Isaiah 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

That thou shalt take up {H5375} this proverb {H4912} against the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and say {H559}, How hath the oppressor {H5065} ceased {H7673}! the golden city {H4062} ceased {H7673}!

you will take up this taunt-song against the king of Bavel: "At last the oppressor is stilled, his arrogance is ended!

you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!

that thou shalt take up this parable against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Isaiah 14:4 KJV is a powerful verse that introduces a prophetic taunt song, celebrating the anticipated downfall of one of ancient Israel's greatest oppressors: the king of Babylon. This declaration marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes, from servitude to freedom, and highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Isaiah (chapters 13-23) containing prophecies against various nations. Specifically, Isaiah 14 delivers a vivid and scathing prophecy against Babylon, a powerful empire that would eventually conquer the southern kingdom of Judah and lead its people into exile. Though written centuries before Babylon's ultimate fall to the Medes and Persians (in 539 BC), this prophecy served as a profound source of hope and assurance for the Jewish exiles. The "proverb" mentioned here (Hebrew: mashal) is not a common saying but rather a satirical song or lament to be recited by the oppressed against their former oppressor, symbolizing their triumph and liberation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully declares that God is in control of nations and their destinies. The fall of Babylon underscores His power to bring down even the mightiest of empires that defy Him and oppress His people. This theme resonates throughout prophetic literature, emphasizing God's rule in the kingdom of men.
  • The End of Oppression: The joyous exclamation, "How hath the oppressor ceased!" signifies the longed-for end of a brutal regime. It speaks to the hope for justice and liberation for those suffering under tyranny, a recurring theme in God's promises to His people.
  • The Fall of Pride and Arrogance: The king of Babylon, often depicted as exceedingly proud and self-exalting in this chapter, is brought low. This serves as a timeless warning against human arrogance and the belief that earthly power is absolute. Pride always precedes a fall.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the golden city ceased" (KJV) translates the Hebrew word madhebah (מַדְהֵבָה). This word is somewhat ambiguous in its original meaning. While the KJV renders it as "golden city," implying Babylon's wealth and splendor, other interpretations suggest "exactress," "tyrant," or "destroyer." This nuance highlights Babylon's oppressive nature, as it was known for exacting heavy tribute and ruthlessly controlling its conquered territories. Regardless of the precise rendering, the meaning is clear: Babylon, in its opulence and tyranny, has met its end.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:4 offers profound encouragement for believers facing any form of oppression or injustice today. It reminds us that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, is beyond God's reach or judgment. For those who feel overwhelmed by difficult circumstances or oppressive systems, this verse provides a beacon of hope that God hears the cries of the afflicted and will ultimately bring about justice and liberation. It also serves as a solemn reminder to those in positions of power to exercise it with humility and righteousness, knowing that all earthly authority is ultimately accountable to God.

The ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment on oppressive systems is also seen in the New Testament's prophetic vision of the fall of "Babylon the Great", a symbolic representation of worldly power and rebellion against God.

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.

  • Isaiah 49:26

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Revelation 18:5

    For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

  • Revelation 18:8

    Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

  • Habakkuk 1:2

    O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!

  • Habakkuk 1:10

    And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

  • Habakkuk 2:6

    Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

  • Habakkuk 2:12

    Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

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