Isaiah 14:25

KJV

That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.

KJV (with Strong's)

That I will break {H7665} the Assyrian {H804} in my land {H776}, and upon my mountains {H2022} tread him under foot {H947}: then shall his yoke {H5923} depart {H5493} from off them, and his burden {H5448} depart {H5493} from off their shoulders {H7926}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will break Ashur in my land, I will trample him down on my mountains. Then his yoke will fall off them, his burden be removed from their shoulders."

Berean Standard Bible

I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.”

American Standard Version

that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulder.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:25 declares God's decisive and sovereign intervention against the oppressive Assyrian Empire, promising its utter defeat within His own land. This divine act of judgment will result in the complete liberation of His people from the heavy yoke of Assyrian domination, signifying an end to their servitude and the restoration of their freedom from the crushing burdens imposed upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:25 is situated within a broader prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 13-23) that contains "oracles against the nations." While the immediate preceding verses (Isaiah 14:3-23) deliver a powerful taunt against the king of Babylon, this particular verse, along with Isaiah 14:24-27, shifts the prophetic focus specifically to Assyria. This transition highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that His judgment is not limited to one oppressor but extends to all who stand against His purposes and people. The declaration here serves as a divine oath, reinforcing the certainty of the prophecy against Assyria, similar to the pronouncements found throughout [God's judgments against nations](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the time of the prophet Isaiah (8th century BC), the Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal military campaigns, forced deportations, and imposition of heavy tribute on conquered nations. Judah, though not yet fully subjugated, lived under constant threat and experienced periods of Assyrian vassalage, paying immense sums to avoid destruction. The northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BC. The "land" and "mountains" mentioned in the verse refer specifically to the territory of Judah, particularly the area around Jerusalem, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib's army would famously face miraculous defeat, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army") and [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - God's Deliverance from Sennacherib"). This historical backdrop underscores the immense relief and hope this prophecy would have offered to a people living under the shadow of such a formidable empire.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, showcasing God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations. He is the ultimate arbiter of history, capable of bringing down even the most formidable empires that oppress His chosen people, as seen in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, it highlights **Deliverance and Liberation**, promising a complete cessation of the "yoke" and "burden" of Assyrian oppression. This imagery vividly portrays the freedom and relief God would provide, echoing themes of exodus and redemption found throughout Israel's history, such as the deliverance from Egypt's bondage in [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Redemption"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, demonstrating that despite Israel's frequent unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His promises to protect and preserve His people, ensuring their ultimate well-being and security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **break (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** (H7665) A primitive root signifying to burst, shatter, or utterly destroy, literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes a complete and decisive destruction of the Assyrian power, not merely a weakening or temporary setback. It emphasizes the finality and totality of God's judgment against the oppressor, ensuring their inability to continue their subjugation.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** (H5923) Derived from a root meaning "to impose," this word refers to a wooden beam placed upon the neck of an animal (like an ox) to harness it for labor or pulling loads. Figuratively, it represents servitude, oppression, and burdensome control. Its "departure" signifies a complete release from forced labor, tribute, and the loss of national autonomy under Assyrian rule.
* **burden (Hebrew, _çôbel'_):** (H5448) This term refers to a heavy load or a crushing weight, often associated with forced labor or oppressive taxation. Paired with "yoke," it intensifies the imagery of the severe hardship and exploitation experienced under Assyrian domination. Its removal signifies relief from physical and economic oppression, restoring the people's ability to live freely and prosper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I will break the Assyrian in my land,"**: This clause establishes God as the active agent and the Assyrian Empire as the object of His divine judgment. The phrase "in my land" is crucial, indicating that God will confront and defeat this formidable enemy not in their own territory, but within the sacred land of Israel, underscoring His protective sovereignty over His chosen people and their inheritance.
* **"and upon my mountains tread him under foot:"**: This reinforces the previous declaration, using vivid imagery of conquest and utter subjugation. To "tread under foot" signifies complete victory, humiliation, and the absolute crushing of an enemy. The mention of "my mountains" further emphasizes God's ownership and control over the very terrain where this decisive defeat will occur, highlighting His presence and power.
* **"then shall his yoke depart from off them,"**: This marks the direct consequence of God's intervention. The "yoke," a powerful metaphor for oppressive rule, forced labor, and servitude, will be removed. This signifies a complete liberation from the political, economic, and social bondage imposed by the Assyrians, restoring freedom and autonomy to the people.
* **"and his burden depart from off their shoulders."**: This final clause reiterates and amplifies the promise of liberation. The "burden" represents the heavy tribute, taxation, and general hardship that the Assyrian Empire imposed. Its departure from "their shoulders" paints a picture of physical and spiritual relief, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance from all forms of oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and liberation. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrases "yoke" and "burden," which vividly represent the oppressive rule, forced labor, and heavy taxation imposed by the Assyrian Empire. The removal of these items from "shoulders" metaphorically signifies release from servitude and the restoration of freedom. **Symbolism** is also prominent, with "the Assyrian" symbolizing not just a historical empire but any formidable, oppressive power that seeks to dominate God's people. "My land" and "my mountains" symbolize God's sovereign territory and His protective presence, emphasizing that the battle will be fought and won on His terms, in His domain. The declaration "I will break" uses **hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and decisive nature of God's victory, implying a shattering destruction that leaves no room for the oppressor's resurgence. The entire verse functions as a **prophetic oracle**, a divine declaration of future events that carries the weight of God's unwavering will and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:25 serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It assures that no human empire, no matter how formidable or oppressive, can ultimately thwart His divine plans or perpetually enslave those whom He has chosen. This prophecy underscores the theological truth that God is the ultimate Deliverer, actively intervening in history to bring justice and liberation. It speaks to the divine principle that pride and oppression will inevitably face divine judgment, while faithfulness to God's promises ensures the ultimate vindication and freedom of His people.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord is slow to anger but great in power")
* [Zechariah 9:8](/zechariah/9-8 "Zechariah 9:8 - God will encamp around His house")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:25 offers enduring hope and profound reassurance for believers facing various forms of oppression, whether spiritual, emotional, or systemic. It reminds us that God is not a distant observer but an active, sovereign Lord who intervenes in the affairs of humanity. Just as He broke the literal yoke of the Assyrian Empire from His ancient people, He remains capable and committed to breaking any "yoke" or "burden" that seeks to enslave us today. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's ultimate authority, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, and to persevere in faith, knowing that His promises of deliverance and justice will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. It encourages us to identify the "yokes" and "burdens" in our own lives—be it sin, fear, anxiety, or societal injustices—and to lay them before the One who promises true freedom and rest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "yokes" or "burdens" in your life or in the world today do you long for God to break?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this prophecy (Assyria's defeat) strengthen your faith in God's promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate with God in bringing liberation to others who are oppressed?**

### FAQ
**Was the Assyrian Empire completely destroyed immediately after this prophecy?**
Answer: While Isaiah 14:25 declares a decisive breaking of Assyrian power "in my land," the complete destruction of the Assyrian Empire did not happen immediately after this specific prophecy. The most direct fulfillment of this verse refers to the miraculous defeat of Sennacherib's army outside Jerusalem in 701 BC, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army"). This event effectively broke Assyria's power over Judah and removed their immediate threat. The full collapse of the Assyrian Empire, however, occurred later with the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC to a coalition of Babylonians and Medes, demonstrating that God's judgments can have both immediate, specific fulfillments and broader, long-term historical consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:25, with its powerful imagery of God breaking the oppressor's yoke and burden, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the prophecy initially speaks to Israel's liberation from Assyrian tyranny, it foreshadows a far greater spiritual liberation from the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the power of the devil. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not merely to break physical yokes but to free humanity from the spiritual bondage that held them captive. His atoning sacrifice on the cross decisively "broke" the power of sin, as [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ") declares that "our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." He triumphed over death, ensuring that its "sting" and "victory" are abolished for believers, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"). Moreover, Jesus explicitly invited those burdened by life's struggles to find rest in Him, saying, "[Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"). Thus, the breaking of the Assyrian yoke in Isaiah 14:25 serves as a prophetic type, pointing to the glorious, comprehensive, and eternal liberation from all spiritual oppression accomplished by Christ, our ultimate Deliverer.

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 9:4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Isaiah 37:36

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Nahum 1:13

For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.

Isaiah 30:30

And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

Isaiah 30:33

For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.