Isaiah 14:16

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;

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};

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,

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

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

Context

This verse is part of a powerful taunt-song (or prophetic oracle) against the king of Babylon, found in Isaiah chapters 13-14. Specifically, it follows the vivid description of the king's arrogant aspirations to ascend above God (often associated with "Lucifer" or "day star, son of the morning" in Isaiah 14:12-15) and his subsequent dramatic fall. The scene depicted in verse 16 is one where onlookers, witnessing his utter humiliation and demise, are stunned by the stark contrast between his former tyrannical power and his current pathetic state. It highlights the reversal of fortune for a ruler who once terrorized nations.

Key Themes

  • The Humiliation of Pride: The central theme is the dramatic downfall and subsequent humiliation of an arrogant ruler. The king, who once "made the earth to tremble" and "did shake kingdoms," is now so diminished that observers question if this weak figure is indeed the formidable tyrant they once knew. This illustrates the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction.
  • God's Sovereignty and Judgment: This passage powerfully affirms God's ultimate control over earthly rulers and kingdoms. The king of Babylon's fall is not accidental but a divine judgment against his hubris and cruelty. It serves as a stark reminder that no human power, no matter how great, can ultimately defy the Almighty.
  • The Reversal of Fortune: The verse portrays a complete reversal of status. The once feared oppressor is now an object of scorn and pity, lying powerless. This dramatic shift serves as a warning against earthly ambition unchecked by reverence for God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "narrowly look upon thee" (KJV) conveys an intense, scrutinizing gaze. It suggests disbelief and a thorough examination, as if the onlookers are trying to reconcile the pitiful sight before them with the terrifying reputation of the former oppressor. This emphasis on the visual inspection underscores the profound shock and derision felt by those witnessing his fall. The rhetorical question, "Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?", highlights the stark contrast between his past might and present impotence, emphasizing the completeness of his downfall.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:16 offers timeless lessons for all generations:

  • True Power Belongs to God: Earthly might is fleeting, and those who wield it without humility or justice will ultimately face consequences. This verse encourages us to place our trust not in human strength or political power, but in God's unwavering sovereignty.
  • Beware of Unchecked Ambition: The pursuit of power and glory for self-aggrandizement, as exemplified by the king of Babylon, leads to ultimate downfall. This echoes warnings found in Luke 14:11 and James 4:6, emphasizing that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  • God's Justice Prevails: Even when tyrants seem to prosper and oppress, God's plan for justice will ultimately be fulfilled, often in ways that expose their weakness for all to see. This provides comfort and hope to those oppressed by unjust systems, affirming that evil does not have the final word.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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!
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