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.
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}.
Like desert heat, you subdue the foreigners' uproar; like heat subdued by a cloud's shadow, the song of the ruthless dies away.
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.
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.
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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.
Commentary on Isaiah 25:5 (KJV)
Isaiah 25:5 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His protective care for His people, even amidst severe oppression. This verse vividly portrays the Lord's ability to subdue the arrogance and power of hostile nations.
Context
This verse is part of a larger section in Isaiah (chapters 24-27) often referred to as "Isaiah's Apocalypse" or the "Little Apocalypse." This segment focuses on the Lord's universal judgment upon the earth and His ultimate triumph, leading to the establishment of His kingdom and the salvation of His people. Specifically, Isaiah 25 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for God's mighty acts, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His provision for the poor and needy. Verse 5 immediately follows a description of God being a refuge for the poor and a shelter from the storm (Isaiah 25:4), setting the stage for His decisive action against the oppressors.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "noise of strangers" (Hebrew: sha'on zarim) refers to the clamor, tumult, or arrogant boastings of foreign, hostile nations. It conveys the overwhelming and threatening presence of these oppressors. The imagery of "the heat in a dry place" powerfully depicts the intense, relentless pressure and suffering inflicted by these enemies. However, God's intervention is likened to "the shadow of a cloud" (Hebrew: tsel ʻav), a welcome and life-saving relief in the scorching desert, symbolizing His swift and effective deliverance. "The branch of the terrible ones" (Hebrew: zāmir ʻāriṣim) can be understood as the strength, pride, or very existence of these ruthless tyrants being cut down or withered, signifying their complete downfall.
Related Scriptures
The theme of God bringing down the proud and powerful while lifting up the humble is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. For instance, Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:52 echoes this divine principle: "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree." Similarly, the psalmist speaks of God's ultimate dominion over the nations in Psalm 2:4, declaring, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." The ultimate fulfillment of this bringing down of oppressive powers is also seen in prophetic visions of the end times, where Christ triumphs over all earthly kingdoms (e.g., Revelation 19:11-16).
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 25:5 offers immense comfort and hope. It reminds us that no matter how overwhelming or threatening the "noise" or "heat" of worldly opposition may seem, God remains sovereign. He is the ultimate protector of His people and will, in His perfect timing, bring down all forms of injustice and oppression. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power, to lean on Him for refuge, and to find peace in the assurance that His justice will prevail. It serves as a powerful reminder that worldly power is transient, but the Lord's reign is eternal and His promises are steadfast.