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Isaiah 40:15
Verse
Context
Here Is Your God!
14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? 15Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 16Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
From His exaltation as Creator, the prophet now proceeds to His exaltation as Governor of the world. "Behold, nations like a little drop on a bucket, and like a grain of sand in a balance, are they esteemed; behold, islands like an atom of dust that rises in the air." Upon Jehovah, the King of the world, does the burden rest of ruling over the whole human race, which is split up into different nations; but the great masses of people over whom Jehovah rules are no more burden to Him than a drop hanging upon a bucket is a burden to the man who carries it (min is used in the same sense as in Sol 4:1; Sol 6:5), no more than the weight in a balance is perceptibly increased or diminished by a grain of sand that happens to lie upon it (shachaq, from shâchaq, to grind to powder). The islands, those fragments of firm ground in the midst of the ocean (אי = ivy, from אוה, to betake one's self to a place, and remain there), upon which the heathen world was dispersed (Gen 10), are to Him who carries the universe like the small particle of dust (דּק from דּקק, to crush or pulverize), which is lifted up, viz., by the slightest breath of wind (יטּול metaplastic fut. niph. of tūl = nâtal, cf., Isa 63:9). The rendering of Knobel, "dust which is thrown," would require עפר (Isa 41:2); and neither that of Gesenius, viz., "He takes up islands like a particle of dust," nor that of Hitzig, "He carries islands," etc., is admissible, for טוּל = נטל signifies tollere, not portare; and the former, viz., insulas tollit, furnishes no answer to the question, "How so, and to what end?"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of--rather, (hanging) from a bucket [MAURER]. he taketh up . . . as a very little thing--rather, "are as a mere grain of dust which is taken up," namely, by the wind; literally, "one taketh up," impersonally (Exo 16:14) [MAURER]. isles--rather, "lands" in general, answering to "the nations" in the parallel clause; perhaps lands, like Mesopotamia, enclosed by rivers [JEROME] (so Isa 42:15). However, English Version, "isles" answers well to "mountains" (Isa 40:12), both alike being lifted up by the power of God; in fact, "isles" are mountains upheaved from the bed of the sea by volcanic agency; only that he seems here to have passed from unintelligent creatures (Isa 40:12) to intelligent, as nations and lands, that is, their inhabitants.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,.... Not only the Chaldeans and Babylonians, and other nations most known, and most troublesome to the Jews, but all the nations of the world; these, in comparison of God, of his infinite and immense Being, are but as a drop of water that hangs upon the bucket, or falls from it, when water is drawn by it, or is left in it, when poured out of it; which is nothing in comparison of the well out of which the water is drawn, or even of the water in the bucket drawn out of it: and are accounted as the small dust of the balance; that is, they are accounted nothing of with God, comparatively speaking, any more than the small dust which hangs upon the balance, and gives it no weight, nor turn one way or another, and so is of no consideration. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it, "as the turn of the scale"; and so the Targum; but the other version more strongly expresses the sense: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing; by which are meant not merely islands, properly so called, which are encompassed by the sea, but all such countries which the Jews used to go to by sea, for all such they called isles; these the Lord can take up, or cast away (u), as some render the word; toss them about, overturn and destroy, as a man may take up the most minute thing and cast it from him. The Targum renders it, "as chaff which flies away;'' or, as others translate it, "as the ashes of a coal which fly away.'' The word may signify any light thing, as chaff, straw, stubble, feathers, down of thistles, which are easily carried away with the least force; and so Vitringa renders the words, "behold, the isles are as some little thing which flies away". (u) "projiciet", Pagninus, Tigurine version; so R. Jonah in Ben Melech.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:15 God is sovereign over all the nations of the world and over their human power structures. In comparison to God, they are almost nothing. This included the Babylonian Empire, which was merely a tool in God’s hand. • whole earth: Literally coastlands or islands.
Isaiah 40:15
Here Is Your God!
14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? 15Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 16Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Ultimate Test of Faith
By David Wilkerson4.3K46:26JOS 1:7PSA 106:7ISA 40:15MAT 6:33PHP 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel in Exodus. He highlights how they witnessed a great miracle when God saved them and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground. However, just three days later, they began to complain and doubt God's provision when they faced a lack of water. The preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, pointing out that the Israelites initially blamed themselves and felt inadequate to face their enemies. But God reminded them that they needed to trust Him and be warriors, as He had a divine purpose for bringing them out of Egypt.
The Local Church 1 - Part 5
By William MacDonald2.9K08:38ISA 40:15MAT 16:18ACT 15:14EPH 3:10COL 1:251TI 3:1This sermon emphasizes the significance of the church as a divine institution that will endure against all odds, serving as a witness to angelic beings and forming the capstone of scriptural revelation. The church is portrayed as a place where believers are refined and unified, fulfilling God's purpose to call people to His name and propagate the faith. The importance of elders in local assemblies is highlighted, showcasing God's deep regard for the church over worldly empires.
Characteristics of Revival
By Bill McLeod1.7K38:53Biblical RevivalISA 40:15MAT 6:332CO 8:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not questioning or trying to understand God's ways. He reminds the congregation that God does not owe anyone an explanation for His actions. The preacher shares a story about a wealthy banker who was saved after a mentally challenged boy whispered something to him during the sermon. This highlights the power of simple and genuine messages about salvation. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging the congregation to share their faith with others, regardless of their personality or style.
Christian, Are You Refusing God?
By Tim Conway8001:08:231SA 15:22JOB 9:4ECC 8:11ISA 40:15MAT 15:8LUK 14:17PHP 2:9HEB 2:2HEB 10:28HEB 12:25JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater accountability for those who reject Him today. The message highlights the unshakable nature of God's Kingdom and the need for gratitude, acceptable worship, reverence, and awe towards Him. The urgency to cling to Christ, heed His voice, and run the race faithfully is emphasized, warning against the dangers of drifting away and the necessity of surrendering all to follow Him.
The Glory of God
By Bill McLeod72723:01Glory Of GodISA 40:152CO 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance in the eyes of God. He shares a personal experience of witnessing to others and how he shared his faith in Christ. The preacher also highlights how Jesus performed miracles and signs to prove that He was approved by God, but many people were more concerned with their physical needs rather than recognizing His divine power. The sermon concludes with the reminder that believers are called to live for God's eternal glory and that everything we have belongs to Him.
A Drop in a Bucket
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal PerspectiveGod's GreatnessPSA 73:26ISA 40:15LAM 3:24MAT 6:19ROM 8:181CO 2:92CO 4:17PHP 3:20COL 3:2HEB 11:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the insignificance of worldly possessions and nations in comparison to the greatness of God, illustrating that all earthly achievements are merely drops in a bucket when weighed against the divine portion that belongs to believers. He uses the analogy of Alcibiades and Socrates to highlight the futility of pride in material wealth, reminding us that even the most expansive lands are but tiny specks in the grand scheme of creation. Brooks encourages the congregation to grasp the immeasurable value of their relationship with God, which far surpasses any earthly treasure, and to find hope and fulfillment in Him alone.
Plant a Tree
By David Wilkerson0Diligence in ServiceFaith in AdversityPSA 23:4ISA 40:15ISA 40:17MAT 6:26LUK 12:6EPH 3:20PHP 4:191TI 6:8David Wilkerson emphasizes that God does not promise a life free from suffering or worldly security, but instead offers peace and assurance for our souls. He reminds believers that despite the foreboding future, we need not fear because God is in control and knows the appointed time of Christ's return. Wilkerson encourages Christians to remain diligent in their work for God, living as if Christ could return at any moment, and to embody the spirit of planting seeds of faith and good works. He cites D.L. Moody's response about planting a tree as a metaphor for being proactive in our faith. Ultimately, he reassures us that God is attentive to our needs and fears, urging us to trust in His provision.
Don't Be Fooled, Jesus Reigns
By David Wilkerson0Sovereignty Of GodJesus as KingPSA 66:7PSA 103:19PRO 21:1ISA 40:15ISA 40:17DAN 2:21MAT 28:18ROM 13:11TI 6:15REV 19:16David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus reigns supreme over all nations and human authorities, asserting that no earthly power, including political parties or businesses, holds true dominion. He reminds us that God alone is in control, and all earthly rulers are insignificant in comparison to His authority. Wilkerson urges believers to allow Jesus to govern their lives, guiding their actions and thoughts according to His Word, which leads to true blessing and joy. He highlights the futility of human pride in power, reminding us that all nations are merely dust in God's eyes.
Look to Our Glorious King
By David Wilkerson0Trust in God's PromisesGod's SovereigntyPSA 22:28ISA 34:1ISA 40:15ISA 40:17ISA 40:22David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of looking to God amidst the chaos and turmoil of the world, reminding believers that despite the overwhelming events and moral decline, God remains sovereign and in control. He reassures the faithful that the Lord governs all nations and that nothing occurs without His knowledge. The sermon encourages Christians to find comfort in God's promises and to remember their worth in His eyes, urging them to look up to the heavens and trust in His care during difficult times.
The Covenants
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 15:1ISA 27:9ISA 40:15JER 31:31JHN 5:24JHN 6:44JHN 10:28ROM 6:14ROM 11:26PHP 1:6Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the concept of God's covenants with humanity, highlighting the distinction between conditional and unconditional covenants. He emphasizes that unconditional covenants are declarations of God's promises without relying on human actions, while conditional covenants are dependent on human response. The sermon explores the significance of understanding these covenants, which shape the relationship between God and mankind throughout history, showcasing divine sovereignty and human choice in fulfilling God's predetermined purposes.
God Has Everything Under Control
By David Wilkerson0God's SovereigntyTrust in God's PlanPSA 22:28ISA 34:1ISA 40:15ISA 40:17ISA 40:22David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite the chaos and calamities shaking the world, believers can find peace in the knowledge that God is in control. He reassures the faithful that nothing occurs without God's awareness and governance, as highlighted in the Psalms and Isaiah. Wilkerson encourages Christians to look beyond the turmoil and recognize their value to God, who has a divine plan for history. He reminds us that earthly powers are insignificant to God, who remains sovereign over all nations and events. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in God's overarching authority and to not succumb to fear.
Some Queries Concerning Compulsion in Religion
By Isaac Penington0ISA 40:15MAT 22:21JHN 4:24ACT 4:19ROM 14:232CO 9:71PE 5:2Isaac Penington raises thought-provoking queries regarding compulsion in religion, emphasizing the importance of being fully persuaded in one's soul about the worship offered to God. He questions whether worship compelled against one's beliefs is acceptable to the Lord and highlights the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, where compulsion has no place. Penington urges for serious consideration on the type of worship that pleases corrupt individuals versus those with tender consciences seeking truth and virtue in worship.
Are We "One Nation Under God"?
By Robert P. Jr Dugan0DEU 8:1PSA 96:13ISA 40:15LUK 12:48Robert P. Jr Dugan preaches about the importance of acknowledging God's role in the durability and prosperity of nations, drawing parallels between the United States and Israel's historical relationship with God. He emphasizes the need for the nation to recognize its spiritual heritage and foundation, urging a revival of the vision of being 'one nation under God' to ensure longevity and prosperity. Dugan highlights the significance of religious principles in shaping democratic values and warns against secularizing the nation, pointing out the potential consequences of straying from the founders' original vision.
When I Consider Thy Heavens, the Work of Thy Fingers
By John Calvin0PSA 8:3PSA 144:3ISA 40:15ROM 5:8EPH 2:4John Calvin preaches on the Psalmist's reflection on the greatness of God in contrast to the insignificance of man, highlighting the infinite goodness of God in caring for humanity despite their frailty and lowly state. The Psalmist emphasizes the wonder of God's grace in adorning mankind with glory and blessings, despite their unworthiness compared to the majestic heavens. Calvin urges the audience to be deeply moved by God's miraculous love and generosity towards humanity, recognizing the profound contrast between God's greatness and man's humble existence.
God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's LoveNew Covenant1SA 18:12SA 1:26PSA 50:10ISA 40:15ISA 45:12JER 31:3MAT 26:28JHN 3:16EPH 2:4COL 1:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellion and sin. He explores the nature of God's love, describing it as infinite, self-sufficient, and akin to a mother's love, which persists despite our shortcomings. Sparks reassures that this love is not limited to Israel but is available to all through the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to recognize the depth of this love and its implications for their lives, encouraging a response of gratitude and humility. Ultimately, he calls for a life that reflects this divine love in our actions and relationships.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
From His exaltation as Creator, the prophet now proceeds to His exaltation as Governor of the world. "Behold, nations like a little drop on a bucket, and like a grain of sand in a balance, are they esteemed; behold, islands like an atom of dust that rises in the air." Upon Jehovah, the King of the world, does the burden rest of ruling over the whole human race, which is split up into different nations; but the great masses of people over whom Jehovah rules are no more burden to Him than a drop hanging upon a bucket is a burden to the man who carries it (min is used in the same sense as in Sol 4:1; Sol 6:5), no more than the weight in a balance is perceptibly increased or diminished by a grain of sand that happens to lie upon it (shachaq, from shâchaq, to grind to powder). The islands, those fragments of firm ground in the midst of the ocean (אי = ivy, from אוה, to betake one's self to a place, and remain there), upon which the heathen world was dispersed (Gen 10), are to Him who carries the universe like the small particle of dust (דּק from דּקק, to crush or pulverize), which is lifted up, viz., by the slightest breath of wind (יטּול metaplastic fut. niph. of tūl = nâtal, cf., Isa 63:9). The rendering of Knobel, "dust which is thrown," would require עפר (Isa 41:2); and neither that of Gesenius, viz., "He takes up islands like a particle of dust," nor that of Hitzig, "He carries islands," etc., is admissible, for טוּל = נטל signifies tollere, not portare; and the former, viz., insulas tollit, furnishes no answer to the question, "How so, and to what end?"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of--rather, (hanging) from a bucket [MAURER]. he taketh up . . . as a very little thing--rather, "are as a mere grain of dust which is taken up," namely, by the wind; literally, "one taketh up," impersonally (Exo 16:14) [MAURER]. isles--rather, "lands" in general, answering to "the nations" in the parallel clause; perhaps lands, like Mesopotamia, enclosed by rivers [JEROME] (so Isa 42:15). However, English Version, "isles" answers well to "mountains" (Isa 40:12), both alike being lifted up by the power of God; in fact, "isles" are mountains upheaved from the bed of the sea by volcanic agency; only that he seems here to have passed from unintelligent creatures (Isa 40:12) to intelligent, as nations and lands, that is, their inhabitants.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,.... Not only the Chaldeans and Babylonians, and other nations most known, and most troublesome to the Jews, but all the nations of the world; these, in comparison of God, of his infinite and immense Being, are but as a drop of water that hangs upon the bucket, or falls from it, when water is drawn by it, or is left in it, when poured out of it; which is nothing in comparison of the well out of which the water is drawn, or even of the water in the bucket drawn out of it: and are accounted as the small dust of the balance; that is, they are accounted nothing of with God, comparatively speaking, any more than the small dust which hangs upon the balance, and gives it no weight, nor turn one way or another, and so is of no consideration. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it, "as the turn of the scale"; and so the Targum; but the other version more strongly expresses the sense: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing; by which are meant not merely islands, properly so called, which are encompassed by the sea, but all such countries which the Jews used to go to by sea, for all such they called isles; these the Lord can take up, or cast away (u), as some render the word; toss them about, overturn and destroy, as a man may take up the most minute thing and cast it from him. The Targum renders it, "as chaff which flies away;'' or, as others translate it, "as the ashes of a coal which fly away.'' The word may signify any light thing, as chaff, straw, stubble, feathers, down of thistles, which are easily carried away with the least force; and so Vitringa renders the words, "behold, the isles are as some little thing which flies away". (u) "projiciet", Pagninus, Tigurine version; so R. Jonah in Ben Melech.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:15 God is sovereign over all the nations of the world and over their human power structures. In comparison to God, they are almost nothing. This included the Babylonian Empire, which was merely a tool in God’s hand. • whole earth: Literally coastlands or islands.