Isaiah 13:15

KJV

Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every one that is found {H4672} shall be thrust through {H1856}; and every one that is joined {H5595} unto them shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anyone found will be pierced through; anyone caught will fall by the sword,

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever is caught will be stabbed, and whoever is captured will die by the sword.

American Standard Version

Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is taken shall fall by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:15 vividly portrays the brutal and indiscriminate nature of the judgment decreed against Babylon. This verse, part of a larger prophetic oracle, emphasizes that during the city's downfall, no resident or ally would escape the impending destruction. Those found within its walls and those who had aligned themselves with its power would equally face the sword, underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable wrath of God against a proud and oppressive empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13:15 is situated within a significant prophetic oracle against Babylon, which initiates a series of "burdens" (prophetic pronouncements of judgment) against various nations in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against Nations"). Chapter 13 itself opens with a declaration of God's intent to gather an army, specifically the Medes ([Isaiah 13:17](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17 - The Medes as God's Instrument")), to execute His wrath upon Babylon. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 13:6-13](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6-13 - The Day of the Lord")) describe the cosmic and earthly upheaval associated with the "Day of the Lord," a recurring prophetic theme signifying a time of divine intervention, judgment, and the ultimate establishment of God's sovereignty. Within this context, verse 15 intensifies the imagery of destruction, focusing on the human cost and the utter lack of escape for those caught in Babylon's demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, particularly during the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC), was the dominant superpower of its time. Under rulers like Nebuchadnezzar II, it conquered vast territories, including Judah, leading to the Babylonian exile of the Israelites. Its capital city was renowned for its immense walls, Hanging Gardens, and ziggurat (likely the Tower of Babel's successor), symbolizing its pride, wealth, and perceived invincibility. Culturally, Babylon was a center of idolatry and oppressive rule, making it a prime target for divine judgment in the prophetic imagination. Isaiah's prophecy, delivered centuries before Babylon's eventual fall to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, serves as a testament to God's foreknowledge and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of empires, often using one nation as an instrument of judgment against another.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly empires, like Babylon, are subject to God's ultimate authority and righteous wrath ([Isaiah 14:4-23](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14:4-23 - Taunt Against Babylon")). The judgment is also a direct consequence of Babylon's **Pride and Oppression**, particularly its cruelty towards God's people ([Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). Furthermore, the indiscriminate nature of the destruction ("Every one that is found... every one that is joined") highlights the theme of **Collective Consequences**, where association with a wicked system or nation brings shared calamity. Finally, the precise fulfillment of this prophecy centuries later reinforces the theme of the **Reliability and Fulfillment of God's Word**, affirming the truthfulness of biblical prophecy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This word signifies to be present, to be discovered, or to come upon. In this context, it emphasizes the inescapable nature of the judgment; anyone who happens to be within the city's confines when the attack occurs will be subjected to the violence. It implies no hiding place or means of evasion.
* **Thrust through (Hebrew, _dâqar'_):** A primitive root meaning to stab, pierce, or wound. It conveys a violent, fatal, and often brutal method of death, typically by a sharp weapon. The passive voice indicates that the action will be inflicted upon them, emphasizing their helplessness in the face of the onslaught.
* **Joined (Hebrew, _çâphâh'_):** This term means to be gathered, added to, or swept away. Here, it refers to those who ally themselves with Babylon, whether by residence, allegiance, or simply being caught up in its sphere of influence. It highlights that the judgment is not just for the core inhabitants but extends to all who are associated with the condemned entity, sharing in its fate.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, dagger, or other sharp implement used in warfare. It is a common biblical symbol for military conquest, violence, and death in battle. Its mention here underscores the means of destruction: a brutal military invasion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every one that is found shall be thrust through":** This clause declares that anyone discovered within Babylon during the invasion, regardless of their status or specific actions, will be violently killed. It speaks to the utter lack of mercy or discrimination in the coming judgment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction.
* **"and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword":** This second clause extends the scope of the judgment to include not only those physically "found" but also those who have allied themselves with Babylon or are swept up in its destiny. It reinforces the idea of collective consequence, where association with a condemned entity leads to shared destruction, specifically death by military force.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute language ("Every one... every one"), emphasizing the totality of the destruction, though in reality, some might escape. This serves to impress upon the audience the severity and comprehensiveness of God's judgment. **Imagery** of violent death ("thrust through," "fall by the sword") creates a vivid and terrifying picture of the coming invasion, appealing directly to the reader's senses and emotions. The "sword" itself functions as **Metonymy**, representing not just the weapon but the entire military conflict and its devastating consequences. Furthermore, the verse is part of a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired message that often uses heightened language and dramatic scenarios to convey God's will and future actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This stark prophecy of judgment against Babylon serves as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reminds us that no earthly power, however mighty or seemingly impregnable, can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty. The fall of Babylon, a symbol of human pride and oppression, illustrates that God will hold nations accountable for their wickedness, especially their cruelty towards His people. The indiscriminate nature of the judgment also highlights the serious consequences of aligning oneself with systems or ideologies that are fundamentally opposed to God's righteous standards. It's a warning that complicity or even mere presence within a condemned system can lead to shared ruin.

* [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Judgment for Pride")
* [Revelation 18:4](/rev/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon")
* [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:15, while speaking to a specific historical event, carries timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is just and that all forms of pride, oppression, and wickedness, whether in nations, institutions, or individuals, will ultimately face His righteous judgment. This should instill in us a holy fear of God and a deep respect for His moral order. Furthermore, the warning about those "joined unto them" challenges us to critically evaluate our associations, allegiances, and the systems we support. Are we aligning ourselves with values and practices that are contrary to God's kingdom? This verse calls us to spiritual discernment, urging us to separate ourselves from anything that is destined for divine judgment. Our ultimate refuge and security are not found in earthly powers or fleeting empires, but in the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of Babylon's judgment in this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice?**
* **In what ways might I be "joined" to systems or ideologies in my own life that are contrary to God's will, and what steps can I take to disentangle myself?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment motivate me to live a life of greater holiness and dependence on God?**
* **What comfort or warning does this prophecy offer me regarding the ultimate fate of oppressive powers in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Does this prophecy mean God is cruel or unjust in His judgments?**

Answer: No, this prophecy does not depict God as cruel or unjust, but rather as perfectly righteous and holy. The severity of the judgment on Babylon reflects the magnitude of its sin—its pride, idolatry, and particularly its brutal oppression of other nations, including God's chosen people, Israel. God's judgment is always a response to sustained wickedness and a demonstration of His justice, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished. It is a necessary act to uphold His moral order and ultimately to bring about His redemptive purposes. While the imagery is stark, it underscores the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine accountability, not arbitrary cruelty.

**How does this ancient prophecy apply to us today, given that Babylon fell long ago?**

Answer: While the literal Babylon fell centuries ago, the principles embedded in this prophecy remain profoundly relevant. Babylon often serves as a biblical archetype for any proud, oppressive, and godless system or empire that opposes God and His people. Thus, the prophecy reminds us that God remains sovereign over all nations and that all earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are accountable to Him. It warns against the dangers of pride, idolatry, and oppression, and it calls believers to discern and separate themselves from "Babylonian" systems of the world ([Revelation 18:4](/rev/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon")) that are destined for judgment. Ultimately, it points to the enduring truth that true security and refuge are found only in God and His eternal kingdom, not in fleeting human empires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 13:15 describes the historical judgment upon ancient Babylon, its theological trajectory points profoundly to the ultimate triumph of Christ and the judgment of all that opposes God. The "thrust through" and "fall by the sword" of Babylon foreshadow the decisive victory of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, through His sacrifice and resurrection, disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Just as physical Babylon was judged for its pride and oppression, Christ's work on the cross and His subsequent reign bring judgment upon the spiritual "Babylon"—the world system of sin, rebellion, and anti-God forces that enslaves humanity. The indiscriminate nature of the judgment in Isaiah 13:15, where all found within or joined to Babylon perish, finds its counterpoint in Christ, who offers an indiscriminate salvation to "whoever believes in Him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Those who are "joined" to Christ through faith are not destined for judgment but for eternal life ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Ultimately, the final and complete overthrow of all evil, symbolized by the "fall of Babylon the great" in Revelation ([Revelation 18:2](/rev/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon")), is accomplished through the triumphant return of [Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords](/rev/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings"), securing eternal justice and establishing His unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 50:25

The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this [is] the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 50:35

A sword [is] upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise [men].

Jeremiah 50:42

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they [are] cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, [every one] put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:27

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

Isaiah 14:19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

Isaiah 14:22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:3

Against [him that] bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against [him that] lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.