Who is the Least One in Isaiah 60:22?

To understand the meaning of the "least one," it’s essential to look at the broader context of Isaiah 60. This chapter is a prophetic vision of Jerusalem’s future glory after a long period of suffering and exile. Isaiah speaks of a time when the light of God will shine on Zion, attracting nations and kings. The city, once forsaken and afflicted, will become the spiritual and political center of the world, blessed with peace, wealth, and divine favor.

Isaiah 60 is filled with imagery of transformation: darkness gives way to light, desolation to abundance, and insignificance to greatness. The chapter culminates in God’s promise that He will bring about these changes in His perfect timing. Verse 22, in particular, emphasizes the radical reversal of fortunes that God will bring: "The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation."

Who is the "Least One"?

On a straightforward level, the "least one" refers to the people of Israel. At the time Isaiah was writing, Israel was small, vulnerable, and marginalized among the great civilizations of the world. The term "least" or "smallest" underscores their lack of worldly power and influence, particularly in the aftermath of conquest and exile. Yet, God promises that this seemingly insignificant group will multiply and flourish, growing into a powerful nation.

The language of the passage echoes God’s earlier promises to Abraham. In Genesis 12 and 15, God assures Abraham that his descendants—though few at first—will become as numerous as the stars and a blessing to all nations. Isaiah’s prophecy reiterates this covenant, offering hope that God’s faithfulness endures even through generations of hardship.

Multiple Layers of Meaning

While the immediate context points to Israel, biblical prophecy often carries layers of meaning. The "least one" can also symbolize:

1. The Remnant: Throughout Isaiah, the theme of the faithful remnant runs deep. Even when the nation as a whole turned away from God, a small, faithful group remained. This remnant, though small, would be the seed of future renewal and blessing.
2. Messianic Fulfillment: Some Christian interpretations see the "least one" as pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who began his earthly ministry in humble circumstances. From this "least" beginning, the message of the Gospel has grown to impact the world, forming a spiritual nation of believers.
3. The Church: Others see a broader application to the Christian church, which started with a handful of disciples and, despite persecution, became a global movement. The exponential growth of the early church mirrors the promise that the smallest will become mighty through God’s action.

Application: God’s Power in Weakness

At its heart, Isaiah 60:22 is a declaration of God’s ability to bring greatness out of obscurity. Whether speaking of ancient Israel, the Messiah, or the faithful in any generation, the pattern is the same: God delights in lifting up the humble and transforming the insignificant into the influential.

This theme resonates throughout Scripture. God chose David, the youngest and least likely of Jesse’s sons, to be king. He called Gideon, who described himself as the least in his family and tribe, to deliver Israel. In the New Testament, Paul writes, "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Isaiah’s prophecy encourages those who feel overlooked, powerless, or unimportant. God’s promises are not limited by human expectations or circumstances. Through faith and obedience, even the "least one" can become the foundation for something far greater than themselves.

The Ultimate Promise

The closing words of Isaiah 60:22, "I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it," underscore that this transformation is God’s work, accomplished in His timing. The fulfillment may not be immediate, but it is assured. The "least one"—whether Israel, the Messiah, or the faithful of any age—will become mighty, not by their own strength, but by the sovereign power of God.