Isaiah 14:7 - The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet. They break out in song.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 14:7

What does "Isaiah 14:7" mean?


Isaiah 14 is a song of taunt against the King of Babylon, a powerful and cruel oppressor. Isaiah 14:7, "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet. They break out in song," is a poetic expression of the relief and joy that will erupt across the earth when the King of Babylon is finally defeated and his reign of terror is over. Let's break it down:

"The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet": This describes the state of the world after the King of Babylon's oppressive rule has ended. The "rest" and "quiet" symbolize the cessation of war, violence, fear, and forced labor that the Babylonian empire inflicted on its conquered peoples. The earth is no longer groaning under the weight of his tyranny. It's a picture of peace and tranquility.

"They break out in song": This is a figurative expression of the widespread joy and celebration that will occur when the tyrant is removed. "They" refers to all those who were oppressed by Babylon: nations, peoples, and perhaps even the natural world (as seen in subsequent verses, like Isaiah 14:8, which speaks of trees rejoicing). Song symbolizes freedom, liberation, and thanksgiving. It's an emotional outpouring of relief after a long period of suffering.

In essence, the verse conveys the following message:

The King of Babylon's defeat will bring an end to a period of intense suffering and oppression.
The world will experience a profound sense of peace and relief.
The nations and people will express their joy and gratitude through celebratory singing.

Figurative Language:

It's important to understand that this is poetic and prophetic language. Isaiah is not suggesting a literal worldwide concert. Instead, he uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the widespread and intense joy that will follow the demise of the King of Babylon. The song is symbolic of the overall mood of jubilation and release.

Context is Crucial:

Reading the surrounding verses in Isaiah 14 is crucial to understanding the full meaning. The chapter details the King of Babylon's arrogance, cruelty, and eventual downfall. Understanding the context makes it clear that this verse is not about a general sense of peace, but specifically about the relief felt by those who were oppressed by a particular tyrannical ruler.

In conclusion, Isaiah 14:7 is a powerful expression of the relief and celebration that will follow the downfall of a tyrannical oppressor. It uses the imagery of rest, quiet, and song to convey the widespread joy and liberation that will be experienced by those who were previously under his dominion.

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