Isaiah 14:4 says, That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! Isaiah said that there was to be a proverb taken against the king of Babylon asking how had the oppressor been stopped and the once golden city as it had called itself ceased to be. The kingdom of Babylon was almost universal at the time, and it also stood in opposition to God. Even though there are several nations today who feel indestructible and stand against God, one day they will be cast down. We are not to rejoice in their destruction though but are to reach out to them with the gospel of God’s love. God does not rejoice in the destruction of unsaved people, no matter how evil they may be, and neither should we as Christians.
Verse five adds, The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. This is already an accomplished fact spiritually, ever since Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind and rose again in victory over sin. All we have to do is accept His gift of salvation.
Verse six continues, He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. Isaiah said that the one who had been so cruel to the people was now persecuted and there was no one to stop this from happening. This had not been done to correct any action by those who were oppressed, but simply for the pleasure of the king of Babylon. Some rulers today still take pleasure in elevating themselves by punishing all those who oppose them, but their day of judgment is coming. It may not happen in this lifetime, but it is assured by God to happen.
Verse seven states, The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. During this time, after the fall of the tyrant king of Babylon the whole world would be at peace. This has not happened often in history, but when the great tyrant of the earth, Satan, falls, those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will have peace forever. Of course, even in the turmoil of life today, if we are Christians, we should always be at peace spiritually.
Verse eight adds, Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us. Isaiah said even the trees would rejoice. During a time without war, the trees would not be continually damaged or destroyed. War affects everything that it touches and not just people. When we get to our heavenly home, everything will be as God first created it, at which time He pronounced it good.
Verse nine continues, Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. I believe this is a reference to the second coming of Jesus Christ, at which time those who were faithful to Him will rise from the dead to meet Him in His kingdom. Though it could refer to those who are spiritually dead coming to Him in this lifetime, I believe it refers to the coming spiritual kingdom of God, when all will truly be at peace.
Verse ten concludes, All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? I believe this applies to those who had defied God and considered themselves great in the world. When they fell or died, the people around them would ask if they were no more powerful than the average person. There are some rulers today who believe themselves to be more powerful than God, but one day when God’s judgment comes, they will find themselves just like all other sinners who never accepted the gift of salvation. Even Satan himself will be asked this question by those that he led astray and who had put their faith in his lies.
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