Isaiah Chapter 14 · Verse 6
He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.
Original Language Analysis
מַכֶּ֤ה
He who smote
H5221
מַכֶּ֤ה
He who smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 12
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
עַמִּים֙
the people
H5971
עַמִּים֙
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מַכַּ֖ת
stroke
H4347
מַכַּ֖ת
stroke
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
4 of 12
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
בִּלְתִּ֣י
with a continual
H1115
בִּלְתִּ֣י
with a continual
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
רֹדֶ֤ה
he that ruled
H7287
רֹדֶ֤ה
he that ruled
Strong's:
H7287
Word #:
7 of 12
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
בָאַף֙
in anger
H639
בָאַף֙
in anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
גּוֹיִ֔ם
the nations
H1471
גּוֹיִ֔ם
the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
9 of 12
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Historical Context
Babylonian inscriptions boast of brutal treatment of conquered peoples—mass deportations, tribute extraction, puppet rulers, rebellions brutally crushed. Nebuchadnezzar particularly was known for wrath against those who opposed him (see his treatment of Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:6-7). Yet Babylonian kings' end was ignominious: Nebuchadnezzar went mad (Daniel 4); Evil-Merodach was assassinated; Belshazzar killed the night Babylon fell (Daniel 5). The dynasty that persecuted nations was itself terminated. This pattern of divine retribution runs through Scripture and history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:7) apply to nations and individuals alike?
- What comfort does this verse provide to those currently suffering under oppressive authority?
Analysis & Commentary
'He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.' The king who struck others relentlessly ('continual stroke'—unceasing oppression) is now himself persecuted. This is divine reversal—the oppressor becomes the oppressed; the striker becomes the stricken. 'None hindereth'—no one stops his persecution, just as no one stopped his former persecution of others. This is lex talionis (law of retaliation) on a national scale: you receive what you gave. The ruler who governed in anger faces judgment without mercy. This warns all tyrants: the same ruthlessness you show will be shown to you, if not in this life, then in judgment.