Isaiah 13:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 13:17 mean?

Isaiah 13:17 describes how God will bring the Medes against Babylon, and these invaders will not be interested in taking silver or gold as payment or plunder. Instead, the Medes will attack with a motive beyond greed, showing that Babylon’s wealth will not protect it from destruction.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to warn Babylon of coming judgment. The Medes, a group from the region that is now northwestern Iran, are identified as the instruments of this judgment. The verse highlights that the usual incentives of war—riches and valuables—will not sway the Medes, emphasizing the certainty and severity of Babylon’s downfall.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 13:17

• "up" (עִיר — ur): This word is often used for stirring up or arousing action. Here, it shows that God is actively causing the Medes to rise against Babylon, not just allowing it to happen.
• "regard" (חָשַׁב — chashav): This word carries the sense of considering or valuing something. The Medes will not "regard" silver, meaning they will not value or be tempted by it.
• "delight" (חָפֵץ — chafetz): This word means to take pleasure in or desire. The Medes will not "delight" in gold, stressing that their motivation is not material gain.

Why Isaiah 13:17 matters

• Isaiah 13:17 clarifies that Babylon’s wealth, which might have seemed a source of security, will be useless against the coming invaders.
• The verse highlights God’s control over historical events, showing that even powerful nations like Babylon are subject to His plans.
• This detail about the Medes’ lack of interest in riches sets the stage for the rest of the prophecy, emphasizing the completeness and inevitability of Babylon’s judgment.