Isaiah 14:11-20
14:11 a Babylon’s might and power and the sound of the harp were ended, and its magnificence was destroyed (see also Rev 18:22 b).• Maggots and worms symbolized death and decomposition (Isa 66:24 c).
14:12 d fallen from heaven, O shining star: These words allude to the Canaanite story of the god Helel’s rebellion against the god El (chief deity of the Canaanite pantheon) and his fall from heaven. Some see the fall of the king of Babylon here as symbolizing the fall of Satan (see Ezek 28 e; Luke 10:18 f; Rev 12:9 g). However, there is little to suggest that Isaiah understood it in that way. He was thinking of the historical king of Babylon.
• son of the morning: The battle took place under the early morning sun. The Latin Vulgate translates the term as Lucifer (morning star), a name for Satan in Christian tradition, but the Hebrew text makes no apparent reference here to Satan.
14:13 h This verse alludes to the Canaanite belief that the chief god El and the other gods were enthroned on Mount Zaphon, a northern mountain (see Ps 48:2 i; for a New Testament application, see Matt 11:23 j; Luke 10:15 k).
14:14 l Most High: See Gen 14:19-22 m.
Summary for Isa 14:15-17: 14:15-17 n This is a restatement of 14:9-11 o. The dead spirits inhabiting the place of the dead will be startled and amazed that the Babylonian king, who ruled the world with his merciless might, has absolutely no power in death.
Summary for Isa 14:18-20: 14:18-20 p The absence of a proper burial was a sign of great shame and dishonor. Unlike other kings, the king of Babylon would be disgraced in judgment.
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