Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures.
Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Isaiah 40:15 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
Isaiah 40:22 (KJV) » It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Jeremiah 10:10 (KJV) » But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
Isaiah 29:5 (KJV) » Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.
Job 34:14 (KJV) » If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
Isaiah 59:18 (KJV) » According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.
Isaiah 11:11 (KJV) » And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Daniel 11:18 (KJV) » After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.
Isaiah 66:19 (KJV) » And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
Genesis 10:5 (KJV) » By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
Isaiah 41:5 (KJV) » The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
Zephaniah 2:11 (KJV) » The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.
Isaiah 40:15 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Isaiah 40:15
Verse: "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
Summary of Isaiah 40:15
Isaiah 40:15 presents a powerful metaphor illustrating the insignificance of nations in the eyes of God. This verse emphasizes the supremacy and incomparable nature of the Creator compared to human authority and power.
Interpretation and Insights
Matthew Henry: Highlights God’s sovereignty over the nations, suggesting that all earthly powers are ultimately subordinate to His will. Henry explains that nations compared to God are negligible, akin to mere drops in a bucket.
Albert Barnes: Focuses on the imagery of balance, noting that just as small dust is insignificant in weighing substantial items, so are nations trivial in the context of divine judgment and purpose.
Adam Clarke: Elaborates on the idea that God's omnipotence renders human efforts inconsequential when juxtaposed with divine authority, underscoring the futility of pride in human greatness.
Thematic Connections with Other Bible Verses
The verse encourages a thematic exploration of God’s relationship with nations and His ultimate authority. Here are 10 Bible cross-references that highlight similar messages:
Psalm 2:1-4: Discusses the futility of nations rebelling against God.
Isaiah 40:23-24: Continues to underscore God’s control over rulers and established powers.
Job 34:24-25: States that God removes kings and establishes others at His discretion.
Dani 4:17: Points out God's sovereignty over all kingdoms of the earth.
Acts 17:26: Confirms that God made all nations from one blood, implying His governance over them.
Revelation 19:15: Portrays Christ as the ultimate ruler over the nations.
Matthew 28:18: Celebrates Jesus' declaration that all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth.
Daniel 2:21: Shows that God changes times and seasons, and establishes kings.
1 Samuel 2:7-8: Affirms that the Lord makes poor and rich and raises the needy from the dust.
Isaiah 66:1: Highlights the greatness of God, indicating that the earth is His footstool.
Cross-Referencing Themes and Methodologies
The significance of Isaiah 40:15 extends into a broader context when cross-referencing the scriptures. Here’s how to effectively approach this study:
Utilizing Bible Concordance: A concordance can help trace themes of divine authority across various books.
Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Use guides to identify connections between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillments.
Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engage in studies that tackle how verses like Isaiah 40:15 relate to others in terms of governance and power.
Identifying Connections: Investigate the relationships between verses that illustrate God's sovereignty, such as those mentioned above.
Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods: Employ methods like thematic studies to draw parallels between divine authority instances.
Conclusion
Isaiah 40:15 serves as a striking reminder of God's supremacy over nations and human endeavors. By exploring this verse alongside other scriptures, one can appreciate the extensive biblical narrative on divine authority. This interconnectedness enhances our understanding and reveals the overarching themes found within the Bible.
