Isaiah 14:19
But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Dishonorable burial or non-burial was the ultimate shame in ancient culture—worse than death itself. To lie unburied meant no rest, no remembrance, joining the cursed. Several biblical figures suffered this: Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:19), Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37). The imagery here—abominable branch, bloodied garment, trampled corpse—combines ritual uncleanness (blood, corpse) with social disgrace (trampled, discarded). Whether this was literally fulfilled for a specific Babylonian king or speaks symbolically of the dynasty's disgraceful end, the message is clear: pride leads not just to death but to disgrace and dishonor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the denial of honorable burial serve as divine commentary on a life lived in pride and cruelty?
- What does the trajectory from pride ('I will ascend,' v.13) to disgrace ('cast out,' v.19) teach about sin's consequences?
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Analysis & Commentary
'But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.' In stark contrast to v.18, the Babylonian king receives the opposite of honorable burial. 'Cast out of thy grave'—expelled, denied burial. 'Like an abominable branch' (nezer—can mean shoot/branch, here despised)—something disgusting, discarded. Three comparisons stress degradation:
This is total disgrace: unburied, unmourned, discarded, trampled.