Isaiah 13:9

KJV

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} cometh {H935}, cruel {H394} both with wrath {H5678} and fierce {H2740} anger {H639}, to lay {H7760} the land {H776} desolate {H8047}: and he shall destroy {H8045} the sinners {H2400} thereof out of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here comes the Day of ADONAI, full of cruelty, rage and hot fury, to desolate the earth and destroy the sinners in it.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.

American Standard Version

Behold, the day of Jehovah cometh, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A potent prophetic declaration, announcing the inevitable "Day of the LORD," a divinely ordained epoch marked by severe judgment and unmitigated wrath. This oracle, primarily directed at the burgeoning power of Babylon, vividly portrays God's decisive intervention in human history as a period characterized by intense cruelty and fierce anger. Its ultimate purpose is to bring utter desolation upon the land and completely eradicate its inhabitants who persist in sin, thereby underscoring the absolute certainty of divine justice and the devastating consequences for those who stand in opposition to God's righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 initiates a significant literary unit within the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 13-23, which are collectively known as the "Oracles Against the Nations." These prophecies are crucial for demonstrating Yahweh's universal sovereignty, not only over His covenant people, Israel, but over all global powers. Chapter 13, titled a "burden" or "oracle" (Hebrew: _maśśāʼ_) concerning Babylon, is particularly striking because Babylon was not yet the dominant world empire during Isaiah's time; Assyria held that position. This forward-looking prophecy highlights God's foreknowledge and His active orchestration of historical events. Verse 9 functions as a foundational statement within this oracle, setting the grim and severe tone for the detailed judgment that unfolds in the subsequent verses, which include vivid descriptions of cosmic disturbances, military conquest, and widespread destruction, culminating in Babylon's complete ruin and the ultimate vindication of God's justice. The "Day of the LORD" here is a powerful theological motif, signifying God's decisive, often cataclysmic, intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah's ministry was primarily the 8th century BCE, during the height of Assyrian dominance. However, Isaiah 13 prophetically anticipates the rise of Babylon, which would eventually overthrow Assyria and, later, conquer Judah, leading to the Babylonian Exile. This foresight underscores God's transcendent control over the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. The concept of "the Day of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yom Yahweh_) was a well-established prophetic idiom, understood as a specific, albeit not necessarily literal, day when God would decisively intervene in history, bringing judgment upon His enemies and vindication or salvation for His people. Culturally, the idea of a deity bringing desolation upon a land and destroying its inhabitants was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature, often found in curses or divine judgments. However, in the biblical context, this divine judgment is rooted in God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, His absolute moral standards, and His righteous response to persistent sin and idolatry. The "land" (H776, _ʼerets_) in this specific context refers to the territory of Babylon, implying a complete overturning of its established order, prosperity, and very existence.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 13:9 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, unequivocally demonstrating that God is the supreme ruler over all nations, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His divine purposes, even those as formidable as Babylon. This theme is echoed throughout Isaiah, such as when God declares His use of Assyria as an instrument of His wrath (see [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, emphasizing that God's intrinsic holiness and righteousness necessitate a response to human sin and rebellion. The descriptions of "wrath and fierce anger" are not arbitrary outbursts but a righteous outpouring against unrighteousness. Thirdly, it underscores the severe **Consequences of Sin**, showing that persistent rebellion against God inevitably leads to desolation and destruction for the "sinners." This serves as a stark warning, reinforcing the call to repentance found throughout Isaiah. Finally, the "Day of the LORD" itself is a major **Eschatological Motif**, carrying both immediate historical fulfillment (Babylon's fall) and broader eschatological implications, foreshadowing the ultimate day of God's final judgment upon all ungodliness, a theme vividly portrayed in passages like [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14-18 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day of the LORD (Hebrew, _yôwm Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3117 (yôwm), meaning "a day" (often figurative for a space of time defined by an associated term), and H3068 (Yᵉhôvâh), the unique self-existent name of God. This composite phrase signifies a specific, decisive period when God intervenes in human history to execute His sovereign will, whether in judgment or salvation. In this context, it unequivocally denotes a day of judgment, marked by God's direct, powerful, and often cataclysmic action against a rebellious entity.
* **Cruel (Hebrew, _ʼakzârîy'_):** H394, meaning "terrible" or "cruel one." This adjective describes the inherent nature of the coming "Day of the LORD" itself, emphasizing its unsparing and severe character. It implies a judgment that is unmitigated by mercy for those who are its objects, highlighting the terrifying, relentless, and unyielding aspect of divine wrath when fully unleashed.
* **Fierce Anger (Hebrew, _chârôwn ʼaph'_):** From H2740 (chârôwn), "a burning of anger" or "sore displeasure," and H639 (ʼaph), "the nose or nostril," often used idiomatically for "ire" or "wrath" (derived from the rapid breathing in passion). This powerful compound phrase conveys an intense, burning indignation and a passionate, unyielding fury. It is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, righteous displeasure that fuels the comprehensive and severe nature of the judgment described.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the day of the LORD cometh,"**: This opening exclamation, "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_), functions as an urgent summons to attention, signaling the absolute certainty and imminence of God's decisive intervention. The "day of the LORD" is presented not as a mere possibility but as an assured reality, a specific, appointed time when God will actively intervene in history. The verb "cometh" (H935, _bôwʼ_) emphasizes its active approach and inevitable arrival, suggesting an unstoppable force.
* **"cruel both with wrath and fierce anger,"**: This clause immediately defines the terrifying character of the approaching "day." It is personified as "cruel" (H394, _ʼakzârîy_), indicating its unsparing, harsh, and merciless nature. The accompanying terms "wrath" (H5678, _ʻebrâh_) and "fierce anger" (H2740, _chârôwn_ and H639, _ʼaph_) describe the intense, burning indignation and righteous fury of God that drives this judgment. This is not a gentle or lenient intervention, but one marked by profound and severe divine displeasure.
* **"to lay the land desolate:"**: This phrase articulates the primary purpose and devastating outcome of this divine intervention. The verb "to lay" (H7760, _sûwm_) indicates God's deliberate and intentional act of bringing about this condition. The "land" (H776, _ʼerets_) refers specifically to the territory of Babylon, and "desolate" (H8047, _shammâh_) describes a state of utter ruin, waste, and astonishment. The judgment will render the land uninhabitable and strip it of its former glory, prosperity, and population.
* **"and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it."**: This final clause specifies the ultimate target and consequence of the judgment: the "sinners" (H2400, _chaṭṭâʼ_) residing within the land. The pronoun "he" refers directly to the LORD, emphasizing His active and personal role in this destruction. The verb "destroy" (H8045, _shâmad_) signifies a complete annihilation, eradication, or bringing to nought, ensuring that those who have rebelled against God are utterly removed from the land they once inhabited. This highlights the retributive and comprehensive nature of divine justice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:9 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity, terror, and certainty of the coming judgment. **Personification** is strikingly evident in the phrase "the day of the LORD cometh, cruel," where the abstract concept of a day is endowed with the human characteristic of cruelty, thereby emphasizing its active, unsparing, and terrifying nature. The combination of "wrath and fierce anger" utilizes **Hendiadys**, a figure of speech where two nouns connected by a conjunction express a single, intensified concept, here conveying an overwhelming and profound divine indignation. The imagery of "to lay the land desolate" and "he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and comprehensive nature of the judgment, suggesting an unparalleled and total devastation. Furthermore, the use of "land" (H776, _ʼerets_) to represent its inhabitants is a form of **Metonymy**, where the place stands for the people within it, highlighting the collective impact of God's judgment on a rebellious society. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events and their profound spiritual significance, designed to evoke awe, fear, and a solemn call to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:9 stands as a profound declaration of God's unyielding justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most formidable human empires. It teaches us unequivocally that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who will not tolerate sin indefinitely. The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring and central theological motif throughout the Old Testament, representing a time of decisive divine intervention, often bringing severe judgment upon the wicked and ultimate deliverance for the righteous. While this specific prophecy targets the historical fall of Babylon, its language and themes resonate with a broader eschatological reality—the ultimate day when God will fully manifest His wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. This verse serves as a stark reminder that accountability before a holy God is an inescapable reality, profoundly underscoring the biblical truth that persistent sin carries devastating consequences and that God's patience, though vast and merciful, is not infinite.

* [Joel 2:1-2](/joel/2-1-2 "Joel 2:1-2 - The Day of the LORD is Near")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-15](/zephaniah/1-14-15 "Zephaniah 1:14-15 - The Great Day of the LORD")
* [Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:9 confronts us with the sobering and terrifying reality of God's holy wrath against sin. In a contemporary world that often seeks to downplay the seriousness of sin or questions the very notion of divine justice, this verse serves as a powerful and necessary corrective. It calls us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's holiness and to embrace a sober understanding of the inevitable consequences of rebellion against Him. For those who remain outside of a saving relationship with Christ, it stands as a dire warning, urging them to turn from their sin and seek refuge in the one who alone can deliver from the coming wrath. For believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for the immense grace and boundless mercy shown to us in Christ, who, in His infinite love, bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath on our behalf. This profound truth should motivate us to live lives that consistently honor God, to walk in humility and ongoing repentance, and to share the glorious good news of salvation with urgent conviction, knowing that a day of ultimate reckoning awaits all humanity. It powerfully reminds us that God's multifaceted character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering justice, and both must be acknowledged for a complete and accurate understanding of who He truly is.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the "Day of the LORD" in Isaiah 13:9 challenge or deepen your existing understanding of God's character?**
* **In what practical ways might a healthy, reverent fear of God's justice motivate us to live more righteously and pursue genuine holiness in our daily lives?**
* **How does this verse underscore the profound urgency of sharing the Gospel message with those who do not yet know Christ as Savior and Lord?**
* **What comfort or conviction do you personally draw from knowing that God is ultimately sovereign over all nations and will, in His perfect timing, bring complete justice to the entire earth?**

### FAQ

**What is "the Day of the LORD" and is it a single event?**

Answer: "The Day of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yom Yahweh_) is a significant and recurring prophetic idiom in the Old Testament, referring to a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history. It is not necessarily a single, literal 24-hour day but rather a period or event (or series of events) where God's character, particularly His justice, power, and sovereignty, is dramatically revealed. In some contexts, like Isaiah 13, it refers to a historical judgment on a specific nation (e.g., Babylon's fall). In other contexts, it carries broader eschatological meaning, pointing to a future, ultimate day of universal judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom (for example, see [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Terrible Day of the LORD")). The New Testament picks up this profound theme, referring to the glorious return of Christ and the final judgment (as seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")). Thus, it has both historical and ultimate fulfillments, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of intervening in human affairs.

**Does God's "wrath and fierce anger" mean He is not loving?**

Answer: No, God's wrath and fierce anger, as described in Isaiah 13:9, do not negate His boundless love but rather underscore His perfect holiness and unwavering justice. God's wrath is not an uncontrolled outburst of emotion or a capricious temper; instead, it is a righteous, settled, and holy opposition to all that is evil, unholy, and rebellious against His perfect character. It is a necessary aspect of His perfect being, as a truly loving and just God must also be fundamentally against injustice and sin. The Bible consistently presents God as both loving and just (for example, [Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of Your Throne")). His wrath is always directed at sin and rebellion, not at humanity indiscriminately. In fact, it is precisely because of His great love that He provided a way for humanity to escape His righteous wrath through the sacrificial and atoning work of His Son, Jesus Christ (as powerfully articulated in [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 13:9, with its stark and terrifying portrayal of the "Day of the LORD" as a time of "cruel both with wrath and fierce anger" leading to the utter destruction of "sinners," finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in two pivotal ways. First, Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, fully and completely absorbed the righteous wrath of God on the cross. The very judgment due to fallen humanity for its sin, the intense wrath described in this verse, was poured out upon Him, making Him the perfect propitiation for our sins (as explained in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). He became the desolate one, cut off from the land of the living, so that all who believe in Him might be spared from the desolation and destruction promised to sinners. Second, Christ is also the one who will return as the righteous and sovereign judge, bringing the final and ultimate "Day of the LORD." While His first coming was characterized by grace to save, His second coming will be to judge, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of divine wrath against all unrighteousness, as vividly depicted in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, Isaiah 13:9 points both to the absolute necessity of Christ's atoning work for salvation and powerfully foreshadows His future role as the executor of God's perfect justice, making Him the central figure in both deliverance from and the ultimate fulfillment of the "Day of the LORD."

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

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Isaiah 13:15

Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword.

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.