Isaiah 14:23

KJV

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also make {H7760} it a possession {H4180} for the bittern {H7090}, and pools {H98} of water {H4325}: and I will sweep {H2894} it with the besom {H4292} of destruction {H8045}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will make it a haunt for hedgehogs, it will become a swampy waste, I will sweep it with the broom of destruction," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

“I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:23 delivers a stark and irreversible divine decree concerning the utter devastation of Babylon, foretelling its transformation from a proud, dominant empire into an uninhabitable, desolate wasteland. This climactic declaration within a broader oracle of judgment vividly portrays God's sovereign intent to reduce the once-mighty city to a marshland fit only for wild, solitary creatures, and to sweep away its very existence with the thoroughness of a broom, unequivocally underscoring the finality and comprehensiveness of the LORD of hosts' judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:23 serves as the definitive conclusion to a profound prophetic oracle against Babylon, which commences in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden Against Babylon") and extends through [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - The Fall of Babylon and the King of Babylon"). This verse functions as the climactic pronouncement of Babylon's ultimate and irreversible fate, powerfully reinforcing the overarching themes of divine judgment, the reversal of fortunes for oppressors, and God's supreme authority over all earthly powers. It follows a vivid and chilling depiction of Babylon's king, whose arrogant ambition and self-exaltation are likened to the mythical fall of a morning star from heaven ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of the King of Babylon")), emphasizing that even the most exalted human rulers are subject to God's sovereign will. The preceding verses detail the complete overthrow of Babylon's dynasty, ensuring its permanent demise and preventing any resurgence of its oppressive power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, particularly during the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, represented the zenith of Mesopotamian power, wealth, and architectural grandeur. It was the empire responsible for the conquest of Jerusalem and the exile of the Judeans, making it a potent symbol of human pride, idolatry, and oppressive might in the biblical narrative. The prophecy in Isaiah, however, remarkably predates Babylon's rise to its imperial peak, demonstrating God's omniscient foreknowledge and His active control over the trajectory of human history. The imagery employed in this verse—transforming a bustling metropolis into a "possession for the bittern, and pools of water"—is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern curses and prophecies against fallen cities. Such imagery vividly contrasts Babylon's former glory with its prophesied desolation, signifying not merely defeat but utter ruin, abandonment, and a reversion to a primordial, uninhabitable state.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting unequivocally that no earthly empire, regardless of its perceived invincibility or military might, can escape the ultimate and righteous judgment of God, "the LORD of hosts." The vivid imagery of the "besom of destruction" powerfully portrays **Total and Irreversible Desolation**, emphasizing that God's judgment is not a temporary setback but a complete eradication, leaving no vestige of former glory or power. Furthermore, the prophecy highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Word** and the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, providing profound assurance to God's people that their oppressors will face justice and that God alone orchestrates the destiny of nations, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bittern (Hebrew, _qippôwd'_):** This term (H7090) refers to a species of bird, specifically a marsh bird, commonly found in desolate, watery, and uninhabited environments. In the context of Babylon's fate, its designation as a "possession for the bittern, and pools of water" serves as a powerful symbol of complete desolation. It signifies the transformation of a once-vibrant urban center into a swampy wilderness, utterly devoid of human life and activity, a place of ruin and abandonment.
* **Sweep (Hebrew, _ṭûwʼ'_):** This primitive root (H2894) means "to sweep away" or "to remove thoroughly." When paired with "besom of destruction," it underscores the active, deliberate, and decisive nature of God's judgment. It implies not a passive decay but an intentional, forceful, and comprehensive removal of Babylon from its place of power and prominence, leaving no remnant of its former existence.
* **Besom (Hebrew, _maṭʼăṭêʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to remove dirt," this noun (H4292) denotes a broom. Its inclusion in the phrase "besom of destruction" creates a potent metaphor for the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of God's judgment. It conveys the idea of a complete sweeping away, an obliteration that leaves nothing behind, signifying a total cleansing that eradicates the very presence and influence of the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also make it a possession for the bittern,"**: This clause declares God's active and intentional role in the transformation of Babylon. The city, once a prized possession of its rulers and a symbol of their power, will be divinely re-allocated as a "possession" for wild, solitary creatures like the bittern. This vividly symbolizes its complete abandonment by humanity and its reversion to a wild, untamed, and desolate state, unfit for human habitation.
* **"and pools of water:"**: This phrase further elaborates on the nature of Babylon's desolation. Its once-fertile plains, intricate irrigation systems, and grand architectural marvels will be submerged and transformed into stagnant marshes or swamps. This imagery emphasizes the irreversible ruin and environmental degradation, rendering the once-mighty city uninhabitable and incapable of sustaining human civilization.
* **"and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction,"**: This powerful and visceral metaphor highlights the thoroughness, finality, and deliberateness of God's judgment. Just as a broom meticulously sweeps away dust and debris, God declares His intent to utterly obliterate Babylon, leaving no trace of its former glory, power, or influence. The "besom of destruction" signifies a divine act of complete eradication, ensuring no possibility of resurgence.
* **"saith the LORD of hosts."**: This concluding declaration serves as a divine imprimatur, authenticating the prophecy and lending it absolute authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_, H3068, H6635) emphasizes God's omnipotence, His command over heavenly armies and all creation, affirming that this judgment is not merely a human prediction but a certain, unalterable decree from the sovereign God who possesses the ultimate power to execute His word.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:23 is profoundly rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid and desolate picture of Babylon's downfall. The transformation of a once-thriving metropolis into a "possession for the bittern, and pools of water" creates a stark visual of utter ruin, reducing it to a desolate swamp fit only for marsh birds. This serves as powerful **Symbolism**, where the bittern and stagnant pools represent complete desolation, abandonment, and the irreversible loss of human civilization. The phrase "sweep it with the besom of destruction" employs a striking **Metaphor**, comparing God's decisive judgment to the action of a broom, emphasizing the comprehensiveness and finality of the eradication. This metaphor also contains elements of **Personification**, as "destruction" is given an instrument ("besom") to carry out its work, highlighting its active and deliberate nature. The entire verse functions as a direct **Divine Oracle**, a pronouncement from the LORD of hosts, lending it absolute authority, certainty, and an undeniable sense of prophetic fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:23 stands as a profound theological statement on divine justice, sovereignty, and the inevitable downfall of human pride and oppression. It unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, serving as a timeless reminder that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or seemingly invincible, can escape the ultimate and righteous judgment of the Almighty. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy against ancient Babylon testifies to the unfailing nature of God's word and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and delivering His people from their oppressors. This enduring theme of divine judgment against proud, idolatrous, and oppressive empires resonates throughout biblical prophecy, foreshadowing future divine interventions against all forms of wickedness and injustice.

* [Jeremiah 51:37](/jeremiah/51-37 "Jeremiah 51:37 - Babylon Becomes a Heap of Ruins")
* [Zephaniah 2:13-14](/zephaniah/2-13-14 "Zephaniah 2:13-14 - God's Judgment Against Assyria")
* [Revelation 18:21-23](/revelation/18-21-23 "Revelation 18:21-23 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers in every generation. It serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power, however imposing, wealthy, or seemingly invincible, stands beyond the reach of God's sovereign judgment. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of humility within us, guarding against the temptation to place our ultimate trust, hope, or allegiance in human institutions, political systems, or transient material wealth. Instead, this prophecy redirects our gaze to the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God, which alone endures. Furthermore, it functions as a solemn warning against the perils of pride, oppression, and injustice, echoing the timeless biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes a Fall")). For those who currently suffer under oppressive systems or experience injustice, this verse offers profound comfort and assurance: God sees, God acts, and His perfect justice will ultimately prevail, bringing an end to all forms of tyranny and wickedness, establishing His righteous rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the world around me might I be prone to placing too much trust in worldly power, human systems, or fleeting successes, rather than in God's eternal kingdom and unfailing sovereignty?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on oppressive powers and wicked systems encourage me and strengthen my faith in the face of ongoing injustice and suffering in the world today?**
* **What does the vivid imagery of a "besom of destruction" teach me about the thoroughness and finality of God's work, whether it is in judgment against sin or in the process of spiritual cleansing and sanctification within my own life?**

### FAQ
**What is a "bittern" and why is it significant in this verse?**

Answer: A bittern (Hebrew: *qippôwd*, H7090) is a species of marsh bird, typically found in desolate, watery, and uninhabited environments. In Isaiah 14:23, its significance lies in the vivid and stark imagery it creates: a once-grand and bustling city like Babylon is prophesied to become so utterly desolate, submerged, and abandoned that it will be fit only for such wild, solitary creatures. This symbolizes the complete and permanent abandonment of the city by humans and its transformation into an uninhabitable, swampy wasteland, a profound and irreversible contrast to its former glory and human activity.

**What does "sweep it with the besom of destruction" mean?**

Answer: This powerful metaphor describes the thoroughness, finality, and comprehensiveness of God's judgment. A "besom" (Hebrew: *maṭʼăṭêʼ*, H4292) is an old word for a broom. Therefore, "sweeping with the besom of destruction" means that God will utterly and completely eradicate Babylon, leaving nothing behind. It's an image of a comprehensive cleansing that removes every trace of the city's existence, signifying irreversible ruin and the absolute end of its power and influence. This divine act ensures that Babylon will not merely be defeated but entirely obliterated, as seen in other prophecies like [Jeremiah 50:26](/jeremiah/50-26 "Jeremiah 50:26 - Babylon Utterly Destroyed").

**Why is Babylon singled out for such severe judgment by God?**

Answer: Babylon was singled out for such severe judgment primarily due to its egregious pride, its pervasive idolatry, and its cruel oppression of God's covenant people, Israel. While God had indeed used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah for its sin, Babylon's own hubris, brutality, and self-exaltation exceeded God's intended purpose, leading to its own condemnation. The prophecy in [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon") particularly highlights the Babylonian king's arrogance, who exalted himself against God, seeking to ascend to divine status ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of the King of Babylon")). God's judgment on Babylon thus powerfully demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice for His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 14:23 directly prophesies the historical fall and desolation of ancient Babylon, its profound imagery of divine judgment and ultimate eradication finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing powers, culminating in the final and decisive judgment of sin and evil. Just as Babylon, a quintessential archetype of human pride, rebellion, and oppressive worldly systems, was swept away, so too will all systems, ideologies, and forces that stand against God's righteous rule be utterly vanquished by Christ. The New Testament's symbolic "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Scarlet Woman and the Beast") represents the spiritual and worldly systems of rebellion against God, which will ultimately face a similar, complete, and irreversible destruction at the glorious return of Christ. The "besom of destruction" foreshadows the decisive and final victory of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb Will Conquer"), who will establish an eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells and where no oppressive power or wickedness can ever rise again ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, the desolation of Babylon points forward to the ultimate triumph of Christ, who will make all things new, ushering in a creation free from the curse of sin and the blight of human wickedness ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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

Zephaniah 2:14

And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.

Revelation 14:8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Isaiah 13:21

But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.

Isaiah 13:22

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Isaiah 34:11

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Isaiah 34:15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

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.