Isaiah 17:14

KJV

And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And behold at eveningtide {H6256}{H6153} trouble {H1091}; and before the morning {H1242} he is not. This is the portion {H2506} of them that spoil {H8154} us, and the lot {H1486} of them that rob {H962} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

As evening falls, you can see terror; before sunrise, they have ceased to be. This is the lot of those who plunder us, the fate of those who prey on us.

Berean Standard Bible

In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us.

American Standard Version

At eventide, behold, terror; and before the morning they are not. This is the portion of them that despoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:14 serves as a powerful prophetic climax, declaring God's swift and absolute judgment against the oppressors of His people. It paints a vivid picture of a dramatic reversal: formidable enemies who bring terror in the evening vanish completely by morning, underscoring the instantaneous and comprehensive nature of divine intervention. The verse concludes by asserting that this sudden destruction is the divinely appointed "portion" and "lot" for those who plunder and rob, thereby affirming the certainty of God's unyielding justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17:14 functions as the climactic and concluding statement of a specific prophetic oracle primarily directed against Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), found within [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - Prophecy Against Damascus and Ephraim"). The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 17:12-13](/isaiah/17-12-13 "Isaiah 17:12-13 - The Roar of Many Nations and God's Rebuke"), describe the tumultuous roar of many nations, likened to the surging of mighty waters, coming against Judah. This imagery vividly evokes a sense of overwhelming threat and chaos, portraying a seemingly unstoppable tide of adversaries. However, the narrative swiftly shifts to God's powerful rebuke, which causes these nations to flee like chaff before the wind or a rolling tumbleweed before a whirlwind. Verse 14 then provides the stark, final outcome of this divine intervention, emphasizing the instantaneous and total disappearance of the threatening forces, thereby affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and protective power over His people. It acts as a definitive pronouncement of the brevity and futility of human opposition to divine will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies contained within the book of Isaiah, including [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - Prophecy Against Damascus and Ephraim"), are firmly situated against the tumultuous backdrop of the 8th century BCE. This era was dominated by the relentless expansion and brutal campaigns of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which posed an existential threat to all smaller kingdoms in the ancient Near East. Damascus and Ephraim had formed a military alliance, known as the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, in an attempt to resist Assyrian hegemony. They even attempted to coerce Judah into joining their alliance, threatening Jerusalem itself (as vividly detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Sign of Immanuel")). The "many nations" mentioned in [Isaiah 17:12](/isaiah/17-12 "Isaiah 17:12 - Roar of Many Nations") most likely refer to the Assyrian forces or their various allied contingents, who were indeed a formidable and terrifying presence. Culturally, the understanding of "portion" (חֵלֶק, _chêleq_) and "lot" (גּוֹרָל, _gôwrâl_) would have been deeply rooted in the ancient practices of distributing land, inheritance, or determining destiny, often by casting lots. This signified a divinely or fatefully appointed outcome. The swiftness of judgment, from "eveningtide" to "morning," resonated with common ancient experiences of sudden military reversals, ambushes, or natural disasters that could decimate armies or populations overnight, highlighting the precariousness of life and the suddenness of divine action.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Swift Divine Judgment**, illustrating God's unparalleled ability to dismantle hostile forces with astonishing speed and completeness. The transition from "trouble" in the evening to utter non-existence by morning highlights the profound futility of human power when it stands in opposition to divine will. Secondly, it articulates the theme of **God's Unwavering Protection of His People**. Despite Judah facing overwhelming threats from powerful adversaries like the Assyrians, this prophecy serves as a profound reassurance that God remains their ultimate defender, intervening decisively and miraculously on their behalf. This resonates deeply with the psalmist's declaration that God is our [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Finally, the verse powerfully emphasizes **Divine Justice and Vindication**. By declaring that this sudden destruction is the "portion" and "lot" of those who spoil and rob, Isaiah proclaims that God will hold oppressors accountable, ensuring that justice prevails and the wicked receive their deserved recompense. This truth is a cornerstone of biblical theology, echoed in passages like [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35-36 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Swift End of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _ballâhâh'_):** From the root בָּלַהּ (_balah_), meaning "to be worn out" or "to decay," this noun (H1091) signifies "alarm," "terror," or "destruction." In Isaiah 17:14, it vividly conveys the state of sudden fear, dismay, and ultimate ruin that befalls the aggressors. It is not merely a minor inconvenience but a profound, terrifying upheaval leading to their complete undoing, emphasizing the severe nature of the impending judgment.
* **Morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** Derived from בָּקַר (_baqar_), meaning "to cleave" or "to break forth," this term (H1242) refers to the dawn, the break of day. Its use here is crucial for establishing the incredibly short timeframe of the divine judgment. The transition from the "eveningtide" (עֶרֶב, _ʻereb_) where trouble appears, to the "morning" where the enemy "is not," emphasizes the instantaneous and complete nature of their disappearance, highlighting God's swift and decisive action.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shâçâh'_):** This primitive root (H8154) means "to plunder," "to ravage," or "to lay waste." It describes the aggressive, destructive, and unjust actions of the oppressors who violently seize possessions and inflict harm upon God's people. The parallel term "rob" (בָּזַז, _bâzaz_, H962) further reinforces this predatory behavior, highlighting the moral culpability of those who face God's judgment and the justice of their impending fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And behold at eveningtide trouble;":** This opening clause immediately sets a dramatic and ominous scene. The interjection "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) serves to draw the reader's attention to a sudden, striking, and significant event. "Eveningtide" (עֶרֶב, _ʻereb_) marks the beginning of the night, a time often associated with vulnerability, fear, and the lurking dangers of darkness. The "trouble" (בַּלָּהָה, _ballâhâh_) that arrives is not just a minor disturbance but a profound terror or destruction, indicating the initial, overwhelming presence and perceived power of the hostile forces.
* **"and before the morning he is not.":** This is the core of the verse's dramatic impact and prophetic declaration. The transition from evening to morning signifies an incredibly short duration—a single night. The phrase "he is not" (אֵינֶנּוּ, _ʼênennū_) is a powerful declaration of absolute non-existence. The formidable, terrifying force that appeared in the evening has utterly vanished by dawn, leaving no trace. This emphasizes the breathtaking swiftness, completeness, and finality of God's judgment, demonstrating His omnipotence over all earthly powers.
* **"This is the portion of them that spoil us,":** This clause explicitly states the reason and justice behind the sudden disappearance. "Portion" (חֵלֶק, _chêleq_) refers to an allotted share, often an inheritance or a designated outcome, implying a divinely appointed destiny. Here, it is the just recompense for those who "spoil" (שָׁסָה, _shâçâh_) God's people, meaning to plunder, ravage, or destroy them. It declares that their destructive and unjust actions will inevitably lead to their own destruction and ruin.
* **"and the lot of them that rob us.":** This phrase serves as a synonymous parallel to the preceding clause, reinforcing the message with emphatic repetition. "Lot" (גּוֹרָל, _gôwrâl_) traditionally referred to a pebble used in casting lots to determine destiny or the division of property. Its use here underscores that the fate of these oppressors is not accidental or arbitrary but divinely determined and justly deserved. Those who "rob" (בָּזַז, _bâzaz_) and exploit God's people will themselves be utterly dispossessed and brought to nothing, receiving the full measure of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:14 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to amplify its profound message of divine judgment. The most striking is **Juxtaposition**, specifically the stark temporal contrast between "eveningtide trouble" and the enemy's complete disappearance "before the morning." This dramatic opposition highlights the instantaneous and overwhelming nature of God's intervention, emphasizing the brevity of the oppressors' reign. **Hyperbole** is also powerfully evident in the absolute declaration "he is not," which underscores the utter annihilation or disappearance of the threatening force, suggesting a level of destruction that goes beyond mere defeat to complete non-existence. The terms "portion" and "lot" function as potent **Metaphors** for destiny or a divinely appointed outcome, drawing on the ancient cultural practice of casting lots to determine shares. They symbolize the inescapable justice that awaits the oppressors, a fate decreed by God. Furthermore, the parallelism between "them that spoil us" and "them that rob us" is a classic example of **Synonymous Parallelism**, reinforcing the identity and predatory actions of the condemned, thereby adding significant rhetorical force and solemnity to the pronouncement of their inevitable doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:14 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, however formidable or terrifying, can ultimately withstand the divine will or escape divine accountability. God's intervention is portrayed as swift, decisive, and complete, ensuring that those who oppress His covenant people will face inevitable and total destruction. This serves as both a profound reassurance to the beleaguered faithful, reminding them of God's active protection, and a solemn warning to those who would engage in injustice and exploitation. The verse affirms that there is a divine accounting for all actions, and the "portion" of the wicked is not lasting prosperity but ultimate ruin, while God's people can trust in His ultimate vindication and deliverance.

* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35-36 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Swift End of the Wicked") – "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found."
* [2 Thessalonians 1:6-7](/2_thessalonians/1-6-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - God's Righteous Judgment and Rest for the Afflicted") – "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels."
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's Power and Justice") – "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:14 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers facing various forms of oppression, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. It calls us to cultivate radical trust in God's sovereign power and His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem dire. When we feel overwhelmed by "trouble" that looms large in our "eveningtide," this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is capable of bringing about complete reversal and deliverance "before the morning." It encourages patience and perseverance, knowing that the "portion" of those who cause harm is ultimately destruction, while God's justice will prevail. For those who might be tempted to exploit or oppress others, it serves as a stark and sobering warning: all actions have divine consequences, and God will hold the wicked accountable. This truth should motivate us to live righteously, to champion justice for the vulnerable, and to extend compassion, confident that the Lord sees and acts on behalf of the oppressed, bringing about His perfect will in His perfect time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "eveningtide trouble" are you currently facing that feels overwhelming, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God's swift and decisive intervention?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on oppressors shape your prayers and actions regarding injustice in the world, both locally and globally?**
* **In what ways can you actively live out the confidence that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring justice, rather than seeking personal retribution or despairing in the face of evil?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them that spoil us, and them that rob us" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Isaiah 17, "them that spoil us, and them that rob us" primarily refers to the formidable Assyrian Empire and its allies, who were a dominant and oppressive force threatening Judah and the surrounding nations. Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), against whom this prophecy is also directed, had also been adversaries to Judah. More broadly, and for all time, the terms represent any nation, power, or individual that unjustly plunders, exploits, or oppresses God's people, whether physically, economically, or spiritually. The verse provides a universal principle of divine justice against all forms of unrighteous aggression, affirming that God will hold such perpetrators accountable.

**What does "before the morning he is not" signify about God's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "before the morning he is not" powerfully signifies the absolute, instantaneous, and complete nature of God's judgment. It implies a total and utter disappearance or annihilation of the threatening force within the incredibly short span of a single night. This is not a gradual decline or a prolonged battle, but a sudden, decisive act of divine power that leaves no trace of the enemy's former might or presence. It underscores God's omnipotence and His ability to bring about radical reversals of fortune with breathtaking speed, often in ways that defy human expectation or military strategy. This rapid judgment serves to magnify God's glory and to demonstrate the futility of resisting His sovereign will, ensuring that His people are delivered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:14, with its dramatic portrayal of swift divine judgment against oppressors, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to the destruction of earthly adversaries, the New Testament reveals that humanity's greatest oppressors are sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Jesus, through His sacrificial crucifixion and glorious resurrection, decisively conquered these ultimate enemies. The "trouble" of humanity's sin and separation from God was met with Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, and "before the morning" of His resurrection, the power of death and the grave was rendered "not." Just as the formidable enemies of Israel vanished, so too did the power of sin and death vanish for all who are united with Christ ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Victory Over Death and Sin")). The "portion" and "lot" of those who spoil and rob humanity of its spiritual inheritance—Satan and his demonic forces—is ultimate and eternal judgment, a fate sealed by Christ's victory on the cross and to be fully realized at His glorious return ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil's Final Doom")). Conversely, for those who trust in Him, the "portion" is not destruction but eternal life and an imperishable inheritance, secured by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and who promises to return to [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Paul's Charge to Timothy").

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

2 Kings 19:35

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Zephaniah 2:10

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Jeremiah 13:25

This [is] thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: