The humble will increase their joy in the LORDThis phrase emphasizes the spiritual principle that humility before God leads to an increase in joy. In biblical context, humility is often associated with a recognition of one's dependence on God, as seen in passages like
James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." The joy mentioned here is not merely an emotional state but a deep, abiding sense of contentment and peace that comes from a right relationship with God. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22) and is often contrasted with the fleeting pleasures of the world. The phrase also reflects the prophetic hope that God will ultimately vindicate the humble, as seen in the Beatitudes (
Matthew 5:3-12), where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit and those who mourn.
and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
The "poor among men" refers to those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized in society. In the historical context of Isaiah, this would include those suffering under the oppression of foreign powers or corrupt leaders. The "Holy One of Israel" is a title for God that emphasizes His uniqueness, purity, and covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase suggests that true rejoicing comes not from material wealth but from a relationship with God. The poor are often depicted in Scripture as having a special place in God's heart (Psalm 34:6,Luke 4:18). This rejoicing is a foretaste of the Messianic kingdom, where Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of the "Holy One of Israel," brings good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1,Luke 4:18-19). The phrase underscores the biblical theme that God's kingdom is often revealed through the least and the last, aligning with Jesus' ministry and teachings.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The HumbleRefers to those who are lowly in spirit, often oppressed or marginalized, who find their strength and joy in God.
2.
The Poor Among MenRepresents those who are economically disadvantaged or lacking in worldly status, yet find their hope and joy in God.
3.
The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the source of true joy and strength for His people.
4.
The Holy One of IsraelA title for God emphasizing His holiness and His special relationship with Israel as their protector and redeemer.
5.
IsaiahThe prophet who delivered God's message to the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Joy in HumilityTrue joy is found not in worldly status or wealth but in a humble relationship with God. The humble are promised an increase in joy as they rely on the Lord.
Rejoicing in GodThe poor and marginalized are invited to find their joy in the Holy One of Israel, emphasizing that spiritual wealth surpasses material wealth.
God's FaithfulnessThe title "Holy One of Israel" assures us of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His promises.
Spiritual RichesThe passage challenges us to seek spiritual riches over material wealth, finding contentment and joy in our relationship with God.
Community of FaithAs a community, we are called to support and uplift the humble and poor, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 29:19?
2.How can we cultivate the "humble" spirit mentioned in Isaiah 29:19 today?
3.What does "rejoice in the LORD" mean for our daily Christian walk?
4.How does Isaiah 29:19 connect with Jesus' teachings on humility in Matthew 5:5?
5.In what ways can we help others "find joy in the Holy One"?
6.How does understanding Isaiah 29:19 deepen our relationship with God?
7.How does Isaiah 29:19 reflect God's promise of joy to the humble?
8.What historical context surrounds Isaiah 29:19's message of humility and joy?
9.How does Isaiah 29:19 challenge modern views on humility and pride?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 29?
11.What activities will we engage in Heaven?
12.Why does Isaiah 19's prophecy differ from other prophetic passages about Egypt (e.g., Ezekiel 29) if they both claim divine judgment?
13.If God is all-sufficient, why does Psalm 134:1-2 emphasize continual praise from humans?
14.How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?What Does Isaiah 29:19 Mean
The humble• The promise is addressed to “the humble”—people who bow their hearts before God rather than exalting themselves. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
• Throughout Isaiah the Lord contrasts arrogant leaders with a meek remnant (Isaiah 57:15). He intends real, flesh-and-blood people who walk in lowliness, not a mere figure of speech.
• Humility positions a person to receive all that follows in the verse.
Will increase• The verb looks ahead: their joy is destined to grow. God is not content with a trickle of gladness; He pledges abundance.
•Psalm 34:2 mirrors the thought: “My soul will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.”
• This growth is certain because it depends on the Lord’s initiative, not on fluctuating circumstances.
Their joy• Joy is more than a passing feeling; it is the settled delight that flows from a restored relationship with God (Nehemiah 8:10).
•1 Peter 1:8 speaks of “inexpressible and glorious joy” found in Christ—exactly the kind Isaiah foretells.
• The promise is personal: “their” joy. God tailors His blessing to each humble believer.
In the LORD• The source of joy matters. It is “in the LORD,” the covenant-keeping God revealed in Scripture.
•Psalm 16:11 affirms, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” True happiness is anchored in who He is, not in what we possess.
•Philippians 4:4 echoes the call: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
And the poor among men• Isaiah extends the promise to those lacking resources or influence. The materially poor are often exploited, yet the Lord sees and defends them (Psalm 72:4).
• At the same time, the verse embraces the spiritually poor—those who know they have nothing to offer God (Matthew 5:3).
• Whether economic or spiritual, poverty becomes the gateway to God’s generosity.
Will rejoice• Rejoicing is the active expression of inward joy. It involves voice, posture, and daily choices.
•Isaiah 61:10 models the response: “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God.”
•Luke 1:46-55 shows Mary, a humble village girl, erupting in praise—fulfilling the spirit of this promise.
In the Holy One of Israel• “Holy One of Israel” is Isaiah’s favorite title for God, stressing His moral perfection and covenant faithfulness (Isaiah 1:4; 41:14).
• To rejoice in Him is to celebrate both His purity and His nearness—He is transcendent yet committed to His people.
• Ultimately this title points to Jesus, the Holy One who embodies Israel’s God and secures everlasting joy (Acts 3:14-16).
summaryIsaiah 29:19 gives a literal, unbreakable promise: God will cause humble, needy people to overflow with joy rooted in His own character. As pride is laid aside and dependence on Him grows, so does gladness—first inwardly, then outwardly in rejoicing. The Lord Himself, the Holy One of Israel, is both the source and the subject of this ever-increasing delight.
(19)
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.--A new element enters into the ideal restoration of the future. Men had been weary of the name of the Holy One of Israel (
Isaiah 30:11). In that better time it should be the source of joy and peace for the poor and the lowly, on whom Isaiah looked with all the yearnings of a prophet's sympathy.
Verse 19. -
The meek... the poor. The "evangelical prophet" anticipates the gospel in this, among other points - that he promises his choicest blessings, not to the rich and mighty, but to the poor and meek (comp.
Isaiah 57:15;
Isaiah 61:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The humbleעֲנָוִ֛ים(‘ă·nā·wîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6035:Poor, afflicted, humble, meekwill increaseוְיָסְפ֧וּ(wə·yā·sə·p̄ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3254:To add, augment[their] joyשִׂמְחָ֑ה(śim·ḥāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057:Blithesomeness, gleein the LORD,בַּֽיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland the poorוְאֶבְיוֹנֵ֣י(wə·’eḇ·yō·w·nê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 34:In want, needy, pooramong menאָדָ֔ם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingwill rejoiceיָגִֽילוּ׃(yā·ḡî·lū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1523:To spin round, rejoice, fearin the Holy Oneבִּקְד֥וֹשׁ(biq·ḏō·wōš)Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 29:19 The humble also will increase their joy (Isa Isi Is)