Isaiah 14:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:6 vividly portrays the dramatic downfall of the oppressive King of Babylon, who had relentlessly afflicted nations with his tyrannical rule. This verse marks a profound reversal of fortune, declaring that the once-unhindered oppressor will now himself be persecuted, with no one to come to his aid. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over all earthly powers, revealing His divine justice in bringing low the proud and delivering His people from bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:6 is an integral part of a larger prophetic oracle, specifically a "burden" or "pronouncement" against Babylon, which spans from [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden Against Babylon") through [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - The Lord of Hosts Has Purposed"). This particular verse is embedded within a "taunt song" (Hebrew: *mashal*) directed at the fallen King of Babylon, beginning in [Isaiah 14:4](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon"). The preceding verses describe the earth's relief and rejoicing at the oppressor's demise, while the subsequent verses graphically depict the king's descent into Sheol, where even the dead mock his fallen state. This literary structure emphasizes the profound and humiliating reversal of his power, underscoring the completeness of God's judgment against him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, primarily concerning the rising Assyrian Empire and, later, the looming threat of Babylon. While the immediate historical context for Isaiah 14 might initially point to Assyria, the primary focus of this specific oracle is clearly the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would later conquer Judah and lead its people into exile (as detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile")). The King of Babylon, a generic representation of the empire's tyrannical power, symbolizes the oppressive regimes that threatened God's people. Ancient Near Eastern "taunt songs" were a recognized literary genre, used to publicly shame and ridicule defeated enemies, often celebrating the victor's triumph and the vanquished's humiliation. This cultural practice lends specific weight to the prophetic declaration of Babylon's fall, emphasizing its public and irreversible nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active intervention in human history to bring down wicked and oppressive powers. The King of Babylon's fall is not merely a political accident but a direct consequence of divine wrath against his pride and cruelty. Secondly, it exemplifies the **Reversal of Fortune**, a recurring motif where the mighty are humbled and the oppressed are vindicated. The one who "smote the people" is now "persecuted," illustrating the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, and most centrally, Isaiah 14:6 underscores **God's Sovereignty** over all nations and their rulers. No earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His ultimate judgment, affirming His control over the rise and fall of empires, as seen in the broader narrative of [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stroke (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** From H4347, meaning "a blow," "a wound," or figuratively, "carnage" or "pestilence." In this context, it refers to the severe, devastating impact of the Babylonian king's oppressive rule, characterized by violence and destruction inflicted upon the people and nations under his sway. The accompanying phrase "continual stroke" (from H1115 *biltîy* and H5627 *çârâh*, meaning "without ceasing" or "rebellion") emphasizes the relentless, unyielding nature of this oppression.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, meaning "a foreign nation," "Gentile," or even "a troop of animals." This word highlights the global reach of the King of Babylon's dominion and the widespread suffering he inflicted. It underscores that his tyranny was not limited to one people but extended to various ethnic groups, making his downfall a matter of universal relief.
* **persecuted (Hebrew, _murdâph'_):** From H4783, meaning "persecuted." This word is a passive participle, indicating that the king is now the *object* of pursuit and affliction, rather than the aggressor. This starkly contrasts his previous role as the one who "smote" and "ruled." It signifies his complete loss of power and the ironic reversal of his fate, where he experiences the very suffering he inflicted.
* **hindereth (Hebrew, _châsak'_):** From H2820, meaning "to restrain," "refrain," "refuse," or "withhold." Coupled with H1097 (*bᵉlîy*, "none" or "without"), the phrase "none hindereth" means there is absolutely no one to hold back or prevent his persecution. This emphasizes the utter helplessness and isolation of the fallen king, signifying that his demise is complete and irreversible, with no allies or power remaining to intervene on his behalf.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke,"**: This clause describes the Babylonian king's past actions. The verb "smote" (H5221, *nâkâh*) implies violent, destructive blows. His actions were driven by "wrath" (H5678, *ʻebrâh*), an outburst of intense anger, and characterized by a "continual stroke," signifying unceasing, relentless oppression and violence against the various peoples he conquered. This paints a picture of a brutal and merciless tyrant.
* **"he that ruled the nations in anger,"**: This second clause reiterates and expands upon the king's oppressive nature. "Ruled" (H7287, *râdâh*) implies dominion and subjugation, often with a sense of treading down. His rule extended over "nations" (H1471, *gôwy*), highlighting the widespread nature of his tyranny, and was perpetually fueled by "anger" (H639, *ʼaph*), indicating a disposition of fierce displeasure and hostility. This parallelism reinforces the image of a king whose power was exercised through rage and domination.
* **"is persecuted,"**: This short, powerful clause marks the dramatic turning point. The once-mighty king, who inflicted persecution, is now himself the object of it. The Hebrew word (H4783, *murdâph*) is in the passive voice, emphasizing that he is being pursued and afflicted by an external force, likely divine judgment and the retaliatory actions of those he oppressed. This is the ultimate reversal of his former status.
* **"[and] none hindereth."**: This final clause underscores the completeness and inevitability of his downfall. The absence of anyone to "hinder" (H2820, *châsak*) or restrain his persecution means he is utterly abandoned and helpless. His fall is absolute, with no remaining power, allies, or divine intervention to prevent his demise. This signifies the finality of God's judgment and the permanent end of his tyrannical reign.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and reversal. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the one who "smote" and "ruled" with unhindered power is now himself "persecuted" with "none hindereth." This dramatic reversal highlights the transient nature of human power when it opposes divine will. **Parallelism** is evident in the two opening clauses, "He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger," which use synonymous phrases to emphasize the king's consistent and widespread oppression. The phrase "continual stroke" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and relentless nature of the king's cruelty, though it also functions as a literal description of his unceasing tyranny. Finally, the broader context of the "taunt song" in [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - The Fall of Babylon") uses **Personification**, where the earth and even the trees of Lebanon rejoice at the king's fall, underscoring the universal relief brought by his demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:6 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It serves as a stark reminder that unchecked pride and oppressive rule will inevitably face divine retribution. The verse reveals that God is not a passive observer but the righteous judge who hears the cries of the oppressed and orchestrates the downfall of those who defy His moral order. This principle reassures believers that even in the face of overwhelming evil, God's justice will prevail, and His people will ultimately be delivered from their oppressors. The King of Babylon's fall is a microcosm of a larger biblical truth: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and God's kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms.

* [Jeremiah 51:25](/jeremiah/51-25 "Jeremiah 51:25 - God's Hand Against Babylon") - "Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and God's Sovereignty") - "And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world still marked by injustice, oppression, and the abuse of power, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring all unrighteousness to account. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when circumstances seem bleak. For those who feel oppressed, it offers hope that their cries are heard and that their deliverer is sovereign. For those in positions of power, it serves as a solemn warning against pride, cruelty, and the temptation to rule without accountability. It calls us to exercise humility, compassion, and righteous leadership, recognizing that all earthly authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to the Lord. Our ultimate allegiance must be to God's eternal kingdom, not to fleeting human empires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the downfall of the King of Babylon in this verse affirm your trust in God's ultimate justice in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, exhibit the pride or unchecked power that Isaiah warns against, and how can we cultivate humility?**
* **How does this prophecy encourage those who are currently experiencing forms of oppression or injustice?**
* **What practical steps can believers take to advocate for justice and stand against oppression in their own spheres of influence, knowing that God is sovereign over all nations?**

### FAQ
**Who is "He" in Isaiah 14:6?**

Answer: "He" in Isaiah 14:6 refers to the King of Babylon. While the specific historical king is not named, he represents the personification of the oppressive Neo-Babylonian Empire, particularly its tyrannical and cruel rule over conquered nations, including Judah. This figure is the subject of the "taunt song" that begins in [Isaiah 14:4](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon"), celebrating his dramatic and humiliating downfall.

**What is the significance of the phrase "continual stroke"?**

Answer: The phrase "continual stroke" (Hebrew: *makkâh lo-çârâh*) literally means "a stroke without ceasing" or "a stroke that does not depart." Its significance lies in emphasizing the relentless, unyielding, and merciless nature of the King of Babylon's oppression. It portrays his rule as a constant, unending assault of violence and tyranny upon the peoples he conquered, highlighting the severity and duration of the suffering he inflicted before his own inevitable demise.

**How does this prophecy relate to historical events and God's plan?**

Answer: This prophecy, delivered by Isaiah, foretold the eventual downfall of the formidable Babylonian Empire, which would later conquer Judah and lead its people into exile. Historically, Babylon was indeed conquered by the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, leading to the end of its oppressive rule and eventually allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland, as prophesied in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus, God's Shepherd"). The prophecy serves as a powerful testament to God's foreknowledge and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful empires are subject to His divine will and judgment, fulfilling His plan for His people and the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:6, with its vivid portrayal of the oppressor's downfall and the liberation of the oppressed, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The tyrannical King of Babylon, who "smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke" and "ruled the nations in anger," serves as a type for all oppressive powers—be they political, spiritual, or the very dominion of sin and death. Christ, the true King, came not to oppress but to liberate. He triumphed over the ultimate oppressor, Satan, disarming principalities and powers through His death and resurrection, leading them in a triumphal procession ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). The "persecuted" state of the Babylonian king foreshadows the final and complete overthrow of all evil and unrighteousness at Christ's return. Just as "none hindereth" the fall of Babylon, so too will there be no one to hinder the final judgment and establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where all injustice will be rectified and perfect peace will reign ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and Final Victory")). Through Christ, believers are delivered from the "continual stroke" of sin and death, entering into His everlasting reign of righteousness and peace ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freedom from Sin")). He is the ultimate hope for the oppressed, the one who will finally bring all proud and tyrannical systems to their knees, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")).

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

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.