Isaiah 21:15

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

For they fled {H5074} from {H6440} the swords {H2719}, from {H6440} the drawn {H5203} sword {H2719}, and from {H6440} the bent {H1869} bow {H7198}, and from {H6440} the grievousness {H3514} of war {H4421}.

because they are fleeing the sword, the drawn sword, the bent bow and the press of battle.

For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.

For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

Commentary

Isaiah 21:15 vividly depicts the terror and chaos of those fleeing from a devastating military attack, emphasizing the brutal realities of ancient warfare.

Context of Isaiah 21:15

This verse is part of the "burden of Arabia" (Isaiah 21:13-17), a prophetic oracle delivered by the prophet Isaiah. Following prophecies against Babylon and Edom, this section focuses on the nomadic tribes of Arabia, particularly the Dedanim and Kedar. The prophecy foretells a swift and destructive invasion that would scatter these tribes, forcing them to abandon their traditional routes and seek refuge in the wilderness. The immediate context in Isaiah 21:13-14 describes the flight of the Dedanim, and verse 15 further elaborates on the reasons for their desperate escape, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the military assault.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Horrors of War: The repeated imagery of "swords," "drawn sword," and "bent bow" paints a stark picture of relentless military assault. It underscores the immediate danger and the overwhelming nature of the conflict, leading to desperate flight.
  • Vulnerability and Flight: The phrase "they fled" highlights the utter helplessness of the victims, who have no choice but to abandon their homes and possessions to escape the overwhelming force. This speaks to the fragility of human security in the face of violent conflict.
  • The "Grievousness of War": This powerful phrase encapsulates the profound suffering, loss, and devastation that war inflicts. It's not just about physical weapons but the entire oppressive weight of conflict.
  • Divine Sovereignty (Implied): While focused on human suffering, the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies often reveals God's sovereign hand in the rise and fall of nations. Such events often served as instruments of divine judgment or the unfolding of God's plans among nations.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "grievousness of war" translates the Hebrew word מִקְּשַׁת (miqqeshath), which conveys the idea of something being hard, severe, or cruel. It emphasizes the profound hardship, distress, and oppression experienced during wartime, going beyond mere physical injury to encompass the emotional, psychological, and societal toll.

Practical Application

Isaiah 21:15 serves as a timeless reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict. It calls us to:

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Cross-References

  • Job 6:19 (3 votes)

    The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

  • Job 6:20 (3 votes)

    They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

  • Isaiah 13:14 (2 votes)

    And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.