Isaiah 14:6

He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, [and] none hindereth.

He who smote {H5221} the people {H5971} in wrath {H5678} with a continual {H1115}{H5627} stroke {H4347}, he that ruled {H7287} the nations {H1471} in anger {H639}, is persecuted {H4783}, and none {H1097} hindereth {H2820}.

which furiously struck down peoples with unceasing blows, angrily beating down nations with relentless persecution.

It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution.

that smote the peoples in wrath with a continual stroke, that ruled the nations in anger, with a persecution that none restrained.

Context

Isaiah 14:6 is part of a powerful prophetic oracle, often called a "burden" or "pronouncement," primarily directed against the oppressive King of Babylon. This chapter details Babylon's impending downfall and the subsequent peace and restoration for God's people, Israel, who had suffered under its tyrannical rule. The verse captures the dramatic shift from the king's brutal reign to his humiliating demise, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty over nations and history.

Meaning of the Verse

The "He" in this verse directly refers to the King of Babylon, who had been a source of terror and destruction to surrounding nations. The phrase "smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke" vividly describes his ruthless, unceasing oppression. His rule was characterized by "anger" and relentless violence, dominating nations without mercy. However, the latter part of the verse announces a profound and ironic reversal: this once-mighty oppressor "is persecuted, [and] none hindereth." The one who inflicted constant harm is now himself pursued and afflicted, with no one to come to his aid or stop his inevitable fall. This signifies the complete and irreversible collapse of his power and influence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse unequivocally emphasizes God's active intervention to bring down oppressive regimes. The King of Babylon's downfall is presented not merely as a political event but as a divine judgment for his excessive cruelty, pride, and defiance of God.
  • Reversal of Fortune: It powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that those who exalt themselves and act with unchecked power will ultimately be humbled. The oppressor becomes the oppressed, highlighting the temporary nature of earthly might when it stands against divine justice.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, Isaiah 14:6 affirms God's supreme authority over nations and their rulers. Even the most powerful kings and empires are subject to His will and judgment, and He orchestrates their rise and fall according to His purposes.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "continual stroke" translates from the Hebrew makkah lo-sarah (מַכָּה לֹא־סָרָה), which literally means "a stroke without ceasing" or "a stroke that does not depart." This emphasizes the relentless and unyielding nature of the Babylonian king's oppression. The word "persecuted" is nirdaph (נִרְדָּף) in Hebrew, which is in the passive voice. This grammatical structure highlights that the king is now the object of pursuit and affliction, a stark and ironic contrast to his former role as the aggressor.

Related Scriptures

This verse echoes themes found throughout prophetic literature concerning the fall of great empires that defy God and oppress His people. For example, Jeremiah prophesies extensively about Babylon's destruction (e.g., Jeremiah 51:25), and the book of Revelation depicts the ultimate fall of "Babylon the Great" as a symbol of all worldly systems opposed to God. The principle of the proud being brought low is a recurring motif in Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

For believers today, Isaiah 14:6 offers profound reassurance that God sees injustice and will, in His perfect timing, bring down oppressive powers. It serves as a reminder that no human authority is absolute, and ultimate justice rests with the Lord. It also cautions against the dangers of unchecked power and pride, urging humility and righteous leadership in all spheres of influence.

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.

  • Daniel 7:19

    Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

  • Daniel 7:21

    I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

  • Jeremiah 50:31

    Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee.

  • Revelation 17:16

    And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

  • Revelation 17:17

    For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

  • James 2:13

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • 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.

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