Isaiah 13:3

KJV

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have commanded {H6680} my sanctified ones {H6942}, I have also called {H7121} my mighty ones {H1368} for mine anger {H639}, even them that rejoice {H5947} in my highness {H1346}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I have ordered my holy ones, summoned my heroes, eager and bold, to execute my anger."

Berean Standard Bible

I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph.

American Standard Version

I have commanded my consecrated ones, yea, I have called my mighty men for mine anger, even my proudly exulting ones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:3 declares God's absolute sovereignty over nations and events, revealing His active role in orchestrating judgment. The verse portrays the Lord mobilizing specific agents—His "sanctified ones" and "mighty ones"—to execute His righteous anger against Babylon. These instruments, whether human armies or divine forces, are depicted as being consecrated for His singular purpose, ultimately serving to magnify His supreme authority and majesty even as they fulfill His destructive will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 marks the beginning of a series of "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations, specifically targeting Babylon. This chapter, titled "The Burden of Babylon" [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden of Babylon"), immediately follows a section of prophecies concerning Judah and Jerusalem (Isaiah 7-12). The shift to international judgment underscores God's universal dominion, not just over His covenant people, but over all earthly powers. Verses 1-2 set the stage by describing the raising of a battle standard on a bare mountain and the gathering of armies, hinting at the imminence of a great conflict. Verse 3 then clarifies the divine origin and purpose of this mobilization, asserting that God Himself is the one commanding and calling these forces, thus establishing the theological framework for the ensuing destruction detailed in the rest of the chapter, particularly the vivid imagery of devastation in [Isaiah 13:6-16](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6-16 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 13 is remarkable because it was likely written during a period when Assyria, not Babylon, was the dominant world power. Babylon was still a vassal state or a rising power, not yet the mighty empire that would conquer Judah in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. This makes the prophecy a testament to God's foreknowledge and long-range planning, predicting an empire's rise and fall long before its zenith. The "mighty ones" would historically be the Medes and Persians, who would eventually overthrow Babylon in 539 BCE. Culturally, the ancient Near East understood warfare as often divinely sanctioned, with gods empowering armies. Isaiah's prophecy asserts that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the ultimate orchestrator, using even pagan nations as instruments of His will, a concept also seen in God's use of Assyria as a "rod" of judgment in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger").
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute control over all nations, events, and even the hearts of kings and armies. He is not merely observing history but actively directing it. Another key theme is **Divine Judgment**, particularly against pride and idolatry, which were hallmarks of the Babylonian Empire (as seen in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer, King of Babylon")). The "anger" mentioned in the verse underscores God's righteous indignation against sin. Furthermore, the passage highlights the concept of **Instruments of God's Will**, demonstrating that God can consecrate or set apart any entity—be it a nation, an army, or even natural phenomena—to accomplish His purposes, regardless of their own awareness or moral standing. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God using various means to achieve His redemptive and judicial ends, ultimately revealing His "highness" or supreme majesty to all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this primitive root means "to constitute, enjoin," or "to appoint, bid, charge." It signifies a divine directive, a powerful mandate from God that is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative order. This word emphasizes God's active initiation and control over the events described, indicating that the subsequent actions are not random but part of His deliberate plan.
* **Sanctified ones (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this root means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." Here, in the context of war, it refers to those "set apart" or "consecrated" for a specific, holy purpose—in this case, the execution of divine judgment. It does not imply personal holiness or moral purity in the agents themselves but rather their dedication and separation by God for His particular task, much like objects or places could be sanctified for sacred use.
* **Mighty ones (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this term describes someone "powerful," a "warrior," or "tyrant." It denotes strength, valor, and effectiveness in battle. When combined with "sanctified ones," it paints a picture of formidable, divinely empowered forces specifically chosen for their capacity to execute God's destructive will.
* **Highness (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** From H1346, this word refers to "arrogance or majesty," or "excellency." In this context, it speaks of God's supreme glory, majesty, and exalted position. The phrase "rejoice in my highness" implies that these agents, even if unaware, are ultimately serving to demonstrate and exalt God's supreme authority, or perhaps it refers to those who delight in God's majesty and are therefore aligned with His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have commanded my sanctified ones":** This clause establishes God as the sovereign initiator of the impending judgment. The verb "commanded" (Hebrew: _tsâvâh_) signifies a direct, authoritative order. The "sanctified ones" (Hebrew: _mequddashim_) are not necessarily morally pure individuals, but rather those whom God has set apart or consecrated for a specific, sacred task—in this case, the execution of His wrath against Babylon. This highlights God's ability to use any instrument, even those not in covenant with Him, to achieve His divine purposes.
* **"I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger":** This expands on the previous clause, reiterating God's active role in summoning His agents. The "mighty ones" (Hebrew: _gibbôrim_) refer to powerful warriors, emphasizing their strength and capacity to fulfill the destructive mission. The critical phrase "for mine anger" clarifies the purpose of their mobilization: they are instruments of God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, specifically against the pride and idolatry of Babylon. This underscores the theological truth that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to wickedness.
* **"even them that rejoice in my highness":** This final phrase describes the character or disposition of these agents. "Highness" (Hebrew: _gaʼăvâh_) refers to God's majesty, glory, or supreme authority. This can be interpreted in a few ways: (1) The agents (e.g., Medes and Persians) are unknowingly fulfilling God's majestic plan, their own pride serving to magnify His ultimate power. (2) It could refer to God's own delight in His supreme authority as He orchestrates these events. (3) Less likely in this context, but possible, it could refer to those who truly delight in God's majesty and are thus His willing instruments. The primary interpretation leans towards the first, where even the pride of the conquering armies is ironically subsumed into God's grand display of His own unchallengeable authority.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Discourse** is prominent, as God speaks directly in the first person ("I have commanded," "I have called"), asserting His absolute agency and authority over human affairs. This direct address lends an undeniable weight and certainty to the prophecy. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by portraying nations and armies as God's personal, obedient "sanctified ones" and "mighty ones," as if they are His loyal, consecrated soldiers ready to execute His will. This emphasizes God's control over seemingly independent human forces. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the phrase "them that rejoice in my highness." If this refers to the conquering armies, it's ironic that their own pride and might, which they rejoice in, are ultimately being used to manifest and exalt God's "highness" or supreme majesty, even if they do not acknowledge Him. This highlights God's ability to turn human intentions to His own purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:3 powerfully articulates the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator of history, even using nations unaware of Him to accomplish His purposes. This verse connects God's righteous anger with His ultimate majesty, showing that His judgment is a manifestation of His holy character and an undeniable display of His supreme authority over all creation. It underscores that all earthly powers, no matter how mighty, are ultimately subservient to His will and can be consecrated by Him for specific tasks, whether for blessing or for judgment. This truth should inspire both awe at God's power and a deep trust in His overarching plan for justice and redemption.

* [Psalm 76:10](/psalm/76-10 "God's Wrath Praises Him")
* [Romans 9:17-23](/romans/9-17 "God's Sovereignty and Vessels of Wrath")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:3 serves as a profound reminder that our God is utterly sovereign, reigning supreme over all earthly powers and events. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and seemingly uncontrollable forces, this verse offers both a sobering warning and a deep comfort. It warns against the futility of human pride and rebellion, for even the mightiest empires are but instruments in God's hands, subject to His command and consecrated for His purposes. It assures us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and His righteous anger against sin will be executed. For believers, this truth should cultivate a deep sense of trust and humility. We are called to align ourselves with His will, recognizing that our strength and purpose are derived from Him. It encourages us to pray for justice, knowing that God is actively working in the world, even through unexpected means, to bring about His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "commanding" and "calling" nations for His purposes impact your understanding of current global events?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly secular or even hostile forces today to achieve His ultimate "highness" or glory?**
* **How does the truth of God's righteous anger motivate you to pursue holiness and justice in your own life and community?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "sanctified ones" and "mighty ones" in Isaiah 13:3?**

Answer: In this specific context, the "sanctified ones" (Hebrew: _mequddashim_) and "mighty ones" (Hebrew: _gibbôrim_) refer to the instruments God has set apart or consecrated for the specific task of executing His judgment against Babylon. Historically, these would be the Medes and Persians, who conquered Babylon. The term "sanctified" here does not imply their moral purity or personal holiness in a spiritual sense, but rather that they are divinely appointed and consecrated for a sacred purpose—to fulfill God's holy wrath. They are "mighty" because they are powerful warriors capable of carrying out this destructive mission. This highlights God's sovereignty, as He can use any nation or force, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as instruments to achieve His will, as seen elsewhere when God refers to Assyria as the "rod of my anger" in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger").

**What does it mean for these agents to "rejoice in my highness"?**

Answer: The phrase "rejoice in my highness" (Hebrew: _gaʼăvâh_) can be interpreted in a few ways, but the most common understanding in this context is that these agents, despite their own motivations, are ultimately serving to manifest or exalt God's supreme majesty and authority. Their own power and pride, in which they might "rejoice," are ironically being used by God to demonstrate His ultimate "highness" or sovereignty. It's a testament to God's absolute control: even the self-exaltation of the conquering armies inadvertently serves to magnify the incomparable glory and power of the one true God, who orchestrates all things for His purposes. This underscores that God's glory will ultimately be revealed through all events, whether through willing obedience or unwitting instrumentality, as [Psalm 76:10](/psalm/76-10 "God's Wrath Praises Him") states, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 13:3, with its depiction of God mobilizing "sanctified ones" and "mighty ones" for His righteous anger, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often portrays God's judgment through earthly armies, the New Testament reveals Christ as the supreme agent of divine authority and judgment, yet also the ultimate expression of God's love. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous anger against sin on the cross, becoming the ultimate "sanctified one" consecrated for a divine purpose—not to inflict wrath, but to absorb it. His sacrifice on Calvary fully satisfied God's holy demands, making a way for reconciliation rather than destruction for all who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Justified by His Blood")). Furthermore, Christ is the true "mighty one," not merely a warrior, but the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one who will ultimately execute final judgment, not through human armies, but through His own divine power and righteousness, as described in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, the "highness" of God, which the agents in Isaiah 13:3 unwittingly served, is perfectly and gloriously revealed in the person of Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Son's Supremacy")), demonstrating both God's righteous wrath against sin and His boundless grace for humanity.

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

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.