Isaiah 25:5

KJV

Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; [even] the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt bring down {H3665} the noise {H7588} of strangers {H2114}, as the heat {H2721} in a dry place {H6724}; even the heat {H2721} with the shadow {H6738} of a cloud {H5645}: the branch {H2159} of the terrible ones {H6184} shall be brought low {H6030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like desert heat, you subdue the foreigners' uproar; like heat subdued by a cloud's shadow, the song of the ruthless dies away.

Berean Standard Bible

like heat in a dry land. You subdue the uproar of foreigners. As the shade of a cloud cools the heat, so the song of the ruthless is silenced.

American Standard Version

As the heat in a dry place wilt thou bring down the noise of strangers; as the heat by the shade of a cloud, the song of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:5 is a powerful prophetic declaration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and His protective care for His people, even amidst severe oppression. It vividly portrays the Lord's decisive action to subdue the arrogant clamor and formidable power of hostile nations, assuring His people of ultimate deliverance and the establishment of His righteous reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 25:5 is situated within a significant prophetic section of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment shifts from specific judgments against nations to a broader, eschatological vision of God's universal judgment upon the earth and His ultimate triumph. Chapter 25, in particular, functions as a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness, His mighty acts of salvation, and His provision for the poor and needy. Verse 5 directly follows the declaration of God as a refuge for the poor and needy, a shelter from the storm, and a shade from the heat, as seen in [Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - God as a Refuge"). This immediate context sets the stage for God's decisive intervention against the oppressors, reinforcing the theme of divine protection and justice. The broader narrative of God's victory over chaos and the establishment of His kingdom, as seen throughout [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") and culminating in the messianic banquet of [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Messianic Banquet"), provides the backdrop for this verse's promise of the subjugation of hostile powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "strangers" and "terrible ones" in Isaiah typically refer to the powerful foreign empires that threatened Judah, such as Assyria and Babylon. These empires were known for their military might, oppressive policies, and arrogant boasts, often attributing their victories to their own strength or false gods, rather than acknowledging Yahweh's sovereignty. The imagery of "heat in a dry place" is particularly potent in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, where intense heat was a constant threat, symbolizing overwhelming distress, relentless oppression, or divine judgment. Conversely, the "shadow of a cloud" represents a life-saving, miraculous intervention, providing immediate and profound relief from the scorching sun, a common and deeply appreciated phenomenon in a desert environment. This cultural understanding underscores the dramatic and benevolent nature of God's promised intervention, transforming a situation of unbearable suffering into one of refreshing relief and ultimate victory over the oppressive forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's supreme authority to humble the proud and powerful nations that oppose Him and His people. The "noise of strangers" and "branch of the terrible ones" symbolize the arrogance and strength of the wicked, which God promises to bring low, demonstrating His unwavering justice and control over all earthly powers. Secondly, it highlights **Protection for the Afflicted**, portraying God as the ultimate deliverer who provides relief and refuge to the vulnerable and oppressed, silencing the threats of their adversaries. Just as a cloud provides shade from intense heat, God offers a supernatural shield against overwhelming distress. This echoes the promise of God's care for His people found in [Isaiah 4:6](/isaiah/4-6 "Isaiah 4:6 - A Shelter from the Storm"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the seemingly invincible strength of the wicked is brought to nothing, while the righteous are preserved and ultimately vindicated. This theme is central to God's redemptive plan, where the last shall be first and the proud are humbled, as articulated in passages like [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges and Exalts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noise (Hebrew, _shâʼôwn'_):** Derived from H7588, this term signifies an uproar, tumult, or a rushing sound, often implying destruction. In the context of "the noise of strangers," it powerfully conveys the clamor, threats, and overwhelming, destructive presence of hostile, oppressing nations. It represents not just sound, but the menacing, arrogant force behind the sound.
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114, this primitive root means "to turn aside," hence to be a foreigner, strange, or profane. In this context, "strangers" refers to foreign, non-covenant nations who are alien and hostile to God's people, characterized by their oppressive actions and often idolatrous ways.
* **Terrible ones (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** Derived from H6184, this term denotes someone fearful, powerful, tyrannical, mighty, or an oppressor. It signifies those who wield immense power and use it ruthlessly to intimidate and subjugate others, representing the most formidable and cruel of the foreign adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers,"**: This opening clause declares God's active and decisive intervention. The "noise" (uproar, tumult, arrogant boasting) of foreign, hostile nations, which represents their oppressive power and threatening presence, will be actively subdued and silenced by God Himself. This emphasizes divine sovereignty over human might.
* **"as the heat in a dry place; [even] the heat with the shadow of a cloud:"**: This is a powerful simile illustrating the manner and effect of God's intervention. The "heat in a dry place" symbolizes intense, relentless, and destructive oppression or suffering inflicted by the "strangers." God's action in bringing down their "noise" is likened to the sudden and life-giving relief provided by "the shadow of a cloud" in a scorching desert. This imagery conveys immediate, profound, and miraculous deliverance from unbearable conditions.
* **"the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low."**: This final clause reiterates and reinforces the first, using a different metaphor. The "branch" (representing strength, vitality, or offspring/succession) of the "terrible ones" (the tyrannical oppressors) will be "brought low" (humbled, subdued, vanquished). This signifies the complete and utter defeat, humiliation, and destruction of the power, pride, and very existence of these ruthless adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:5 is rich in **Imagery**, drawing vivid pictures from the natural world to convey spiritual truths. The contrast between "heat in a dry place" and "the shadow of a cloud" is a striking **Antithesis**, highlighting the stark difference between the oppressive power of the enemy and the refreshing deliverance of God. The phrase "as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud" functions as a powerful **Simile**, comparing the silencing of the enemy's noise to the relief provided by shade. Furthermore, "the branch of the terrible ones" is a potent **Metaphor** for the strength, vitality, or lineage of the oppressors, implying that their very essence will be cut down. The entire verse also employs **Symbolism**, where "noise" symbolizes the clamor of war and arrogant boasts, "heat" represents intense suffering and oppression, and "shadow of a cloud" symbolizes divine protection and relief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 25:5 stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and oppression. It underscores the theological truth that no human power, no matter how formidable or arrogant, can ultimately stand against the sovereign will of Yahweh. This promise of divine intervention brings immense comfort to those who are afflicted, reminding them that their suffering is seen and that their oppressors will not prevail indefinitely. The verse anticipates a future where God's righteous rule will be fully established, and all who oppose Him will be humbled, making way for a new era of peace and security for His faithful people.

* [Psalm 76:12](/psalms/76-12 "God Cuts Off the Spirit of Princes")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Mary's Magnificat on God bringing down the mighty")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Christ's Victory Over Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:5 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's sovereign power, even when faced with overwhelming opposition. In a world often characterized by the "noise of strangers"—the clamor of injustice, the arrogance of the powerful, and the threats of those who oppose God's kingdom—this verse assures us that God is actively at work, bringing down every proud and oppressive force. It encourages believers to find their refuge in Him, knowing that He is the ultimate protector and deliverer, capable of transforming the most scorching trials into refreshing relief. This truth should inspire patience, perseverance, and prayer, as we await the full manifestation of His justice and the establishment of His perfect reign. It also challenges us to align ourselves with God's heart for justice, to stand with the oppressed, and to never despair in the face of evil, for the "branch of the terrible ones" will indeed be brought low.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "noise of strangers" or oppressive forces do you currently face in your life or observe in the world, and how does this verse speak to your hope in God's intervention?**
* **How does the imagery of "heat in a dry place" and "shadow of a cloud" resonate with your personal experiences of distress and deliverance?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust God's promise to "bring down" oppressive powers, rather than being overwhelmed by them?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over the "terrible ones" shape your perspective on current events and your participation in God's mission?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "strangers" and "terrible ones" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Isaiah, the "strangers" (Hebrew: *zarim*) and "terrible ones" (Hebrew: *ʻaritsim*) primarily refer to the powerful foreign empires that threatened and oppressed Judah, such as Assyria and later Babylon. These nations were characterized by their military might, their arrogant boasts against God and His people, and their tyrannical rule. The term "strangers" also carries a theological weight, denoting those outside of God's covenant, often engaging in idolatry and hostility towards Yahweh. Ultimately, these terms represent any and all human powers, systems, or individuals that set themselves up in opposition to God's righteous rule and oppress His people, whether in ancient times or today.

**How does the imagery of "heat in a dry place" and "shadow of a cloud" function in this prophecy?**

Answer: This imagery serves as a powerful **simile** to illustrate the nature of both the oppression and God's deliverance. "Heat in a dry place" vividly depicts intense, relentless suffering, distress, or the overwhelming pressure exerted by the oppressors. It speaks to a situation of extreme vulnerability and exhaustion, much like being exposed to a scorching sun in a desert. In contrast, "the shadow of a cloud" represents a miraculous, sudden, and life-giving relief. In an arid climate, a cloud providing shade is a profound blessing, offering immediate respite and protection. Thus, the imagery conveys that God's intervention to "bring down the noise of strangers" will be as swift, effective, and refreshing as a cloud's shadow in a searing desert, transforming a desperate situation into one of comfort and salvation. This aligns with God's role as a refuge for the poor and needy, as described in [Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - God as a Refuge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "noise of strangers" and the "branch of the terrible ones" represent the totality of hostile powers—sin, death, Satan, and all oppressive human systems—that hold humanity in bondage and oppose God's reign. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, decisively "brought down" these very forces. His crucifixion was not a defeat, but the ultimate act of vanquishing the "terrible ones" who held sway over humanity, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") declares, "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Just as a cloud provides shade from the scorching heat, Christ offers ultimate refuge and deliverance from the crushing weight of sin and judgment, becoming our "shadow from the heat" ([Isaiah 32:2](/isaiah/32-2 "Isaiah 32:2 - A Man as a Hiding Place")). Furthermore, the "branch of the terrible ones" being brought low foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all earthly kingdoms and authorities at His second coming, when He will establish His eternal kingdom and rule with perfect justice, as prophesied in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, Isaiah 25:5 points forward to the comprehensive and final triumph of God's Messiah, who silences all opposition and brings everlasting peace and salvation to 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

Ezekiel 32:18

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Ezekiel 32:32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword, [even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Revelation 20:8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20:9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

Isaiah 18:4

For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, [and] like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.