Isaiah 13:16

16 1Their infants will be dashed in pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.

Isaiah 13:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their
eyes
Upon the ground, or against the wall, as was foretold should be, ( Psalms 137:8 Psalms 137:9 ) and in way of retaliation for what they did to the Jews, ( 2 Chronicles 36:17 ) and this was to be done "before their eyes", in the sight of the inhabitants, which must make it the more distressing and afflicting; and, as Kimchi observes, this phrase is to be applied to the following clauses: their houses shall be spoiled;
plundered of the substance, wealth, and riches in them, by the Persian soldiers: and their wives ravished;
by the same, and both before their eyes, and after that slain, in like manner as they had ravished the women in Zion, ( Lamentations 5:11 ) .

Isaiah 13:16 In-Context

14 And like a hunted gazelle, or like sheep with none to gather them, each will turn to his own people, and each will flee to his own land.
15 Whoever is found will be thrust through, and whoever is caught will fall by the sword.
16 Their infants will be dashed in pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.
17 Behold, I am stirring up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold.
18 Their bows will slaughter the young men; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; their eyes will not pity children.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 137:9; Nahum 3:10
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.