Isaiah 14:22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

For I will rise up {H6965} against them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and cut off {H3772} from Babylon {H894} the name {H8034}, and remnant {H7605}, and son {H5209}, and nephew {H5220}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

"I will arise against them," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "I will cut off from Bavel name and remnant, offshoot and offspring," says ADONAI.

“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD.

And I will rise up against them, saith Jehovah of hosts, and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and son and son’s son, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

Isaiah 14:22 delivers a stark and powerful declaration of divine judgment against Babylon, a pivotal moment in the prophetic book of Isaiah. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over nations and their destinies, promising a complete and irreversible end to Babylon's power and legacy.

Context of Isaiah 14:22

This verse is part of a larger oracle, or "burden," against Babylon found in Isaiah 13 and 14. Following a vivid description of Babylon's fall and a triumphant taunt song mocking its once-proud king, Isaiah 14:22 serves as the LORD's definitive pronouncement of judgment. Historically, Babylon was a formidable empire that would eventually conquer Judah and exile its people. This prophecy, given centuries before Babylon's ultimate destruction, offered a message of hope and reassurance to God's people that their oppressors would face divine retribution. The passage emphasizes God's control over human history and the rise and fall of empires.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unrelenting Divine Judgment: The phrase "I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts" highlights God's active and decisive role in executing justice. It is not merely a passive observation but a direct, powerful intervention by the Almighty, demonstrating His commitment to righteous judgment against those who oppose Him and oppress His people.
  • Total Annihilation of Legacy: The promise to "cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew" signifies the most comprehensive form of destruction imaginable. It means not only the physical eradication of its people but also the complete erasure of its memory, influence, and future generations. Babylon's very identity and potential for revival would be utterly extinguished, leaving no trace.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This verse powerfully affirms the title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizing God as the supreme commander of all creation, including nations and their armies. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is in ultimate control of history, raising up and bringing down empires according to His divine will. For more on God's sovereignty over kingdoms, see Daniel 2:21.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is highly significant. "Sabaoth" refers to armies or hosts, implying God's command over celestial armies, earthly powers, and all creation. It underscores His omnipotence and capacity to fulfill His every word, including this devastating prophecy against Babylon.

The progression of destruction—"the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew"—is a powerful Hebrew idiom for absolute and complete obliteration. "Name" refers to reputation, fame, and memory; "remnant" refers to any survivors; "son" and "nephew" (or grandson/descendant) refer to future generations. Together, they paint a picture of total eradication, leaving no one to carry on the lineage or legacy of Babylon.

Practical Application

  • Trust in Divine Justice: This prophecy offers profound comfort and reassurance to those who are oppressed or witness injustice in the world. It reminds us that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring all wickedness to account, even if it seems delayed.
  • Warning Against Pride and Oppression: The fall of Babylon serves as a timeless warning against national and personal pride, arrogance, and the oppression of others. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
  • Faith in God's Word: The historical fulfillment of this prophecy concerning Babylon's destruction strengthens our faith in the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word. What God declares, He will surely accomplish. The ultimate symbolic fall of Babylon is also depicted in Revelation 18:21, further emphasizing the finality of divine judgment.

Isaiah 14:22 is a powerful testament to God's unyielding justice and His absolute control over the course of human history, offering both a stern warning and enduring hope.

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

  • Proverbs 10:7

    ¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

  • 1 Kings 14:10

    Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

  • Jeremiah 50:29

    Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 50:35

    A sword [is] upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise [men].

  • Jeremiah 51:56

    Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

  • Jeremiah 51:57

    And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

  • Isaiah 13:5

    They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.
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