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Isaiah 14:5

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The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, [and] the sceptre of the rulers.

The LORD {H3068} hath broken {H7665} the staff {H4294} of the wicked {H7563}, and the sceptre {H7626} of the rulers {H4910}.

ADONAI has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers,

The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers.

Jehovah hath broken the staff of the wicked, the sceptre of the rulers;

Commentary

Isaiah 14:5 (KJV) declares God's decisive action against oppressive power: "The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, [and] the sceptre of the rulers." This verse is a powerful statement of divine judgment and sovereignty.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle in Isaiah 14, primarily directed against Babylon and its tyrannical king. The preceding verses celebrate the downfall of this oppressive empire, which had cruelly dominated Israel. This section of Isaiah, often referred to as a "taunt song" against the king of Babylon, revels in the liberation of God's people from a harsh master. The breaking of the "staff" and "sceptre" signifies the complete and irreversible end of Babylon's reign and its associated wickedness, bringing relief to those it had enslaved.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully asserts that the LORD (Yahweh) is the ultimate authority, capable of dismantling even the most formidable earthly powers. It highlights God's active involvement in human history, bringing justice to the proud and the wicked.
  • Fall of Oppression: It announces the end of tyranny and cruel rule. The "staff of the wicked" and "sceptre of the rulers" symbolize the instruments of oppressive authority, whose destruction signals freedom for the oppressed. This theme resonates with God's consistent character as a deliverer.
  • Justice and Deliverance: God's action in breaking these symbols of power is a manifestation of His justice, bringing retribution upon those who abuse their authority and providing deliverance for His people. This echoes the promise of God hearing the cry of the oppressed and coming to their aid.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "staff" (Hebrew: maṭṭeh) and "sceptre" (Hebrew: shēbeṭ) are largely synonymous in this context, both representing symbols of authority, dominion, and governmental power. A staff could be used for support, guidance, or discipline, while a sceptre was a ceremonial rod held by a monarch. The verb "broken" (Hebrew: shābar) indicates a violent, decisive, and irreparable destruction. The pairing of these terms emphasizes the complete overthrow of the wicked ruler's entire system of power and control, leaving no remnant of their former authority.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:5 offers profound comfort and warning for all generations:

  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those suffering under unjust or tyrannical leadership, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees their plight and will ultimately bring justice. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over rulers and nations.
  • Warning for the Powerful: It serves as a stern warning to those in positions of authority that their power is not absolute and is accountable to God. Abuse of power, wickedness, and pride will inevitably lead to divine judgment, as seen in the humbling of powerful kings throughout biblical history, like Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel.
  • Confidence in God's Plan: Ultimately, the verse instills confidence in God's overarching plan for history. Though injustice may seem to prevail for a time, God's sovereignty ensures that righteousness will triumph and His purposes will be fulfilled.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:4 (3 votes)

    For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

  • Psalms 125:3 (3 votes)

    For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

  • Jeremiah 48:15 (2 votes)

    Moab is spoiled, and gone up [out of] her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 48:17 (2 votes)

    All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, [and] the beautiful rod!

  • Isaiah 10:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Isaiah 14:29 (2 votes)

    Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.