Isaiah 14 7

Isaiah 14:7 kjv

The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

Isaiah 14:7 nkjv

The whole earth is at rest and quiet; They break forth into singing.

Isaiah 14:7 niv

All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing.

Isaiah 14:7 esv

The whole earth is at rest and quiet; they break forth into singing.

Isaiah 14:7 nlt

But finally the earth is at rest and quiet.
Now it can sing again!

Isaiah 14 verses

Isaiah 14 7 meaning

Isaiah 14:7 proclaims a universal state of peace and joy following the anticipated downfall of Babylon, a notorious oppressor. The verse signifies that the world, once burdened and tormented by Babylonian rule, experiences a profound relief and an eruption of jubilant singing in response to its demise. It portrays a return to tranquility and a spontaneous outpouring of celebration from all creation liberated from tyranny.

Isaiah 14 7 Context

Isaiah 14 is part of a series of "Oracles against the Nations" (chapters 13-23). Specifically, this chapter presents a prophetic taunt against the King of Babylon (14:4-23). The previous verses detail the King of Babylon's arrogant ascent and his subsequent dramatic fall, emphasizing his ambition to exalt himself above God. Verse 7 occurs immediately after describing the universal mourning over Babylon's reign of terror and the shame brought upon its once glorious king. Therefore, it depicts the inverse: the worldwide joyous relief and tranquility that follow the end of such a oppressive, proud empire, which had brought terror and subjugation upon many peoples. Historically, Babylon was a superpower renowned for its military might and its conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, causing immense suffering and displacement. The prophecy thus addresses a deep-seated longing for liberation from this fearsome power.

Isaiah 14 7 Word analysis

• The whole earth: (כָּל־הָאָ֗רֶץ, kol-hā'āreṣ) This Hebrew phrase emphasizes universality. It refers not merely to the physical ground but to all inhabitants, nations, and territories that had groaned under Babylon's tyranny. The relief is global in scope.
• is at rest: (נָ֙חָה֙, nāḥāh) From the root meaning "to settle down," "to cease," or "to rest." It signifies a cessation of the restless turmoil, wars, tributes, and forced labor imposed by Babylon. It implies a deep repose, like a traveler finding a place to lie down after a strenuous journey.
• and is quiet: (שָׁקְטָ֤ה, šāqeṭāh) This word reinforces the concept of peace. It means "to be tranquil," "undisturbed," or "free from commotion." It contrasts sharply with the noise of war, the cries of the oppressed, and the incessant demands of the oppressor. It implies security and the absence of threats.
• they break forth: (פָּצְח֥וּ, pāṣəḥū) From the root "to burst open" or "to split." This vivid verb describes a sudden, unrestrained, and audible outburst. It implies that the joy is so immense it cannot be contained, naturally erupting from deep within the collective "earth."
• into singing: (רִנָּֽה, rinnāh) Refers to a loud cry of joy, exultation, or a triumphant song. It is not merely quiet contentment but a public, vibrant, and enthusiastic demonstration of jubilation. It suggests a festival-like celebration.
• "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet": This phrase-group is a poetic parallelism, using two complementary terms to intensify the depiction of profound tranquility. The "rest" speaks of an end to strenuous effort and burden, while "quiet" signifies the absence of noise, fear, and disturbance, creating a comprehensive picture of peace.
• "they break forth into singing": This phrase describes the dynamic transition from profound peace to boisterous celebration. The previous state of silent relief gives way to an audible and spontaneous eruption of joy, indicating not just an absence of evil but an active, positive rejoicing in the newfound freedom.

Isaiah 14 7 Bonus section

The anthropomorphic imagery of the "earth" resting, being quiet, and breaking forth into singing is common in biblical prophecy, reflecting a deeply intertwined relationship between humanity and creation, particularly in response to God's actions. This passage not only speaks of a historical fall of Babylon but also serves as an archetype, anticipating the final defeat of all tyrannical systems of oppression that resist God and oppress His people, culminating in the complete cosmic renewal where "the creation itself will be set free" (Rom 8:21) and the redeemed will indeed "return with singing" (Is 35:10). The quietness and singing thus foreshadow the complete restoration and ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.

Isaiah 14 7 Commentary

Isaiah 14:7 is a powerful prophetic declaration of the Lord's sovereignty over nations and His ultimate commitment to justice. It vividly portrays the universal sigh of relief and burst of joy that sweeps across the world once a proud, oppressive empire like Babylon is brought low. This joy is not a passive experience but an active "breaking forth into singing," symbolizing unbridled liberation and the end of prolonged suffering. The verse beautifully juxtaposes the profound stillness of "rest" and "quiet" that settles over the land—indicating freedom from conflict, fear, and forced labor—with the vibrant, audible "singing," showcasing the full spectrum of renewed life and exultation. This prophecy serves as a potent reminder that while human empires may rise in oppressive power, their duration is limited, and their end brings about divine justice and a season of refreshment for the afflicted, ultimately pointing towards the eternal peace and rest found only in God's everlasting kingdom.