Isaiah 14:1 matters

  • Isaiah 14:1 clarifies that God’s restoration of Israel is not only about returning land but also about renewed relationships and inclusion of outsiders.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s initiative—He “chooses” and “has mercy”—reminding the reader that restoration is based on God’s character, not Israel’s merit.
  • This verse connects to the larger section where Isaiah contrasts Israel’s future hope with the downfall of their oppressors, setting up a message of hope and reversal for those in exile.

Where else these words appear

“cleave” Hebrew H5596 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
  • 1 Samuel 26:19 Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.
  • Isaiah 3:17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

“joined” Hebrew H3867 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Esther 9:27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
  • Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

“set” Hebrew H3240 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  • Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
  • Psalms 119:121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.