Isaiah 14:2

KJV

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} shall take {H3947} them, and bring {H935} them to their place {H4725}: and the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} shall possess {H5157} them in the land {H127} of the LORD {H3068} for servants {H5650} and handmaids {H8198}: and they shall take them captives {H7617}, whose captives {H7617} they were; and they shall rule {H7287} over their oppressors {H5065}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Peoples will take and escort them to their homeland, and the house of Isra'el will possess them in the land of ADONAI as male and female slaves. They will take their captors captive and rule over their oppressors.

Berean Standard Bible

The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.

American Standard Version

And the peoples shall take them, and bring them to their place; and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of Jehovah for servants and for handmaids: and they shall take them captive whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:2 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration, foretelling a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the exiled nation of Israel. It envisions a future where the oppressed people of God will not only return to their promised land but will also assume a position of dominion over their former captors, who will now serve them. This verse underscores the LORD's unwavering sovereignty, His commitment to justice, and His faithfulness to His covenant people, promising a complete liberation and a profound shift in power dynamics.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of a larger prophetic oracle against Babylon, specifically found within [Isaiah chapters 13 and 14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-14 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). The preceding verse, [Isaiah 14:1](/isaiah/14-1 "Isaiah 14:1 - God's Compassion for Jacob"), establishes the divine premise by affirming God's renewed compassion for Jacob and His re-election of Israel, promising their return to their own land. Following this declaration, the passage transitions into a "taunt" or mocking song directed at the fallen king of Babylon, celebrating his demise and the liberation of those he oppressed. Verse 2 specifically details the practical implications of this liberation, describing a profound and ironic shift in power dynamics where the enslaved become masters. This serves as a direct and tangible fulfillment of God's promise to reverse the fortunes of His people. The entire section emphatically highlights God's absolute control over the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly powers are ultimately subject to His divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 14 is deeply rooted in the historical realities of the ancient Near East, particularly the impending Babylonian exile that would devastate Judah. Both Israel and Judah had experienced periods of subjugation and deportation at the hands of powerful Mesopotamian empires, notably Assyria and later Babylon. The practice of conquering nations taking captives, enslaving them, and settling them in foreign lands was a common and brutal strategy, serving both as a means of control and a source of labor. Babylon, under kings like Nebuchadnezzar, became infamous for its ruthless conquests and mass deportations, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants. Therefore, the promise in [Isaiah 14:2](/isaiah/14-2 "Isaiah 14:2 - Israel's Reversal of Fortune") would have resonated profoundly with a people who had endured the humiliation, suffering, and displacement of captivity. The "land of the LORD" refers to the promised land of Canaan, which God had covenanted to Abraham's descendants, signifying not merely a geographical return but a restoration of their covenantal relationship, their rightful inheritance, and their national dignity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 14:2](/isaiah/14-2 "Isaiah 14:2 - Israel's Reversal of Fortune") is **Divine Reversal and Restoration**. God is portrayed as the sovereign orchestrator of history, who decisively turns the tables on oppressors and exalts the humble. This theme is inextricably linked to God's unwavering **Justice**, ensuring that those who inflict suffering and injustice will ultimately face consequences, and the oppressed will find liberation and even dominion. It also powerfully underscores God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant**, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His chosen people, Israel, by bringing them back to their land and establishing them securely. This promise of restoration and dominion echoes earlier covenant promises, such as those made to Abraham, and foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where righteousness will prevail and the meek shall inherit the earth, a principle beautifully articulated in [Psalm 37:11](/psalm/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"). The verse also implicitly speaks to **God's Sovereignty**, asserting His absolute control over nations and their destinies, a recurring motif throughout the book of Isaiah, particularly evident in the oracles against various nations found in [Isaiah chapters 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This term (H5971) refers to a congregated unit, specifically a tribe or nation. In this context, it denotes the collective entity of Israel, emphasizing that the prophecy's fulfillment is for the entire covenant community, not merely isolated individuals. It highlights the corporate identity and destiny of God's chosen nation.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) extends beyond a mere physical dwelling to encompass a family, household, or even a dynasty. When used in "the house of Israel," it signifies the entire nation, emphasizing their lineage, corporate identity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with them. The promise of possession and rule is thus for the whole of Israel, collectively.
* **possess (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** The verb (H5157) primarily means to inherit or to take possession, often specifically referring to land or an inheritance. Its application here to the former oppressors signifies that Israel will not merely return to their land but will inherit and gain dominion over those who previously held them in bondage. This implies a complete transfer of power, authority, and even resources.
* **oppressors (Hebrew, _nâgas'_):** This word (H5065) vividly describes those who drive, harass, tax, or tyrannize. It powerfully portrays the harsh and burdensome nature of the Babylonian rule over Israel. The prophecy directly targets these specific individuals or nations who exerted cruel authority, promising that the very ones who oppressed will now be subjected to the rule of their former victims, highlighting divine retribution and reversal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dramatic reversal. "The people" (Israel) are depicted as actively taking their former captors ("them") and bringing them to "their place," which is the land of Israel. This imagery evokes a conquering power bringing spoils or subjects into their own territory, fundamentally reversing the roles of subjugator and subjugated.
* **"and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids":** This is the core of the prophecy's ironic fulfillment. The entire nation of Israel ("the house of Israel") will not only return to their God-given land but will also acquire their former captors as their own servants and handmaids. This signifies a complete economic, social, and hierarchical subjugation of the oppressors, turning the tables on the previous master-slave dynamic and restoring Israel's dignity.
* **"and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors":** This final clause powerfully reiterates and amplifies the comprehensive reversal. It explicitly states that Israel will take as captives those who once held Israel captive, emphasizing the direct, poetic, and divinely orchestrated justice. Furthermore, Israel will "rule over their oppressors," signifying not just freedom or economic control, but political and authoritative dominion. This completes the picture of a comprehensive and divinely orchestrated reversal of power, demonstrating God's ultimate triumph over injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:2 is replete with literary devices that amplify its profound prophetic message. The most prominent device is **Irony**, as the verse describes a complete and dramatic reversal of fortunes where the enslaved become masters and the captors become captives. This profound turn of events powerfully highlights God's justice and His ability to humble the proud and exalt the lowly. There is also strong **Parallelism** in the repeated structure of "take them captives, whose captives they were" and "rule over their oppressors," which serves to emphasize and reinforce the central theme of reversal and dominion, creating a sense of poetic justice. The use of terms like "servants and handmaids" functions as **Metonymy**, where these specific roles stand in for the complete subjugation and subservience of the former oppressors. The entire passage operates as a **Prophetic Oracle**, delivering a divinely inspired message about future events, specifically designed to offer hope and vindication to the oppressed people of Israel and to pronounce judgment and warning upon their proud oppressors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:2 profoundly articulates a fundamental biblical truth: God is a God of justice who hears the cries of the oppressed and sovereignly orchestrates history to bring about righteous reversals. This verse is not merely a historical prediction of Israel's return from exile but a profound theological statement about God's character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, oppressive, or seemingly invincible, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His righteous judgment. The promise of Israel possessing and ruling over their oppressors in the "land of the LORD" underscores the restoration of their unique status as God's chosen nation and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises of inheritance and dominion. This divine intervention serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over injustice and tyranny.

* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalm/126-1-3 "Psalm 126:1-3 - The Joy of Restoration from Captivity"): "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat: God's Reversal of Fortunes"): "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away."
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes God's Kingdom"): "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of our Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:2 offers profound hope and a powerful reminder of God's ultimate justice and redemptive power, even in the face of overwhelming oppression. For believers today, this verse teaches us that no matter how dire our circumstances, or how formidable the forces that seem to hold us captive—whether they be spiritual strongholds, societal injustices, personal struggles, or systemic oppression—God has the sovereign power to orchestrate a complete reversal. It encourages us to maintain unwavering faith that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and that God will never abandon His people. This promise of divine intervention should inspire resilience and perseverance, reminding us that our current suffering is not our final destination. Instead, we are called to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him, and that He will ultimately bring about freedom, restoration, and even a position of spiritual authority for His redeemed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oppressors" or forms of "captivity" do you currently face in your life, whether internal spiritual battles or external societal pressures?**
* **How does the promise of a divine reversal in [Isaiah 14:2](/isaiah/14-2 "Isaiah 14:2 - Israel's Reversal of Fortune") encourage you to persevere in faith and hope?**
* **In what practical ways can believers today "rule over their oppressors" by living out the principles of God's kingdom and demonstrating Christ's victory in their lives?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 14:2 imply that God condones slavery for Israel?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply God condones slavery as a moral institution. Instead, it describes a specific prophetic reversal of fortunes within an ancient Near Eastern context where taking captives and making them servants was a common practice of warfare and conquest. The primary purpose of this prophecy is to illustrate God's **sovereignty** and **justice** by showing that the very nations who enslaved Israel would themselves be subjected. It's a statement about divine retribution and the restoration of Israel's dignity and dominion, not an endorsement of the institution of slavery itself. Throughout the Law, God provided specific regulations for slavery among Israelites that were vastly different from the brutal chattel slavery common in other nations, often functioning more as indentured servitude or a social safety net (see [Exodus 21:2-11](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2-11 - Laws Concerning Servants") and [Leviticus 25:39-46](/leviticus/25-39-46 "Leviticus 25:39-46 - Laws Concerning Servants and Foreigners")). The context here is a judgment against the oppressors of God's people, demonstrating that the tables would be turned by divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 14:2 speaks of a literal, historical reversal for the nation of Israel, its deepest and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, once held captive and oppressed by sin, death, and the devil, finds its ultimate liberation and reversal of fortune in Christ. He is the true "House of Israel," the embodiment of God's covenant people, who through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, decisively took captive those who held us captive. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") powerfully declares that Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." We, who were once "slaves to sin" ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Slaves to Righteousness")), are now, through faith in Him, made "sons and daughters" and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The dominion promised to Israel in the land is spiritually fulfilled in the Church, the new Israel, which is called to rule and reign with Christ in His spiritual kingdom now ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms")) and ultimately in the new heavens and new earth, where believers will reign with Him forever ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - They Will Reign Forever")). Thus, the prophecy of reversal and dominion in [Isaiah 14:2](/isaiah/14-2 "Isaiah 14:2 - Israel's Reversal of Fortune") points forward to Christ's decisive victory over all spiritual oppressors and the glorious freedom and co-regency He grants to His redeemed people.

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

Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien [shall be] your plowmen and your vinedressers.

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 30:16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 60:12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.