Isaiah 40:24

KJV

Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, they shall not be planted {H5193}; yea, they shall not be sown {H2232}: yea, their stock {H1503} shall not take root {H8327} in the earth {H776}: and he shall also blow {H5398} upon them, and they shall wither {H3001}, and the whirlwind {H5591} shall take {H5375} them away as stubble {H7179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely their stem taken root in the ground, when he blows on them, they dry up, and the whirlwind carries them off like straw.

Berean Standard Bible

No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble.

American Standard Version

Yea, they have not been planted; yea, they have not been sown; yea, their stock hath not taken root in the earth: moreover he bloweth upon them, and they wither, and the whirlwind taketh them away as stubble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:24 powerfully declares God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, illustrating their utter transience and fragility in stark contrast to His eternal might. Through vivid agricultural and meteorological imagery, the verse portrays human rulers and their established systems as easily uprooted, withered, and scattered by a mere breath of divine judgment, emphasizing that their perceived strength is nothing before the irresistible will of the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a significant turning point in the book, initiating the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66). Following a message of comfort and the coming glory of the Lord in [Isaiah 40:1-11](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1-11 - The Comfort of God's Coming Glory"), the prophet shifts to an extended discourse on God's incomparable greatness as Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Verses [Isaiah 40:12-26](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12-26 - The Incomparable God") specifically highlight God's unmatched power and wisdom, contrasting it with the weakness and foolishness of idols and human rulers. Within this section, verses [Isaiah 40:21-23](/isaiah/40-21 "Isaiah 40:21-23 - God Brings Rulers to Nothing") explicitly state that God "brings princes to nothing" and "makes the judges of the earth as vanity." Verse 24 then serves as a potent illustration of *how* this divine dismantling occurs, using a series of agricultural metaphors to underscore the swiftness and effortlessness with which God can remove seemingly powerful human authorities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This portion of Isaiah is addressed to a people facing or enduring the trauma of the Babylonian exile, a period when the mighty Babylonian Empire seemed invincible. The Israelites would have felt utterly powerless against such a dominant force, leading to questions about God's faithfulness and ability to deliver. In this context, Isaiah's message of God's supreme sovereignty over all nations, including Babylon, would have been profoundly comforting and challenging. The imagery of planting, sowing, and rooting would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, where the stability and productivity of crops were vital. The concept of a "whirlwind" was a familiar natural phenomenon, often associated with divine power or judgment in the ancient Near East, as seen in passages like [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - The Lord Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). The comparison of rulers to "stubble" would have been particularly impactful, as stubble was the worthless, dry residue left after harvest, easily scattered or burned, symbolizing utter insignificance and easy disposal.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **God's Supreme Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the Creator is the ultimate authority, effortlessly dismantling human structures and powers. Earthly rulers, despite their perceived strength, are utterly dependent on God's allowance and can be removed at His will, as also declared in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Closely related is the **Transience of Human Power**, where the imagery of not being "planted," "sown," or "taking root" signifies a profound lack of stability, permanence, and true foundation for human authority. Unlike God's everlasting kingdom, human empires and leaders are temporary and fragile, echoing the sentiment in [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalm/103-15 "Psalm 103:15-16 - The Fleeting Nature of Man"). Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment and Swiftness**, as God's actions of "blowing upon them" and the "whirlwind" taking them away underscore the speed and decisiveness of divine intervention. What appears strong can be rendered powerless in an instant, demonstrating God's irresistible will and power to execute His purposes, as seen in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **planted (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to strike in" or "fix," specifically "to plant." In this context, the negation "shall not be planted" emphasizes the complete absence of any stable beginning or secure establishment for these earthly powers, implying they lack true foundation or divine sanction for permanence.
* **wither (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to dry up" (as water) or "wither" (as herbage). It conveys the idea of losing vitality, shriveling, and becoming lifeless. When God blows upon them, these seemingly vibrant powers immediately lose all strength and vitality, becoming dried up and useless, signifying their inherent fragility.
* **whirlwind (Hebrew, _çaʻar'_):** This term refers to a hurricane, storm, or tempest. In biblical literature, a whirlwind is often a powerful, destructive manifestation of God's presence, judgment, or irresistible force. Its appearance signifies a sudden, violent, and complete removal, leaving no trace behind, underscoring the finality of divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown:"** This double negation emphasizes the complete lack of a beginning or establishment for these earthly powers. They are not even given the chance to be set in place or to begin growing, signifying their utter insignificance and impermanence before God. This highlights that their existence and perceived stability are entirely contingent and fleeting.
* **"yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth:"** This clause further reinforces the idea of impermanence and lack of true foundation. Even if they were to begin, their "stock" (Hebrew: H1503, _gezaʻ_), representing their core or foundation, would not penetrate the "earth" (Hebrew: H776, _ʼerets_) to establish a deep, lasting, or self-sustaining hold. Their power is superficial and easily dislodged.
* **"and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither,"** This describes the swift and effortless divine action. A mere "blow" (Hebrew: H5398, _nâshaph_), like a breath or puff, from God is enough to cause them to "wither" (Hebrew: H3001, _yâbêsh_), losing all vitality, strength, and life. This highlights the immense, overwhelming power of God contrasted with the extreme fragility of human might.
* **"and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble."** The final, decisive act of judgment. A powerful "whirlwind" (Hebrew: H5591, _çaʻar_), a symbol of irresistible divine force, "takes away" (Hebrew: H5375, _nâsâʼ_, to lift or carry away) these withered powers. The comparison to "stubble" (Hebrew: H7179, _qash_), the dry, worthless residue of harvested grain, underscores their utter worthlessness and the ease with which they are scattered and removed, leaving no trace or significance behind.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:24 is rich with **Imagery**, primarily drawing from the **agricultural** sphere. The initial images of "planted," "sown," and "take root" evoke the process of growth and establishment, setting up a powerful **contrast** with the subsequent actions of destruction. The phrase "he shall also blow upon them" employs vivid **personification**, attributing human-like action (blowing) to God, yet emphasizing the divine scale of this action—a mere breath from God is sufficient for destruction. The comparison of earthly powers to "stubble" is a potent **metaphor** and **simile**, highlighting their dryness, worthlessness, and susceptibility to being scattered by wind. The "whirlwind" functions as a **symbol** of divine judgment and irresistible force, emphasizing the sudden and complete nature of God's intervention. The repeated "yea" at the beginning of each clause serves as a form of **repetition** or **anaphora**, building rhetorical force and emphasizing the certainty and inevitability of the declared events. This verse masterfully uses these devices to underscore the fleeting nature of human power versus the enduring, effortless might of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:24 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, particularly over the affairs of nations and human leadership. It reiterates the biblical truth that all earthly authority is derived from and ultimately subject to the divine will. The transient nature of human power, whether political, military, or economic, is starkly contrasted with the eternal, unchangeable power of Yahweh. This truth offers immense comfort to those oppressed by seemingly insurmountable human powers, reminding them that their ultimate hope rests not in human strength or political systems, but in the God who effortlessly dismantles them. Conversely, it serves as a stern warning against human pride and self-exaltation, reminding leaders that their positions are fleeting and their strength illusory before the Almighty. The swiftness of divine judgment depicted here underscores God's active involvement in history, ensuring that His purposes will ultimately prevail and that no human endeavor can thwart His ultimate plan.

* [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalm/103-15 "Psalm 103:15-16 - The Fleeting Nature of Man")
* [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone Strikes the Statue")
* [Job 4:18-21](/job/4-18-21 "Job 4:18-21 - The Frailty of Mortals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:24 provides a powerful lens through which to view the world and our place within it. For the believer, it is a profound source of comfort and reassurance, particularly when facing oppressive systems, unjust authorities, or overwhelming societal pressures. It reminds us that no human power, no matter how entrenched or formidable, possesses ultimate stability or permanence. God's sovereignty is absolute, and His will cannot be thwarted by the machinations of mortals. This should cultivate a deep sense of trust in God's overarching plan and a freedom from anxiety concerning the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms. For those in positions of leadership or influence, the verse serves as a sobering call to humility. It is a stark reminder that all power is delegated, fleeting, and ultimately accountable to the Divine. True wisdom lies not in accumulating power or building lasting legacies for oneself, but in exercising authority with justice, humility, and a recognition of God's supreme reign. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to fix our hope and allegiance on the eternal God, whose kingdom alone endures, rather than on the transient and fragile structures of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "not being planted" or "taking root" challenge your perception of stability and security in the world today?**
* **In what areas of your life or society do you tend to place trust in human institutions or leaders more than in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **What comfort can you draw from knowing that God can effortlessly "blow upon" and "wither" seemingly invincible powers?**
* **If you are in a position of authority, how does this verse humble you and shape your approach to leadership?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" that shall not be planted or sown?**

Answer: While not explicitly named, "they" in Isaiah 40:24 refer to the powerful earthly rulers, princes, and judges mentioned in the preceding verses ([Isaiah 40:21-23](/isaiah/40-21 "Isaiah 40:21-23 - God Brings Rulers to Nothing")). These are the human authorities and empires that seem formidable and established in the eyes of the world, but are ultimately insignificant and transient in the sight of God. The context of the Book of Consolation, written during or anticipating the Babylonian exile, strongly suggests that these "they" would have included the oppressive Babylonian Empire and any other nations or leaders who stood in opposition to God's people or His divine plan.

**What does the comparison to "stubble" signify?**

Answer: The comparison to "stubble" (Hebrew: _qash_) is highly significant. Stubble refers to the dry, worthless stalks and residue left in a field after the grain has been harvested. It is easily scattered by the wind, consumed by fire, or simply discarded. In the biblical context, "stubble" is a powerful metaphor for utter worthlessness, fragility, and ease of destruction. When God "takes them away as stubble," it signifies that these powerful human entities are not merely defeated, but are rendered utterly insignificant, without substance, and are effortlessly swept away, leaving no lasting trace or impact. This emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:24, with its powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over transient earthly powers, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets foretold a God who would dismantle human empires, the New Testament reveals that this divine authority is fully vested in Christ. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The "blowing" and "whirlwind" of divine judgment against earthly powers are ultimately realized in Christ's kingdom, which is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and will never be overthrown. The kings of the earth, who are as stubble before God, will one day bow before Jesus, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Christ is the true and eternal King, the one who "has on his robe and on his thigh a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, the transient nature of human power highlighted in Isaiah 40:24 points forward to the everlasting reign of Christ, whose kingdom alone is planted, sown, and rooted eternally.

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

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Jeremiah 23:19

Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

2 Kings 10:11

So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

Isaiah 17:11

In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: [but] the harvest [shall be] a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

Isaiah 37:7

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.