God will powerfully transform even the most insignificant individual or group to display His glory and accomplish His purposes.
Isaiah the prophet, who lived in the eighth century BC, delivered a message of restoration and hope to God’s covenant people. As he foresaw the future glory of Zion, he proclaimed that “The smallest one will become a clan, And the least one a mighty nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time” (v.22). Here, Isaiah pictures a rapid and supernatural transformation—what appears weak and insignificant will be nurtured into great prominence by the power of the LORD. This promise would have encouraged the exiled Judaeans that though they felt small among the nations, God’s mighty hand had not forsaken them.
Isaiah’s use of the phrase the smallest one underscores the reality that God delights in using what looks unimpressive for His majestic purposes. By saying the least one will rise to become a mighty nation, Scripture reminds us that the LORD can multiply and bless whomever He chooses. All throughout the Bible, similar themes appear: God exalts the humble and brings them into higher spheres of service and safety. The LORD’s assurance I will hasten it in its time teaches that He alone determines the perfect moment to fulfill His promises, and no human barrier can thwart His timetable.
This verse also hints at greater spiritual fulfillment, preparing the stage for how the Messiah would elevate a remnant of faithful believers. Jesus, indeed, gathered a modest band of disciples and turned them into those who would carry the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). In the same way, the wonder that Isaiah described would arrive all at once, in the fullness of God’s timing, ushering in universal blessing and showing God’s strong commitment to His people.
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Isaiah 60:22 meaning
Isaiah the prophet, who lived in the eighth century BC, delivered a message of restoration and hope to God’s covenant people. As he foresaw the future glory of Zion, he proclaimed that “The smallest one will become a clan, And the least one a mighty nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time” (v.22). Here, Isaiah pictures a rapid and supernatural transformation—what appears weak and insignificant will be nurtured into great prominence by the power of the LORD. This promise would have encouraged the exiled Judaeans that though they felt small among the nations, God’s mighty hand had not forsaken them.
Isaiah’s use of the phrase the smallest one underscores the reality that God delights in using what looks unimpressive for His majestic purposes. By saying the least one will rise to become a mighty nation, Scripture reminds us that the LORD can multiply and bless whomever He chooses. All throughout the Bible, similar themes appear: God exalts the humble and brings them into higher spheres of service and safety. The LORD’s assurance I will hasten it in its time teaches that He alone determines the perfect moment to fulfill His promises, and no human barrier can thwart His timetable.
This verse also hints at greater spiritual fulfillment, preparing the stage for how the Messiah would elevate a remnant of faithful believers. Jesus, indeed, gathered a modest band of disciples and turned them into those who would carry the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). In the same way, the wonder that Isaiah described would arrive all at once, in the fullness of God’s timing, ushering in universal blessing and showing God’s strong commitment to His people.