Isaiah 13:14

And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.

And it shall be as the chased {H5080} roe {H6643}, and as a sheep {H6629} that no man taketh up {H6908}: they shall every man {H376} turn {H6437} to his own people {H5971}, and flee {H5127} every one {H376} into his own land {H776}.

Then, like a hunted gazelle, like sheep with no one to gather them, everyone will head back to his own people; everyone will flee to his own land.

Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land.

And it shall come to pass, that as the chased roe, and as sheep that no man gathereth, they shall turn every man to his own people, and shall flee every man to his own land.

Isaiah 13:14 is a vivid prophetic verse describing the chaotic aftermath of God's judgment upon a powerful nation, primarily Babylon. It paints a picture of utter panic and dissolution among its inhabitants and allies.

Context

Chapter 13 of Isaiah initiates a series of "burdens" or oracles against various nations, with a significant focus on Babylon. This prophecy, delivered hundreds of years before Babylon's eventual fall to the Medes and Persians, foretells its destruction as part of the Day of the Lord's judgment. The preceding verses in Isaiah 13 describe the assembling of God's instruments of wrath and the terrifying signs accompanying this divine intervention. Verse 14 specifically depicts the reaction of those caught in the ensuing devastation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The verse powerfully illustrates the terrifying and complete nature of God's judgment, leading to widespread desolation and the breakdown of society.
  • Panic and Scattering: The imagery of a "chased roe" emphasizes extreme fear and a desperate, uncoordinated flight. People abandon alliances and seek only their own survival.
  • Abandonment and Helplessness: The phrase "as a sheep that no man taketh up" conveys a profound sense of abandonment and vulnerability. In this scenario, there is no shepherd, no protector, and no one to offer aid or comfort.

Linguistic and Poetic Insights

The KJV's poetic language in this verse uses two striking similes to convey the state of panic and abandonment:

  • "as the chased roe": A "roe" (a type of deer) is naturally timid and swift. When "chased," it flees in terror, without direction other than escape. This perfectly captures the frenzied, every-man-for-himself flight of the people.
  • "as a sheep that no man taketh up": This imagery evokes a lost or fallen sheep, utterly defenseless and overlooked. Unlike a shepherd who would rescue a stray, here there is no one to care, signifying complete helplessness and lack of leadership or compassion amidst the destruction. This contrasts starkly with biblical portrayals of God as a caring shepherd (e.g., Psalm 23:1).

The final clause, "they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land," indicates the breaking of any alliances or loyalties forged under Babylon's dominion. Foreigners, mercenaries, and subject peoples would scatter, each seeking safety in their homeland, further underscoring the collapse of the empire.

Practical Application

Isaiah 13:14 serves as a powerful reminder of several enduring truths:

  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This prophecy demonstrates God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of empires, even those as mighty as Babylon. No earthly power is beyond His judgment.
  • The Consequences of Pride and Rebellion: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies often links such judgments to the pride, idolatry, and oppression of nations.
  • The Impermanence of Earthly Security: The verse highlights how quickly human-made security, alliances, and prosperity can dissolve in the face of divine judgment. True safety is found only in God. This chaotic scene is a stark portrayal of the ultimate downfall of Babylon, a recurring theme in prophetic literature.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 22:17

    And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

  • Jeremiah 50:16

    Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

  • 1 Kings 22:36

    And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

  • Jeremiah 51:9

    We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.

  • Revelation 18:9

    ¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

  • Revelation 18:10

    Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

  • Isaiah 47:15

    Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, [even] thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

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