Isaiah 25:5
Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient warfare included psychological tactics—conquerors' 'noise' meant boastful threats designed to demoralize defenders (see Rabshakeh's speech in Isaiah 36:4-20). Assyrian and Babylonian inscriptions record kings' boasts of terror they inflicted. Isaiah promises this 'noise' will be silenced—God brings sudden 'shade' (relief/deliverance) just as clouds provide shade from desert heat. History confirmed this: Sennacherib's 185,000 troops destroyed in one night (Isaiah 37:36), Babylon's sudden fall (Daniel 5:30), Rome's eventual collapse. Every oppressive empire's 'noise' eventually falls silent before God's greater power.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'noise of strangers' (threatening voices, hostile ideologies) does God need to silence in your current circumstances?
- How does the image of God as 'shadow of a cloud' providing relief from oppressive heat comfort you in spiritual warfare?
- In what ways do you see the 'branch of the terrible ones' (proud oppressors and their legacy) being brought low today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers (שְׁאוֹן זָרִים תַּכְנִיעַ, she'on zarim takhnia)—The Hebrew שְׁאוֹן (she'on, noise) suggests tumult, uproar, boasting of invaders. זָרִים (zarim, strangers/foreigners) are those outside God's covenant. תַּכְנִיעַ (takhnia, bring down/humble) indicates forceful suppression of their arrogant clamor.
As the heat in a dry place (כְּחֹרֶב בְּצָיוֹן, kechorev betsayon)—Like oppressive heat in desert places that threatens life. Even the heat with the shadow of a cloud (חֹרֶב בְּצֵל־עָב, chorev betsel-av)—Just as a cloud's shadow brings relief from scorching sun, God's intervention silences oppressors' noise.
The branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low (זְמִיר עָרִיצִים יַעֲנֶה, zemir aritsim ya'aneh)—The זְמִיר (zemir, branch/song) of the ruthless will be humbled (יַעֲנֶה, ya'aneh). This might refer to their triumphal songs or their offspring ('branch' as descendants)—either way, their pride ends.