Isaiah 14:7

KJV

The whole earth is at rest, [and] is quiet: they break forth into singing.

KJV (with Strong's)

The whole earth {H776} is at rest {H5117}, and is quiet {H8252}: they break forth {H6476} into singing {H7440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole earth is at rest and quiet. They break into song.

Berean Standard Bible

All the earth is at peace and at rest; they break out in song.

American Standard Version

The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:7 paints a vivid picture of universal peace and spontaneous joy following the downfall of a tyrannical oppressor, specifically the king of Babylon. This verse describes a world, previously groaning under the weight of oppression, now experiencing profound rest and quietude, culminating in an unbridled outburst of celebratory singing. It serves as a powerful prophetic declaration of God's sovereignty over human rulers and His ultimate commitment to bringing justice and liberation to His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14 is a pivotal oracle within the larger book of Isaiah, specifically part of a series of "burdens" or prophetic pronouncements against various nations (Isaiah 13-23). The immediate literary context for verse 7 is the preceding verses (Isaiah 14:3-6), which introduce a taunt-song (or *mashal*) against the king of Babylon. This song vividly describes the dramatic fall of this oppressive ruler, portraying his descent into Sheol, the underworld, where he is met with astonishment by the deceased kings who mock his humbled state. Verse 7, therefore, represents the immediate, global consequence of this tyrant's demise, shifting the focus from the oppressor's humiliation to the earth's joyous relief. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 14:8-23) continue to elaborate on the comprehensive nature of this judgment and the profound peace that follows, often seen as a prophetic type of the ultimate defeat of evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 14 is primarily directed against Babylon, a dominant imperial power that would eventually conquer Judah and exile its people. While the immediate historical backdrop might point to the Assyrian Empire (which was the dominant power in Isaiah's time, before Babylon's ascendancy), the prophecy looks forward to the Babylonian captivity and its eventual overthrow. The "king of Babylon" is often understood not just as a specific historical monarch but as an archetype of oppressive, prideful human power that sets itself against God. In the ancient Near East, imperial powers like Assyria and Babylon were notorious for their brutal conquests, forced deportations, and heavy tributes, causing widespread suffering and unrest. The longing for "rest" and "quiet" was a deep-seated desire for populations living under constant threat of invasion, war, and exploitation. The imagery of the earth breaking forth into singing reflects the profound relief and celebration that would accompany the collapse of such a formidable and cruel empire, a common theme in prophetic literature when God intervenes to deliver His people.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 14:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their rulers. No earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately defy the Lord's will, and He will bring an end to all forms of oppression and tyranny, as seen in His judgment against the king of Babylon, who is cast down from his lofty perch (Isaiah 14:12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Peace After Oppression**, portraying a profound and universal tranquility that follows the removal of a great tormentor. The "rest" and "quiet" signify a cessation of conflict, exploitation, and fear, fulfilling the longing for a world free from the burdens of human sin and pride. This anticipates the ultimate peace of God's reign. Thirdly, the phrase "they break forth into singing" captures the theme of **Universal Joy and Celebration** that accompanies divine deliverance. It's not merely a quiet relief but an exuberant, spontaneous outburst of triumph and gratitude, echoing the joy seen in other passages describing God's redemptive acts, such as the earth rejoicing before the Lord (Psalm 96:11-12 "Psalm 96:11-12 - Let the Heavens Rejoice"). Finally, the verse reinforces the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty and Deliverance**, affirming that the Lord is the ultimate deliverer of His people and His creation from all forces of evil, bringing about a new era of peace and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] nations, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. In Isaiah 14:7, "the whole earth" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ, *kol-hā’āreṣ*) signifies a universal scope, emphasizing that the peace and joy are not limited to one nation but encompass all of creation that was affected by the oppressor's reign. It highlights the cosmic impact of God's judgment.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** A primitive root; to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.); cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. This word denotes a profound state of repose, a cessation from labor, trouble, or agitation. It implies a deep tranquility and settledness, a stark contrast to the previous state of turmoil.
* **quiet (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** A primitive root; to repose (usually figurative); appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. This term reinforces the idea of tranquility, emphasizing an absence of disturbance, conflict, or agitation. It speaks of a profound stillness and calm that has permeated the world.
* **break forth (Hebrew, _pâtsach'_):** A primitive root; to break out (in joyful sound); break (forth, forth into joy), make a loud noise. This verb vividly describes a sudden, unrestrained, and powerful outburst. It's not a gentle or subdued sound, but an explosion of emotion, signifying an overwhelming and irrepressible joy that can no longer be contained.
* **singing (Hebrew, _rinnâh'_):** From רָנַן (rânan); properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e. shout (of joy or grief); cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. When paired with "break forth," this word indicates a loud, jubilant, and triumphant sound. It's a shout of victory, a proclamation of gladness, and an expression of overwhelming joy and triumph after deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The whole earth is at rest":** This clause immediately establishes a universal sense of peace. The "whole earth" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ) implies that the relief from oppression is not localized but extends across all lands and peoples. The verb "is at rest" (נָחָה, *nāḥāh*, from _nûwach_) signifies a deep, profound repose, a cessation from the turmoil, labor, and fear that characterized the period of the oppressor's reign. It suggests a settling down, a quietude that permeates the very fabric of creation.
* **"and is quiet":** This phrase further amplifies and reinforces the state of tranquility. The verb "is quiet" (שָׁקְטָה, *shāqṭāh*, from _shâqaṭ_) emphasizes the absence of agitation, disturbance, or conflict. It speaks of a stillness and calm that has settled over the world, indicating that the source of unrest has been completely removed. This double emphasis on "rest" and "quiet" underscores the completeness and depth of the peace achieved.
* **"they break forth into singing":** This final clause describes the spontaneous and irrepressible response to the newfound peace. The subject "they" refers implicitly to the inhabitants of the earth, or even the earth itself personified. "Break forth" (פָּצְחוּ, *pāṣəḥū*, from _pâtsach_) suggests a sudden, powerful, and uncontainable outburst, like a dam breaking. This is not a gentle melody but a loud, jubilant, and triumphant "singing" (רִנָּה, *rinnâh*), a shout of joy and victory. It signifies an overwhelming, collective celebration of liberation and relief, a testament to the profound impact of the oppressor's downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:7 is rich in **Personification**, a key literary device that imbues inanimate objects or abstract concepts with human qualities. Here, "the whole earth" is personified as being "at rest" and "quiet," and then "breaking forth into singing." This gives the earth agency and emotion, making its relief and joy palpable and universal. The imagery of the earth singing is a powerful way to convey the profound, cosmic impact of the tyrant's fall. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "the whole earth," emphasizing the global and comprehensive nature of the peace and joy, suggesting that the oppressor's influence was so vast that his downfall brings relief to all corners of the world. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting the previous state of oppression, turmoil, and groaning (implied by the context of Isaiah 14:3-6) against the new reality of "rest," "quiet," and "singing." This stark contrast highlights the magnitude of the deliverance and the transformative power of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:7, while immediately addressing the fall of the king of Babylon, transcends its historical context to offer profound theological insights into God's character and His ultimate plan for creation. It speaks to the Lord's unwavering commitment to justice, His sovereignty over all earthly powers, and His promise of ultimate peace for His people and the groaning creation. The "rest" and "singing" are not merely political relief but a foretaste of the eschatological shalom—the comprehensive well-being and harmony that will characterize God's perfected kingdom. This verse assures believers that evil and oppression, no matter how entrenched, are temporary, and God will decisively intervene to bring about a new era of righteousness and joy. It invites us to anticipate a future where all tears are wiped away, and creation itself participates in the celebration of God's triumph.

* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")
* [Psalm 96:11-12](/psalms/96-11-12 "Psalm 96:11-12 - Let the Heavens Rejoice")
* [Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - The Prince of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:7 offers a powerful message of hope and assurance for believers navigating a world still marked by injustice, conflict, and oppression. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control of human history, and no earthly power, however formidable, can thwart His sovereign plan. The "rest" and "singing" serve as a prophetic vision of a future reality where God's justice will prevail, and His peace will reign supreme. This encourages us to cultivate a posture of patient endurance, trusting that God will bring an end to all forms of tyranny, both global and personal. It calls us to find our spiritual rest in God's unfailing promises, even amidst present turmoil, and to live with an eschatological hope that fuels our present joy and motivates our pursuit of justice. Furthermore, the image of the earth breaking forth into singing invites us to participate in God's redemptive work, to be agents of peace and justice, and to anticipate with joyful expectation the day when all creation will truly celebrate His glorious reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of ultimate rest and quiet in Isaiah 14:7 impact your perspective on current global conflicts or personal struggles?**
* **In what ways can you "break forth into singing" in your life today, even while awaiting the full realization of God's peace on earth?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's justice when evil seems to prevail?**
* **What practical steps can you take to contribute to peace and justice in your sphere of influence, reflecting God's ultimate desire for the earth?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "king of Babylon" in Isaiah 14:7?**

Answer: In Isaiah 14, the "king of Babylon" is both a specific historical figure (referring to the future Babylonian emperor who would oppress Judah) and a symbolic archetype. He represents the epitome of human pride, tyrannical power, and rebellion against God, often interpreted by some as a type of Satan due to the imagery of his fall from a lofty position (Isaiah 14:12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer"). His downfall in Isaiah 14:7 signifies God's ultimate judgment against all oppressive systems and rulers that defy His authority and inflict suffering upon His creation.

**Does "the whole earth" literally mean every corner of the globe?**

Answer: While prophetic language often uses hyperbole to emphasize totality, "the whole earth" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ) in this context signifies a widespread, universal impact. It means that the relief and joy are not confined to a single nation or people, but are experienced broadly by all who were affected by the oppressor's influence. It underscores the cosmic scope of God's judgment and the comprehensive nature of the peace that follows, anticipating a time when God's reign will indeed bring peace to every corner of the globe (Zechariah 9:10 "Zechariah 9:10 - The Prince of Peace").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "rest" in the Bible?**

Answer: The "rest" (נוּחַ, _nûwach_) in Isaiah 14:7 connects to a broader biblical theme of divine rest, often associated with creation (Genesis 2:2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest in the Land"), and ultimately, the spiritual rest found in God's presence and His finished work. Here, it is a rest from oppression and turmoil, a cessation of suffering, which foreshadows the ultimate rest that God provides for His people, both spiritually in this life (Matthew 11:28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary") and eschatologically in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:7, with its vivid portrayal of the earth finding rest and breaking forth into singing after the defeat of a tyrannical oppressor, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "king of Babylon" serves as a type of the ultimate oppressor, Satan, and the systems of evil he orchestrates. Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively defeated this ultimate oppressor, "disarming the powers and authorities" and making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities"). His victory on the cross brought true rest to humanity, liberating us from the tyranny of sin and death, and offering spiritual peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give You"). The "rest" and "quiet" of Isaiah 14:7 foreshadow the peace of Christ's reign, a peace that will one day encompass the entire creation. Just as the earth rejoices at the oppressor's fall, so too does creation eagerly await the full manifestation of the children of God, when it will be liberated from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:19-21 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation Groans for Redemption"). The "breaking forth into singing" anticipates the universal praise that will erupt when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom, when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"). Thus, Isaiah 14:7 is a prophetic glimpse into the comprehensive liberation and joyous celebration that Christ's redemptive work secures for all creation.

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

Psalms 126:1

¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Psalms 126:3

The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.

Isaiah 49:13

¶ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Psalms 96:11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Psalms 98:7

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.