13:2 13:2

Isaiah 13:3

13:4 13:4

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 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}.
"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.

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

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: God explicitly states, "I have commanded" and "I have also called," emphasizing His ultimate authority over all earthly powers and events. He uses nations as instruments of His will, even those unaware or unwilling. This divine orchestration highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and events, a theme echoed throughout prophecy.
  • Instruments of Judgment: The "sanctified ones" and "mighty ones" are not necessarily God's covenant people, but rather those set apart or consecrated for a specific divine task of executing His wrath. They are powerful warriors, divinely appointed for this destructive mission. The concept of God using nations as instruments of His will is also seen in God's use of Assyria as the "rod" of His anger.
  • God's Righteous Anger: The phrase "for mine anger" highlights that this action stems from God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, particularly the pride and oppression characteristic of Babylon. This demonstrates His holy anger against wickedness and injustice.
  • God's Highness/Majesty: The phrase "them that rejoice in my highness" can be interpreted in a few ways. It might refer to the prideful armies themselves, unknowingly serving God's supreme purpose even in their own arrogance. Or, it emphasizes that these instruments, despite their own character, are ultimately serving God's supreme majesty and irresistible power, reflecting His absolute control over all creation.

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:

  1. No power is beyond God's reach: Even seemingly invincible empires or forces are subject to His command and can be used as instruments for His purposes, whether for judgment or blessing. This should inspire both awe and trust in His overarching plan.
  2. God's justice prevails: Though His anger is slow, it is righteous and will ultimately be executed against pride, oppression, and rebellion. This offers comfort to the oppressed and a warning to those who act unjustly.
  3. Humility before God: Understanding God's "highness" and sovereignty should lead to humility, recognizing that all strength and power ultimately derive from Him. It calls us to align our lives with His will rather than relying on our own strength or pride.
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.

  • 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.
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