Isaiah 13:5
They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.
Original Language Analysis
מֶרְחָ֖ק
from a far
H4801
מֶרְחָ֖ק
from a far
Strong's:
H4801
Word #:
3 of 11
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
5 of 11
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
יְהוָה֙
even the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
even the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּכְלֵ֣י
and the weapons
H3627
וּכְלֵ֣י
and the weapons
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
7 of 11
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
זַעְמ֔וֹ
of his indignation
H2195
זַעְמ֔וֹ
of his indignation
Strong's:
H2195
Word #:
8 of 11
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
לְחַבֵּ֖ל
to destroy
H2254
לְחַבֵּ֖ל
to destroy
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
9 of 11
to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur
Historical Context
The Medes and Persians came from the Iranian plateau, far to the east. In 539 BC, Cyrus the Persian led a coalition that conquered Babylon, fulfilling this prophecy. Remarkably, Isaiah even names Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1) over a century before his birth. The 'whole land' refers to Babylonian territory, though it may also have eschatological overtones pointing to final judgment. Ancient readers would have found it incredible that mighty Babylon would fall, yet it did—exactly as prophesied.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of 'far country' nations demonstrate that no earthly power escapes His sovereign control?
- What does the phrase 'weapons of his indignation' teach about how God executes judgment in history?
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Analysis & Commentary
The invading army comes 'from a far country, from the end of heaven'—emphasizing both geographical distance and cosmic significance. Media and Persia lay far east of Babylon. But more than that, they come as 'the weapons of his indignation'—divine instruments of wrath. Their purpose: 'to destroy the whole land.' This is not mere military conquest but execution of divine judgment. God's indignation against Babylon's pride and wickedness (see chapter 14) manifests through historical means—an invading coalition—yet remains fundamentally His act.