The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
meek
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalm 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
increase.
Isaiah 41:17,18 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them…
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
rejoice
Isaiah 41:16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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.
• “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).
Isaiah 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).