Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

ISAIAH 13:2KJV
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Isaiah 13:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 13:2 mean?

Isaiah 13:2 describes a call to raise a banner on a high mountain, shout loudly, and wave a hand to signal people to enter the gates of the nobles. The verse uses the image of a public signal to gather or direct a group toward an important place, likely in preparation for a significant event.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking, delivering a message from God about coming judgment. The setting is a prophecy against Babylon, where God is summoning armies to carry out His purpose. The verse uses vivid actions—lifting a banner, raising a voice, shaking a hand—to show the urgency and clarity of the summons, emphasizing that this is a public and unmistakable call to action.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 13:2

  • "Banner" (נֵס, nēs): This word means a signal flag or standard, something lifted high to be seen from a distance. It shows that the message is meant for a wide audience and is not secretive.
  • "High" (שָׁפֵל, śāp̄el) and "mountain" (הַר, har): The "high mountain" is a place where a banner would be most visible, stressing the public and commanding nature of the call.
  • "Shake" (נוּף, nūp̄) and "hand" (יָד, yād): To "shake the hand" means to wave or gesture, reinforcing the idea of signaling or directing people clearly and energetically.

Why Isaiah 13:2 matters

  • Isaiah 13:2 shows that God’s message is not hidden or subtle; it is broadcast openly and urgently, leaving no room for doubt about what is being called for.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the coming judgment on Babylon, making clear that the gathering of armies is by God’s command.
  • The use of public signals—banner, loud voice, waving hand—emphasizes that this is a coordinated, deliberate action, not a random or chaotic event.

Where else these words appear

“high” Hebrew H8192 · used in 2 verses

  • Job 33:21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.

“banner” Hebrew H5251 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
  • Isaiah 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
  • Isaiah 62:10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

“nobles” Hebrew H5081 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,
  • Job 34:18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
  • Proverbs 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

“shake” Hebrew H5130 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
  • Leviticus 14:24 And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD:
  • Deuteronomy 27:5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.