Isaiah 21:2

KJV

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

KJV (with Strong's)

A grievous {H7186} vision {H2380} is declared {H5046} unto me; the treacherous dealer {H898} dealeth treacherously {H898}, and the spoiler {H7703} spoileth {H7703}. Go up {H5927}, O Elam {H5867}: besiege {H6696}, O Media {H4074}; all the sighing {H585} thereof have I made to cease {H7673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A dire vision has been shown to me: the betrayer betrays, and the spoiler spoils. 'Eilam, advance! Madai, lay siege! I will end all groaning.

Berean Standard Bible

A dire vision is declared to me: “The traitor still betrays, and the destroyer still destroys. Go up, O Elam! Lay siege, O Media! I will put an end to all her groaning.”

American Standard Version

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous man dealeth treacherously, and the destroyer destroyeth. Go up, O Elam; besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:2 unveils a profound and unsettling prophetic revelation granted to the prophet, describing the imminent downfall of a powerful, oppressive empire. The vision details the relentless treachery and destructive actions of this dominant force, immediately followed by a divine decree commissioning the nations of Elam and Media to rise and besiege it. This declaration culminates in God's solemn promise to bring an end to the widespread suffering and groaning caused by the empire's tyrannical rule, signaling a decisive act of divine justice and historical reversal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21:2 is an integral part of the "burden of the desert of the sea," an oracle primarily directed against Babylon, introduced in [Isaiah 21:1](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea"). This particular oracle is one in a series of "burdens" (prophetic pronouncements of judgment) against various nations (e.g., Moab in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab"), Damascus in [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - The Burden of Damascus"), Egypt in [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt")), demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of all nations, not just Israel. The immediate verses following [Isaiah 21:2](/isaiah/21-2 "Isaiah 21:2 - A Grievous Vision") describe the prophet's intense physical and emotional anguish upon receiving this vision, underscoring its severity and the profound impact of God's message on His messenger. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 21:9](/isaiah/21-9 "Isaiah 21:9 - Fall of Babylon")) explicitly confirm the fall of Babylon, providing the interpretive key for the "treacherous dealer" and "spoiler."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 21 anticipates the rise and eventual fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would become the dominant world power after the collapse of Assyria. Babylon, under kings like Nebuchadnezzar, was known for its military might, vast conquests, and often brutal treatment of conquered peoples, including the Judeans during the exile (as recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")). The "treacherous dealer" and "spoiler" accurately characterize Babylon's imperialistic policies. The mention of "Elam" and "Media" is historically significant. Elam was an ancient kingdom east of Mesopotamia, often allied with or subservient to larger powers, while Media, located to the north and east of Babylon, would eventually form a powerful empire that, in alliance with Persia, would conquer Babylon. This alliance, led by Cyrus the Great, fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy centuries later, as documented in [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon"). The "sighing" refers to the lamentations and suffering of the nations oppressed by Babylon's ruthless expansion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute control over human history and the destinies of nations. Even the most formidable empires are mere instruments or objects of His divine plan, subject to His ultimate judgment, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Another crucial theme is **Justice for the Oppressed**. God's declaration to make "all the sighing thereof... cease" highlights His profound compassion for those suffering under tyrannical rule and His commitment to delivering them. This echoes the divine character revealed in [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Hears His People's Cry"), where God hears the cries of the enslaved Israelites. Finally, the specific and accurate prediction of Elam and Media's role underscores the theme of **Prophetic Certainty and Fulfillment**, demonstrating the reliability of God's word and His ability to declare the end from the beginning, a concept emphasized in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzûwth'_):** H2380, derived from a root meaning "to look" or "to see." In this context, it refers to a profound, striking appearance or a divine revelation. It is not merely an ordinary sight but a divinely imparted insight, a prophetic burden that carries significant weight and often reveals future events or God's judgment. The "grievous" nature (H7186, _qâsheh_, meaning severe or hard) emphasizes the distressing and burdensome character of this particular revelation.
* **treacherous dealer (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** H898, a primitive root meaning "to cover (with a garment)" but figuratively, "to act covertly" or "to pillage." It signifies dealing deceitfully, unfaithfully, or treacherously. The repetition of the root ("dealeth treacherously") intensifies the description, portraying a nation characterized by betrayal, broken covenants, and deceitful actions against others. This word perfectly describes Babylon's ruthless and unreliable nature in its dealings with other nations.
* **made to cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** H7673, a primitive root meaning "to repose" or "to desist from exertion." It implies causing something to stop, to fail, or to be put away. Here, it signifies God's decisive action to bring an end to the "sighing" (H585, _ʼănâchâh_, meaning groaning or mourning). This cessation is not a natural decline but a direct, intentional act of divine intervention, bringing relief and rest to those who have suffered under oppression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A grievous vision is declared unto me":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the weighty, distressing nature of the prophecy. Isaiah is not speaking his own thoughts but relaying a message directly from God, a "burden" that causes him deep anguish due to its content. The term "grievous" (KJV) or "harsh" (ESV) highlights the severity of the judgment being revealed.
* **"the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth":** This poetic parallelism vividly characterizes the oppressive empire, identified as Babylon. The repetition of the verbs ("dealeth treacherously," "spoileth") derived from the nouns ("treacherous dealer," "spoiler") emphasizes the habitual and defining nature of their actions. This nation is inherently deceitful, breaking treaties and trust, and relentlessly plundering and devastating other peoples and lands. This description justifies the coming judgment.
* **"Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media":** This is a direct divine command, an imperative call to action. God Himself is commissioning the nations of Elam and Media to attack and lay siege to the "treacherous dealer." This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations, using even pagan empires as instruments of His justice. It also provides a remarkably specific detail about the future conquerors of Babylon, long before their rise to prominence.
* **"all the sighing thereof have I made to cease":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of the divine judgment: the cessation of suffering. The "sighing" refers to the groans, laments, and cries of the nations and peoples oppressed by Babylon's cruelty. God declares that He is the one who will bring an end to this suffering, providing relief and liberation through the overthrow of the oppressor. This highlights God's character as a just and compassionate deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:2 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its prophetic impact. The most prominent device is **Polyptoton**, seen in the phrases "the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously" and "the spoiler spoileth." This rhetorical repetition of words from the same root (noun and verb) serves to intensify the description, emphasizing the inherent and pervasive nature of Babylon's deceit and destruction. It paints a picture of a nation whose very identity is defined by these actions. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media") transforms the prophecy from a mere prediction into a divine command, highlighting God's active role in orchestrating historical events and commissioning nations as His agents of judgment. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is employed with "Elam" and "Media" standing in for their respective armies and nations, representing the instruments of God's will. Finally, the entire verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired utterance that reveals future events and God's sovereign plan, often characterized by vivid imagery and direct address.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over all of human history and His profound commitment to justice. It underscores the theological truth that no earthly power, however formidable or seemingly invincible, operates outside the purview of divine authority. God not only observes the treachery and oppression of nations but actively intervenes to bring about their downfall, using unexpected instruments to fulfill His purposes. This verse reveals a God who hears the cries of the oppressed and promises to bring an end to their suffering, demonstrating His compassion and His righteous indignation against injustice. It assures believers that evil and tyranny will not prevail indefinitely, but will ultimately be met with divine retribution, leading to the cessation of sorrow for those who have been afflicted.

* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoicing Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:2 serves as a profound reminder that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers, past, present, and future. For those living in times of political instability, oppression, or perceived injustice, this verse offers immense hope and comfort. It assures us that God sees the "treacherous dealer" and hears the "sighing" of the afflicted. No regime, however ruthless or entrenched, is beyond His reach or His judgment. This truth should inspire patience and trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan for justice. It also calls believers to a posture of discernment, recognizing that God can use unexpected means and agents to accomplish His will, even those seemingly outside His covenant. Furthermore, it challenges us to examine our own lives and communities, ensuring that we do not participate in or condone "treacherous dealing" or "spoiling," but rather strive for justice, mercy, and righteousness, reflecting the character of the God who makes sighing cease.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact your view of current global events or political leaders?**
* **In what ways might you be called to be an agent of God's justice or a voice for the oppressed in your own sphere of influence?**
* **What "sighing" in the world around you do you believe God is calling His people to pray for or actively work to cease?**
* **How does the specific fulfillment of this prophecy (Elam and Media conquering Babylon) strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**What is the "desert of the sea" mentioned in [Isaiah 21:1](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea")?**

Answer: The phrase "desert of the sea" is a symbolic and somewhat ironic title for Babylon. Babylon was located in a vast plain, but it was crisscrossed by rivers and canals (like the Euphrates), making it seem like a "sea" of waters. However, it was also surrounded by desert regions. The "desert" aspect could also refer to its eventual desolation, or metaphorically to its spiritual emptiness and moral barrenness despite its material wealth. It is a prophetic designation highlighting both its geographical features and its ultimate fate.

**Who were Elam and Media, and why are they significant in this prophecy?**

Answer: Elam was an ancient civilization located to the east of Mesopotamia, in what is now southwestern Iran. Media was a region to the north and east of Babylon, inhabited by the Medes, who would later form a powerful empire. Their significance in this prophecy is immense because Isaiah, writing centuries before the event, accurately identifies them as the instruments God would use to overthrow Babylon. Historically, the Medes, in alliance with the Persians (who were closely related to the Elamites), led by Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling this specific prophetic declaration (as recorded in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - The Fall of Babylon")). This precise detail underscores the divine inspiration and predictive power of Isaiah's prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:2, while historically fulfilled in the downfall of Babylon, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "grievous vision" of judgment and the cessation of "sighing" point forward to Christ as the ultimate Judge and Deliverer. Just as God commissioned Elam and Media to overthrow a treacherous earthly empire, so too has He commissioned His Son, Jesus, to overcome the ultimate "treacherous dealer"—Satan, sin, and death—and all oppressive spiritual forces (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Christ's first advent brought the promise of an end to the sighing of a fallen world, as He inaugurated His kingdom of peace and justice, bringing comfort to the afflicted (e.g., [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide the definitive victory over the spiritual "spoiler" and the release from the bondage of sin. Ultimately, the promise that "all the sighing thereof have I made to cease" will be fully realized in Christ's second coming, when He will establish His eternal kingdom, wiping away every tear and bringing an end to all suffering, sorrow, and death, as vividly described in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning"). Thus, the judgment on Babylon foreshadows the final, complete triumph of Christ over all evil and the establishment of true and lasting peace for His people.

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 49:34

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

Isaiah 33:1

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Isaiah 24:16

¶ From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, [even] glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Psalms 60:3

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Daniel 5:28

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Revelation 13:10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Isaiah 13:17

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.