Isaiah 57:13

KJV

¶ When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take [them]: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou criest {H2199}, let thy companies {H6899} deliver {H5337} thee; but the wind {H7307} shall carry them all away {H5375}; vanity {H1892} shall take {H3947} them: but he that putteth his trust {H2620} in me shall possess {H5157} the land {H776}, and shall inherit {H3423} my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022};

Complete Jewish Bible

When you cry, will those [idols] you gathered rescue you? The wind will carry them all away, a puff of air will take them off. But whoever takes refuge in me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain."

Berean Standard Bible

When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”

American Standard Version

When thou criest, let them that thou hast gathered deliver thee; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but he that taketh refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:13 delivers a stark prophetic contrast, exposing the utter futility of seeking deliverance from idols, human alliances, or any earthly "companies" that offer false security. It powerfully asserts that such dependencies are fleeting and ultimately worthless, destined to be swept away like dust by the wind. In profound opposition, the verse proclaims God's unwavering promise of enduring blessing, true possession, and spiritual inheritance for those who abandon all other trusts and place their complete reliance and faith in Him alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 56-57) that sharply condemns the spiritual apostasy and moral decay prevalent among God's people. Specifically, [Isaiah 57](/isaiah/57 "Isaiah 57 - Condemnation of Idolatry and Promise of Restoration") opens with a lament over the righteous who perish unnoticed, followed by a severe indictment of the nation's widespread idolatry, spiritual adultery, and pursuit of foreign alliances for security, rather than trusting in Yahweh. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 57:9-12](/isaiah/57-9 "Isaiah 57:9-12 - Israel's Idolatry and Shame")) detail the people's descent into pagan practices and their reliance on human strength, setting the stage for the vivid contrast presented in verse 13. The verse serves as a climactic declaration of the consequences of such misplaced trust versus the blessings of true faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period reflected in Isaiah's prophecies often points to the spiritual decline leading up to the Babylonian exile, or to the post-exilic community still struggling with idolatry and syncretism. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, nations frequently formed alliances with more powerful neighbors or sought the aid of various deities to secure protection and prosperity. Israel, despite its covenant with Yahweh, was prone to adopting these practices, turning to foreign gods or political pacts with nations like Egypt or Assyria. The "companies" (H6899, *qibbûwts*) could refer to these human confederacies, the numerous idols they worshipped, or even the pagan rituals and cultic groups they joined. The imagery of wind carrying them away evokes the transient nature of human power and pagan deities, which were often associated with natural forces but ultimately proved powerless against the sovereign will of God.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes interwoven in [Isaiah 57](/isaiah/57 "Isaiah 57 - Condemnation of Idolatry and Promise of Restoration"), and particularly highlighted in this verse, include the **Futility of Idolatry** and **Misplaced Trust**. The prophet repeatedly exposes the emptiness and ultimate destruction awaiting those who abandon the true God for false gods or human strength, as seen in the warning against relying on "broken cisterns" in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - The Folly of Forsaking God"). Conversely, the verse champions the **Blessings of Trust in Yahweh**, underscoring the security, inheritance, and intimate relationship available only to those who faithfully rely on Him. This promise of "possessing the land" and "inheriting my holy mountain" connects directly to the **Covenantal Promises** made to Abraham and his descendants, signifying not just physical territory but spiritual proximity to God's presence and participation in His eternal kingdom, a theme echoed in [Psalm 37:29](/psalm/37-29 "Psalm 37:29 - The Righteous Inherit the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **criest (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This primitive root signifies a loud cry, often from anguish, danger, or for help. It can also mean to summon or assemble. In this context, it highlights the desperation of those who turn to false deliverers, emphasizing their futile appeals to powerless entities.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This word, famously used in Ecclesiastes, literally means "breath," "vapor," or "futility." It denotes something empty, transitory, insubstantial, and ultimately meaningless. Its use here powerfully underscores the utter worthlessness and ephemeral nature of the "companies" or idols upon which the unfaithful rely.
* **putteth his trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** This root means "to flee for protection," "to confide in," or "to have hope." It conveys a deep sense of seeking refuge and finding security in someone or something. When applied to God, it signifies a complete reliance and confident surrender to His protective care and faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the desperate cries to "companies."
* **inherit (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb means "to occupy," "to seize," "to possess," or "to inherit." It implies taking possession by right or as a legacy, often by displacing previous occupants. In the context of God's promises, it speaks of a secure, enduring, and divinely granted possession of blessings, particularly the land and the holy mountain, as opposed to the fleeting "possession" offered by idols.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee;":** This clause presents a sarcastic challenge or a rhetorical question, exposing the futility of the people's misplaced trust. Despite their desperate cries for help, their chosen "companies"—whether idols, foreign alliances, or human strength—are utterly incapable of providing true deliverance. The implication is that their cries will go unanswered by these false saviors.
* **"but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take [them]:":** This segment vividly describes the fate of those false dependencies. The imagery of "wind" (H7307, *rûwach*) carrying them away suggests their insubstantiality and swift demise. The declaration that "vanity" (H1892, *hebel*) will "take" (H3947, *lâqach*) them reinforces their utter worthlessness and eventual disappearance, leaving those who relied on them utterly exposed and without help.
* **"but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;":** This final clause introduces a powerful and hopeful contrast. It shifts from the negative consequences of misplaced trust to the profound blessings reserved for those who place their faith exclusively in Yahweh. "Possess the land" (H5157, *nâchal*) and "inherit my holy mountain" (H3423, *yârash*, H2022, *har*, H6944, *qôdesh*) are rich covenantal promises, signifying security, prosperity, divine presence, and a lasting share in God's kingdom and blessings, a stark difference from the fleeting nature of idolatrous pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which creates a sharp contrast between two opposing ideas: the futility of relying on "companies" (idols/alliances) versus the blessed security of trusting in God. This contrast is amplified by **Irony** in the opening phrase, "let thy companies deliver thee," which sarcastically highlights their inability to do so. The phrase "the wind shall carry them all away" is a powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**, illustrating the complete and effortless destruction or disappearance of these false supports, likening them to chaff or dust easily dispersed. The use of "vanity" (hebel) as an agent that "shall take them" is a form of **Personification**, giving an abstract concept destructive power, further emphasizing the emptiness of idolatry. Finally, the repeated use of verbs of possession and inheritance ("possess," "inherit") for those who trust in God, in contrast to the "carrying away" and "taking" by vanity for the idolaters, creates a strong **Parallelism** of consequence, reinforcing the central theological message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:13 stands as a foundational text on the nature of divine trust and the consequences of idolatry, resonating deeply with the consistent biblical theme that God alone is worthy of absolute reliance. It underscores that any object of trust outside of God—whether human power, material wealth, or false deities—is ultimately "vanity" (hebel), fleeting and incapable of delivering true security or lasting blessing. The promise of possessing the land and inheriting God's holy mountain speaks to the covenantal faithfulness of God, who rewards unwavering devotion with genuine, enduring inheritance, both physical and spiritual. This truth challenges humanity's perennial temptation to seek refuge in created things rather than the Creator, reminding us that true life and security are found only in Him.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:13 offers a profound challenge and comfort for contemporary believers. In a world saturated with competing claims for our allegiance and trust, this verse compels us to honestly examine where our ultimate security lies. Do we subtly place our hope in financial stability, career success, political leaders, social influence, or even our own abilities, believing these "companies" will deliver us from life's anxieties and challenges? Or do we, with unwavering conviction, place our trust solely in the sovereign, faithful God who promises an enduring inheritance? The "wind" of life's uncertainties and the "vanity" of earthly pursuits will inevitably expose the hollowness of anything less than divine trust. This passage calls us to a radical reorientation of our hearts, to abandon all forms of functional idolatry—anything that takes God's rightful place—and instead, to find our true refuge, peace, and lasting inheritance in Him alone. It reminds us that genuine security is not found in what we accumulate or who we align with, but in the steadfast character of the One who never fails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "companies" or earthly securities do I tend to cry out to for deliverance in times of crisis or anxiety?**
* **How does the concept of "vanity" (hebel) challenge my pursuit of worldly achievements or possessions?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God in my daily life?**
* **What does "possessing the land" and "inheriting my holy mountain" mean for me as a believer today?**

### FAQ
**What are the "companies" mentioned in Isaiah 57:13?**

Answer: The "companies" (Hebrew: *qibbûwts*) refer to the various entities or alliances upon which the people of Israel were wrongly relying instead of God. Historically and culturally, this could encompass foreign political alliances they sought for protection (e.g., with Egypt or Assyria), the numerous idols and false gods they worshipped, or even the pagan cultic groups and practices they engaged in. The prophet uses this term to encapsulate all the human-made or false spiritual supports that were ultimately powerless and fleeting, contrasting them with the singular, steadfast power of Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:13, while rooted in the Old Covenant context of Israel's idolatry and promised land inheritance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "holy mountain" and the "land" promised to those who trust in God are not merely physical territories but foreshadow the spiritual reality of God's eternal kingdom and presence. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the one in whom all who "putteth his trust" find ultimate deliverance from the "vanity" of sin and death. He is the **Substance** of all the Old Testament shadows, including the security and inheritance that the land symbolized. Through His atoning work, believers are granted not just a temporal land but an eternal inheritance, a "kingdom that cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). The futility of relying on anything other than Christ is echoed in the New Testament, which consistently calls believers to place their complete faith in Him alone for salvation and life ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")). Thus, the "holy mountain" becomes the heavenly Jerusalem, the new creation, where believers dwell eternally in God's presence, an inheritance secured by Christ's resurrection and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Promised Holy Spirit")). In Christ, the promise of possessing the land and inheriting the holy mountain is transformed into the spiritual reality of co-heirship with Him, granting access to all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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

Psalms 37:9

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Isaiah 65:25

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 56:7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Isaiah 66:20

And they shall bring all your brethren [for] an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 65:9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

Zechariah 7:13

Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: