King James Version

What Does Isaiah 13:6 Mean?

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

Context

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

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.

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

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: be faint: or, fall down

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. be amazed: Heb. wonder one: Heb. every man at his neighbour flames: Heb. faces of the flames

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand.**—The verse is an almost verbal reproduction of Joel 1:15. On the “day of Jehovah,” see Note on Isaiah 2:12. **As a destruction from the Almighty.**—The Hebrew *shodmish-Shaddai *comes with the emphasis of assonance, possibly coupled with that of etymology, the Hebrew *Shaddai *being derived by many scholars from the verb *Shadad *=to destroy. On this assumption, *“destruction from the destroyer” *would be a fair equivalent. The name, occurring frequently in the earlier books of the Old Testament (twenty-three times in Job and eight in the Pentateuch), was characteristic of the pre-Mosaic creed of Israel (Exodus 6:3), and occurs but seldom in the prophets: here, and in Joel 1:15; Ezekiel 1:24; Ezekiel 10:5.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 13:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.