Isaiah 17:13

KJV

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

KJV (with Strong's)

The nations {H3816} shall rush {H7582} like the rushing {H7588} of many {H7227} waters {H4325}: but God shall rebuke {H1605} them, and they shall flee {H5127} far off {H4801}, and shall be chased {H7291} as the chaff {H4671} of the mountains {H2022} before {H6440} the wind {H7307}, and like a rolling thing {H1534} before {H6440} the whirlwind {H5492}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, the nations will roar like the mighty ocean, but he will rebuke them, and far will they flee, driven like chaff by a mountain wind, like whirling dust in advance of the storm.

Berean Standard Bible

The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale.

American Standard Version

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but he shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:13 presents a powerful prophetic vision of God's absolute sovereignty over the nations. It vividly portrays the initial terrifying surge of hostile earthly powers, likened to an overwhelming flood, only to immediately pivot to the Lord's effortless rebuke. This divine intervention scatters these formidable adversaries, reducing their might to the insignificance of chaff before the wind or a rolling tumbleweed caught in a whirlwind, thereby demonstrating the futility of human strength when confronted by the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah chapter 17 is a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Damascus, the capital of Syria, and Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom of Israel. These two entities had formed an alliance against Judah (as detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War")) and were also prone to idolatry and reliance on human alliances rather than trusting in the Lord. The chapter opens with pronouncements of judgment against Damascus, foretelling its destruction and transformation into a ruinous heap ([Isaiah 17:1](/isaiah/17-1 "Isaiah 17:1 - Prophecy Against Damascus")). It then extends this judgment to Ephraim, lamenting its spiritual decline and the weakening of its fortified cities ([Isaiah 17:4-6](/isaiah/17-4 "Isaiah 17:4-6 - Judgment on Ephraim")). Within this broader context of impending judgment, verse 13 serves as a stark illustration of the overwhelming nature of the hostile forces (likely Assyria, the instrument of God's judgment) and, more importantly, the decisive and ultimate power of God to disperse them. It acts as a powerful climax to the description of the nations' initial advance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 17 are set against the turbulent backdrop of the 8th century BC, a period dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyria, a formidable military power, was systematically conquering smaller kingdoms in the Near East, including Syria and Israel. Damascus and Ephraim, seeking to resist Assyrian aggression, formed alliances and often looked to other human powers for security, rather than relying on their covenant God. The imagery of "rushing waters" would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with destructive floods and overwhelming military invasions. The agricultural imagery of "chaff" and "wind" was also common, representing worthlessness and swift dispersal, a stark contrast to the perceived solidity and power of nations. This historical reality underscores the prophetic message: even the most powerful empires are transient and ultimately subject to divine decree, highlighting the futility of trusting in human strength or alliances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over all earthly powers and their destinies, regardless of their apparent might or ambition. This is a recurring motif, as seen in [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God's Derision of Nations") where the Lord laughs at the nations' schemes. Closely related is the theme of **God's Judgment**, demonstrating the swift and decisive nature of His intervention against those who oppose His will or His people. His "rebuke" alone is sufficient to scatter even the most formidable adversaries, underscoring that His word carries ultimate authority, as highlighted in [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks, It Is Done"). Finally, the imagery of "chaff" and "rolling thing" emphasizes the **Futility of Human Power** when confronted by divine might. Nations, despite their initial terrifying advance, are ultimately ephemeral and easily dispersed, illustrating the transient nature of worldly kingdoms compared to God's eternal dominion, a concept echoed in [Daniel 2:35](/daniel/2-35 "Daniel 2:35 - The Kingdom of God Crushes All Others").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rushing (Hebrew, _shâʼôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rush," this noun conveys a tumultuous, noisy, overwhelming sound and movement, often associated with a great flood or a chaotic multitude. In this context, it vividly portrays the initial terrifying and seemingly unstoppable advance of the hostile nations, emphasizing their destructive force and disorienting clamor.
* **Rebuke (Hebrew, _gâʻar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to chide" or "reprove," this word signifies a powerful, authoritative command that causes immediate submission, cessation, or dispersal. It implies a stern, divine reprimand that does not involve physical struggle but rather a word of power that instantly brings about the desired effect, demonstrating God's effortless control over even the mightiest adversaries.
* **Chaff (Hebrew, _môts'_):** This term refers to the husks of grain, separated during winnowing. It is consistently used in biblical literature as a metaphor for worthlessness, lightness, and something easily scattered and destroyed by the wind. Its application here powerfully illustrates the utter insignificance and powerlessness of the nations when confronted by God's might, contrasting their initial formidable appearance with their ultimate vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters":** This clause sets the scene, depicting the overwhelming and terrifying advance of hostile nations. The **simile** to "many waters" evokes the imagery of a destructive flood—vast, noisy, and seemingly unstoppable—emphasizing the sheer number and force of the invading armies. It captures the initial human perception of their formidable power.
* **"but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off":** This marks a dramatic turning point. The conjunction "but" introduces a sharp **contrast** to the preceding imagery. God's intervention is not a physical battle but a mere "rebuke"—a powerful, authoritative command. This single act is sufficient to cause the nations, previously depicted as an unstoppable flood, to immediately "flee far off," highlighting the effortless ease and absolute efficacy of divine power.
* **"and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind":** This final clause provides two vivid **similes** that illustrate the complete and utter defeat and dispersal of the nations. From an overwhelming flood, they are reduced to "chaff," worthless and easily scattered by the wind, and a "rolling thing" (like a tumbleweed), without control or direction, tossed about by a "whirlwind." This imagery underscores their powerlessness, insignificance, and the swiftness of their dispersal, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment and their utter lack of substance when faced with His might.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:13 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, employing vivid comparisons to convey its powerful message. The initial depiction of "nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters" uses a **Simile** to evoke a sense of overwhelming, chaotic, and destructive power, akin to an unstoppable flood. This is immediately contrasted by God's effortless intervention, creating a stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between human might and divine sovereignty. The subsequent descriptions, "chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind" and "like a rolling thing before the whirlwind," are further **Similes** that powerfully illustrate the utter insignificance and swift dispersal of the nations once God acts. The use of "chaff" and "rolling thing" also serves as **Symbolism** for worthlessness, transience, and powerlessness. The very idea of God merely "rebuking" such a formidable force exemplifies **Divine Omnipotence**, where a word is sufficient to achieve ultimate victory, contrasting sharply with the initial **Hyperbole** used to describe the nations' terrifying advance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:13 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers and the ultimate futility of human strength apart from Him. It serves as a powerful reminder that while nations may rise and fall, and their armies may seem invincible, they are ultimately subject to the divine will. God's "rebuke" is not merely a verbal reprimand but an act of cosmic authority that effortlessly dismantles human pride and ambition. This demonstrates that true security and lasting peace are found not in military might or strategic alliances, but in humble reliance upon the Lord, who alone can orchestrate the course of history and bring about His purposes. The verse underscores the transient nature of all worldly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal and unshakeable reign of God.

* [Psalm 46:6](/psalms/46-6 "Psalm 46:6 - God Utters His Voice, the Earth Melts")
* [Job 21:18](/job/21-18 "Job 21:18 - The Wicked Are Like Chaff Before the Wind")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Word of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:13 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical guidance for believers navigating a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil and overwhelming challenges. In moments when the "rushing of many waters"—whether global crises, personal struggles, or societal pressures—threatens to engulf us, this verse anchors our hope in the unwavering sovereignty of God. It reminds us that no force, no matter how formidable or chaotic it appears, can stand against the Lord's authoritative word. Our confidence should not be placed in human institutions, political leaders, or even our own strength, but solely in the Almighty God who can scatter the mightiest adversaries with a mere "rebuke." This truth liberates us from anxiety and fear, calling us to a deeper trust and reliance on Him. It also serves as a warning against pride and self-sufficiency, both individually and nationally, urging humility and recognition of divine authority as the true source of stability and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by "rushing waters," and how might this verse encourage you to trust in God's rebuke over those challenges?**
* **How does the imagery of nations becoming "chaff" challenge your perspective on worldly power and influence?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's sovereignty rather than on human strength or strategies?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 17:13?**

Answer: The primary message of Isaiah 17:13 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and control over all nations and their seemingly overwhelming power. It illustrates that while human forces may appear formidable and destructive, they are ultimately powerless before the divine "rebuke" and are easily scattered and rendered insignificant by God's will. This verse serves as a reminder that the Lord alone holds ultimate authority over the course of history and the destinies of kingdoms, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men").

**How does this verse relate to the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies?**

Answer: Isaiah 17:13 fits seamlessly into the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly those concerning judgment against the nations and the ultimate vindication of God's people. Chapters [13-23 of Isaiah](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations") contain a series of oracles against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's universal dominion. This specific verse, within the oracle against Damascus and Ephraim, reinforces the idea that even the most powerful regional players, like Assyria (who would be God's instrument of judgment), are merely tools in His hand. It highlights the futility of trusting in human alliances or military strength, urging reliance on the Lord alone, a central message throughout Isaiah, as seen in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:13, though an Old Testament prophecy concerning the nations, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the very "rebuke" of God against the forces of chaos and evil. Just as God effortlessly scattered the formidable nations with a word, so too does Christ demonstrate supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual powers. His ministry was marked by a divine "rebuke" against sickness, demons, and even the raging sea, as seen when He calmed the storm with a mere command in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). The "rushing of many waters" can be seen as a type of the overwhelming forces of sin, death, and the kingdom of darkness that once held humanity captive. However, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, has decisively "rebuked" these powers, disarming them and leading them captive in triumph, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Powers"). Ultimately, the scattering of the nations like "chaff" before the wind foreshadows the final judgment where all who oppose God's kingdom will be utterly vanquished by the word of Christ's power, and His eternal reign will be established, as prophesied in [Revelation 19:15-16](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15-16 - Christ's Victory Over the Nations"). He is the sovereign Lord who brings all things under His feet, ensuring that every opposing force is ultimately rendered as nothing more than scattered dust before His glorious, irresistible whirlwind of justice and truth.

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 9:5

Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

Isaiah 41:15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 1:4

¶ The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Job 21:18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

Isaiah 29:5

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones [shall be] as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

Psalms 46:5

God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.