Isaiah 14:16

KJV

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

KJV (with Strong's)

They that see {H7200} thee shall narrowly look {H7688} upon thee, and consider {H995} thee, saying, Is this the man {H376} that made the earth {H776} to tremble {H7264}, that did shake {H7493} kingdoms {H4467};

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who see you will stare at you, reflecting on what has become of you: 'Is this the man who shook the earth, who made kingdoms tremble,

Berean Standard Bible

Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,

American Standard Version

They that see thee shall gaze at thee, they shall consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:16 powerfully depicts the dramatic downfall of the tyrannical king of Babylon, presenting onlookers in stunned disbelief as they gaze upon his pathetic state. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the prophetic taunt-song, where the once-feared oppressor, who had terrorized nations and shaken kingdoms, is now reduced to an object of scorn and pity, his former might utterly stripped away. It underscores the profound reversal of fortune for those who oppose God and highlights the ultimate futility of human pride and power when set against divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:16 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle, often termed a "taunt-song," directed against the king of Babylon. This oracle commences in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon") and extends through [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - The Fall of Babylon"), detailing Babylon's impending destruction and the subsequent restoration of Israel. The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of the Day Star"), describe the king's audacious pride and his attempt to ascend to divine status, famously likened to the "day star, son of the morning" (often associated with Lucifer). This hubris leads to his precipitous fall into the realm of the dead, the lowest pit. Verse 16, therefore, presents the earthly consequence of this fall, shifting the scene from the underworld's astonishment to the bewildered gaze of living observers. It serves as the climax of the king's humiliation, contrasting his former terror-inducing power with his current utter impotence, thereby fulfilling the prophetic judgment against his arrogance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "king of Babylon" in this prophecy primarily refers to the historical Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was the dominant superpower during Isaiah's time, known for its military might, imperial expansion, and brutal subjugation of conquered peoples, including Judah. While the Assyrian Empire had been the initial threat, Babylon would later rise to prominence, eventually destroying Jerusalem and exiling its inhabitants in 586 BC. The taunt-song reflects the deep-seated resentment and fear inspired by such a tyrannical power. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern kings often boasted of their divine connections and unparalleled power, viewing themselves as supreme rulers. The imagery of "shaking kingdoms" and "making the earth tremble" was typical hyperbole used to describe the devastating impact of conquering armies. The scene of onlookers "narrowly looking" upon a fallen king would have been a profoundly humiliating public spectacle, signifying a complete loss of honor and authority, a fate worse than death in many ancient cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It is a stark illustration of **The Humiliation of Pride**, demonstrating that those who exalt themselves against God will inevitably be brought low, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). The king's dramatic fall underscores **God's Sovereignty and Judgment** over all earthly rulers and empires, affirming that no human power can ultimately defy the Almighty's will. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the king's oppressive rule and blasphemous ambition, as seen in the preceding verses of [Isaiah 14:4-6](/isaiah/14-4-6 "Isaiah 14:4-6 - The Tyrant's Fall"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **The Reversal of Fortune**, a common biblical motif where the mighty are cast down and the humble are exalted, serving as a warning against unchecked ambition and a source of hope for the oppressed. The stark contrast between the king's past terror and present weakness reinforces the transient nature of worldly power compared to the enduring kingdom of God, a theme woven throughout the prophetic books, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** H376, a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term. In this context, it emphasizes the king's humanity and mortality, stripping away any pretense of divine status. The question "Is this the man?" highlights the profound shock that such a seemingly ordinary human could have wielded such immense, terrifying power, now utterly gone.
* **tremble (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** H7264, a primitive root meaning to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear); to be afraid, quake, rage, shake. This word vividly describes the terrifying impact the king of Babylon had on the earth and its inhabitants. It conveys the fear and instability he caused, making nations literally "quake" in his presence, emphasizing his destructive power and the widespread dread he inspired.
* **kingdoms (Hebrew, _mamlâkâh'_):** H4467, from a root meaning to rule; dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm). This term refers to the various nations and territories that fell under the sway of the Babylonian king. Its plural form emphasizes the vast scope of his conquests and the widespread impact of his tyrannical reign, which he "shook" through military might and oppressive policies, extending his terror far and wide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee,"**: This clause introduces the observers and their intense, scrutinizing gaze. The phrase "narrowly look" (Hebrew _shâgach_) implies a focused, almost disbelieving stare, as if the onlookers are trying to reconcile the pitiful figure before them with the terrifying reputation he once held. It conveys shock and a thorough examination of his fallen state, as if they cannot quite believe their eyes.
* **"and consider thee,"**: Building on the intense gaze, "consider" (Hebrew _bîyn_) suggests a mental processing, an attempt to understand and discern. The observers are not just looking; they are deeply pondering the radical transformation of the once-mighty ruler, comparing his current weakness with his past power. This implies a cognitive effort to grasp the magnitude of his downfall.
* **"saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble,"**: This is a rhetorical question, expressing utter astonishment and disbelief. The "man" (Hebrew _ʼîysh_) who once wielded such immense power that the very "earth" (Hebrew _ʼerets_) seemed to "tremble" (Hebrew _râgaz_) under his influence is now so diminished as to be barely recognizable. The question highlights the stark contrast between his former terror and his present impotence, emphasizing the fragility of human power.
* **"that did shake kingdoms;"**: This final clause reiterates and amplifies the king's past destructive power. He was not merely a local tyrant but one whose actions caused entire "kingdoms" (Hebrew _mamlâkâh_) to "shake" (Hebrew _râʻash_), signifying widespread conquest and destabilization. The past tense emphasizes that this power is now gone, making his current state all the more shocking and serving as a testament to the completeness of his defeat.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:16 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to amplify its message of divine judgment and the humiliation of pride. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?", which is not meant to be answered but to convey the profound shock and disbelief of the onlookers. This question underscores the dramatic **Irony** of the situation: the one who terrorized the world is now himself an object of scorn and pity, completely stripped of his former might. **Hyperbole** is evident in the descriptions of the king's past power, "made the earth to tremble" and "did shake kingdoms," which vividly portray his overwhelming might and the widespread fear he inspired, making his current abject state even more striking by contrast. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Contrast** between the king's former glory and his present humiliation, emphasizing the completeness of his downfall. Finally, the **Personification** of the earth trembling and kingdoms shaking lends a visceral quality to the king's destructive impact, making his former power almost palpable, and thus his present weakness all the more pathetic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the transient nature of human power and the enduring sovereignty of God. It teaches that pride, especially when it leads to oppression and self-exaltation against the divine, inevitably results in humiliation and destruction. The king of Babylon's fall is not merely a political defeat but a divine judgment, demonstrating that God alone is the ultimate ruler of history, capable of raising up and casting down empires according to His righteous will. This passage provides comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that even the most formidable tyrants are ultimately subject to God's justice, and their reign of terror will come to an end. It underscores the biblical principle that true power and lasting glory belong only to the Lord, whose kingdom is eternal and unshakable.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "God Rules the Kingdom of Men") - "...till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalm/75-7 "God Judges and Exalts") - "But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:16 offers a timeless and sobering reflection on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. For individuals, it serves as a powerful warning against the sin of pride, reminding us that any attempt to elevate ourselves above God or to wield power without humility and righteousness will lead to a fall. It encourages a posture of humility, recognizing that all true authority and strength come from God, and that our lives should be lived in humble submission to His will. For communities and nations, it affirms that oppressive regimes, no matter how formidable they appear, are not beyond God's reach. This provides immense hope for those suffering under tyranny, assuring them that their oppressors will not prevail indefinitely, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. Ultimately, the verse calls us to place our trust not in fleeting earthly power or human might, but in the steadfast and sovereign God who alone is worthy of all glory and honor, and whose kingdom will never end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the dramatic contrast between the king's past power and present humiliation challenge my own understanding of true strength and authority?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to exhibit pride or seek power for self-exaltation, rather than serving God and others?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when it seems that evil or oppression is prevailing in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "man" referred to in Isaiah 14:16?**

Answer: The "man" in Isaiah 14:16 refers to the king of Babylon, as indicated by the broader context of the "taunt-song" against him that begins in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon") and continues through [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - The Fall of Babylon"). While some later interpretations, particularly in Christian tradition, have associated the "day star, son of the morning" (mentioned in [Isaiah 14:12](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12 - The Fall of Lucifer")) with Satan or Lucifer, the immediate literary context clearly identifies the subject as a human king, the tyrannical ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The prophet Isaiah uses the fall of this specific historical oppressor as a powerful illustration of divine judgment against all forms of human pride and rebellion against God, making him a prototype of arrogant defiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:16, with its vivid depiction of a proud earthly king brought low, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between the fallen tyrant and the humble, victorious King Jesus. The king of Babylon sought to ascend to the heavens and shake kingdoms through conquest and terror, reflecting the very essence of pride and rebellion against God. In stark contrast, Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not shake kingdoms through earthly might, but through self-sacrificial love and humility, ultimately conquering sin and death on the cross, as foreshadowed by His journey to Jerusalem ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The king of Babylon's fall leads to scorn and a pathetic end, but Christ's voluntary descent leads to His glorious exaltation "to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9-10 "Philippians 2:9-10 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Isaiah 14:16 foreshadows the ultimate fate of all who exalt themselves against God, while simultaneously highlighting the glorious and eternal reign of the true King, Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")) and whose power is manifested in humility and redemptive love. He is the one who truly shakes kingdoms, not by destruction, but by establishing an unshakable kingdom of righteousness and peace that will endure forever ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Jeremiah 50:23

How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

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 51:23

I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Isaiah 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!