O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

ISAIAH 26:13KJV
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Isaiah 26:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:13 mean?

Isaiah 26:13 describes how the people of Israel acknowledge that, although other rulers have controlled them in the past, only the LORD their God truly deserves their loyalty and praise. The verse expresses a commitment to honor only God's name, despite past experiences under other authorities.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of the people, addressing God directly. The setting is one of reflection after periods of foreign domination, likely by various kings or nations who ruled over Israel. Isaiah emphasizes that, even though others have exercised power over them, the people recognize the LORD as their only true master and the only one whose name they will remember and honor.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:13

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a unique, covenant relationship rather than just a general title for deity.
  • "lords" (אֲדֹנִים, 'adonim): This word refers to other masters or rulers, showing that the people had been under the control of human authorities, not just God.
  • "dominion" (בָּעַל, ba‘al): This verb means to rule over or possess, and its use here underscores the real authority these other rulers had over Israel at times.
  • "mention" (זָכַר, zakhar): This word means to remember or make mention of, suggesting that the people's focus and loyalty will be directed only to God's name, not to those other rulers.

Why Isaiah 26:13 matters

  • Isaiah 26:13 clarifies that Israel's loyalty is not divided, even after being ruled by others; their devotion belongs to the LORD alone.
  • The verse highlights the difference between human rulers and God, emphasizing that only God is worthy of lasting remembrance and honor.
  • In the context of Isaiah 26, this verse fits into a larger prayer celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness, reinforcing the theme of exclusive trust in God despite past hardships.

Where else these words appear

“dominion” Hebrew H1166 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.
  • Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

“beside” Hebrew H2108 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.
  • 2 Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
  • Psalms 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?