Isaiah 18:6

KJV

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall be left {H5800} together {H3162} unto the fowls {H5861} of the mountains {H2022}, and to the beasts {H929} of the earth {H776}: and the fowls {H5861} shall summer {H6972} upon them, and all the beasts {H929} of the earth {H776} shall winter {H2778} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will all be left to the vultures in the mountains and to the wild animals in the fields; the vultures will feed on them in summer, and the wild animals of the fields in winter.

Berean Standard Bible

They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey, and to the beasts of the land. The birds will feed on them in summer, and all the wild animals in winter.

American Standard Version

They shall be left together unto the ravenous birds of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth; and the ravenous birds shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 18:6 vividly portrays the grim aftermath of divine judgment upon a proud and distant nation, likely Cush (ancient Ethiopia/Sudan). The verse describes the bodies of the vanquished left unburied and exposed, becoming carrion for the birds of prey and wild beasts throughout all seasons. This stark imagery underscores the completeness and permanence of God's sovereign judgment, revealing the utter desolation and profound disgrace awaiting those who oppose His will or rely on their own strength rather than His divine authority. It serves as a powerful testament to the inescapable consequences of rebellion against the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 18 is an oracle of judgment, often titled "Woe to the Land of Buzzing Wings" ([Isaiah 18:1](/isaiah/18-1 "Isaiah 18:1 - Woe to the Land of Buzzing Wings")). It is situated within a larger section of Isaiah's prophecies (chapters 13-23) that pronounce judgment against various foreign nations. Following a description of a powerful, swift-moving nation ([Isaiah 18:2](/isaiah/18-2 "Isaiah 18:2 - Messengers from a Distant Land")), possibly seeking an alliance with Judah against Assyria, God declares His intention to intervene decisively. Verses 4-5 use agricultural metaphors, comparing God's quiet observation to the heat of the day, followed by a sudden, decisive action—like pruning branches and cutting down vines before the harvest. This sets the stage for verse 6, which graphically details the outcome of this divine intervention: the bodies of the defeated will not receive proper burial but will become food for scavengers, a sign of ultimate humiliation and destruction. The oracle serves as a warning against trusting in human alliances over God's sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout [Isaiah's prophetic book](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "land of buzzing wings" is widely identified as Cush (ancient Ethiopia/Sudan), a powerful kingdom south of Egypt, known for its formidable military and diplomatic reach. At the time of Isaiah, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower, threatening both Judah and its neighbors. Cush may have been attempting to forge an alliance with Judah or other nations to resist Assyria. In the ancient Near East, a proper burial was paramount, signifying respect, dignity, and a peaceful transition to the afterlife. To be left unburied and exposed to scavengers was considered the ultimate curse and a profound disgrace, stripping the deceased of all honor and condemning their memory. This fate was often reserved for the most despised enemies or those under divine curse, as seen in various biblical and extra-biblical texts. The imagery of birds and beasts consuming bodies also reflects the harsh realities of warfare and its devastating consequences in the ancient world, where such a fate was a common, dreaded outcome for the vanquished.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice. No human power, however mighty or distant, can thwart His ultimate purposes, as He declares His quiet observation before decisive action in [Isaiah 18:4](/isaiah/18-4 "Isaiah 18:4 - God's Quiet Observation"). Another key theme is **Utter Desolation and Disgrace**, vividly portrayed by the imagery of unburied bodies. This signifies a complete and irreversible defeat, stripping the vanquished of all dignity and hope, and serving as a stark warning against defying the Almighty. Finally, the context implies the theme of **Futility of Human Reliance**, as the judgment falls upon a nation that perhaps relied on its own strength or political maneuvering rather than acknowledging the supremacy of the Lord. This resonates with broader prophetic messages in [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord") that critique human pride and self-sufficiency, urging a reliance on God alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen, relinquish, permit, forsake, leave (destitute, off)." In this context, it powerfully conveys the idea of abandonment and utter desertion. The bodies are not merely "remaining" but are actively "left behind," forsaken by any who would honor them with burial, highlighting the complete and deliberate nature of their disgrace and exposure to the elements and scavengers. This emphasizes the lack of any human intervention or mercy.
* **fowls (Hebrew, _ʻayiṭ'_):** From H5861, referring specifically to "a hawk or other bird of prey; ravenous bird." This is not a generic term for birds but points to predatory, scavenging birds. The choice of this word intensifies the gruesome imagery, emphasizing that the bodies will be consumed by creatures associated with death, decay, and the wilderness, further underscoring the indignity and finality of the judgment. These are the birds that descend upon carrion, making the scene even more horrifying.
* **winter (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** From H2778, meaning "to spend the winter." This word, paired implicitly with the concept of "summer" (from `qûwts` in the KJV text), emphasizes the continuous, year-round exposure and consumption of the bodies. It signifies that the desolation is not temporary but enduring, lasting through all seasons, underscoring the thoroughness and permanence of God's judgment. The judgment is not a fleeting moment but a prolonged, inescapable reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth:"** This clause presents the initial, shocking image of the unburied dead. "They" refers to the defeated people of the nation under judgment. "Left together" suggests their bodies are piled or scattered, abandoned en masse, a collective disgrace. The destination of these bodies is specified: "unto the fowls of the mountains" (birds of prey that dwell in rugged, desolate places, descending to feed) and "to the beasts of the earth" (wild, predatory animals that would also scavenge). This imagery immediately conveys a profound indignity and the complete absence of human care or proper burial, which was culturally devastating in the ancient world, signifying a complete and utter defeat.
* **"and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them."** This second clause intensifies the horror by emphasizing the prolonged and inescapable nature of the desolation. The "fowls shall summer upon them" means the birds will feed on the bodies throughout the warm, active season when carcasses decay rapidly. Similarly, "all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them" means the wild animals will continue their scavenging through the cold season, when food might be scarcer. This signifies that the judgment and its gruesome consequences are not fleeting but enduring, lasting through all cycles of nature, symbolizing a comprehensive, permanent, and utterly humiliating destruction that leaves no hope of recovery or honor.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 18:6 is replete with powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid and gruesome picture of the consequences of divine judgment. The description of bodies left unburied, consumed by "fowls of the mountains" and "beasts of the earth," evokes a visceral sense of horror, desolation, and profound disgrace. This imagery functions as potent **Symbolism**: the unburied bodies symbolize ultimate defeat, dishonor, and a complete lack of human dignity, while the scavenging animals symbolize the thoroughness and finality of God's judgment, reducing the proud to mere carrion. The mention of "summer" and "winter" serves as a form of **Merism**, where two opposing parts (seasons) are used to represent the whole (all year round, perpetually). This emphasizes the relentless, enduring, and inescapable nature of the judgment, suggesting that the desolation is not temporary but a lasting condition. The verse's stark realism and unflinching portrayal of divine wrath create a powerful, unsettling effect, underscoring the gravity of defying God's sovereign will and the futility of human resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 18:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no human power, however formidable or distant, can escape His judgment when it stands in opposition to His divine purposes. The utter desolation depicted underscores the severe consequences of pride, self-reliance, and the failure to acknowledge God's supreme authority. This judgment is not merely punitive but also redemptive in its broader context, clearing the way for God's ultimate plan of salvation and establishing His kingdom. The imagery of bodies left unburied for scavengers is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying a complete and humiliating defeat, often linked to covenant curses and divine wrath against disobedience. It highlights the severity of God's righteous anger against sin and rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:33](/jeremiah/7-33 "Prophecy of Unburied Bodies")
* [Revelation 19:17-18](/revelation/19-17-18 "The Great Supper of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 18:6, though depicting a grim scene of judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a stark reminder that God's sovereignty is not limited to spiritual matters but extends to the rise and fall of nations, the course of history, and the ultimate destiny of all humanity. For believers, this passage reinforces the call to humble reliance on God rather than trusting in fleeting human power, political alliances, or material strength. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies and to align our lives, and indeed our nations, with God's righteous will. The severity of the judgment also highlights the gravity of sin and rebellion against a holy God, prompting a deeper appreciation for His grace and mercy. While the immediate context is national judgment, the underlying principle is a call to humility, repentance, and trust in the One who holds all things in His hands, recognizing that true security is found only in Him, not in human endeavors or alliances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in our society do we tend to rely on human strength or institutions more than on God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of complete desolation in this verse prompt me to consider the seriousness of defying God's will?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's character, particularly His justice and His absolute control over history?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in Isaiah 18:6, and why are they being judged?**

Answer: "They" refers to the people of the "land of buzzing wings," widely understood to be Cush (ancient Ethiopia/Sudan). While the specific reason for their judgment isn't explicitly detailed in this verse, the broader context of Isaiah 18 suggests it's a consequence of their pride, their reliance on their own strength, or their attempt to forge alliances apart from God's will, possibly against the Assyrian threat. God is demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all nations, cutting down human plans that do not align with His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 18:4-5](/isaiah/18-4-5 "Isaiah 18:4-5 - God's Quiet Intervention and Pruning").

**What is the significance of bodies being left unburied and consumed by scavengers in ancient culture?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a proper burial was of immense cultural and religious importance, signifying honor, dignity, and a peaceful rest for the deceased. To be left unburied and exposed to birds of prey and wild animals was considered the ultimate curse, a profound disgrace, and a sign of utter defeat and abandonment. It meant the deceased would not receive the customary rites, and their memory would be utterly dishonored, a fate often reserved for the most despised enemies or those under divine judgment, as also depicted in [Jeremiah 8:2](/jeremiah/8-2 "Jeremiah 8:2 - Bodies Scattered and Dishonored"). This imagery powerfully conveyed the completeness of the judgment.

**Why does the verse mention "summer" and "winter" in relation to the fowls and beasts?**

Answer: The mention of "summer" and "winter" (or harvest season) is a literary device called merism, where two extremes represent the whole. It signifies that the bodies will be exposed and consumed by scavengers continuously, throughout all seasons of the year, without respite or proper burial. This emphasizes the thoroughness, permanence, and inescapable nature of the divine judgment, indicating that the desolation is not temporary but an enduring state of disgrace and destruction, lasting year-round.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 18:6 vividly portrays the severe judgment of God upon a rebellious nation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it foreshadows the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and, paradoxically, the depth of His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. The scene of utter desolation and the consumption of the unburied by scavengers points to the ultimate consequence of sin and rebellion against God, a spiritual death and separation that is far more profound than physical demise. However, in Christ, we see the Lamb of God who willingly became the object of divine wrath, bearing the judgment that humanity deserved (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of being "left" and forsaken by God, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" so that those who believe in Him might never be abandoned to the ravenous jaws of spiritual death. Furthermore, Christ's victory over sin and death ensures that for believers, there is no ultimate desolation; rather, there is the promise of resurrection and eternal life (as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over Death Through Christ")). Thus, this grim Old Testament prophecy, while speaking of earthly judgment, ultimately magnifies the unparalleled grace and triumph found in the person and work of Jesus, who delivers us from the ultimate judgment and disgrace, offering life and honor instead.

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

Jeremiah 7:33

And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray [them] away.

Ezekiel 39:17

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

Ezekiel 39:20

Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 32:4

Then will I leave thee upon the land, I will cast thee forth upon the open field, and will cause all the fowls of the heaven to remain upon thee, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with thee.

Ezekiel 32:6

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, [even] to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee.

Isaiah 34:1

¶ Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.