Isaiah 13:3
3 I have commanded [tsavah] my sanctified ones, [qadash]
I have also called [qara'] my mighty ones [gibbowr] for mine anger, ['aph] even
them that rejoice [`alliyz] in my highness. [ga`avah] KJV-Interlinear
3 I have commanded My consecrated
ones, I have even called My mighty warriors, My proudly exulting ones, To
execute My anger. NASB
Commanded, ‘tsavah,’
means to appoint, to make known, to direct, to constitute, to enjoin, to order.
Sanctified, ‘qadash,’
clean either by ceremony or morally, ones set apart, holy, prepared,
proclaimed.
Called, ‘qara,’ means
here to pronounce, to publish, to read, to state.
Mighty ones, ‘gibbowr,’
means warrior, champion, valiant, strong, everyone within a class or category.
Anger, ‘aph,’ refers to
Gods policy of issuing justice or judgment as repercussions for an action. It is
the presentation of facial expressions for determination and intent, flared nostrils,
rapid breathing.
Rejoice, ‘alliyz,’ means
over joyed, exultant, ecstatic.
Highness, ‘gaavah,’
means ornamental, excellency, majesty.
And so here in this
chapter we have God calling for the destruction of an empire, Babylon, which
does not yet exist, and His command is made known to all, and seen by all, so
no one has any excuse for not knowing nor for being surprised when the
destruction does occur.
Those who are
sanctified or set apart, also referred to as the mighty ones, or those who are
a part of a category of people of whom God would call mighty, strong, valiant,
and is a reference to the spiritually mature believers that will survive the Tribulation,
of whom will be rejoicing to the point of ecstatic pandemonium happiness which is
beyond the normal happiness of people.
This is not a reference
or the Medes or he Persians. This is not
a reference to anyone involved in the past historical downfall of Babylon, for
none of these descriptions fit any of them.
This is a part of the
lengthy prophecy which will cover these next eleven chapters, regarding the
judgments that will come against the enemies of Judah, but not in Isaiah’s day,
but which will occur in the final days of history.
Gods call and command,
is the recognition of Gods control over history and over historical events, and
over the final outcome of history. And
of those who have believed in Him and who have advanced to spiritual maturity,
and of who understand and believe, and agree with Gods plan.
And, as a result of
Gods plan, the enemies of truth will be defeated and the rejoicing like never
before, will follow.
