Isaiah 13:17

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

Behold, I will stir up {H5782} the Medes {H4074} against them, which shall not regard {H2803} silver {H3701}; and as for gold {H2091}, they shall not delight {H2654} in it.

I will stir up against them the Medes, who cannot be tempted by silver or bought off with gold.

Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold.

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who shall not regard silver, and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.

Commentary on Isaiah 13:17 (KJV)

Isaiah 13:17 is a powerful prophetic declaration detailing God's chosen instrument for the downfall of ancient Babylon. This verse is part of a larger oracle (Isaiah 13-14) that vividly describes the impending judgment upon one of the most formidable empires of its time.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Isaiah contains a series of "burdens" or oracles against various nations, and Chapter 13 specifically targets Babylon. Though Babylon was a dominant power in Isaiah's time, this prophecy was given centuries before its ultimate fall. The "Medes" mentioned here were an ancient Indo-European people who inhabited the region of Media (modern-day Iran). Historically, the Medes, later allied with the Persians under Cyrus the Great, were indeed the force that conquered Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. The detail about their indifference to silver and gold highlights a unique characteristic of this conquering force, distinguishing them from typical invaders primarily motivated by plunder.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse unequivocally declares God's active role in history. "I will stir up the Medes against them" emphasizes that nations rise and fall not by chance, but by divine decree. God uses human powers as instruments of His justice, even those unaware of His purposes. This theme is consistent throughout prophetic books, demonstrating God's ultimate control over kingdoms.
  • The Unstoppable Nature of God's Wrath: The description of the Medes as those who "shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it" is crucial. It signifies a conquering force driven by something beyond mere material gain. Their indifference to wealth suggests a ruthless, single-minded focus on destruction and conquest, making them the perfect, unyielding instrument of God's judgment against Babylon's pride and idolatry. Their mission was not to plunder, but to utterly subdue.
  • The Futility of Material Wealth: For Babylon, a city renowned for its immense riches and treasures, the fact that its conquerors would not even value its wealth underscores the ultimate emptiness of earthly possessions in the face of divine judgment. No amount of gold or silver could buy off or appease the instrument of God's wrath.

Linguistic Insights and Key Phrases

The phrase "shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it" is particularly striking. In ancient warfare, plunder was a primary motivation and reward for victorious armies. This characteristic attributed to the Medes sets them apart, indicating a severity and dedication to the task that transcends typical human greed. It implies a total devastation where even the spoils of war are deemed irrelevant, signifying the complete and utter destruction prophesied for Babylon. This detail serves to emphasize the terrifying effectiveness of God's chosen agents.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy finds its historical fulfillment in the events described in the Book of Daniel, particularly the account of Belshazzar's feast and the subsequent fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians (see Daniel 5:30-31). Isaiah also prophesies about Cyrus, the Persian king who would lead this conquest, by name, long before his birth (Isaiah 45:1).

Practical Application

Isaiah 13:17 serves as a timeless reminder that God remains sovereign over all nations and history. Empires rise and fall according to His will, and no amount of material wealth or military might can stand against His determined purpose. For believers, this instills confidence in God's ultimate control and justice. For the world, it is a warning against pride, oppression, and the deceptive security of earthly riches. It challenges us to consider where our true security lies and to remember that God's judgments, though sometimes slow, are always sure and complete.

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.

  • Jeremiah 51:11

    Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

  • Proverbs 6:34

    For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

  • Proverbs 6:35

    He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

  • Daniel 5:28

    PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

  • Daniel 5:31

    And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

  • Isaiah 41:25

    I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

  • Isaiah 21:2

    A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

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