Yahweh’s plan now concerns the whole world, not just Assyria and Judah. This is consistent with the prophet’s presentation of Yahweh as Creator of all.

This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth: The prophet is speaking here after quoting Yahweh’s words. Good News Translation closes the quote at the end of this verse instead of the previous verse, but we do not recommend this. The prophet repeats what he heard: God has outlined a task and is determined to carry it out. Since the Hebrew words for purpose and purposed come from the same root as the word for “purposed” in verse 24, this is an emphatic statement. The Hebrew demonstrative translated this, which introduces both halves of this verse, is also used for emphasis.

And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations: The metaphor of Yahweh’s outstretched hand is common in the Old Testament. Its meaning depends on the context. Sometimes it is for punishment (5.25; 9.12, 17, 21; Psa 55.20), and at other times for rescue (Deut 5.15; Psa 136.12). Here it refers to punishment (so Good News Translation, Bible en français courant). The hand denotes power; here it refers to God’s powerful action. The hand that is stretched out over all the nations means that Yahweh carries out his plans in every nation. Most versions keep the image of the outstretched hand, presuming it is clear enough. However, for these lines Bible en français courant has “and the threat that he directs at all nations.”

Some translation examples for this verse are:

• This is the purpose he has set for the whole world; this is his powerful hand acting among the nations.

• This is his purpose planned for the whole world; this is the power he will demonstrate among the nations.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .