Isaiah 14:16 Study Bible: Those who see you will stare at you. They will ponder you, saying, "Is this the man who made the earth to tremble, who shook kingdoms;

◄ Isaiah 14:16 ►

Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: "Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,

Study Bible

Those who see you will stare;
This phrase suggests a scene of astonishment and disbelief. In the context of Isaiah 14, this is part of a taunt against the fallen king of Babylon. The imagery of people staring indicates a dramatic reversal of fortune, where someone once powerful is now reduced to a state of humiliation. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where the proud are brought low (Proverbs 16:18). The act of staring can also imply a public spectacle, emphasizing the totality of the downfall.

they will ponder your fate:
The onlookers are not just passive observers; they actively consider the implications of the fallen king's fate. This pondering suggests a moment of reflection on the transient nature of earthly power and glory. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations and leaders (Daniel 2:21). The fate of the king becomes a lesson in the futility of pride and the certainty of divine judgment.

“Is this the man who shook the earth
This rhetorical question underscores the contrast between the king's former power and his current state. "Shook the earth" implies a person of immense influence and might, capable of causing widespread fear and upheaval. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of God's control over the earth and its rulers (Psalm 46:6). The question highlights the irony of a once-dreaded figure now being powerless and insignificant.

and made the kingdoms tremble,
The king's ability to make kingdoms tremble indicates his former dominance and the fear he instilled in other nations. This reflects the historical context of the Babylonian Empire, known for its military conquests and oppressive rule. The trembling of kingdoms can be seen as a metaphor for the instability and fear caused by tyrannical leadership. In a prophetic sense, this phrase can also be seen as a type of the ultimate defeat of evil, as seen in the final judgment where all earthly powers are subdued under Christ's reign (Revelation 11:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fallen King of Babylon
This passage is part of a taunt against the king of Babylon, who is depicted as having fallen from great power and influence.

2. Babylon
A significant empire in biblical history, often symbolizing pride and opposition to God.

3. The Onlookers
Those who witness the downfall of the king, representing the nations and peoples who were once under his influence.

4. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers this message, serving as God's mouthpiece to convey His judgment and plans.

5. The Earth and Kingdoms
Symbolic of the vast influence and power that the king once wielded, now reduced to nothing.

Teaching Points

The Folly of Pride
Pride leads to downfall. The king of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale of how earthly power and arrogance can lead to destruction.

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of the rise and fall of nations and leaders. No earthly power can stand against His will.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Power
Earthly kingdoms and powers are fleeting. True and lasting power belongs to God alone.

The Importance of Humility
Believers are called to live humbly, recognizing that all authority and power are granted by God.

Reflection on Our Influence
Consider how we use the influence and power we have. Are we using it to serve God and others, or for selfish gain?

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the downfall of the king of Babylon illustrate the biblical principle that pride comes before a fall?

2. In what ways can we see the temporary nature of earthly power in today's world, and how should this influence our priorities?

3. How does the account of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 provide a real-life example of the themes found in Isaiah 14:16?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate humility in our lives, in light of the warnings against pride in Scripture?

5. How can we ensure that the influence and power we have are used in a way that honors God and aligns with His purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 28
Similar themes of pride and downfall are found in the lament over the king of Tyre, drawing parallels to the fate of the king of Babylon.

Daniel 4
The account of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience serves as a real-life example of a powerful king brought low by God.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and the ultimate downfall of prideful powers.

Proverbs 16:18
The principle that pride precedes destruction is a timeless truth that is illustrated in the fall of the Babylonian king.

Philippians 2:9-11
Contrasts the prideful fall with the exaltation of Christ, who humbled Himself and was subsequently exalted by God.

Sermons

Song of Redeemed Israel	E. Johnson	Isaiah 14:1-23
An Image of the Soul	F. Delitzsch.	Isaiah 14:4-23
An Ode of Triumph	Prof . E. R. Driver, D. D.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Deliverance from an Evil Dominion	R. Macculloch.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Destruction of the King of Babylon		Isaiah 14:4-23
Hell	Prof. S. R. Driver, D. D.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Hell	W. Day, M. A.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Impious Expectations Disappointed	Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Lucifer	Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Pride	R. Macculloch.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Sin and its Humiliations	W. Clarkson	Isaiah 14:4-23
The Bittern	J. Duns, D. D., F. R. S. E.	Isaiah 14:4-23
The Bosom of Destruction		Isaiah 14:4-23
The Church's Exultation Over Her Foes	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	Isaiah 14:4-23
The Golden City	R. Macculloch.	Isaiah 14:4-23
The Proverb Against the King of Babylon	Sir E. Strachey, Bart.	Isaiah 14:4-23
Song of Redeemed Israel: the Scene in Hades	E. Johnson	Isaiah 14:9-23

People

Ahaz, Isaiah, Jacob, Lucifer, Saraph

Places

Babylon, Lebanon, Philistia, Zion

Topics

Attend, Beholders, Care, Causing, Consider, Deep, Earnestly, Fate, Gaze, Kingdoms, Narrowly, Ponder, Saying, Shake, Shaker, Shaking, Shook, Stare, Tremble, Troubler

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Isaiah 14:3-23

4215 Babylon

Isaiah 14:12-20

5849 exaltation

Library

The victory of Life (Preached at the Chapel Royal. )
ISAIAH xxxviii. 18, 19. The grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee. I may seem to have taken a strange text on which to speak,--a mournful, a seemingly hopeless text. Why I have chosen it, I trust that you will see presently; certainly not that I may make you hopeless about death. Meanwhile, let us consider it; for it is in the Bible, and, like all words in the Bible, was written …
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations, …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Evil of Sin visible in the Fall of Angels and Men.
1 When the great Builder arch'd the skies, And form'd all nature with a word, The joyful cherubs tun'd his praise, And every bending throne ador'd. 2 High in the midst of all the throng, Satan, a tall archangel, sat, Amongst the morning stars he sung [1] Till sin destroy'd his heavenly state. 3 ['Twas sin that hurl'd him from his throne, Grov'ling in fire the rebel lies: "How art thou sunk in darkness down, "Son of the morning, from the skies!" [2] 4 And thus our two first parents stood Till sin …
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Doctrine of Satan.
I. HIS EXISTENCE AND PERSONALITY. 1. EXISTENCE. 2. PERSONALITY. II. HIS PLACE AND POWER. 1. A MIGHTY ANGEL. 2. PRINCE OF POWER OF THE AIR. 3. GOD OF THIS WORLD. 4. HEAD OF KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. 5. SOVEREIGN OVER DEATH. III. HIS CHARACTER. 1. ADVERSARY. 2. DIABOLOS. 3. WICKED ONE. 4. TEMPTER. IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN. 1. LIMITED POWER OF SATAN. 2. RESIST HIM. V. HIS DESTINY. 1. A CONQUERED ENEMY. 2. UNDER ETERNAL CURSE. VI. DEMONS. THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN. Throughout the Scriptures Satan is set …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy that Believers Experience...
The Disciple,--Master, some people say that the comfort and joy that believers experience are simply the outcome of their own thoughts and ideas. Is this true? The Master,--1. That comfort and abiding peace which believers have within themselves is due to My presence in their hearts, and to the life-giving influence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As for those who say that this spiritual joy is the result only of the thoughts of the heart, they are like a foolish man who was blind from his birth, …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

Isaiah 14:16 NIV
Isaiah 14:16 NLT
Isaiah 14:16 ESV
Isaiah 14:16 NASB
Isaiah 14:16 KJV

Isaiah 14:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub