Isaiah 14:15
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The prophecy was fulfilled historically when Babylonian power ended (539 BC) and its kings died ignominiously. Belshazzar was killed the night Babylon fell (Daniel 5:30). If the passage also references Satan's fall (as many interpreters believe), it describes his casting down from heaven (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9) and ultimate consignment to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). The 'pit' language also appears in Ezekiel 28:8 regarding the king of Tyre (another proud ruler), suggesting this is a pattern: pride leads to fall, self-exaltation to abasement, rebellion to judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the pattern of pride-before-fall warn us personally about our own hearts and ambitions?
- What does this verse teach about the absolute certainty that God will humble all proud opposition?
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Analysis & Commentary
'Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.' Dramatic reversal: the one who would 'ascend above the heights' is 'brought down' to the lowest depths. 'Hell' (Sheol) and 'sides/depths of the pit' (bor—can mean grave, pit, cistern, or Sheol's deepest regions) represent ultimate degradation. The contrast is absolute: highest aspiration vs. lowest reality, upward striving vs. downward descent, self-exaltation vs. divine abasement. This is God's response to pride: 'Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased' (Luke 14:11). No one successfully rivals God; all who try are cast down. This applies to Satan, to Babylonian kings, to all who rebel—and warns us all.