Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
You have made the nation grow larger, but you have not increased their joy. Yet they celebrate before you like people rejoice during harvest time, and like warriors celebrate when they divide up treasure they've won in battle.
God is describing how He has grown the nation in size, and the people celebrate before Him with the kind of deep joy that comes from a great harvest or victory.
📚 Historical Context
During the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah was addressing the people of Judah amid threats from the Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. He spoke of God's promise to multiply the nation and bring joy, contrasting their current oppression with future deliverance and abundance. This verse reflects the hope of restoration through a coming Messiah, using imagery of harvest joy and victory in battle to illustrate God's faithfulness.
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