Isaiah Chapter 13 · Verse 4
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.
Original Language Analysis
הָמ֛וֹן
of a multitude
H1995
הָמ֛וֹן
of a multitude
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
2 of 16
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
בֶּֽהָרִ֖ים
in the mountains
H2022
בֶּֽהָרִ֖ים
in the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
דְּמ֣וּת
like
H1823
דְּמ֣וּת
like
Strong's:
H1823
Word #:
4 of 16
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רָ֑ב
as of a great
H7227
רָ֑ב
as of a great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 16
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
שְׁא֞וֹן
a tumultuous
H7588
שְׁא֞וֹן
a tumultuous
Strong's:
H7588
Word #:
8 of 16
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
מַמְלְכ֤וֹת
of the kingdoms
H4467
מַמְלְכ֤וֹת
of the kingdoms
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
9 of 16
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
גּוֹיִם֙
of nations
H1471
גּוֹיִם֙
of nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
10 of 16
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
נֶֽאֱסָפִ֔ים
gathered together
H622
נֶֽאֱסָפִ֔ים
gathered together
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
11 of 16
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָ֥א
of hosts
H6635
צְבָ֥א
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
13 of 16
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
מְפַקֵּ֖ד
mustereth
H6485
מְפַקֵּ֖ד
mustereth
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
14 of 16
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
Cross References
Historical Context
This prophecy against Babylon was delivered when Assyria, not Babylon, dominated the ancient Near East. Babylon's rise to power came later—Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon conquered Assyria (612 BC) and Judah (586 BC). Yet Babylon itself fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy delivered 150+ years earlier. This demonstrates prophetic foreknowledge—Isaiah saw Babylon's rise and fall before either occurred. God's sovereignty over empires is absolute: He raises up, and He tears down.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of pagan nations as His instruments of judgment reveal His absolute sovereignty?
- What does prophetic fulfillment centuries after prediction teach about trusting God's promises for the future?
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter opens with 'the burden of Babylon' (v.1), then Isaiah describes hearing 'a noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people.' This is no ordinary army but a tumultuous gathering of kingdoms and nations. The phrase 'the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle' reveals this is divine warfare—God assembling His forces for judgment. The Medes and others serve as God's instruments (v.17). This cosmic army gathers not by human command but by divine summons. When God decrees judgment, nations march at His command.