


Isaiah 13:3
Bible Versions
I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.
"I have ordered my holy ones, summoned my heroes, eager and bold, to execute my anger."
I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph.
I have commanded my consecrated ones, yea, I have called my mighty men for mine anger, even my proudly exulting ones.
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Joel 3:11
Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD. -
Jeremiah 51:20
Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; -
Jeremiah 51:24
And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. -
Revelation 17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. -
Revelation 17:18
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. -
Ezra 1:1
¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, -
Ezra 1:11
All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
Isaiah 13:3 is a powerful declaration from God, revealing His active role in orchestrating judgment against nations. It speaks of divine command over forces – human or otherwise – to fulfill His sovereign will, particularly in the context of Babylon's impending fall. This verse emphasizes God's absolute authority and His readiness to use any means necessary to execute His righteous anger.
Context of Isaiah 13:3
This verse is part of the "Burden of Babylon" (Isaiah 13:1), a prophetic oracle detailing the complete destruction of the mighty Babylonian Empire. This judgment, though executed by human armies (historically the Medes and Persians), is presented as a direct act of God. The preceding verses describe the gathering of these armies, and verse 3 clarifies that God Himself is mobilizing them for His purpose. This prophecy foreshadows a significant historical event, serving as a stark warning about divine justice against pride and idolatry. It sets the stage for a dramatic depiction of God's intervention in world affairs.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "sanctified ones" (Hebrew: mequddashim) here does not imply moral purity or personal holiness in the sense of a believer. Instead, it signifies being "set apart" or "consecrated" for a specific purpose, in this case, for war and divine judgment. This highlights that God can consecrate even those who do not know Him for His purposes. The "mighty ones" (Hebrew: gibborim) refers to powerful warriors or heroes, emphasizing their strength and effectiveness in carrying out God's command.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a profound reminder of God's ultimate control over history and human affairs. It teaches us that: