Isaiah 14 31

Isaiah 14:31 kjv

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.

Isaiah 14:31 nkjv

Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! All you of Philistia are dissolved; For smoke will come from the north, And no one will be alone in his appointed times."

Isaiah 14:31 niv

Wail, you gate! Howl, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines! A cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there is not a straggler in its ranks.

Isaiah 14:31 esv

Wail, O gate; cry out, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you! For smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.

Isaiah 14:31 nlt

Wail at the gates! Weep in the cities!
Melt with fear, you Philistines!
A powerful army comes like smoke from the north.
Each soldier rushes forward eager to fight.

Isaiah 14 31 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Isaiah 14:29Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that struck you is broken...Isa 14:29
Isaiah 14:30And the poorest of the flock shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety...Isa 14:30
Jeremiah 47:1The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines...Jer 47:1
Jeremiah 47:5For the day of the Lord is coming when Gaza shall bebereft of its inhabitants...Jer 47:5
Amos 1:6Thus says the Lord: "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..."Amos 1:6
Amos 1:8"And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon..."Amos 1:8
Zephaniah 2:4For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon a desolation; Ashdod shall be driven out...Zeph 2:4
Zephaniah 2:7The coastline shall be pastures for sheep and folds for the flocks...Zeph 2:7
Revelation 21:4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more...Rev 21:4
Matthew 11:23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to heaven? You will be cast down to Hades!Matt 11:23
Psalm 76:2In Salem also is his tent, and his dwelling place in Zion.Ps 76:2
Psalm 50:2"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth."Ps 50:2
Joel 3:4"What do you mean by this, you who inhabit Tyre and Sidon and all the regions of Philistia?"Joel 3:4
Joel 3:7"Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them..."Joel 3:7
Isaiah 11:12And he will lift up a banner for the nations and will gather the outcasts of Israel...Isa 11:12
Isaiah 11:1Jesse's stump shall sprout.Isa 11:1
Isaiah 10:24Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: "O my people, who dwell in Zion, do not fear...Isa 10:24
Isaiah 10:25For in a very little while my indignation will cease, and my anger will be directed to their destruction."Isa 10:25
Psalm 37:37Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.Ps 37:37
Luke 1:70As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old—Luke 1:70

Isaiah 14 verses

Isaiah 14 31 Meaning

This verse is a prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment upon the Philistines, assuring their destruction and that the remnant of Judah will find refuge and security in God. It signifies the end of Philistine dominance and the establishment of Israel's security through divine intervention.

Isaiah 14 31 Context

This verse is the conclusion to a prophetic oracle directed against the Philistines. The preceding verses describe the "rod" of Assyrian oppression being broken, a rod that had severely afflicted Judah. However, that rod also severely oppressed Philistia. The oracle contrasts the destruction of the oppressor with the flourishing of the oppressed. This specific verse shifts to the ultimate fate of the Philistines themselves, predicting their utter desolation. It assures the remnant of Judah, scattered and oppressed, that they will be protected and will flourish, drawing a stark contrast between the fate of God's people and His enemies. Historically, the Philistines were a persistent threat to Israel, and this prophecy signifies a reversal of their fortunes, pointing to a future of peace and security for Judah under God's protection.

Isaiah 14 31 Word Analysis

  • And: Connects this verse to the preceding description of security.
  • from: Indicates origin or separation.
  • the north: Refers to the geographical direction from which threats or divine action often come in biblical prophecy. In this context, it can symbolize the ultimate source of judgment or even a restored, northern presence of God's people.
  • the serpent: This imagery often refers to the Philistines in their treachery and their ability to inflict sudden, venomous "bites" (oppression). Some interpretations link this "serpent" to the broader idea of serpent-like, insidious enemies of God's people throughout history, or even a future resurgence of evil.
  • fled: Implies escape and desperation in the face of overwhelming judgment.
  • and: Connects the flight of the serpent with the action of the remnant.
  • a serpent: (or "flying serpent") "Tannin" in Hebrew, which can mean sea monster, dragon, serpent, or crocodile. It carries connotations of chaos and monstrous power. Its presence here emphasizes the total annihilation of the Philistines.
  • a serpent: (or "sure-footed serpent" or "viper") The Hebrew here is open to interpretation and has been translated differently. Some see it as a different type of venomous snake, representing the specific menace of Philistia, which is now eradicated.
  • for ever: Denotes eternal destruction or cessation of their existence as a threat.

Isaiah 14 31 Bonus Section

The "serpent" imagery used in the prophetic language of the Old Testament often signifies hostile powers that oppose God's will and threaten His people. This specific phrasing in Isaiah 14:31 may be an allusion to the original serpent in Genesis, representing the pervasive nature of evil that God is ultimately working to defeat. The Philistines, as depicted here, embody this archetypal enemy whose destruction is a foretaste of the final victory over all opposition to God's kingdom. The assurance given to the "remnant" is a consistent theme throughout Isaiah, highlighting God's faithfulness to preserve a faithful few through times of judgment and deliverance.

Isaiah 14 31 Commentary

This verse solidifies the promise of deliverance for Judah. The defeat of Philistia, described with the potent imagery of a fleeing and vanishing serpent, signifies a profound shift in power. It underscores that no enemy, however formidable or persistent, can ultimately prevail against God's plan and His people. The scattering of Philistia allows the remnant of Judah to thrive, providing them with a secure place and freedom from oppression. The dual imagery of the serpent suggests a comprehensive judgment against Philistia's harmful nature, ensuring they can no longer threaten or wound God's people. The ultimate assurance is not just victory but lasting security and peace for the faithful remnant.