King James Version

What Does Isaiah 2:15 Mean?

Isaiah 2:15 in the King James Version says “And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,

Isaiah 2:15 · KJV


Context

13

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

14

And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up,

15

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,

16

And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. pleasant: Heb. pictures of desire

17

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Towers and walls—defensive structures representing military security—face divine judgment. Human fortifications cannot withstand God's assault; trust in military might proves vain (Psalm 20:7). This theme recurs in Isaiah's prophecy against Babylonian walls (Isaiah 25:12) and anticipates Revelation's depiction of fallen Babylon (Revelation 18:21). The Reformed emphasis on providence recognizes that ultimate security resides not in human defenses but in God's sovereign protection of His elect.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hezekiah's fortification of Jerusalem with expanded walls and towers (2 Chronicles 32:5) demonstrated political prudence yet couldn't ultimately prevent Assyrian siege. Only God's intervention delivered the city (Isaiah 37:36).

Reflection Questions

  1. What defensive 'towers' and 'walls' of self-protection do we construct instead of trusting God's providence?
  2. How does this verse challenge nationalistic trust in military strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעַ֖ל1 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל2 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִגְדָּ֣ל3 of 8

tower

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

גָּבֹ֑הַ4 of 8

And upon every high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְעַ֖ל5 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל6 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חוֹמָ֥ה7 of 8

wall

H2346

a wall of protection

בְצוּרָֽה׃8 of 8

and upon every fenced

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)


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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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