Isaiah 14:5

5 The LORD has broken the ¹staff of the wicked, the ²scepter of rulers,

Isaiah 14:5 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 14:5

The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked
This is an answer to the above question, how the exactor and his tribute came to cease; this was not by man, but by the Lord himself; for though he made use of Cyrus, the work was his own, he broke the power of the wicked kings of Babylon: [and] the sceptre of the rulers;
that were under the king of Babylon; or of the several kings themselves, Nebuchadnezzar, Evilmerodach, and Belshazzar; so Kimchi interprets it. This may be applied to the kingdom of antichrist, and the antichristian states, which shall be broken to shivers as a potter's vessel by Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, ( Revelation 2:27 ) ( Revelation 19:15 Revelation 19:16 ) . The "staff" and "sceptre" are emblems of power and government; and "breaking" them signifies the utter destruction and cessation of authority and dominion.

Isaiah 14:5 In-Context

3 When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve,

4 you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: "How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased!

5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers,

6 that struck the peoples in wrath with unceasing blows, that ruled the nations in anger with unrelenting persecution.

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

Cross References

• 1. [Isaiah 9:4]
• 2. [Isaiah 9:4]