Isaiah 2:13

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

And upon all the cedars {H730} of Lebanon {H3844}, that are high {H7311} and lifted up {H5375}, and upon all the oaks {H437} of Bashan {H1316},

for all cedars of the L'vanon that are high and lifted up, for all the oaks of the Bashan;

against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan,

and upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

Isaiah 2:13 is part of a prophetic passage describing the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment where God will humble all that is exalted and proud in the world. This verse specifically targets symbols of human strength and pride, setting the stage for their eventual downfall.

Context of Isaiah 2:13

The second chapter of Isaiah begins with a glorious vision of God's future kingdom and the exaltation of Zion. However, it quickly pivots to a stark contrast: the pervasive pride, idolatry, and self-sufficiency of humanity that provokes God's judgment. Verses 12-17 enumerate various examples of this human arrogance – from towering trees to fortified cities and ships – all of which are destined to be brought low on the Day of the Lord. Isaiah 2:13 focuses on natural elements that symbolize human might and perceived invincibility.

Symbolism and Key Themes

  • Cedars of Lebanon: These majestic trees were renowned for their immense height, strength, and longevity. They were highly valued as building materials, notably used in Solomon's Temple. In this context, they symbolize human loftiness, power, pride, and anything that stands tall and appears self-sufficient or unconquerable in defiance of God. They represent the proud and the mighty among humanity.
  • Oaks of Bashan: Bashan, a fertile region east of the Jordan River, was famous for its strong, sturdy oak trees. Like the cedars, oaks represent robustness, stability, and human might. Additionally, groves of trees were often associated with pagan worship and idolatrous practices in ancient Israel, suggesting a connection to false gods or human-centered worship (e.g., Hosea 4:13).
  • Divine Judgment on Pride: The phrase "high and lifted up" emphasizes the towering nature of these trees, mirroring the elevated status and arrogance of those who trust in their own strength or earthly achievements rather than God. This verse declares that even the most impressive natural or human-made symbols of power will be subjected to God's ultimate judgment. It reinforces the biblical theme that pride goes before destruction, and that only God is truly exalted.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "high and lifted up" (גְּבֹהִים וּנְשֻׂאִים, gevôhîm ûneśû'îm) conveys a sense of towering height and haughtiness. While this phrase is often used to describe God's exalted nature (e.g., Isaiah 6:1, where the Lord is "high and lifted up"), here it is applied to human creations or natural elements that symbolize human pride. This contrast powerfully highlights the misplaced grandeur of humanity when compared to God's true and ultimate majesty.

Practical Application

Isaiah 2:13 serves as a timeless warning against human pride and self-reliance. It reminds us that no earthly power, achievement, or status is beyond God's reach or judgment. For believers, it's a profound call to humility, urging us not to put our trust in fleeting human strength, material possessions, or personal accomplishments, but to acknowledge God as the supreme authority in all things. True security and lasting exaltation come only from Him, not from what we build or achieve. This verse encourages us to examine where our trust truly lies and to humble ourselves before the Lord, for He will lift us up.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 14:8

    Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon, [saying], Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

  • Isaiah 10:33

    Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

  • Isaiah 10:34

    And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

  • Zechariah 11:1

    ¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

  • Zechariah 11:2

    Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

  • Ezekiel 31:3

    Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

  • Ezekiel 31:12

    And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

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