Isaiah 2 13

Isaiah 2:13 kjv

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

Isaiah 2:13 nkjv

Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, And upon all the oaks of Bashan;

Isaiah 2:13 niv

for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan,

Isaiah 2:13 esv

against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan;

Isaiah 2:13 nlt

He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon
and all the mighty oaks of Bashan.

Isaiah 2 verses

Isaiah 2 13 Meaning

Isaiah 2:13, as part of the broader prophecy regarding the "Day of the Lord," declares that God's humbling judgment will extend even to the most magnificent and imposing symbols of natural strength and human pride. Specifically, it highlights the 'cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty,' and 'the oaks of Bashan,' which represent everything that humanity might rely on, boast about, or exalt, other than God. The verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty, showing that no height of human power, beauty, or security can withstand His divine reckoning.

Isaiah 2 13 Context

Isaiah chapter 2 begins with a glorious prophecy of the Lord's universal reign from Zion in the last days, where all nations will stream to Jerusalem, and warfare will cease (vv. 2-4). However, the immediate context following this vision transitions abruptly to Judah's present reality (vv. 5-8): their widespread idolatry, their accumulation of foreign riches, reliance on military might, and involvement in occult practices. This provokes divine judgment. Verse 13 is a part of the "Day of the Lord" declaration, starting in verse 12. This "Day" is a decisive moment when God will manifest His presence to judge sin and establish His holiness. The prophecy lists various exalted objects and human constructs (mountains, hills, towers, walls, ships, beautiful imagery) upon which the Lord's judgment will fall, all symbolizing human pride, self-reliance, and every form of exaltation that stands against God. Historically, Judah faced the growing Assyrian threat, which may have led them to seek security in alliances, wealth, and fortifications, rather than in God. This prophetic message serves as a severe warning against such trust and a call to humility before the sovereign God.

Isaiah 2 13 Word analysis

• and upon all: The Hebrew phrase וְעַל־כָּל (`ve-al-kol`) indicates an inclusive and comprehensive scope. The judgment of the Day of the Lord will fall universally, missing no element that symbolizes human pride or strength.
• the cedars: Hebrew: אֶרְזֵי (`'arzei`). These are the majestic, evergreen cedar trees, especially those found in the Lebanon region. Renowned for their enormous size, longevity, fragrant and durable wood, they were highly prized building materials (e.g., for Solomon's Temple). They symbolize strength, grandeur, power, stability, and wealth, often associated with royalty and imperial might.
• of Lebanon: Hebrew: הַלְּבָנוֹן (`ha-levanon`). A mountain range north of Israel, famous for its abundant, towering cedar forests. Lebanon represented the peak of natural magnificence and a source of materials for magnificent human achievements. Their intended felling signifies the dismantling of what is perceived as most enduring and impressive in the human sphere.
• tall and lofty: Hebrew: הָרָמִים וְהַנִּשָּׂאִים (`ha-ramim ve-ha-nissi'im`). `Ramim` means "high" or "exalted," and `nissi'im` means "lifted up" or "lofty." These adjectives literally describe the physical stature of the trees but primarily serve as a powerful metaphor for human pride, arrogance, and elevated status. This pairing explicitly connects the natural imagery to the spiritual condition of human haughtiness that is the primary target of God's judgment throughout this chapter (vv. 11, 17).
• and upon all the oaks: Hebrew: וְעַל כָּל־אַלּוֹנֵי (`ve-al kol-`allonei`). `Allonei` refers to strong, robust oak trees. Similar to the cedars, these trees represent strength and endurance, reiterating the universality of the judgment. The use of "all" again emphasizes totality.
• of Bashan: Hebrew: הַבָּשָׁן (`ha-bashan`). A fertile and prosperous region east of the Jordan River, known for its strong oak forests and fat cattle (a symbol of wealth). The oaks of Bashan further exemplify natural strength, abundance, and resilience, indicating that all aspects of human-derived prosperity and might will be subjected to the divine humbling.

• "upon all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty": This phrase encapsulates the very pinnacle of natural and humanly valued majesty. The "cedars of Lebanon" were a byword for grandeur and enduring strength, even employed in constructing the holiest parts of God's dwelling (1 Kgs 6). The descriptors "tall and lofty" reinforce both their physical prominence and their symbolic connection to human pride and self-exaltation. This points to a polemic against any entity or system, natural or human-made, that evokes undue human trust or boastfulness, implying that even the most impressive worldly achievements or natural phenomena will be diminished before God.
• "and upon all the oaks of Bashan": This extends the scope of judgment beyond the single iconic "cedar" to another formidable and widespread tree, the "oak." The inclusion of "Bashan" (a rich, strong region) solidifies the comprehensive nature of the humbling. The parallelism with "cedars of Lebanon" indicates that both the most towering and celebrated (cedars) and the most robust and fertile (oaks) forms of human pride and earthly security are in view. Together, these tree types represent the entire spectrum of human strength, resilience, prosperity, and self-sufficiency, which on the Day of the Lord, will be brought low to demonstrate that only the Lord is truly exalted.

Isaiah 2 13 Bonus section

The listing of cedars and oaks (vv. 13) along with high mountains and hills (v. 14), lofty towers and fortified walls (v. 15), and ships of Tarshish and delightful craft (v. 16) employs a literary device known as a merism (or a comprehensive list of specific types) to signify all-inclusiveness. By selecting peak examples across various categories—natural formations, man-made structures, and symbols of commerce/power—Isaiah powerfully conveys that absolutely everything humans pride themselves on or place their trust in, apart from God, will be brought low. This total sweep of judgment aims to humble humanity's spirit and redirect worship and trust solely to the Most High God, emphasizing that there is no safe haven or untouchable height outside of Him. The spiritual parallel is clear: anything that elevates itself against the knowledge of God will be subject to His divine reckoning.

Isaiah 2 13 Commentary

Isaiah 2:13 is a vivid metaphor illustrating the comprehensive scope of God's judgment on the "Day of the Lord." The "cedars of Lebanon" and "oaks of Bashan" were iconic symbols of strength, beauty, pride, and material wealth in the ancient world. They represent everything lofty that human beings depend on or take pride in apart from God – whether it be nations and their leaders, military might, economic prosperity, architectural marvels, natural beauty, or individual arrogance. By declaring that even these most formidable elements will be humbled, the prophet emphasizes the ultimate futility of trusting in anything other than the Almighty God. The intent is not merely destruction, but rather to reveal God's incomparable sovereignty, ensuring that "the Lord alone will be exalted" (Isa 2:11, 17). This divine act of leveling seeks to purify and prepare humanity to live in humility and absolute dependence on the true God, moving from reliance on visible strengths to unseen faith. It calls for a profound re-evaluation of what is truly great and enduring.