Isaiah 21:15

KJV

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they fled {H5074} from {H6440} the swords {H2719}, from {H6440} the drawn {H5203} sword {H2719}, and from {H6440} the bent {H1869} bow {H7198}, and from {H6440} the grievousness {H3514} of war {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they are fleeing the sword, the drawn sword, the bent bow and the press of battle.

Berean Standard Bible

For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.

American Standard Version

For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:15 vividly portrays the desperate flight of those caught in the throes of a brutal military invasion, emphasizing the overwhelming terror and chaos of ancient warfare. It describes refugees fleeing from the immediate and relentless threat of various weapons and the profound suffering inherent in conflict, underscoring the sheer vulnerability of humanity in the face of such destructive forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "burden of Arabia" (Isaiah 21:13-17), a prophetic oracle delivered by the prophet Isaiah. This section is part of a series of "burdens" or pronouncements of judgment against various nations, following prophecies concerning Babylon (Isaiah 21:1-10) and Edom (Isaiah 21:11-12). The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 21:13-14](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13-14 - Prophecy against Arabia"), describe the plight of the Dedanites, a nomadic Arabian tribe, forced to seek refuge in the desert, receiving aid from the inhabitants of Tema. Verse 15 further elaborates on the dire circumstances that necessitate their flight, detailing the specific instruments of war and the overwhelming nature of the assault that drives them to such desperation. It serves as a grim explanation for the scenes of flight and destitution described previously.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "burden of Arabia" likely refers to an impending or ongoing military campaign, possibly by the Assyrian Empire under Sargon II or Sennacherib, or later by the Babylonians. These empires frequently encroached upon the territories of smaller, nomadic tribes like the Dedanites and Kedarites, who inhabited the Arabian desert. Their lifestyle was characterized by movement along trade routes, and their vulnerability to larger, more organized armies was significant. The imagery of swords and bows reflects the standard weaponry of ancient Near Eastern warfare. The flight into the wilderness, abandoning traditional routes and seeking water and refuge, was a common response to such invasions, highlighting the harsh realities of survival for these desert peoples when their established way of life was disrupted by military might.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 21:15 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **the horrors and devastation of war**, a recurring motif in Isaiah's prophecies that often serves as a consequence of divine judgment or human rebellion. The imagery of flight from weapons underscores the **vulnerability and helplessness of humanity** when confronted by overwhelming force, a theme that frequently points to the need for ultimate reliance on God. Furthermore, while focusing on human suffering, the broader context of Isaiah's oracles implicitly highlights **God's sovereignty over nations**, demonstrating His capacity to use even pagan empires as instruments of His will or judgment, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod"). The desperate flight also foreshadows the ultimate need for a **divine refuge and salvation**, a hope that Isaiah consistently offers in the person of the Messiah, who will bring true and lasting peace, as promised in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fled (Hebrew, _nâdad'_):** This primitive root signifies a rapid, often desperate, movement away from danger. It implies a waving to and fro, a roving, or a hurried departure. In this context, it vividly conveys the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of the escape, not a strategic retreat but a panicked flight driven by terror. It emphasizes the utter lack of choice for those facing the overwhelming military might.
* **swords (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drought" or "to lay waste," this word refers to a cutting instrument, primarily a sword, but also encompasses other sharp implements like a knife or dagger. Its connection to "drought" implicitly links it to destructive power and desolation. The repetition of "swords" (both plural and singular "drawn sword") intensifies the threat, indicating a pervasive and inescapable danger, highlighting the instruments of death that are the direct cause of the flight.
* **grievousness (Hebrew, _kôbed'_):** This term, stemming from the root "to be heavy" or "to be weighty," denotes weight, multitude, or vehemence. In this context, "grievousness of war" refers to the oppressive weight, severity, and profound suffering that war inflicts. It encompasses not just the physical violence but also the emotional, psychological, and societal toll, emphasizing the overwhelming burden and distress experienced by those caught in conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they fled from the swords,"**: This initial clause establishes the immediate cause of the desperate action. "They" refers to the nomadic tribes of Arabia, specifically the Dedanites and Kedarites mentioned in the broader context of [Isaiah 21](/isaiah/21 "Isaiah 21 - The Burden of the Desert"). Their flight is a direct response to the presence and threat of multiple "swords," signifying a widespread and pervasive military assault.
* **"from the drawn sword,"**: This phrase intensifies the preceding one by specifying a sword actively prepared for attack. A "drawn sword" is one unsheathed and ready to strike, indicating imminent danger and the readiness of the enemy to inflict harm. The shift from plural "swords" to singular "drawn sword" might emphasize the personal and direct threat each individual faces, or the singular, focused intent of the attacking force.
* **"and from the bent bow,"**: This expands the weaponry to include ranged attacks. A "bent bow" is one strung and ready to fire arrows, representing the threat of distant, unseen death. Together with the swords, it paints a picture of a comprehensive and relentless assault, from close-quarters combat to long-range bombardment, leaving no escape for the fleeing victims.
* **"and from the grievousness of war."**: This final clause summarizes the overarching reason for their flight, moving beyond specific weapons to the total oppressive reality of conflict. "Grievousness" (Hebrew _kôbed_) encapsulates the immense weight, hardship, and suffering that war brings, including physical pain, emotional distress, loss, and displacement. It signifies the profound and devastating impact of the entire conflict, not just individual acts of violence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "from the swords, from the drawn sword," which emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the threat. This serves to underscore the terror and the overwhelming force faced by the fleeing people. **Imagery** is central, with vivid depictions of "swords," "drawn sword," and "bent bow" painting a stark and immediate picture of the instruments of death. This concrete imagery allows the reader to viscerally experience the danger. Furthermore, the use of **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole) or **Metonymy** (a related concept representing the whole) is present, where the specific weapons ("swords," "bow") stand in for the entire military force and the act of war itself. Finally, the concluding phrase, "the grievousness of war," acts as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the cumulative suffering and oppressive weight of conflict that transcends mere physical weaponry, highlighting the profound human cost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:15 serves as a stark reminder of the brokenness of a world marred by sin and conflict, where human beings inflict immense suffering upon one another. The desperate flight depicted highlights the fragility of earthly security and the pervasive presence of suffering in a fallen world. Theologically, while this passage focuses on human suffering, it implicitly points to the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over nations and His ultimate plan for peace. Such scenes of judgment and war, though devastating, often serve as a backdrop against which God's ultimate deliverance and the promise of a new heavens and new earth, free from war and sorrow, shine even brighter. It compels us to lament the reality of human violence and to yearn for the eschatological peace that only God can bring.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Micah 4:3](/micah/4-3 "Micah 4:3 - Swords into Plowshares")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:15, though set in an ancient context, speaks powerfully to the timeless reality of human suffering caused by violence and conflict. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of empathy for those who are displaced, persecuted, and terrorized by war in our own time. In a world still plagued by conflicts, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost beyond mere statistics. It challenges us to look beyond the headlines and truly see the "grievousness of war" through the eyes of those who flee for their lives. Practically, this should move us to prayer for peace, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the courageous work of those who seek to alleviate suffering and bring reconciliation. Ultimately, it directs our hope away from fleeting earthly securities and towards the eternal refuge found in God, who alone can bring true and lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of war and its impact on individuals?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater empathy and compassion for those suffering from conflict today?**
* **How does the "grievousness of war" in this verse cause me to long for God's ultimate peace and justice?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who are fleeing in Isaiah 21:15?**

Answer: "They" refers to the nomadic tribes of Arabia, specifically the Dedanites and Kedarites, who are the focus of the "burden of Arabia" in [Isaiah 21:13-17](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13-17 - Prophecy Against Arabia"). These tribes, known for their movement along trade routes in the desert regions, are depicted as being overwhelmed by a military invasion, forcing them to abandon their homes and seek refuge in the wilderness.

**What does "grievousness of war" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "grievousness of war" (Hebrew _kôbed_) signifies the immense weight, severity, and profound suffering that war inflicts. It goes beyond the physical injuries caused by "swords" and "bows" to encompass the full spectrum of distress: emotional trauma, psychological burden, loss of life and livelihood, displacement, and the overall oppressive reality of conflict. It emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating impact of war on human lives and societies, highlighting the deep hardship and sorrow experienced by those caught in it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 21:15 vividly depicts the terror and flight from earthly warfare, it implicitly points to the ultimate "grievousness" from which humanity truly needs deliverance: the bondage of sin and the fear of death. The desperate search for refuge from physical weapons foreshadows humanity's deeper need for a spiritual refuge from the ultimate enemy. Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of this desperate need. He is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace") who disarms the spiritual forces of darkness, not with swords and bows, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). He offers a peace that the world cannot give, a peace that transcends earthly conflicts and provides ultimate security (John 14:27). Those who flee to Him find eternal refuge from the judgment of sin and the sting of death (Romans 8:1-2). His victory over sin and death means that believers are no longer subject to the "grievousness" of spiritual warfare in the same way, but are given the armor of God to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-18). Ultimately, the desperate flight in Isaiah 21:15 finds its counterpoint in the joyous, secure dwelling of those who have found their eternal home and safety in Christ, where there will be no more war, no more tears, and no more pain (Revelation 21:4).

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

Job 6:19

The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Job 6:20

They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

Isaiah 13:14

And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.