Isaiah 26:21

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 26:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Isaiah 26:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place, &c.] God, as omnipresent, is everywhere, and cannot be properly said to quit one place, and go to another; but as heaven is the seat of his majesty, and where he more manifestly displays his glory, when he is said to do anything remarkable on earth, he is said to come out of his place, and come down thither, (<330101>Micah 1:3) especially in the exertion of his power and justice, in a way of punishment of sin; which is his act, his strange act; and comes off from his throne of grace and mercy, in which he delights: the allusion is to a king leaving his throne and palace, to go forth against an enemy abroad, or to quell and punish rebellious…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Mic 1:3; Jde 1:14). disclose . . . blood-- (Gen 4:10-11; Job 16:18; Eze 24:7-8). All the innocent blood shed, and all other wrongs done, so long seemingly with impunity, shall then be avenged (Rev 16:6). At the time when Israel shall be delivered, and the ungodly nations punished, God shall punish also the great enemy of the Church. Next: Isaiah Chapter 27”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Cometh - Cometh down from heaven. To punish - All the enemies of God, and of his people. Her slain - The innocent blood which hath been spilled upon the earth shall be brought to light, and severely revenged upon the murderers. Next: Isaiah Chapter 27”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“26:21 The wicked retain power now, but their oppressive rule will end in the day of the Lord’s wrath, when he will punish them for their sins.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Lord: Isa 18:4; Psa 50:2, Psa 50:3; Eze 8:6, Eze 9:3-6, Eze 10:3-5, Eze 10:18, Eze 10:19; Hos 5:14, Hos 5:15; Mic 1:3-8; Th2 1:7-10; Jde 1:14, Jde 1:15 also: Gen 4:10, Gen 4:11; Num 35:32, Num 35:33; Job 16:18; Eze 24:7, Eze 24:8; Luk 11:40; Rev 6:9-11, Rev 16:6, Rev 18:24 blood: Heb. bloods Next: Isaiah Chapter 27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification