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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 14 - Verse 9

14:9
Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is describing a vivid image of the power and authority of a particular individual. The phrase "Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming" suggests that this person's arrival is so significant that even the depths of Hell are stirred. This imagery conveys the idea that this individual is so formidable that even the underworld is disturbed by their presence. The mention of "the dead" being stirred up and "all the chief ones of the earth" being raised up from their thrones further emphasizes the immense power and influence of this individual. The phrase "all the kings of the nations" being brought back to life suggests that this person's arrival is of great importance not just on a local, but a global scale. Overall, this verse is a dramatic portrayal of a powerful and influential figure whose arrival is so significant that it causes an upheaval even in the afterlife.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes a vivid image of the underworld, commonly referred to as 'Sheol' or 'Hades' in Hebrew and Greek respectively. The concept of Hell as a place of the dead is depicted as being in a state of upheaval upon the arrival of a powerful ruler. The idea of the dead being stirred up and rising from their thrones suggests a disturbance in the realm of the dead caused by the impending arrival of a significant figure. This imagery serves to highlight the immense power and impact of this ruler, as even the most powerful and esteemed individuals are called forth to meet them. The theological interpretation of this verse can vary, with some viewing it as a metaphor for the downfall of powerful earthly rulers, while others interpret it more literally as a description of the unsettling of the afterlife in response to a figure of great significance. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate authority and power held by divine beings.

American Standard Version

Sheol from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming; it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
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