Isaiah 13:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:17 serves as a potent prophetic declaration, revealing Yahweh's sovereign orchestration of history through the impending judgment upon Babylon. This verse specifically identifies the Medes as God's chosen instrument, highlighting their unique characteristic: an utter indifference to the material spoils of war—silver and gold. This detail underscores the divine, uncompromising nature of their mission, indicating that their conquest would not be driven by typical human greed but by a resolute, destructive purpose ordained by God, ensuring Babylon's complete and inescapable downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 initiates a series of "burdens" or oracles against various nations, commencing with a profound pronouncement against Babylon (chapters 13-14). This particular oracle is a dramatic and vivid depiction of divine judgment, employing apocalyptic language to describe the "day of the Lord" against this mighty empire. Preceding verse 16 describes the brutal consequences for Babylon's inhabitants, including the dashing of children and the plundering of houses. Verse 17 then introduces the specific agents of this destruction, the Medes, and their unusual motivation. The subsequent verses (13:18-22) continue to elaborate on the Medes' ruthlessness and the utter desolation that will befall Babylon, emphasizing its permanent ruin and transformation into a desolate wilderness. This entire section functions as a stark warning and a testament to God's absolute control over the rise and fall of kingdoms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 13 was delivered in the 8th century BC, centuries before Babylon's zenith as an empire and its eventual fall. At the time of Isaiah, Assyria was the dominant regional power, and Babylon was often under its sway or vying for independence. The mention of the "Medes" is remarkably specific and forward-looking, as they were not yet a significant world power. Historically, the Medes, in alliance with the Persians under Cyrus the Great, were indeed the conquering force that brought down the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC. Ancient warfare was typically characterized by the pursuit of plunder—silver, gold, and other treasures—as a primary motivation and reward for victorious armies. The Medes' indifference to such spoils, as prophesied, sets them apart, suggesting a unique, perhaps divinely imbued, ruthlessness that prioritized total conquest and destruction over material gain, aligning perfectly with God's judgment against Babylon's pride and idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 13:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over human history and the destinies of nations. He "stirs up" empires as instruments of His will, demonstrating that even pagan nations serve His purposes, often unknowingly, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Controls Kingdoms"). This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, particularly against pride, idolatry, and oppression, which characterized Babylon. The Medes' disinterest in wealth underscores the **Futility of Earthly Riches** in the face of God's wrath; Babylon's immense treasures, which symbolized its power and security, would be utterly worthless in averting its doom. This prophetic detail foreshadows the ultimate emptiness of worldly possessions when confronted with divine reckoning, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stir up (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** From H5782, meaning "to wake (literally or figuratively); (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self)." This word emphasizes God's active, intentional initiation of the Medes' campaign. It's not a passive allowance but a deliberate, sovereign act of rousing them for a specific purpose, highlighting divine agency in historical events.
* **Regard (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, meaning "to think, regard, value, compute." This term indicates a mental process of consideration or valuation. The Medes "shall not regard silver" implies they will not count it as valuable, nor will they pause to consider its worth. Their focus will be entirely elsewhere, on the task of destruction rather than plunder.
* **Delight (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, meaning "to be pleased with, desire." This word speaks to an inclination of the will or affection. The declaration that they "shall not delight in it" (gold) signifies a complete absence of desire or pleasure in acquiring wealth. This goes beyond mere disinterest; it suggests an active aversion or, more likely, a single-minded focus on their destructive mission that renders material gain utterly irrelevant and undesirable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes divine authorship and sovereignty. The "I" is Yahweh, the God of Israel, declaring His direct intervention in the affairs of nations. "Them" refers to Babylon, the object of this impending judgment. The verb "stir up" (H5782) conveys God's active role in raising and directing the Medes, a foreign power, as His instrument of judgment, underscoring His ultimate control over world events.
* **"which shall not regard silver;"**: This phrase introduces a striking characteristic of the Medes. Unlike typical conquering armies driven by the spoils of war, these invaders will hold no value for silver. The word "regard" (H2803) implies that they will not even consider or compute the worth of silver, indicating a profound indifference to material wealth. Their focus is not on accumulation but on something far more absolute.
* **"and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it."**: This clause reiterates and intensifies the previous statement. The parallel structure emphasizes that their disdain extends to gold, the most prized of ancient treasures. The word "delight" (H2654) suggests an even deeper level of disinterest, implying that they will find no pleasure or satisfaction in acquiring it. This unique trait highlights the severity and uncompromising nature of their mission, which transcends typical human motivations for conquest and points to a divinely directed purpose of utter devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:17 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the prophet Isaiah, living centuries before the fall of Babylon, accurately predicts the specific agents of its destruction—the Medes—and their unusual characteristic. This serves to validate the divine origin of the prophecy. **Hyperbole** is also present in the description of the Medes' indifference to silver and gold. While they might not have literally ignored every piece of treasure, the statement emphasizes their overwhelming focus on destruction over plunder, portraying a force so ruthless that typical motivations for war are secondary. This extreme portrayal enhances the sense of dread and inevitability surrounding Babylon's doom. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human-like action ("stir up") to God, vividly depicting His active involvement in historical events and His direct manipulation of nations to fulfill His divine purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:17 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that the rise and fall of empires are not random occurrences but orchestrated events within His divine plan. The Medes' unique indifference to wealth serves as a powerful symbol of an unstoppable, divinely empowered force, highlighting that no amount of human riches or military might can withstand God's determined judgment. This prophecy underscores the futility of trusting in material possessions or worldly power for security, ultimately pointing to the transient nature of all earthly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal reign of God. It is a stark reminder that God uses even those unaware of Him to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - God's Anointed Cyrus")
* [Jeremiah 50:41-43](/jeremiah/50-41 "Jeremiah 50:41-43 - Prophecy Against Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:17 offers timeless truths for contemporary believers and the world at large. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all nations and history, orchestrating events even when they seem chaotic or beyond human control. This should instill profound confidence in God's ultimate plan and justice, especially when facing oppressive systems or seemingly insurmountable challenges. For those who place their trust in wealth, power, or human institutions, this verse serves as a stark warning: no earthly security can withstand divine judgment. It challenges us to examine where our true security lies and to recognize the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions. Ultimately, it calls us to align our lives with God's righteous purposes, knowing that His judgments, though sometimes delayed, are always certain and complete, and His kingdom alone is eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Medes' indifference to silver and gold challenge our own cultural values concerning wealth and material possessions?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy about God "stirring up" nations affirm His active involvement in history, even in seemingly secular events?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Babylon's fall about the dangers of pride, idolatry, and relying on worldly power?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Medes chosen by God, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The Medes, an ancient Indo-European people, were chosen by God as His instrument of judgment against Babylon for several reasons. Their significance lies not only in their historical role as the eventual conquerors of Babylon (in alliance with the Persians under Cyrus the Great, as detailed in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - The Fall of Babylon")) but also in their unique characteristic highlighted in this verse: their disinterest in plunder. In a world where armies fought primarily for spoils, their focus on utter destruction rather than material gain made them a perfect, uncompromising tool for God's wrath against Babylon's immense wealth and pride. Their specific mention, centuries before their rise to prominence, also underscores the predictive power of God's Word and His absolute sovereignty over the course of history.

**Does God still "stir up" nations today, and how should believers understand this?**

Answer: The Bible consistently portrays God as sovereign over all nations, raising up and bringing down kingdoms according to His divine purposes (e.g., [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Controls Kingdoms") and [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Authority from God")). While we may not always discern the precise "stirring up" in contemporary events with the same clarity as a direct prophecy, the theological principle remains: God is actively involved in global affairs. Believers should understand this as an affirmation of God's ultimate control, even amidst political turmoil or international conflict. It calls us to trust in His overarching plan, to pray for leaders and nations, and to recognize that all earthly powers are ultimately accountable to Him. It reminds us that God uses various means, including nations, to advance His kingdom and execute His justice, though His methods are often beyond our full comprehension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 13:17 directly prophesies the historical judgment of Babylon through the Medes, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The divine sovereignty displayed in "stirring up" nations to execute judgment foreshadows the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, who is declared to be "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")). Just as God used the Medes as an instrument of justice against a proud and oppressive empire, so too will Christ, at His second coming, execute perfect and final judgment upon all unrighteousness and every earthly kingdom that opposes Him ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). The Medes' indifference to silver and gold, prioritizing destruction over plunder, can be seen as a shadow of Christ's own mission, which was not to accumulate earthly wealth or power, but to utterly conquer sin and death through His sacrifice ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it built on temporal riches, but on eternal righteousness and truth ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Thus, this prophecy ultimately points to the coming of a King whose judgment is absolute, whose reign is eternal, and whose values transcend all earthly treasures, ensuring the final overthrow of all that opposes God.

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 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.