I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

ISAIAH 13:3KJV
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Isaiah 13:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 13:3 mean?

Isaiah 13:3 presents God as the speaker who has summoned a force to carry out his anger against Babylon. The verse describes the fighters as belonging to his purpose and as rejoicing in his greatness.

After the signal to assemble in verse 2, God’s words explain who stands behind the gathering. “My mighty ones” pictures warriors ready for battle, while “my highness” points to the greatness in which they rejoice.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 13:3

  • “sanctified ones” — קָדַשׁ (qadash): The word carries the sense of setting apart for a special purpose. Here, the fighters are set apart for the task God has commanded.
  • “highness” — גַּאֲוָה (gaʾavah): The word can mean majesty or grandeur. Here, the KJV presents the fighters as rejoicing in God’s greatness.

Why Isaiah 13:3 matters

  • The verse identifies the gathering as an act of judgment, not merely a military campaign. God says he has called the warriors “for mine anger,” and the passage names Babylon as the target.
  • The fighters’ identity becomes clearer later in the passage. Isaiah 13:17 names the Medes among those stirred up against Babylon, connecting God’s summons with a people known to the first hearers.
  • The language of belonging describes the warriors’ role in the coming attack. God calls them “my sanctified ones” and “my mighty ones” because they have been summoned for his purpose.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H5947 · used in 7 verses

  • Isaiah 22:2 Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
  • Isaiah 24:8 The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
  • Zephaniah 2:15 This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

“highness” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 9:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,