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Book of Isaiah
Chapter 14 

What is shown in Chapter 14 is the reason why Babylon must be overthrown and ruined . . . because God has mercy in store for His people. The injuries done to them must be reckoned with and revenge taken upon their persecutors. Mercy to Jacob will be utter wrath and ruin to Jacob's unrepentant heartless adversaries, such as Babylon was. The yoke of oppression which Babylon had long laid on their necks of Israel must be broken off, and they must be set at liberty . . . and to do this, the destruction of mystical Babylon is just as necessary as the destruction of ancient Babylon was to their deliverance out of that house of bondage. This same prophecy is a Promise to God's people and a frightening judgment to come to their enemies. This same prophecy has a bright side to Israel and a very dark side to their enemies.

THEME: The Millennial Kingdom established after the final destruction of Babylon; the origin of evil and its judgment; and the burden of Palestine.
This chapter is a continuation of the burden of Babylon which began in chapter 13. The burden of Babylon is actually a judgment on Babylon. Babylon was the first of several nations upon which the judgment of God was to fall. All of the nations to be judged had something to do with Israel . . . either by physical nearness or political involvement. There are some great topics at stake in chapter 14. The origin of evil, its result and its final removal from this Earth is the subject of this section.
Local situations and nations are the expression of these worldwide themes and eternal issues. This chapter looks at nations and the problems of life through a telescope rather than placing them under a microscope for inspection.
This chapter opens on a joyful note because of the final judgment of Babylon. The Millennial Kingdom will be established with all fears and dangers removed. Not one enemy of God or His people shall be there! The judgment here and elsewhere in this Book of Isaiah is explained. We will see here God's plan and purpose for the Earth.

This chapter is a mixture of light and darkness, changing from the ecstasy of the Millennial Kingdom to the horrid punishment of an eternal Hell. Satan and the problem of evil are brought before us. There is an extended section on the final destruction of Babylon. This chapter of great topics and strong contrasts closes with the insertion of the burden of Palestine, which was probably brought about by the sudden death of King Ahaz (2 Ki.16:19-20).

The Future Restoration of Israel and the Peace of the Kingdom (14:1-8)

Isaiah 14:1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. (KJV)

For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, will yet choose Israel . . . while the Jews were in captivity, it seemed that the Lord had no pity or compassion on them. It looked to Israel and the nations as if the Lord had rejected them, and completely cast them away . . . but by delivering them, He showed that He had a gracious and merciful regard to them, and made clear that they were His chosen people, and loved by Him. This is a reason why Babylon would be destroyed, and her destruction be no longer put off, because the Lord's Heart of compassion leaned towards His own people . . . so in reality, God’s mercy to the Jews brought ruin to others.
And set them in their own land . . . put them to rest in their own land, meaning not only their being settled and continuance, but welcomed rest and peace that they did not have in Babylon. It will be the same when mystical Babylon is destroyed (Rev.19:1-9).
And the stranger shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob . . . this seems to mean that those converted to the Jewish religion, should be admitted into their church as well as into their nation, and should stay faithful to the profession they made. A clear theme in Isaiah is that non-Israelites would join the returning Israelites (Isa.56:6-7; 60:10; 61:5). It seems that God's intention was that through His faithful people, all the world would be blessed (Gen.12:3), and through the family of David (Lk.3:23-32), the whole world could be saved by Christ Jesus (Jn.3:14-18; 1 Pet.1:18-19; 1 Jn.2:2).

*****This verse reaches down to the last days. God has said over and over again that the nation of Israel shall be restored to her land. As of today, this has not been fulfilled (Zec.12:2-4). When God does restore them to the land, Israel will not have any problems whatsoever with other nations. They will not have to turn to Russia or the United States or to the United Nations for help, because the Lord Jesus will reign there.
There are many people who say they believe that the Scriptures are true, but yet say that this Passage is not correct. Any time you deny Truth of Scriptures and the FACT that it is correct, you deny the Scriptures were given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. BEWARE!!!
One day Almighty God shall raise a flag among the nations for Israel to rally around. He will gather the scattered people of Judah from the ends of the earth. Israel restored: (Isa.11:12; 27:6; 43:5-7; 66:8; Jer.16:14-15; 23:3-8; 29:14; 30:3; 32:37; Eze.11:16-17; 20:41-42; 28:25-26; 34:12-14; 37:21-22; 39:25:29; Amos 9:11-15; Zec.8:4-8).

Isaiah 14:2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. (KJV)

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place . . . this has not yet been fulfilled. The people in this verse are Gentiles. The Gentiles are going to return the Jews to Palestine. Up to this point, the Gentiles have always hindered the Jews. Even Great Britain, when they had a order in the land, would not let the Jews return after World War II. But the Jews went in anyway, because they had to go somewhere. How the multitudes went to that land is a real tale of suffering. Russia is hindering the Jews from returning to Palestine. Other nations are not concerned about them either. There are Jews throughout the entire world, who are interested in helping their brethren return to the land, but Gentiles are not helping them. So this prophecy is not yet the fulfillment of Scriptures. The fulfillment lies out ahead . . . in the last days. This shall indeed come to pass! Gentiles shall indeed help Israel!
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. (KJV)
Isaiah 49:22-23 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. 23  And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. (KJV)
Isaiah 60:10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. (KJV)
Zec. 6:15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God. (KJV)

And the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the Lord, for servants and handmaids . . . by the land of the Lord is meant the land of Israel, which was exclusively His . . . for even though the whole Earth is His, yet He chose this above all others for the place of His worship, under the former dispensation; and where His Son, in the fulness of time (Gal.4;4), should appear in human form, preach the Gospel, perform miracles, and work out the salvation of His people; and where His Feet shall stand at the last days (Zec.14:4), when He comes to judge the world. This is the same as Immanuel's land (Isa.8:8). Many of the Chaldeans that came with the Jews, and having embraced their religion, chose to be servants and handmaids to them, rather than return to their own land . . . so they really were a kind of inheritance or possession to the Jews. Some say that the Jews bought these Chaldeans that came with them to be their servants (Isa.60:10-4; 61:5).  http://www.hisservants.org/israel_promised_land_h_s.htm
And they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors . . . the Babylonians, who had carried the Jews captive, would be taken captives by the Jews, and made slaves of . . . which would certainly be true if they bought them.

Isaiah 14:3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, (KJV)

And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow . . . in captivity, the Jews had no rest, for they were out of their own land, deprived of freedom of religion, and far from the house of God. There was continual reproaches and blaspheming by the enemy, and seeing their idolatrous practices and their ungodly lifestyle . . . all which must have created sorrow in the hearts of those who truly loved and worshipped God.
And from thy fear . . . of worse evils, of cruel treatment and death itself. Their lives of the Jews were in continual terror.
And from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve . . . as they had before in Egypt, it now was in Babylon. They were at the pleasure of their cruel lords and masters.
The Jews still have sorrow today, and they are still in fear. The nation is fearful. Even if things were settled, they would still be in fear. There is no rest from sorrow for them until God makes it right one day. Anti-Semitism is rampant in the world: (Ex.1:8-16; 3:9; 5:6-9; Ezra 4:1-8; Dan.3:8-23; 6:3-14; Acts 18:1-2; Neh.1:1-3; 4:2; Esther 3:1-6; Jer.30:16-17; Lk.13:1)

Isaiah 14:4 That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! (KJV)

That thou shall take up this proverb against the king of Babylon . . . concerning him, his fall, and the fall of the Babylon monarchy with him. If we understand this of any particular king of Babylon, it seems that it is Belshazzar, not Nebuchadnezzar. The Empire was at its greatest glory with Nebuchadnezzar: but it is with Belshazzar, in whom it ended. I think Babylon in this Passage, represents the great enemy in the last days who will be headquartered in mystical Babylon (Rome). I think that it represents all the enemies of Israel. Babylon was a confirmed hater of Israel, as many modern nations are today.
And say, How hath the oppressor ceased! . . . the king of Babylon who oppressed the Jews and other nations, demanded tribute (taxes) and made them serve with hard bondage. How is it, that he shall come to nothing? By what means shall he be brought to ruin? And by whom is it that this shall be accomplished? I feel sure that they were wondering how it should be brought about, and were greatly rejoicing that so it was so! How hath the oppressor ceased!  . . . this is spoken by way of surprise and triumph. Who would have thought this was possible?
The golden city ceased! . . . the golden city, as the people of Babylon used to call themselves.  
The city of Babylon was full of gold, drawn from the various parts of the world, called a golden cup (Jer.51:7), and the Babylon monarchy, in the times of Nebuchadnezzar, was symbolized by a gold head (Dan.2:32) . . . so too mystical Babylon (Rome), with the great whore decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, riding the scarlet coloured beast . . . the devil’s Antichrist (Rev.17:1-7).

Isaiah 14:5 The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. (KJV)

The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked . . . this is the answer to the above question of how the king and his tribute came to cease . . . this was NOT done by man, but by the Almighty Lord Himself. Even though the Lord used Cyrus, the work was His own. The Lord Himself severed the power of the wicked kings of Babylon.
And the sceptre of the rulers . . . Babylon, actually had several kings: Nebuchadnezzar (2 Ki.24:1, 10-11; Jer.27:20; Dan.1:1), Evilmerodach (2 Ki.25:27; Jer.52:31) and Belshazzar (Dan.ch.5). This can also be applied to the kingdom of Antichrist, and the anti-Christian states, which shall be broken to shivers as a potter's vessel by Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Rev.2:27; Ps.2:8-9). The sceptre and staff are symbols of power and government . . . breaking the scepter or staff means the utter destruction and end of authority and dominion.

Isaiah 14:6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. (KJV)

He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke . . . the king of Babylon, made war with the people and nations of the Earth, conquered them, smote them with the edge of the sword to gratify his passions, and satisfy his lust for blood . . . and those that were spared, he ruled with an iron hand, oppressing them with taxes and harsh slavery. He conquered one nation after another, pursuing his victories without a break, giving no rest either to his army, or to the people. Nebuchadnezzar was thebest known of the Babylon kings. His name is found about 60 times in the Bible, Evilmerodach’s name is found only twice, and Belshazzar’s name is found 8 times, and that only in Chapter 5 in the Book of Daniel.
He that ruled the nations in anger . . . the kings did NOT rule with justice and mercy, but in a cruel and oppressive way . . . even his own nation, as well as the nations that he subdued.
Is persecuted . . . is pursued by the justice of God, overtaken and seized, and brought to correct punishment. It is good to know that NO guilty one shall escape God’s wrath.
And none hindereth . . . no one tried to stop the righteous judgment on the king; none of the neighboring kings and nations, offered help of any hind to him. Punishment was given him, under the direction and appointment of God, by Cyrus the Persian. So too, the Antichrist that is to come, shall make war with the saints, and smite them with the sword. He too shall be rightly persecuted by the justice of Almighty God, taken and brought to his end, and there shall be NONE to help him (Rev.13:7). God always fulfills His Promises, be they good (blessings) or bad (judgment).

Isaiah 14:7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. (KJV)

The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet . . . the one who troubled them, now was gone; which will put the people of God at ease. It shall be so too, in the last days when all shall be at rest, when the beast and false prophet will be taken and cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev.19:20), and especially when Satan shall be bound, and put in prison for a thousand years (Rev.20:2), that he may deceive the nations no more in that time period.
They break forth into singing . . . meaning the inhabitants of the Earth, because of the fall of the king of Babylon, they being delivered from such great oppression. There shall also be joyful singing when mystical Babylon is fallen (Rev.18:2).

Isaiah 14:8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us. (KJV)

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon . . . the trees are represented as rejoicing, as different forms of nature often are in Scriptures (1 Chron.16:31; Ps.96:11-13;  97:1;  98:4, 7-8; Isa.44:23; 49:13; Zec.4:10; Rev.11:10; 12:12).    
These trees are now in no danger of being cut down, to make way for his armies (Isa.37:34), or to furnish him with timber for shipping, or building of houses. So too will the kings of the earth rejoice at the destruction of the whore of Rome, when they shall hate her, eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; while others, that have committed fornication with her, will lament that she is gone (Rev.17:16).
Saying, since thou art, laid down . . . are asleep (dead); this being usual in the eastern nations to express death by sleep.
No feller is come up against us . . . feller is a cutter of wood, to whom the king of Babylon is compared, for cutting down nations, and bringing them into subjection to him. It was in his heart to destroy and cut off nations, and not just a few. But now the axe is in the Hand of the Lord, whereby trees, large and high, were cut down (Eze.31:16; Zec.11:2), but now, since this feller of trees was gone, the axe was laid aside, there was none to give the nations any trouble . . . so too it will be when the Antichrist is destroyed. There will be NO more persecution of the church and people of God.

The Scene Changes From Earth to Hell
The Final Ruler of the World Cast into Sheol
(14:9-11)

Isaiah 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (KJV)

Hell from beneath is moved for thee . . . Hell from beneath is Sheol or Hades. It is the place and state of the dead, and mainly of the damned (the wicked condemned by God, Jn.3:17-20). The sense is, that not only the inhabitants of the Earth and the trees upon it, express their joy at the fall of the king of Babylon, but also those that are under the earth, in the grave, or in Hades . . . are affected by it, and moved because of it . . . not with fear and dread, as they were in their life time, but they are represented as in motion that was attended with a great noise, because of the multitude of them, upon hearing of his death, and his entrance into the regions of the dead. See articles on Hell: http://www.hisservants.org/hell_h_s.htm
To meet thee at thy coming . . . just as kings were met when they entered into any city that was taken, to salute him, and congratulate him upon his entrance . . . so too, it seems that Hell (Hades) would meet the king when he came.  
It stirreth up the dead for thee . . . the dead that are in it, in Hell (Hades) or the grave, will welcome him into their parts, as now being one of them. This seems to say that Hell or the grave, is said to rouse them there, as if they were asleep, and to take notice of the death of so great a ruler, who was now making his entry among them.
Even all the chief ones of the earth . . . or the great goats (Mat.25:32-33); the leaders and commanders of the people. One says all the rich in substance, meaning persons of wealth, power and authority, when on Earth.
It hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations . . . offering in a scornful manner their thrones to him . . . those who had been forced, in their life time and his, to surrender to him their crowns and kingdoms. Raised up from their thrones could also mean to stand in eager expectation of what was about to happen.

*****To my knowledge, there is NO one yet in the permanent Hell (the lake of fire). http://www.hisservants.org/hell_the_lake_of%20fire.htm
All the condemned (wicked) are in the temporary holding place awaiting Judgment Day. 
http://www.hisservants.org/hell_hades.htm
Hell from beneath. The Hebrew Sheol agrees to the Greek Hades. This is a dismal region, somewhere in the center of the Earth (Lk.16:23), where departed souls descend, and where they remain until Judgment Day, when they shall be sentenced to the eternal place of the dead (the lake of fire Rev.20:15). The prophet Isaiah here represents Sheol or Hades as being stirred up by the death of the Babylonian monarch, and as rousing itself to receive him.

The great ones of the Earth, and the kings seem to be seen as kings even in Hades, and sit upon thrones, are especially moved by the occasion, and prepare to meet and greet their brother. Personal identity and awareness after death are presumed. IF the former earthly rank of the inmates is recognized, it seems to me that Hell has different compartments, and prisoners are segregated, not by rank but according to their works (Pro. 24:12; Jer.25:14; 2 Tim.4:14; Rev.2:23; 18:6; 20:12-13). I believe that there will be degrees of rewards for the believer just as there will be degrees of punishment for the unbeliever. Not everyone will receive the same reward in Heaven, and not everyone will receive the same punishment in Hell. God is NOT the Author of confusion (1 Cor.14:33), ALL things shall be done RIGHT! Degrees of rewards and punishment: (Ps.62:12; Mat.5:11-12; 10:41-42; 16:27; Lk.7:41-47;12:43-48; Gal.6:7-8; 1 Cor.3:8,12-15; Heb.6:10; 10:35; 1 Pet.5:4; 2 Jn.1:8; Rev.2:23; 3:11; 22:12).

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee . . . what a terrible idea is seen here! Cruel kings who have oppressed and spoiled mankind, are here represented as enthroned in Hell; and as taking an evil pleasure in seeing others of the same description enter their homes of misery!

Isaiah 14:10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? (KJV)

All they shall speak, and say unto thee . . . those in Hell would say, IF they could they speak . . . and they are here represented as if they did speak. This is a strange section of Scripture.
Art thou become also weak as we? . . . the king of Babylon had been more powerful than any of them, had subdued them, and ruled over them, and was not only looked upon as unconquerable but so well-known, he was almost as a god . . . yet now had died, and death rendered him weak and without strength, stripped of all natural strength, as well as of all civil power and authority. No matter how powerful anyone is, DEATH takes away all their strength and authority!
Art thou become like unto us? . . . Nebuchadnezzar thought himself to be A#1 (Dan.3:1-7) . . . and was praised and adored by others, and that there were no one like him. But now, he was just like the rest of the dead, and on the same level with them. So too, shall it be with the Roman Antichrist, who will one day exalt himself above all that is called god, and reign over the kings of the earth, showing himself as if he really were God (2 Thes.2:4), and they who worship him say, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? (Rev.13:4). But . . . one day, he shall be consumed by Christ, and cast into the lake of fire with the devil and false prophet (Rev.20:10).  

Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (KJV)

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave . . . or Hell . . . all the state and majesty in which he appeared when sitting on the throne of his earthly kingdom, with a glittering crown on his head, a scepter in his hand, clothed in the richest apparel, and attended by his princes and nobles with the utmost reverence and submission; all this, with much more, would NOT follow him to the regions of the dead. You cannot take it with you! Psalm 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. (KJV)
And the noise of thy viols . . . musical instruments, all of them, one being put for all of them . . . these were used at festivals, and at times of joy and rejoicing, of which the Babylonians had many, and most likely were used at the feast by Belshazzar (Dan.5), when Babylon was taken, and he was slain. This can be compared to the future (Rev.18), where mystical Babylon falls.
The worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee . . . the kings were used to having rich carpets spread for him to tread upon, and stately canopies under which they sat, soft, comfortable beds of down to lie upon, and the richest covering over them . . . but when they die . . . there was nothing but worms over him, and worms under him (Job 21:26).

*****In Hades, the unseen place of the dead . . . where many of its occupants were once mighty rulers (Mat.19:23-24), are represented by them rising from up in surprise at the arrival of the humbled king of Babylon. This proves that the Jews did believe that a Sheol or Hades did exist.

The Origin of Satan and Evil
(14:12-17)

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (KJV)

How art thou fallen from heaven . . . this is not to be understood of the fall of Satan, and the apostate angels, from their first estate, when they were cast down from heaven to hell, although there may be an allusion to it (Lk.10:18). but the words are a continuation of the speech of the dead to the king of Babylon, wondering at it, as a thing almost incredible, that he who seemed to be so established on the throne of his kingdom, which was his heaven, that he should be deposed or fall from it. So the destruction of the Roman Pagan emperors is signified by the casting out of the dragon and his angels from Heaven (Rev.12:7), and in like manner the Roman Antichrist, will fall from his heaven of outward splendor and happiness, of honor and authority, which shall be possessed by him.
O Lucifer, son of the morning! . . . Lucifer is Satan. Lucifer (Eze.28), is the highest creature that God ever created . . . but he was a Judas . . . he turned his back on God. He set his will over God's will. The Lord Jesus said: Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (KJV) . . . The apostle John said: 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (KJV) . . . It was for this reason that the Son of God came, to destroy the works of the devil. Revelation 12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (KJV) . . . This is a picture of Lucifer at the very start. He was always no good! Son of the morning . . . refers to the morning star, which ushers in the light of the morning, and shows that day is at hand. Lucifer was once an angel of light, and sometimes he transforms himself into one. 2 Cor. 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (KJV) . . . This is why we must BEWARE!!!
How art thou cut down to the ground . . . Lucifer was like a tall tree that is cut down, and laid on the ground, and can never rise and flourish any more, to which sometimes great monarchs and monarchies are compared (Ps.37:35; Eze.17:24; 31:8, 14; Dan.4:10-12, 29).
Isaiah 10:17-19 states that the king of Babylon would not die a natural death, but a very violent one, just as king Belshazzar did (Dan.5:31), when the Babylon monarchy fell, and never rose again. This too, represents the sudden, violent, and irrecoverable ruin of the Roman Antichrist (Rev.18:21).
Which didst weaken the nations! . . . the kings of Babylon, by subduing and taking cities and towns, plundering the inhabitants of their substance, carrying them captive, and/or forcing them to a yearly tax, certainly means that he weakened them, and kept them under his thumb. So too, the Roman Antichrist shall gain power over many nations of the Earth, and shall reign over the kings of it . . . and by many different ways shall drain them of their wealth and riches, and shall severely weaken them. The kings of the Earth in the Great Tribulation shall give themselves over to the beast (Rev.17:12-13).

Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (KJV)

For thou hast said in thine heart . . . this shows the pride and arrogance that were in Satan’s heart. They were the cause of his fall, for pride goeth before a fall (Pro.16:18). Pride was the cause of the fall of angels, and of Adam, and of countless kings and kingdoms. Pride will also be the fall of mystical Babylon (Rome, Rev.18:16-19) in the Great Tribulation.
I will ascend into heaven . . . be above all men, rule over the whole world; one version states: I will ascend on high . . . meaningwhere Jehovah, Almighty God dwelt (a symbol of Heaven). This will be just like the Antichrist, as he sits in the Temple of God, as if he were God (2 Thes. 2:4; Rev.13). The abomination of desolation: (Dan.9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mat.24:15; Mk.13:14).  
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . which God alone has made and set in the heavens, and preserves. Some say this means either the angels (Job 38:7), another says it means the kings and princes of the Earth, over whom Satan has placed himself, having subdued them.
It may be applied to papal persons and bishops of churches, compared to stars (Rev.1:20), the third part of which the dragon drew with his tail (Rev.12:4), and over whom the bishop of Rome has seized universal dominion. One version states: over the people of God I will put the throne of my kingdom . . . which is especially true of the man of sin (2 Thes.2:3).
I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north . . . some think this is in the Temple where the tribes of Israel gathered for worship, which was built upon Mount Zion which lay north of Jerusalem (Ps.48:2), for so the tabernacle is often called the tabernacle of the congregation. Some think the last clause refers to the north side of the altar, in the court, where the sacrifice was killed (Lev.1:11), and may point to the seat of the Roman Antichrist, and the priestly power seized by him, to offer sacrifice for the sins of men.

Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (KJV)

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds . . . one version says: I will ascend above all people. The clouds are the chariots of God in which He rides. Psalm 104:3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: (KJV)
I will be like the most High . . . so Satan claimed to be, this being the bait he laid for Adam and Eve, and by which they were taken. And nothing less than deity could satisfy some ambitious princes, such as the Roman Emperors and others. This was what the Babylon monarch sought after, and ordered to be ascribed to him, and to be regarded as such (Dan.3).  
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_daniel_ch3.htm
So too, shall the Antichrist be represented as showing himself to be God. 2 Thes. 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (KJV) . . . He shall assume
all power in Heaven and in Earth; taking upon himself to overthrow kings and dispose of kingdoms at his pleasure; cancelling the laws of God, and making new ones; releasing men from their oaths to God, pardoning their sins, setting himself up as reliable, and as the sole interpreter of Scripture, and judge of all arguments. The Targum says: I will be higher than them all; than the kings of the earth, and all other bishops. We are speeding to this time!
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_signs_one_world_religion.html
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_ec_one_world_government.1.htm

 *****There are five I wills of Lucifer. He set his will over against the will of God. This sin started it all . . . it simply advances wickedness. It began by a creature setting his will against the will of God. Since the creature is a free moral agent, God allows it. It is ridiculous to say that a creature has a free moral will, who can do anything he wants to, but is restricted in certain area. Lucifer had a free will, and so do we. Be careful how you use it!

This is man's original sin: Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (KJV) . . . Anything that is contrary to the character and will of God is sin, no matter what it is. Consider some little bitty prideful creature who says to God, I am going to do it my way, and you can’t make me change my mind nor stop me. That is exactly what is happening today. My friend, you may do things your way now, but in the end . . . God's will SHALL prevail! Count on it!

The sin of Satan was arrogant pride. He was given a free moral will . . . he could choose what he wanted. But . . . he was lifted up so high by pride that he set his will against the will of God. Satan did not want to be different from God; he wanted to be God. He put his will above the will of God, and any creature who does that puts himself in the place of God.

There are millions of people like Lucifer today. They put their wills above the will of God and take His place. No one is going to tell them how to live. That is what sin is all about! There are only two ways to live in this world: God's way and your way. That is what the Lord Jesus meant when He said: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) . . . You are living in God's Universe today. He never sends you a bill for air you breathe, or the sunshine you enjoy. He simply wants you to obey Him. If you do obey Him, He will bless you in this life, and give you eternal life in Heaven. If you refuse to obey Him, He has no other option than to lower the boom on you on Judgment Day, and condemn you to Hell (Rev.20:15). It is YOUR choice!

Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (KJV)

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell . . . all wicked rulers will be brought down to hell, which is a very low and miserable condition . . . instead of ascending to Heaven . . . they shall go to the lake of fire (Rev.20:15). And too, this will be true of the coming Antichrist, when the beast and false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev.19:20).
To the sides of the pit . . . instead of being on the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north. The Targum says: to the ends of the lake of the house of perdition; or the place of everlasting destruction. For articles on Hell:  http://www.hisservants.org/hell_h_s.htm   

Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (KJV)

They that see thee . . . these are the supposed words of the dead, speaking of the living, who when they would see the carcass of the king of Babylon lying on the ground.
Shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee . . . whether it is he or not, not knowing at first if it was him, because the change is so great; he that had just been on his throne of glory, with all the emblems of majesty about him, and on him, is now cast to the earth, deprived of life, covered with blood, and so disfigured that he was scarcely known. This is said to express the great change made in him . . . in his state of glory verses his condition when killed.
Saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble . . . hardly believing what they saw, and wondering at the sudden and strange change, and yet in a very insulting manner.
That did shake kingdoms . . . overthrow their kings, and set up others; alter their constitution, change their form of government, and added their kingdoms to his own.

Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (KJV)

That made the world as a wilderness . . . by destroying the inhabitants of it, and by laying waste cities, towns, villages, fields, vineyards, gardens, and all places improved and cultivated, where ever he came.
And destroyed the cities thereof . . . just as the Assyrian kings had done, some of which are mentioned in Isaiah 10:9.
That opened not the house of his prisoners . . . the prison house, in which they were held, or that he opened not the gate to his prisoners that they might go home. He not only cruelly and inhumanly put many to the sword, but the ones that surrendered, were taken captives, and held in prison, and he would not loosen their bonds, but let them die there.

*****Who are the Medes? Media and Persia became a dual nation and a mighty empire that conquered Babylon. Isaiah is speaking of that which was going to take place in the immediate future. He identifies those who will destroy Babylon: the Medes. Does this also refer to the destruction of future Babylon? Only God knows.
Media was a country east of Assyria, whose people came from Madai, son of Japheth (Gen.10:2). Media extended from Armenia on the north by the Caspian Sea and Persia on the south. It was one of the most fertile regions in Asia. Media was early conquered by Assyria who held control over it for 520 years. It was in the time of Tiglath-pileser and Shalmaneser (during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah), that the Medes rebelled; and when the Assyrian army of Sennacherib was destroyed by the angel in the days of Hezekiah (Isa.37:36-38), they gained complete independence. So, at the time of Isaiah's prophecy of Medes overthrowing Babylon (Isa.13:17-18; 21:2), such a thing was impossible, for Media was simply a province of Assyria, and Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar was yet to attain to its greatness. The Medes, after gaining independence from Assyria, conquered the Persians and all upper Asia, uniting them to their kingdom. By the help of Babylon, they finally conquered Nineveh, and Assyria became a province of Media. Later, the Medo-Persian empire became the fourth great power in the times of the Gentiles to oppress Israel, the second empire of the prophecies of Daniel (Dan2:38-44; 7:4-5; 8:20-25; 11:1-5).

The Kurds of today are known as the Medes in the Bible. Bible prophecy states that God will raise up the Medes (the Kurdish people), to be an instrument of judgment against Babylon.

Isaiah 13:17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. (KJV) . . . God would stir up the Medes against Babylon.
Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. (KJV) . . . The LORD aroused the kings of the Medes, because His purpose against Babylon is to destroy it. The vengeance of the Lord .
Jeremiah 51:28-29 Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. 29  And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. (KJV)  

The kings of the Medes, and all under them were set apart by the LORD to go against Babylon, and every land of their dominion, so that the land shakes and thrashes about, for the purpose of the Lord against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon desolate without any inhabitants.

How will these Biblical prophecies come to pass in the future Babylon? Only the LORD knows the answer to this. It is far too early to say anything for certain, but after studying prophecies, I think it is wise to consider the following:

• Hatred of the Kurds/Medes against the Arabs, and the other way around, grows steadily.
• The Kurds/Medes and the Arabs continue struggling to control the oil resources that will make either or both of them enormously wealthy and powerful in the last days.
• The Kurds/Medes are, bit by bit, are forming their own nation, and possibly their own country.
• The Kurds/Medes are developing an increasingly effective military force that is well able to overpower the Iraqi Arabs at times. 

There are a growing number of truly born again Christians living in Kurdistan, including many MBBs, Muslim Background Believers. Please pray that they would boldly preach the Gospel, and be able to make many disciples, and help the believers to grow deep in their faith in Christ, especially amidst all the chaos and carnage they experience. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurds
http://time.com/3974399/turkey-kurds-isis/ 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/feb99/kurdprofile.htm

Three Symbols of Medo-Persia:
1. Breast and arms of silver (Dan.2).
2. The bear (Dan.7:5).
3. The ram (Dan.8:3-4, 20).

God will one day judge Satan, and that judgment will be the most severe. Satan is finally going to be cast into the lake of fire which was prepared for him. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV) . . . Hell awaits everyone who goes along with the devil.

The Future Rebellion of Babylon
(14:18-25)

Isaiah 14:18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. (KJV)

All the kings of the nations . . . other nations, besides those he ruled, and even of those whom he had subdued.
Even all of them lie in glory . . . all these glorious kings died, and were in rich tombs and stately monuments, erected to honor them. They all sleep (are dead) with their fathers, their ancestors, and are in the state of the dead (Lk.16:22-26), where they will stay until the resurrection (Dan.12:2; Mat.25:46; Jn.5:28-29; Rev.20:13-15).  
Everyone in his own house . . . or grave (Job 30:24). The grave is NOT the permanent dwelling place for anyone, as so many people incorrectly think! ALL people shall be resurrected one day to face JUDGMENT!
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (KJV) http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_daniel_ch12.htm  
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV)  http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch25.htm
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch5.html

ALL people shall stand on Judgment Day before the Great Judge. There is NO way anyone can avoid this!  http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_what_happens_to_souls.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_would_god_send_me_to.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_no_exit_doors.html
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_soul_is_eternal.htm
Judgment Day IS coming: . . . . . . .http://www.judgmentcoming.org/judgment_day.htm

Lie in glory this verse means to sleep (lie dead) in honor of his own burial house or tomb, but dear one, the Antichrist shall NOT be put in a grave . . . and the same goes for the devil!!! Rev.19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (KJV) Rev. 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (KJV)

Verses 17-19 are the only verses of the Passage that had an immediate fulfillment concerning Babylon. Here we have the description of the Medes who conquered Babylon under Darius and Cyrus (Isa.21:2; 44:28; 45:11; Jer.51:11; Dan.5:25-31) . . . what shows an immediate fulfillment of the prophecy is that the invaders are named. Otherwise this would be understood as referring to the future day of the Lord.  

Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. (KJV)

But thou art cast out of thy grave . . . or cast from thy grave or burying place; which most likely happened to Belshazzar, who was killed at night (Dan.5:30), when his people had neither the chance nor heart to give him an honorable burial, and the conquerors certainly would not do it.
Like an abominable branch . . . cast away like a useless or rotten twig, which he that prunes the trees, cuts off and throws away with disgust, and lets it lie rotting away on the ground.
And as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword . . . the clothes, being cut and mangled, muddy and covered with blood, was cast away with contempt, and thought to be an unclean thing.
That go down to the stones of the pit . . . which persons when killed, they together with their clothes, were cast into some pit. Isaiah says, to the stones of the pit, into which dead bodies after a battle are usually thrown, and which have often stones at the bottom; and into which being thrown in, stones are also thrown over them.
As a carcass trodden under feet . . . which is often the case of those that fall in battle; and most likely was the case of Belshazzar, when killed by the Chaldeans, whose body in the uproar might be neglected and trodden upon, and afterwards have no other burial than that of a common soldier in a pit . . . and instead of having a stately monument erected over him, as kings used to have, had nothing but a heap of stones thrown upon him.

*****This prophecy has been fulfilled. Babylon was the greatest kingdom that has ever existed upon this Earth. The Macedonian Empire was great; the Egyptian Empire was great, as was the Roman Empire. At one time Great Britain could have been named a great nation, but I don't think anything can compare to the glory of Babylon. God's Word calls it the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, and that excellency God overthrew, just as He did Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen.19). All you have to do is to look at the ruins of ancient Babylon to know that that has happened.
Babylon was a great city that was never rebuilt. Other great cities have been rebuilt. This is especially true of Jerusalem. Rome was destroyed and rebuilt. Cities in Germany were bombed out . . . absolutely wiped out . . . and were rebuilt. Frankfurt, Germany, was leveled, and it arose out of the ashes to a great city. But Babylon did NOT arise, because God said that it would NOT. God also said that it would never again be inhabited, and it has NOT! Babylon represents disobedience and confusion (Gen.11:1-9). The future Babylon (Rome) will be a great commercial center, a great religious center, a great political center and a power center.

Isaiah 14:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. (KJV)

Thou shall not be joined with them in burial . . . means that he would not be buried in like manner, be embalmed as they had been, or have fragrances burned for him, or lie in such state and pomp and splendor, or have a fancy, rich monument erected over him.
Because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people . . . because he had used great cruelty and oppression, not only to his enemies, but even to his own subjects; which it is more than likely Belshazzar did, and it is certain that his parents and predecessors had done, whose sins added fuel to the fire, to bring down God's judgments upon that empire.
The seed of evil-doers . . . such as Belshazzar was, being descended from that Nebuchadnezzar who had done such cruel massacres and destructions in the world, simply to satisfy his own ravenous lusts, and who had been so disrespectful towards God and His Temple (Dan.5:2), and so deadly towards His priests and people.
Shall never be renowned . . . not for ever, and their memory shall not be spoken of with respect; such was the seed of evildoers were Belshazzar and his family, who descended from Nebuchadnezzar and Evilmerodach (Jer.52:31), and were at once forgotten at death.

*****The kings of Babylon, one after the other, were great enemies and oppressors of God's people, and therefore the destruction of Babylon, the fall of the king, and the ruin of his family, are here especially taken notice of and triumphed here. In that day, God gave Israel rest. But one day in the future, mystical Babylon, the common enemy of God and His people shall fall, and again, Israel and all God’s children (Gal.3:26-29), shall rejoice over her fall (Rev.18:20-21). The coming Babylon monarchy will try to be an absolute, universal and perpetual one, and in doing this, shall compete with Almighty God (Rev.13) . . . it is therefore only just and right, not only that mystical Babylon, and its king (Antichrist) be brought down, but harshly insulted when it is down. It was not only the last monarch, Belshazzar, who was slain on that night that Babylon was taken (Dan.5:30), who was here triumphed over, but the whole monarchy, which sunk in him . . . so too it shall be in the last days with the utter fall of the Antichrist and his Babylon.

Isaiah 14:21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. (KJV)

Prepare slaughter for his children . . . O ye Medes and Persians, cut off all the branches of the royal family of Babylon.
For the iniquity of their fathers . . . the sins of the fathers kept on with their children, so ALL are rightly involved, and which makes them for the most part bear a share with them, as in their rewards and advantages, so too in their punishments and miseries. The children imitating and following the fathers in their sins, partaking of them, filled up the measure of their iniquities. BEWARE of: Sin, piling up: (Isa.30:1; Rom.2:5; 2Tim.3:13; Jam.5:3). The Lord is extremely patient, but He will tolerate just so much before He lowers the boom!
That they do not rise, nor possess the land . . . will not recover their former splendor and power.
Nor fill the face of the world with cities . . . cities erected by them, either as instruments of oppression, to keep the country in slavery, or as monuments of their power and riches, as Babylon was (Dan.4:30).

Isaiah 14:22 For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. (KJV)

For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of hosts . . . against the children of the Babylon monarch, and they shall not rise and possess the Earth, nor disturb it, for He who is the Lord of armies in Heaven and Earth (Isa.13:4, 13), has all power in both worlds, and has everything at His beck and call. He will rise up those who seemed to be asleep, and unconcerned about the affairs of this world, and will set Himself against them, and exert His power in their destruction. It will also be so in the last days with the Antichrist and his Babylon!
And cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant . . . cut off from Babylon the king and the inhabitants of it. The name and remnant . . . the name, not of the city, which is mentioned long after, and still is; but of the king and his family.  
And son, and nephew, saith the LORD . . . one version says his son, and son's son, another says the whole family was destroyed with Belshazzar, after whom none of that race was ever heard of any more.

Isaiah 14:23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

I will also make it a possession for the bittern . . . the bittern is a big water bird, which when thrusting its bill into a broken reed, or hollow thing, makes a great noise. It loves solitary places, also wet marshy grounds, such as those that were around Babylon. Others render the word hedge-hog, or porcupine; but this does not fit, because of the next phrase.
And pools of water . . . the ground about Babylon was very soggy and watery, because of the great river Euphrates running by it, which was kept from overflowing the country with care and labor; which if neglected, the city would easily be turned into pools of water. So when Babylon was utterly destroyed and all the people gone, Babylon did become pools of water.
Almighty God made Babylon a possession for the bittern, whatever kind of creature that is, the idea is to show that Babylon would not be inhabited by men, but by birds or beasts of prey, or harmful animals . . . and so mystical Babylon is said to be a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev.18:2). For the fall of Belshazzar and Babylon, see Daniel 5:30-31.
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_daniel_ch5.htm

Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: (KJV)

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying . . . God’s Word is His Oath! When He says something, it shall stand, no matter what! Whatever He foretells shall come to pass! His Word is irrevocable!
Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass . . . exactly as the Lord formed and planned it, seeing the image in His own mind, and having settled it there, so that it would be done in the proper and exact time, as everything is, that is decided by the Lord. This shows us that NOTHING is casual, or comes by chance, but EVERYTHING is as it is decided by God.
And as I have purposed, so it shall stand . . . or decided within Himself, for He does all things according to the counsel of His will; and which always stands firm, sure and unchangeable. For more on God’s will: http://www.hisservants.org/books_god's_will.html

Isaiah 14:25 That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. (KJV)

That I will break the Assyrian in my land . . . the Assyrian is Sennacherib, and his Assyrian army. In my land . . . in Judea, which is God’s land in a special way, being chosen by God, and set apart for His use and service, and inhabited by His people. It is very likely that the king of Babylon was a type of the Roman Antichrist, who would be proud and extremely evil.
And upon my mountains tread him under foot . . . in God’s mountainous country, for such was Judea (Ps.133:3; Eze.6:2; 39:2, 4, 17), especially around Jerusalem (Ps.125:2), upon some of which probably the Assyrian army was lodged.
Then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders . . . which words are repeated from Isaiah 10:27.

Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. (KJV)

This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth . . . the whole earth (all the world) means the Assyrian Empire, and all states depending on it; as the Roman empire is called (Lk.2:1). This vast empire, now in the hands of the Assyrians, would shortly come into the hands of the Babylonians. Purpose means the counsel, will and decree of God and His Hand in the execution of it.
And this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations . . . of which the Assyrian army consisted, or which made up the Assyrian monarchy, or depended on it, and fell with it.

Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (KJV)

For the Lord of hosts hath purposed . . . what is before declared, the fall of Babylon, and the destruction of the Assyrian, and everything else that comes to pass in this world; there is nothing comes to pass except that Almighty God has purposed it, and everything that He has purposed shall  come to pass.
And who shall disannul it? . . . who shall cancel or change it? NO ONE! NOT the most powerful ruler, NOT the most powerful army, NOT the most refined councils of men, NOT the greatest politicians on Earth!
And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? . . . or turn it aside, from giving the blow it is intended to give . . . NO power on Earth is equal to God’s power!

Assurance of the Destruction of Assyria (14:24-27)
All through history, all those that made themselves a yoke and a burden to God's people, came under His Holy and righteous wrath. All those that are the called according to God's purpose, can comfort themselves, in that whatsoever God has purposed, it shall stand! The Lord of hosts has purposed to break the Assyrian's yoke; and God’s Hand is stretched out to carry out this purpose. NO one anywhere has power to turn it back! By such releases of providence, the Almighty Lord shows in the most substantial way, that sin, any sin, is hateful in His sight.

The Fierce Repudiation of Palestine
(14:28-29)

Isaiah 14:28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden. (KJV)

In the year that King Ahaz died was this burden . . . the following prophecy, concerning the destruction of the Philistines; whether it was delivered before or after his death is not certain. It is here that some say the 15th Chapter of Isaiah should begin, and that not incorrectly. For from here, the prophecies are delivered under another king . . . before it was under Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz, now it is under Hezekiah. The following burdensome prophecy concerning the Philistines, who in Ahaz's time, took many of their cities and villages (2 Chron.28:18-19).

Isaiah 14:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. (KJV)

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina . . . Palestina means Palestine, and is now applied to the whole land of Canaan. Previously the name applied to the land of Philistia; it is from that name that that came the word Palestine. Originally the land extended all along the Mediterranean, from Gaza on the south to Lydda on the north. Isaiah tells them: do not rejoice just yet, for your trouble is not over.
Because the rod of him that smote thee is broken . . . some think this means Uzziah, who did them much mischief (2 Chron.26:6); but he had died over 30 years before this. Others think it to be Ahaz. It seems better to consider it more generally of the royal race or previous kings of Judah, who had been a terrible scourge to Israel, whose rod might be said to be broken, because that rule was come into the hands of lazy, corrupted princes, such as Ahaz was (2 Chron.28:3-8)  who had been recently broken by the Philistines, and who may have been alive when this prophecy was delivered, because Isaiah here speaks of Hezekiah not as a present, but as a future king. It is said that this burden was in the year that Ahaz died; but it may have been that it was before Ahaz died.
His fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent . . . from the root and race of David shall come Hezekiah, who, like a serpent, shall sting thee to death, as he did (2 Ki. 18:8).
Because the rod of him that smote thee is broken . . . meaning not Ahaz, for he did not smite the Philistines, but was smitten by them, for they invaded his country, and took many of his cities (2 Chron.28:18), but rather Uzziah, who broke down the walls of their cities, and built others (2 Chron.26:6), where they rejoiced at his death; and their joy continued during the reigns of Jotham and Ahaz, and was increased at the death of Ahaz. Some think this of the breaking of the Assyrian, the rod of God's anger (Isa.14:25), by whom the Philistines had been smitten, and therefore rejoiced at his ruin.
For out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice . . . from the posterity of Uzziah king of Judah, who greatly annoyed the Philistines, for which reason he is compared to a serpent, should arise Hezekiah, who is compared to a cockatrice, because he would be, and he was, more harmful and distressing to them (2 Ki.18:8).
And his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent . . . not the fruit of the cockatrice, but of the serpent; and intends the same as before. Hezekiah is likened to such a creature because of the fury and swiftness with which he was to come against the Philistines, and the hurt he did to them.

*****Two more good kings ruled after Ahaz, but the worst kings are yet to come. The people are to understand that just the rule of man will NOT bring about improvement in the world. In this country we seem to think that if we change presidents there will be an improvement. We have done that, and there has been no improvement. God tells Palestine not to rejoice just because Ahaz is dead. Things are not going to get any better at all.
Before any kingdom blessings prevail, there will be a severe judgment of God upon that land. It will be more severe than that of the surrounding nations, because the nation of Israel had light, and light creates responsibility. Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (KJV) . . . The more knowledge a man has, the more is expected from him; and the greater his gifts are, the more useful he should be, and the more diligent in the improvement of them. Isaiah looks into the future when there will be the Great Tribulation period and the Antichrist's rule.

There are those who do not feel that the burden mentioned here is much of a burden but it is called a burden, and it is about Palestina. The name Palestina is quite interesting. It refers to those who gave that name to the land, the Philistines. They had come up the coast of Egypt, and they slipped into the land. They were there when Israel arrived. It seems that the Philistines had not been in the land during the days of Abraham, because the Canaanites were then in the land (Gen.24:3). But when the children of Israel returned 400 years later, the Philistines had come into the land. In the Books of Zephaniah and Zechariah are specific prophecies against Ashdod and Ashkelon, two Philistine cities. They were to be destroyed, and it was literally fulfilled. Isaiah 14:30-32 describe the judgment in detail, and it is brutal!

Isaiah 14:30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. (KJV)

And the firstborn of the poor shall feed . . . meaning the Jews, who were brought very low in the times of Ahaz, going through the greatest trials and difficulties. The word firstborn may mean those who were of the poorest and in the greatest distress. But these, in the times of Hezekiah, would enjoy an abundance of good things, and under his gentle government shall feed like a flock of sheep in good pastures (Ps.23) . . . indicating, that although Hezekiah would be like a serpent, and cause great harm to his enemies, He would be like a kind, tender shepherd (2 Ki.18:4; 2 Chron.28:24-25; Amos 3:12), and take great care of his own subjects, and under whom they would have great abundance and prosperity.
And the needy shall lie down in safety . . . they would be like a flock of sheep that are secure from beasts of prey, under the care of a faithful and watchful shepherd; this shows that the Jews should not only have plenty of good things, but should live in the greatest security, without fear of any enemy, or danger from them.
And I will kill thy root with famine . . . the meaning is, that a powerful famine would rage in their country, and utterly destroy them.
And he shall slay thy remnant . . . meaning Hezekiah would slay with the sword those that were left of the famine.

Isaiah 14:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. (KJV)

Howl, O gate . . . or gates of the cities of Palestine, where the judges that sat there executed judgment, or the people that passed through there; or because now they were forced to open to their enemies; so instead of rejoicing, they would howl or moan.
Cry, O city . . . or cities, the several cities of the land, as well as their chief, because of the destruction coming upon them. One version reads: howl over thy gates, and cry over thy cities.
Thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved . . . or melted through fear of enemies coming upon them; or it may mean the entire overthrow and termination.
For there shall come from the north a smoke . . . a large army, raising dust like smoke as they moved, coming with great speed, and very annoying. Some understand this of the Chaldean army under Nebuchadnezzar coming from Babylon, which was north of Judea (Jer.47:1). Others interpret it of Hezekiah's army, which came from Judea, which lays north of the land of the Philistines. The first of these seems best, since the utter destruction of Palestine was by the Chaldean army under Nebuchadnezzar; and so the prophecy from the time of Hezekiah, with which it begins, is carried on unto the entire dissolution of this country by Babylon.
And none shall be alone in his appointed times . . . when the times appointed are come, for the gathering and marching of the army, whether Hezekiah's or Nebuchadnezzar’s . . . none shall stay at home; all will voluntarily and cheerfully flock to it, and enlist themselves; nor will they run from it, but march on and bravely engage the enemy, until the victory is obtained.

Isaiah 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. (KJV)

What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? . . . this is not the messengers sent to Hezekiah (Isa.39:1), but instead, those that were sent to him, to congratulate him upon his victory over the Philistines. Of the nations . . . any of the nations.
That the LORD hath founded Zion . . . the LORD hath founded Zion, not Hezekiah. He had given His people victory over their enemies . . . He had defended, protected and established the people, and therefore He should have all the glory.
And the poor of his people shall trust in it . . . trust it as a place of safety, being founded by the Lord, and under His protection. The church of God often goes by the name of Zion in Scripture (152 times). It is of His founding, and He has laid Christ Jesus as the Foundation (Isa.8:14; 28:16; 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet.2:6-8).

The Destruction of the Philistines (Isa.14:28-32)
Assurance is given on the destruction of the Philistines and their power, by famine and war. Hezekiah would be more terrible to them than Uzziah had been. Instead of rejoicing, there would be mourning, for the whole land would be devastated. Such destruction will come upon all the proud and rebellious, but the Lord founded Zion for a refuge to poor sinners, who flee from the wrath to come, and trust in His mercy through Christ Jesus. Let us gladly tell all around us of our comforts and security, and encourage and urge them to seek the same Refuge and salvation. Christ died for the sins of the world (1 Jn.2:2), your sins and mine!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm

Special Comments

Lucifer = Satan . . . and the King of Babylon (Isa.14:12-15)
In this prophecy, Isaiah spoke to the king of Babylon. There is an abrupt shift from this world to a realm outside of it. It describes an excessive pride that will tolerate no rival. It reveals a king with such a lust for power, with which he tries to challenge Almighty God Himself for His position, authority and power. This prophecy speaks to Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.3:1-11), but also Lucifer (the devil).
Some link this prophecy in Isaiah with Luke 10:18 and Rev.12:8; and as a result, they applied the passage to the fall of Satan or Lucifer. Some expositors do not agree with this, and regard it as a falsehood, because in their minds, human pride is discussed, not angelic pride. Which of the interpretations, then, is correct? #1. Is this Passage a prophecy of the time when Satan fell like lightning from Heaven? Or #2. Does it only describe the Babylon king?

Like Isaiah's Lucifer, Nebuchadnezzar desired to ascend to a throne above the heavens but suffered a fall. So is the prophecy referring to the king of Babylon in exaggerated terms, or does it refer to Satan? Normally, sound interpretation insist that we give only one interpretation to every Passage . . . or else the text brings confusion. But, in this case, Isaiah uses a way that is often found in prophetic texts . . . he links near and distant future prophecies together under a single meaning, since the two units, although separated in time and space, are in reality part and parcel of each other.

Isaiah saw the king of Babylon as possessing a massive amount of horrible pride and arrogance. Isaiah paralleled the future ruler with an exaggerated sense of his own accomplishments, meaning Satan’s Antichrist. .

Just as there was a long Messianic line in the Old Testament (Lk.3:23-38), and everyone who belonged to that line was a partial revelation of the One to come and yet not that One, so too there was an anti-messianic line of kings in the line of Antichrist and Satan. The king of Babylon was just one in a long line of earthly kings who stood opposed to God and all that He stood for. This would explain the overstated language, which while true in a limited sense of the king of Babylon, could very well be applied to the one who eventually would conclude this line of evil, arrogant kings . . . the Antichrist.

Just as the king of Babylon wanted to be equal with God, so too was Satan's lustful desire to match God's authority is what caused his fall. All this serves as a model for the future Antichrist, who would imitate Satan (Rev.13), and the king of Babylon, in the never ending craving for power.

A similar linking of the near and the distant occurs in Ezekiel 28, where a prophecy against the king of Tyre uses the same kind of language.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 12  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13  Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16  By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18  Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19  All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. (KJV)

And in a similar fashion, the prophet Daniel predicted the coming of Antiochus Epiphanes.
Daniel 11:29-35 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. 30  For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. 31  And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. 32  And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (KJV) . . . In the middle of the Passage, Daniel leaps over the centuries in Daniel 11:35, to link Antiochus Epiphanes to the Satanic Antichrist of the last days, since they shared so much as members of the line of the anti-messiah. Thus this prophetic manner is well shown in the Old Testament and should not cause us special concern.

Who are the Medes? Media and Persia became a dual nation and a mighty empire that conquered Babylon. Isaiah is speaking of that which was going to take place in the immediate future. He identifies those who will destroy Babylon: the Medes. Does this also refer to the destruction of future Babylon?

Media was a country east of Assyria, whose people came from Madai, son of Japheth (Gen.10:2). Media extended from Armenia on the north by the Caspian Sea and Persia on the south. It was one of the most fertile regions in Asia. Media was early conquered by Assyria who held control over it for 520 years. It was in the time of Tiglath-pileser and Shalmaneser (during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah), that the Medes rebelled; and when the Assyrian army of Sennacherib was destroyed by the angel in the days of Hezekiah (Isa.37:36-38), they gained complete independence. So, at the time of Isaiah's prophecy of Medes overthrowing Babylon (Isa.13:17-18; 21:2), such a thing was impossible, for Media was simply a province of Assyria, and Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar was yet to attain to its greatness. The Medes, after gaining independence from Assyria, conquered the Persians and all upper Asia, uniting them to their kingdom. By the help of Babylon, they finally conquered Nineveh, and Assyria became a province of Media. Later, the Medo-Persian empire became the fourth great power in the times of the Gentiles to oppress Israel, the second empire of the prophecies of Daniel (Dan2:38-44; 7:4-5; 8:20-25; 11:1-5).

The Kurds of today are known as the Medes in the Bible. Bible prophecy states that God will raise up the Medes (the Kurdish people), to be an instrument of judgment against Babylon.

Isaiah 13:17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. (KJV) . . . God would stir up the Medes against Babylon.
Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. (KJV) . . . The LORD aroused the kings of the Medes, because His purpose against Babylon is to destroy it. The vengeance of the Lord .
Jeremiah 51:28-29 Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. 29  And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. (KJV) . . . The kings of the Medes, and all under them were set apart by the LORD to go against Babylon, and every land of their domain, so that the land shakes and thrashes about, for the purpose of the Lord against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon desolate without any inhabitants.

How will these Biblical prophecies come to pass in the future Babylon? Only the LORD knows the answer to this. It is far too early to say anything for certain, but after studying prophecies, I think it is wise to consider the following:

• Hatred of the Kurds/Medes against the Arabs, and the other way around, grows steadily.
• The Kurds/Medes and the Arabs continue struggling to control the oil resources that will make either or both of them enormously wealthy and powerful in the last days.
• The Kurds/Medes are, bit by bit, forming their own nation, and possibly their own country.
• The Kurds/Medes are developing an increasingly effective military force that is well able to overpower the Iraqi Arabs at times. 

There are a growing number of truly born again Christians living in Kurdistan, including many MBBs (Muslim Background Believers). Please pray that they would boldly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and be able to make many disciples, and help the believers to grow deep in their faith in Christ, especially amidst all the chaos and carnage they experience. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurds
http://time.com/3974399/turkey-kurds-isis/ 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/feb99/kurdprofile.htm

Commentaries on Old Testament Books

Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible

Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page

JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page

ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page

ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page

Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant

Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . Isaiah Ch59 . . Isaiah Ch.60 . . Isaiah Ch.61 . . Isaiah Ch.62 . . Isaiah Ch.63 . . Isaiah Ch.64 . . Isaiah Ch.65 . . Isaiah Ch.66 . . Home Page