Isaiah 14:21
Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern practice often included killing a defeated king's sons to prevent future rebellion or restoration. When Babylon fell (539 BC), the royal line indeed ended—Belshazzar died, no sons succeeded. The principle extends beyond one dynasty: throughout history, evil regimes' ends often include elimination of the former ruling family. This raises ethical questions but also theological ones: corporate solidarity means sin affects descendants; judgment sometimes requires breaking evil's intergenerational transmission. The ultimate hope is that Christ's line replaces all earthly dynasties—His kingdom has no end.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance corporate judgment (children affected by parents' sins) with individual responsibility before God?
- What does the termination of evil dynasties teach about God's commitment to ending—not just limiting—wickedness?
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Analysis & Commentary
'Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.' This is corporate judgment—children pay for fathers' sins. The command to 'prepare slaughter' (literally 'establish a slaughtering place') for the king's children is to prevent dynastic continuation. Three purposes:
This is dynasty termination: the line must end to prevent evil's perpetuation. Modern readers struggle with children suffering for fathers' sins, yet Scripture balances this with individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18) and recognizes that sin's consequences often affect descendants.