Isaiah 25 5

Isaiah 25:5 kjv

Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

Isaiah 25:5 nkjv

You will reduce the noise of aliens, As heat in a dry place; As heat in the shadow of a cloud, The song of the terrible ones will be diminished.

Isaiah 25:5 niv

and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.

Isaiah 25:5 esv

like heat in a dry place. You subdue the noise of the foreigners; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is put down.

Isaiah 25:5 nlt

or like the relentless heat of the desert.
But you silence the roar of foreign nations.
As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat,
so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

Isaiah 25 verses

Isaiah 25 5 meaning

This verse declares God's divine action in humbling oppressive, prideful nations. It uses a powerful double simile comparing the overwhelming "noise" and "pride" of these foreign entities to the scorching, debilitating "heat in a dry place." Just as a "shadow of a cloud" brings relief and subdues such oppressive heat, so God actively quiets the hostile clamor and thoroughly diminishes the arrogance of those who stand against Him and His people. It speaks of divine judgment that brings cessation to opposition and downfall to those who exalt themselves.

Isaiah 25 5 Context

Isaiah 25:5 is situated within chapters 24-27, often termed Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse." This section focuses on a vision of universal judgment followed by God's glorious reign and the restoration of His people, culminating on Mount Zion. The preceding verses (25:1-4) celebrate God's victory over the city of chaos and the nations that oppressed Israel, praising Him as a refuge for the poor and needy. Verse 5 specifically elaborates on how God accomplishes this protection by dismantling the strength and arrogance of these "foreigners." Historically, these "foreigners" or "ruthless" nations likely represented empires like Assyria and Babylon that posed a constant threat to Judah. The verse offers assurance that even the most formidable and vociferous enemies will be subdued, demonstrating God's sovereign control over global powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Isaiah 25 5 Word analysis

• You subdue (תַּכְנִ֣יעַ - `takhni'a` - from root `kana'`) - The primary Hebrew verb used later for "brings low." Here, in relation to "noise," the original might be `taʼatzuph` (תָּזַח - subdue, still, quiet, silence) or implies `takhni'a` applies to the noise too by poetic extension. The core idea is of overcoming and bringing an end to an oppressive force. It denotes forceful suppression and reduction. God is the active agent in stopping their tumult.
• the noise (הֲמ֥וֹן - `hamon`) - This Hebrew word signifies a tumultuous multitude, a roaring throng, an uproar, or a loud commotion. It points to the chaotic, often aggressive, sound of a large assembly, indicative of the power and overwhelming presence of hostile foreign forces.
• of the foreigners (זָרִ֑ים - `zarim`) - Literally "strangers" or "outsiders." In prophetic context, this term often refers to nations outside of Israel who are hostile to God and His covenant people. They represent the gentile oppressors and ungodly powers of the world.
• as the heat in a dry place (כַּחֹ֥רֶב בְּצִ֖י - `kachorev betsi`) -
  • heat (חֹרֶב - `chorev`) - Denotes scorching, burning heat, a metaphor for something oppressive, destructive, or debilitating. It implies an overwhelming and persistent force.
  • dry place (צִ֖י - `tsi` / `tsiy`) - Refers to parched, arid land or a desert. It accentuates the intensity and relentlessness of the heat, a condition where relief is desperately needed and scarce.
  This simile highlights the oppressive, inescapable nature of the foreigners' clamor.
• as the heat by the shadow of a cloud (כְּחֹ֙רֶב֙ בְּצֵ֣ל עָ֔ב - `k'chorev betsel av`) -
  • heat (חֹרֶב - `chorev`) - Again, the oppressive scorching heat.
  • shadow (צֵ֣ל - `tsel`) - Signifies shade, protection, or refuge. It provides contrast and indicates a source of relief.
  • cloud (עָ֔ב - `av`) - A thick cloud. In a hot, dry climate, a cloud’s shadow offers precious and dramatic relief from the intense heat, bringing a profound change to the oppressive environment.
  This second part of the simile illustrates God’s method of subduing – He brings relief and diminishes the overwhelming oppression, much like a cloud dramatically reduces scorching heat. It speaks to divine, comforting intervention.
• so He brings low (תַּכְנִ֖יעַ - `takhni'a` - from root `kana'`) - This verb means to humble, subdue, bring low, prostrate, or make subservient. It strongly conveys the idea of an authority exercising power to reduce status, influence, or strength. It emphasizes God's direct, humbling action.
• the pride (גְּא֥וֹן - `ge'on` / `ga'on`) - Refers to majesty, loftiness, exaltation, and often, pride or arrogance, particularly of an overbearing and oppressive nature. This is the very essence of what drives the hostile foreigners. It is their self-exalting, defiant spirit.
• of the foreigners (זָרִֽים - `zarim`) - Reiteration of the target of God's action, emphasizing that their collective arrogance and self-sufficiency are precisely what God will dismantle.

Words-group analysis:

• You subdue the noise of the foreigners... so He brings low the pride of the foreigners: This parallelism shows two aspects of God's judgment: silencing their external threat (`noise`) and dismantling their internal arrogance (`pride`). The action shifts from "You" (God as speaker's immediate audience) to "He" (God's established power), confirming divine authorship.
• as the heat in a dry place; as the heat by the shadow of a cloud: The first phrase sets up the intensity of the oppression, comparing the hostile forces to unbearable, scorching heat. The second phrase provides the imagery of how that oppression is overcome, by the relief-giving "shadow of a cloud." This metaphor illustrates God as the provider of definitive relief, reducing intense affliction. It’s not about heat causing heat, but relief from overwhelming heat.

Isaiah 25 5 Bonus section

The "shadow of a cloud" imagery here links deeply with themes of divine presence and protection throughout Scripture. For example, during the Exodus, God Himself led Israel as a pillar of cloud by day, shielding them from the desert sun (Exo 13:21-22). This association reinforces the idea that God is the ultimate source of refuge and relief from hostile forces, embodying active, benevolent intervention. Furthermore, the specific focus on "pride" is a recurring biblical motif. Scripture consistently highlights that human arrogance (ga'on) is a foundational sin that provokes God's opposition, and its ultimate humbling is central to the establishment of His righteous kingdom. This verse serves as a declaration that all worldly power structures, when driven by self-exalting pride, are inherently vulnerable to God's decisive and transformative judgment.

Isaiah 25 5 Commentary

Isaiah 25:5 vividly portrays God's power over the world's oppressors. The "noise" of foreigners, representing their threats, tumult, and general disturbance, is presented as an overwhelming force akin to scorching, debilitating desert heat. This imagery underscores the pervasive and exhausting nature of their opposition. God's response is likened to the relief provided by a cloud's shadow, which dramatically lessens such intense heat. In this powerful comparison, God Himself acts as the cloud, bringing cessation and comfort. Furthermore, the verse specifies that it is the "pride" of these foreigners—their arrogance, self-exaltation, and defiance of God—that is targeted and utterly brought low. This signifies a profound judgment, not just on their actions, but on the very heart of their opposition, ensuring an ultimate victory for God and solace for His people. This theme reminds us that divine justice always brings an end to human arrogance and oppression, providing hope and a secure future under God's sovereignty.