Isaiah 43:17

KJV

Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which bringeth forth {H3318} the chariot {H7393} and horse {H5483}, the army {H2428} and the power {H5808}; they shall lie down {H7901} together {H3162}, they shall not rise {H6965}: they are extinct {H1846}, they are quenched {H3518} as tow {H6594}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who led out chariot and horse, the army in its strength - they lay down, never to rise again, snuffed out and quenched like a wick:

Berean Standard Bible

who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

American Standard Version

who bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched as a wick):

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:17 powerfully declares God's unparalleled might and His decisive action in obliterating opposing forces. This verse serves as a profound testament to divine judgment and sovereign deliverance, drawing upon a foundational historical event where God utterly annihilated a formidable enemy, demonstrating His absolute control over the rise and fall of nations and powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 43:17 is embedded within a section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This portion of the prophecy was delivered to a people facing or enduring the trauma of Babylonian exile. Its primary purpose is to offer hope, reassurance, and a renewed understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive power. Throughout these chapters, God repeatedly reminds Israel of His unique identity as the only true God, the Creator, and the Redeemer, contrasting Himself with the impotent idols of Babylon. Verse 17 specifically functions as a powerful historical precedent, recalling God's past acts of salvation to guarantee His future deliverance, reinforcing the themes of God's unmatched power and His unwavering commitment to His people, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-3 - God's Promise of Redemption and Presence").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Isaiah 43:17 directly alludes to the most significant redemptive event in Israel's history: the Exodus from Egypt and, more specifically, the miraculous destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. In ancient warfare, chariots and horses represented the pinnacle of military technology and power, symbolizing an overwhelming, seemingly invincible force. Egypt, with its vast and well-equipped army, was the dominant superpower of its day. The complete annihilation of such a force—chariots, horses, and soldiers—in the Red Sea, as described in [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27 "Exodus 14:27-28 - The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army"), was an unparalleled demonstration of divine intervention. This event was not merely a historical anecdote but a foundational narrative that shaped Israel's identity and understanding of God's power to save and judge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological themes prevalent in Isaiah and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, capable of raising up and casting down any human power, as articulated in [Psalm 76:5-6](/psalms/76-5 "Psalm 76:5-6 - God's Judgment on the Mighty"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Certainty and Finality of Judgment**. The vivid imagery of total destruction—"they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow"—conveys an irreversible and complete divine judgment upon those who oppose God and His purposes. Finally, it powerfully portrays **God as Deliverer and Redeemer**. By utterly defeating the oppressor, God simultaneously demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, providing them with salvation and freedom, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chayil (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word, translated as "army" or "power" in various contexts, denotes a force, whether of men, means, or other resources. It encompasses concepts like strength, valor, wealth, and military might. In Isaiah 43:17, it refers to the full military strength and resources of the enemy, emphasizing the totality of the power God brings forth and then decisively defeats.
* **dâʻak (Hebrew, _dâʻak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be extinguished." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of expiring, being dried up, or completely consumed. Its use here as "extinct" emphasizes the absolute cessation of existence or power for the opposing force, leaving no remnant or possibility of revival.
* **kâbâh (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** Another primitive root, meaning "to expire" or (causatively) "to extinguish" fire, light, or anger. Translated as "quenched," it reinforces the imagery of something being utterly put out, like a flame. When paired with "tow," it vividly describes the swift, effortless, and complete annihilation of the enemy, leaving no spark or ember of life or power.
* **pishtâh (Hebrew, _pishtâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to "flax" or, by implication, a "wick" or "tow." Tow consists of loose, dry fibers of flax or hemp, known for being extremely flammable and easily extinguished. The comparison of the mighty army to "tow" highlights their utter fragility and vulnerability before God's power, capable of being snuffed out instantly and completely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power;":** This initial clause establishes God as the sovereign agent who "brings forth" or causes the very existence and deployment of these formidable military elements. It's a statement of divine control, not that God creates evil armies, but that even their existence and movements are ultimately within His purview and subject to His will. The listing of "chariot and horse, the army and the power" is a comprehensive description of a complete, overwhelming military force, representing the full might of an empire.
* **"they shall lie down together, they shall not rise:":** This clause describes the immediate and irreversible consequence of God's action. To "lie down" implies defeat, death, and permanent rest, often in a grave. The phrase "together" emphasizes the collective and comprehensive nature of their downfall – no one escapes. The emphatic declaration "they shall not rise" signifies the absolute finality of their defeat; there is no recovery, no regrouping, no resurgence of power. Their end is absolute and eternal.
* **"they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.":** This final clause employs powerful metaphors to underscore the totality and ease of the enemy's destruction. "Extinct" reiterates the idea of complete cessation of life and power. The simile "quenched as tow" is particularly vivid: just as a small, easily flammable piece of tow is instantly extinguished by a drop of water or a puff of wind, so too is the mightiest human army effortlessly and completely snuffed out by God's power, leaving no trace or lingering threat.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:17 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Metaphor** and **Simile**, particularly in the phrase "quenched as tow." The enemy's formidable military might is compared to fragile, easily extinguished flax fibers, vividly illustrating their utter vulnerability before God. This is a powerful **Understatement** of God's effort, implying that what seems insurmountable to humans is effortlessly dispatched by Him. The verse also uses **Parallelism** in its structure, particularly in the paired descriptions of the enemy's demise: "they shall lie down together, they shall not rise" and "they are extinct, they are quenched as tow." This repetition reinforces the theme of complete and irreversible destruction. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in "they shall not rise" and "they are extinct," emphasizing the absolute and final nature of God's judgment, leaving no room for doubt about the enemy's total defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:17 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most formidable human powers. It asserts that no military might, no strategic genius, and no human force can ultimately stand against the will and power of the Almighty. This verse not only celebrates God's power to judge and destroy His enemies but also, and more importantly, highlights His unwavering commitment to deliver and redeem His chosen people. The judgment on the oppressor is always intertwined with the salvation of the oppressed, demonstrating God's justice and His covenant faithfulness. For Israel in exile, this historical reminder served as a powerful assurance that the same God who delivered them from Egypt would surely deliver them from Babylon.

* [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27 "Exodus 14:27-28 - The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army at the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 76:5-6](/psalms/76-5 "Psalm 76:5-6 - God's Judgment on the Mighty")
* [Revelation 19:19-21](/revelation/19-19 "Revelation 19:19-21 - The Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 43:17 offers profound comfort and a solemn warning for believers today. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable challenges, oppressive systems, or personal struggles, this verse reminds us that no power, no obstacle, and no enemy is too formidable for our God to overcome. The same Almighty God who effortlessly extinguished the mightiest army of ancient Egypt is fully capable of bringing deliverance and victory in our lives. We are called to place our trust not in human strength, political power, or personal ingenuity, but in the invincible power of the Lord, who remains unchanging in His might and faithfulness. Conversely, this verse serves as a powerful warning to any who would oppose God's will or His people, highlighting the ultimate futility of resistance against His supreme authority. It calls us to humility and submission to His divine purposes, recognizing that His judgment is certain and final for those who persist in rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chariots and horses" or "armies and powers" in your life or in the world today seem insurmountable?**
* **How does the imagery of God "quenching as tow" impact your view of His power versus human power?**
* **In what specific areas do you need to trust God's power for deliverance or judgment, rather than relying on your own strength or despairing?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to live a life of greater faith and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**What historical event is Isaiah 43:17 primarily referencing?**

Answer: Isaiah 43:17 is primarily referencing the miraculous destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, as recorded in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). This event, where chariots, horses, and soldiers were swallowed by the sea, was the quintessential demonstration of God's power to deliver His people and judge their oppressors. The imagery of "chariot and horse, the army and the power" being brought forth and then utterly destroyed directly aligns with this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

**What does the phrase "they are quenched as tow" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "they are quenched as tow" is a vivid simile emphasizing the swift, effortless, and complete annihilation of the enemy. "Tow" refers to the loose, dry fibers of flax or hemp, which are extremely flammable and commonly used as tinder. Just as a tiny spark or flame can be instantly and completely extinguished, leaving no ember or trace, so too was the mighty army of the enemy utterly and irrevocably destroyed by God's power. It signifies a total and final defeat, without any possibility of recovery or resurgence.

**How does this verse apply to believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, Isaiah 43:17 offers profound assurance and a call to trust. It reminds us that no enemy, no obstacle, and no power—whether spiritual, political, or personal—is too great for God to overcome. When we face overwhelming challenges or feel threatened by circumstances, this verse encourages us to remember that the same Almighty God who defeated ancient armies is fully capable of bringing deliverance and victory in our lives. It strengthens our faith in His sovereign power and reminds us that His ultimate victory over all opposing forces is assured, as promised in passages like [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is for Us").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 43:17 directly recalls God's historic triumph over Egypt, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological resonance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "chariot and horse, the army and the power" ultimately represent all forces that oppose God's kingdom and His people, including sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, decisively "brought forth" these powers only to "lie down together" and "not rise." His death on the cross disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). The ultimate enemy, death itself, is "quenched as tow" through Christ's resurrection, which swallowed up death in victory, fulfilling prophecies like that found in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ"). Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage, Christ delivers humanity from spiritual bondage and the tyranny of sin and death, demonstrating His supreme power to make all things new and establish His eternal reign, foreshadowed in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, Isaiah 43:17 points forward to the definitive and complete victory achieved by the Lamb of God, who utterly extinguishes all opposition to God's redemptive plan.

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 1:31

And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench [them].

Exodus 14:4

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

Exodus 14:9

But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses [and] chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

Psalms 118:12

They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

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.

Ezekiel 38:8

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.