Isaiah 14:19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

But thou art cast out {H7993} of thy grave {H6913} like an abominable {H8581} branch {H5342}, and as the raiment {H3830} of those that are slain {H2026}, thrust through {H2944} with a sword {H2719}, that go down {H3381} to the stones {H68} of the pit {H953}; as a carcase {H6297} trodden under feet {H947}.

But you are discarded, unburied, like a loathed branch, clothed like the slain who were pierced by the sword, then fall to the stones inside a pit, like a corpse to be trampled underfoot.

But you are cast out of your grave like a rejected branch, covered by those slain with the sword, and dumped into a rocky pit like a carcass trampled underfoot.

But thou art cast forth away from thy sepulchre like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, that are thrust through with the sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a dead body trodden under foot.

Isaiah 14:19 (KJV) delivers a powerful and grim prophecy concerning the utter humiliation of the King of Babylon. Following his boastful ambition to ascend above the stars of God, this verse vividly describes his ignominious end, stripped of all dignity and denied a proper burial.

Context

This verse is part of a larger taunt song (Isaiah 14:3-23) directed against the oppressive King of Babylon, often seen as a type of universal oppressor or even a symbolic representation of spiritual pride. The preceding verses (Isaiah 14:12-15) detail the king's arrogant aspirations to become like the Most High, a stark contrast to the disgraceful fate described here. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was paramount for honor and legacy, making the denial of one the ultimate disgrace. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty over earthly powers and His judgment against those who oppress His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ultimate Humiliation: The central theme is the complete and utter degradation of the proud ruler. He is not merely defeated but cast out, like refuse, signifying a loss of all honor and status.
  • Denied a Proper Burial: The imagery of being "cast out of thy grave" and likened to "raiment of those that are slain" or a "carcase trodden under feet" emphasizes the profound disgrace. Unlike other kings who received honorable burials, this king is denied even the basic dignity of interment, a symbol of utter rejection and cursedness.
  • Divine Justice and Reversal: God's judgment ensures that those who exalt themselves will be brought low. The mighty oppressor, who once terrified nations, now lies despised and discarded, fulfilling the principle that pride goes before destruction.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "abominable branch" (Hebrew: נֵצֶר, netzer) suggests something loathsome, a discarded shoot not worthy of being planted or honored. It evokes an image of something vile and unwanted.
  • "Stones of the pit" refers to the lowest and most desolate parts of the grave or Sheol (Hebrew: שְׁאוֹל, sheol), the realm of the dead. It emphasizes the deep dishonor of not even reaching a proper burial chamber, but rather being left exposed and defiled, trodden upon.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:19 serves as a timeless warning against excessive pride, ambition, and oppression. It reminds us that earthly power and glory are fleeting, and true honor comes not from self-exaltation but from humility before God. The verse underscores the certainty of divine justice, reassuring believers that God will ultimately bring down those who defy Him and oppress His people. It encourages a life of humility, recognizing that all authority ultimately belongs to God, and that those who seek to elevate themselves above Him will face ultimate disgrace, as seen in the broader biblical teaching on God resisting the proud but giving grace to the humble.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 41:9

    Now the pit wherein Ishmael had cast all the dead bodies of the men, whom he had slain because of Gedaliah, [was] it which Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel: [and] Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with [them that were] slain.

  • Jeremiah 41:7

    And it was [so], when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that [were] with him.

  • 1 Kings 21:19

    And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

  • Ezekiel 32:23

    Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.

  • Jeremiah 16:6

    Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

  • Jeremiah 22:19

    He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

  • 1 Kings 21:24

    Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

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