Isaiah 13:2

Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

Lift ye up {H5375} a banner {H5251} upon the high {H8192} mountain {H2022}, exalt {H7311} the voice {H6963} unto them, shake {H5130} the hand {H3027}, that they may go {H935} into the gates {H6607} of the nobles {H5081}.

Hoist a banner on a high mountain, shout to [the invaders]; beckon them to enter the Nobles' Gate.

Raise a banner on a barren hilltop; call aloud to them. Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.

Set ye up an ensign upon the bare mountain, lift up the voice unto them, wave the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

Isaiah 13:2 KJV is a powerful prophetic utterance, serving as a divine command to prepare for judgment. This verse is part of a larger oracle concerning Babylon, a dominant empire destined for a devastating fall at the hand of God's chosen instruments.

Context

Chapter 13 of Isaiah opens with a solemn "burden of Babylon," indicating a weighty prophecy of judgment against this powerful nation. Verses 2-3 describe God summoning the armies that will execute His wrath. The "high mountain" serves as a visible, strategic point for a signal to be raised, calling distant nations to assemble. This is not a call to Israel, but to those whom God has sanctified and commissioned for this specific task, likely referring to the Medes and Persians who would eventually conquer Babylon. The command to "exalt the voice" and "shake the hand" emphasizes the urgency and clarity of this divine summons, preparing for an invasion aimed at the very heart of Babylon, described as the "gates of the nobles." For the overarching theme of this prophecy, see Isaiah 13:1.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over nations and history. He is actively orchestrating the downfall of a proud empire, demonstrating that even the mightiest human powers are subject to His will.
  • A Call to Arms: It's a clear directive for an army to assemble for a specific, divinely ordained purpose. The imagery conveys urgency and a clear rallying point.
  • The Fall of Pride: Though not explicit in this single verse, the broader context of Isaiah 13 speaks to the humbling of Babylon due to its arrogance and oppression. The "gates of the nobles" represent the centers of power and wealth that God intends to bring low.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Banner" (נֵס, nes): This Hebrew word refers to a standard, flag, or signal, often used as a rallying point in military contexts. Lifting it on a "high mountain" ensures maximum visibility for the assembling forces.
  • "Shake the hand" (הָנִיפוּ יָד, hanifu yad): This phrase suggests a strong beckoning gesture, a wave of command or summons, indicating a clear and unmistakable directive for the called ones to move.
  • "Gates of the nobles" (שַׁעֲרֵי נְדִיבִים, sha'arei n'divim): The term "nobles" (n'divim) refers to princes, rulers, or those of high rank and wealth. Entering their gates signifies an invasion that targets the very heart of the enemy's power, wealth, and authority.

Practical Application

While this prophecy specifically targets ancient Babylon, its principles resonate today. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and that prideful empires, whether literal nations or personal strongholds of arrogance, will ultimately face His judgment. Just as God called instruments for His purpose then, He continues to call His people today to participate in His work, whether it be spreading the Gospel, seeking justice, or standing against spiritual wickedness. The imagery of a clear signal and an urgent call can inspire believers to be ready to respond to God's directives in their own lives, understanding that He controls the outcome of history. The ultimate fulfillment of such prophecies of judgment against worldly systems can also be seen in passages like Revelation 18:2, which speaks of the fall of 'Babylon the Great'.

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.

  • Isaiah 5:26

    And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

  • Jeremiah 51:58

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

  • Jeremiah 50:2

    Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

  • Jeremiah 51:25

    Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

  • Isaiah 45:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

  • Isaiah 45:3

    And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.

  • Isaiah 10:32

    As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

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