King James Version

What Does Isaiah 13:4 Mean?

Isaiah 13:4 in the King James Version says “The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gath...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. like: Heb. the likeness of”

Isaiah 13:4 · KJV

Context

2

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.

3

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

4

The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. like: Heb. the likeness of

5

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

6

Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Read Isaiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter opens with 'the burden of Babylon' (v.1), then Isaiah describes hearing 'a noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people.' This is no ordinary army but a tumultuous gathering of kingdoms and nations. The phrase 'the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle' reveals this is divine warfare—God assembling His forces for judgment. The Medes and others serve as God's instruments (v.17). This cosmic army gathers not by human command but by divine summons. When God decrees judgment, nations march at His command.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy against Babylon was delivered when Assyria, not Babylon, dominated the ancient Near East. Babylon's rise to power came later—Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon conquered Assyria (612 BC) and Judah (586 BC). Yet Babylon itself fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy delivered 150+ years earlier. This demonstrates prophetic foreknowledge—Isaiah saw Babylon's rise and fall before either occurred. God's sovereignty over empires is absolute: He raises up, and He tears down.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan nations as His instruments of judgment reveal His absolute sovereignty?
  2. What does prophetic fulfillment centuries after prediction teach about trusting God's promises for the future?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
ק֠וֹל1 of 16

“The noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הָמ֛וֹן2 of 16

“of a multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

בֶּֽהָרִ֖ים3 of 16

“in the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

דְּמ֣וּת4 of 16

“like”

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

עַם5 of 16

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רָ֑ב6 of 16

“as of a great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

ק֠וֹל7 of 16

“The noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

שְׁא֞וֹן8 of 16

“a tumultuous”

H7588

uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction

מַמְלְכ֤וֹת9 of 16

“of the kingdoms”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

גּוֹיִם֙10 of 16

“of nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

נֶֽאֱסָפִ֔ים11 of 16

“gathered together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

יְהוָ֣ה12 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָ֥א13 of 16

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מְפַקֵּ֖ד14 of 16

“mustereth”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

צְבָ֥א15 of 16

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מִלְחָמָֽה׃16 of 16

“of the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 13:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 3:14Ezekiel 38:3-23Revelation 19:11-21Joel 2:1-11Joel 2:25Revelation 9:7-19

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