Isaiah 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 5:14
14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 5 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, discipleship, covenant. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 5:14
14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Analysis
Sheol (the grave/realm of death) personified as having insatiable appetite—opening 'her mouth without measure'—depicts death's voracious consumption of Jerusalem's glory, pomp, and multitude. The imagery anticipates Proverbs 27:20 ('hell and destruction are never full') and Jesus' depiction of hell's finality (Matthew 25:46). Death's indiscriminate consumption of nobles and commoners alike demonstrates that apart from God, earthly distinction offers no protection from mortality.
Historical Context
Warfare, siege, and exile filled Sheol with Judean dead. The personification emphasizes death's terrifying power when divine protection is removed.
Reflection
- How does death's 'measureless' appetite underscore the urgency of the gospel?
- What 'pomp' and 'multitude' do we trust in that will ultimately descend to the grave?
Word Studies
- Glory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod) H1926 - Glory, weight, honor
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 14:9, 21:4, 30:33, Psalms 49:14, 55:15, Proverbs 27:20