Isaiah 33:4

KJV

And your spoil shall be gathered [like] the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And your spoil {H7998} shall be gathered {H622} like the gathering {H625} of the caterpiller {H2625}: as the running to and fro {H4944} of locusts {H1357} shall he run {H8264} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your spoil is gathered as if stripped by shearer-worms; they run over it like a swarm of locusts.

Berean Standard Bible

Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it.

American Standard Version

And your spoil shall be gathered as the caterpillar gathereth: as locusts leap shall men leap upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:4 vividly portrays the thoroughness and swiftness with which the spoil of a defeated enemy will be gathered by God's people, likening this overwhelming collection to the destructive efficiency of caterpillars and locusts. This prophetic declaration speaks to a profound divine reversal of fortunes, where the plunderers become the plundered, underscoring God's sovereignty, His unwavering justice, and His commitment to defending His people, bringing about their vindication and prosperity after a period of severe oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 opens with a powerful "woe" pronounced against the treacherous oppressor, widely understood to be the Assyrian Empire, which had plundered and dealt deceitfully without facing retribution ([Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Destroyer")). The initial verses articulate a fervent plea for God's grace and intervention, acknowledging Him as the source of strength and salvation ([Isaiah 33:2](/isaiah/33-2 "Isaiah 33:2 - A Prayer for Mercy")). Immediately preceding verse 4, the prophet describes the dramatic flight of nations before the Lord's thunderous voice and the scattering of peoples at His majestic rising ([Isaiah 33:3](/isaiah/33-3 "Isaiah 33:3 - God's Power Over Nations")). Verse 4 then naturally follows as a direct consequence and description of the outcome of this divine intervention: the immense spoil abandoned by the fleeing enemy will be collected. The chapter subsequently transitions to a declaration of God's majesty, the establishment of justice, and the secure dwelling of Zion ([Isaiah 33:5-6](/isaiah/33-5 "Isaiah 33:5-6 - God's Exaltation and Zion's Security")). Thus, verse 4 serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating the tangible and overwhelming result of God's powerful judgment against the oppressor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is deeply rooted in the historical reality of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, specifically Sennacherib's campaign around 701 BC. Assyria was the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East, notorious for its brutal military tactics, extensive plundering of conquered territories, and forced deportation of peoples. The threat to Jerusalem was existential, with Sennacherib's formidable army besieging the city. For an ancient Israelite audience, the vivid imagery of "caterpillar" and "locusts" would have resonated with immediate and terrifying impact. Locust plagues were a common and devastating natural disaster in the ancient world, capable of consuming all vegetation in their path, leaving behind utter desolation. This profound cultural understanding of their overwhelming and complete destructive power makes the simile in Isaiah 33:4 particularly potent, emphasizing the thoroughness of the spoil's gathering. The dramatic reversal of fortunes—from being mercilessly plundered by Assyria to plundering Assyria's abandoned wealth—would have been perceived as a profound and miraculous sign of divine justice and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Reversal of Fortunes**, where God intervenes decisively to turn the tables on oppressors, causing them to suffer the very fate they inflicted on others. This is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like the Lord's judgment against Babylon in [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon Reaps What It Sows") or the principle articulated in [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Completeness of God's Victory and Judgment**. The comparison to insects that consume everything underscores that the spoil will be gathered with absolute efficiency and totality, leaving nothing behind. This speaks to the comprehensive and unassailable nature of God's triumph over His enemies. Finally, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Justice**. The outcome described is not merely a human military victory but an act orchestrated by God, demonstrating His supreme control over nations and His unwavering commitment to defending His people and upholding righteousness, even when human power seems overwhelming, as depicted in the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoil (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** From the root `shâlal`, meaning to plunder or take booty. This noun refers to the plunder, booty, or wealth acquired in war. In this context, it signifies the vast possessions and provisions abandoned by the defeated enemy, which now become the rightful acquisition of God's people. It emphasizes the material gains from a decisive victory.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This primitive root signifies to collect, assemble, or bring together for any purpose. It also carries the nuance of taking away or removing. Here, it denotes the comprehensive and systematic collection of the spoil, implying that it will be thoroughly amassed and nothing will be left behind, much like a meticulous harvest.
* **caterpiller (Hebrew, _châçîyl'_):** Derived from `châçal` (to consume), this term refers to a specific type of locust or a developmental stage of a locust, often translated as "the consumer" or "devourer." It denotes an insect known for its highly destructive and voracious eating habits, capable of stripping vegetation bare. Its inclusion here highlights the exhaustive nature of the gathering—nothing will be left untouched, just as the _châçîyl_ leaves nothing for consumption.
* **locusts (Hebrew, _gêb'_):** Probably from `gûb` (to cut), this word refers to a locust, specifically emphasizing its cutting or devouring action. The imagery of "running to and fro" associated with locusts emphasizes their chaotic yet effectively pervasive movement as they spread out to consume everything in their path. It conveys a sense of overwhelming numbers and relentless activity, ensuring total coverage and consumption of the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And your spoil shall be gathered":** This opening clause declares the primary action: the collection of plunder. The "spoil" refers to the wealth, provisions, and possessions abandoned or left behind by the defeated enemy. The passive voice ("shall be gathered") subtly points to a divine orchestration or a natural, inevitable consequence of God's intervention, rather than solely human effort, highlighting the certainty of this outcome.
* **"[like] the gathering of the caterpiller":** This is the first powerful simile, comparing the thoroughness and completeness of the spoil's collection to the destructive, meticulous efficiency of caterpillars. Just as caterpillars meticulously devour every leaf and plant, leaving utter devastation, so too will the spoil be completely amassed, leaving nothing behind for the enemy or untouched by the gatherers. This emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the gathering.
* **"as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them."**: This second simile reinforces the first, adding an element of swiftness, overwhelming presence, and pervasive activity. The "running to and fro" of locusts evokes their vast numbers, relentless movement, and chaotic yet effective spread as they cover and consume a field. The subject "he" (referring to the one gathering the spoil, likely God's people or an agent of God's judgment) will "run upon them" (the abandoned goods or the fleeing enemy), implying a quick, pervasive, and complete collection, much like a locust swarm covers and consumes every inch of a landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:4 is exceptionally rich in **Simile**, employing two distinct comparisons to convey its powerful message. The first, "like the gathering of the caterpiller," draws a precise parallel between the thoroughness and meticulousness of the spoil collection and the devastating, exhaustive consumption of caterpillars. The second, "as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them," further emphasizes the swiftness, overwhelming numbers, and pervasive nature of the gathering, akin to an unstoppable locust swarm. These similes create vivid **Imagery** of an unstoppable, all-consuming force that leaves nothing behind. The combined effect of these comparisons also borders on **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the completeness and rapidity of the gathering to underscore the magnitude of the divine victory and the abundant spoil. Underlying these devices is the profound theological concept of **Divine Reversal**, where the very instruments of destruction (like plundering armies) become the source of blessing and provision for the oppressed, demonstrating God's justice and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:4 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute ability to reverse the fortunes of His people. It showcases a dramatic divine intervention where the oppressor's ill-gotten gains become the spoils for the oppressed, serving as a clear and undeniable demonstration of God's retributive justice. This reversal is not merely a human triumph but a divinely orchestrated event, emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty over nations and His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant people. The thoroughness of the gathering, depicted through the vivid imagery of consuming insects, signifies a complete and undeniable victory, leaving no doubt about the Lord's power to vindicate His own and provide for them abundantly even in the aftermath of severe threat and oppression.

* [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - Devastation by Locusts")
* [Nahum 3:15-17](/nahum/3-15 "Nahum 3:15-17 - Nineveh's Destruction and Locust Imagery")
* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:4 offers profound and enduring encouragement to believers facing overwhelming circumstances, oppression, or seemingly insurmountable injustice. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His perfect justice will ultimately prevail. When we feel plundered, overwhelmed, or despoiled by life's challenges, this verse assures us that God can orchestrate a complete and dramatic reversal of fortunes, turning the tables on our adversaries and providing for us abundantly from unexpected sources. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in His perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, knowing that no act of injustice or oppression goes unnoticed by the Almighty. Our ultimate victory and vindication are assured in Him, leading to a thorough and complete restoration that surpasses our human capacity to achieve. This truth empowers us to persevere with hope, even in the darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid imagery of caterpillars and locusts challenge or affirm your understanding of God's methods of justice and provision in the face of oppression?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for a "reversal of fortunes" or a complete gathering of what has been lost or unjustly taken?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to persevere with hope and faith when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition or profound injustice?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" who shall "run upon them" in this verse?**

Answer: While the King James Version uses "he," the Hebrew verb `shâqaq` (H8264) can be used impersonally or with a collective subject, often implying a widespread, pervasive action. In this specific context, "he" refers to the one gathering the spoil, which would be the people of Judah or, more broadly, those who are the beneficiaries of God's decisive victory over the oppressor. The imagery emphasizes the *act* of running to and fro to gather the spoil, much like a swarm of locusts spreads out to consume everything. It signifies the thorough, rapid, and pervasive collection by the victorious party, orchestrated by God's hand, as seen in the broader narrative of God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Sennacherib's Defeat").

**What is the "spoil" being gathered, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "spoil" (Hebrew: `shâlâl`, H7998) refers to the booty, plunder, or vast wealth and provisions left behind by the defeated Assyrian army. Its profound significance lies in the dramatic and ironic reversal of fortunes it represents. Previously, Assyria had been the dominant power, ruthlessly plundering nations, including Judah, and enriching itself. Now, through a miraculous divine intervention, their own vast wealth, supplies, and abandoned provisions become the spoil for those they sought to oppress and impoverish. This not only signifies a complete military defeat but also God's perfect justice in turning the tables on the oppressor, providing for His people abundantly from the very source that sought to destroy them. This powerful theme of divine reversal is a testament to God's sovereignty and His faithful care for His people, echoing similar events in biblical history, such as when Israel plundered the Egyptians during the Exodus ([Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Israelites Plunder Egyptians")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:4, with its vivid imagery of overwhelming victory and the comprehensive gathering of spoil from a defeated enemy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While historically it describes Judah's triumph over Assyria, prophetically it foreshadows Christ's decisive and cosmic victory over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. Just as the spoil was gathered completely from the defeated oppressor, so too did Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, "spoil" principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly and decisively ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He disarmed and plundered the enemy, taking back what was rightfully humanity's—freedom, life, and an eternal inheritance in Him. The "running to and fro" to gather the spoil can be seen in the comprehensive and universal nature of Christ's redemptive work, which extends to all who believe, gathering a vast multitude for Himself from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Furthermore, the dramatic reversal of fortunes in Isaiah 33:4 powerfully points to the greater spiritual reversal accomplished by Christ: those who were once enslaved to sin and destined for judgment now receive the immeasurable "spoils" of grace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, becoming heirs with Christ and co-heirs of God's kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). His finished work ensures that the ultimate "spoil"—the redeemed people of God—will be fully gathered into His eternal kingdom, a spiritual harvest more complete and overwhelming than any locust swarm.

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

2 Chronicles 14:13

And Asa and the people that [were] with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Joel 2:9

They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

2 Chronicles 20:25

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

2 Kings 7:15

And they went after them unto Jordan: and, lo, all the way [was] full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king.

2 Kings 7:16

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.