Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts;This phrase refers to the plundering of the nations' wealth, likening it to the way locusts devour crops. In the ancient Near East, locust swarms were a common and devastating natural disaster, consuming everything in their path. This imagery is used to convey the thoroughness and inevitability of the spoil being taken. The context here is the judgment of God upon the nations that have opposed His people, Israel. The locust imagery is also reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (
Exodus 10:12-15), where locusts were a sign of divine judgment. This phrase underscores the futility of the nations' resistance against God's will, as their riches are effortlessly gathered by others.
like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it.
The comparison to a swarm of locusts emphasizes the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of the invading force. Historically, this can be seen as a reference to the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions, where armies would sweep through lands, leaving destruction in their wake. The cultural context of the time would have made this imagery particularly vivid and terrifying, as locust swarms could strip a land bare, leaving famine and desolation. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of divine retribution and the sovereignty of God over the nations. In a prophetic sense, it can be seen as a type of the final judgment, where all earthly powers are subdued before the coming of God's kingdom. The imagery of locusts is also used in the book of Joel (Joel 1:4, 2:25) to describe both literal and metaphorical invasions, further linking this passage to the theme of divine judgment and restoration.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahThe prophet who authored the book, delivering messages from God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem during a time of political turmoil and impending judgment.
2.
Judah and JerusalemThe primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, facing threats from surrounding nations and internal corruption.
3.
AssyriaThe dominant empire during Isaiah's time, often seen as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel and Judah.
4.
LocustsIn the ancient Near East, locusts were a symbol of destruction and overwhelming force, often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe invading armies or divine judgment.
5.
SpoilRefers to the plunder or goods taken by force, often in the context of war or conquest.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Divine JudgmentJust as locusts swarm and consume everything in their path, God's judgment is thorough and unavoidable. Believers are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine justice.
The Futility of Earthly WealthThe spoil gathered by locusts symbolizes the temporary nature of earthly possessions. Christians are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than relying on material wealth.
God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe imagery of locusts as instruments of judgment underscores God's control over nations and history. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and justice, even amidst chaos.
Repentance and RestorationWhile judgment is certain, the broader context of Isaiah offers hope for repentance and restoration. God's desire is for His people to turn back to Him and experience His mercy.
Vigilance in Spiritual WarfareJust as locusts can quickly overtake a field, spiritual complacency can lead to vulnerability. Christians are called to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 33:4?
2.How does Isaiah 33:4 illustrate God's power over the enemies of Israel?
3.What does "gathering of locusts" symbolize in Isaiah 33:4's context?
4.How can Isaiah 33:4 inspire trust in God's protection today?
5.Connect Isaiah 33:4 with another scripture about God's deliverance from enemies.
6.How should Isaiah 33:4 influence our response to worldly threats and fears?
7.What is the historical context of Isaiah 33:4 in the Bible?
8.How does Isaiah 33:4 reflect God's judgment and justice?
9.What theological themes are present in Isaiah 33:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 33?
11.Isaiah 12:4: Is there any evidence outside of the Bible indicating that the deeds of the God of Israel were widely proclaimed among nations at that time?
12.Isaiah 2:4 predicts nations will cease to wage war; why has this peace not materialized across the globe?
13.Isaiah 18:4: How does the imagery of God quietly observing nations square with other passages where God is depicted as actively intervening?
14.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?What Does Isaiah 33:4 Mean
Your spoil, O nationsThe treasures the nations thought were securely theirs are suddenly labeled “your spoil.”
• God turns the oppressors’ wealth into plunder for others, echoingExodus 15:9–10 where Egypt’s plans to “divide the spoil” end in disaster.
•Psalm 2:1–4 reminds us that when the nations rage, the Lord still rules; their possessions are ultimately at His disposal.
•Zechariah 14:14 pictures Judah gathering the wealth of the nations in a future day of victory, underlining the recurring theme that God reverses fortunes.
is gathered as by locustsThe image shifts to the speed and thoroughness of locusts stripping a field.
• Locusts leave nothing behind (Exodus 10:14–15); likewise, the spoil will be collected completely.
•Joel 2:5–9 likens a swift invading army to locusts, stressing how unstoppable God’s appointed agents can be.
• The gathering is immediate and indiscriminate—no corner escapes, showing the totality of divine judgment.
like a swarm of locusts men sweep over itHuman agents carry out what the imagery began.
•Isaiah 37:36 records one angel striking down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight; here, God again arranges for overwhelming force to “sweep” the spoil.
•Micah 4:13 envisions Zion trampling enemies and dedicating their gain to the Lord, paralleling the men who rush in here.
• The term “men” underscores that God often uses ordinary people as His instruments, yet the results are as decisive as a supernatural plague of insects.
summaryIsaiah 33:4 paints a vivid, literal picture of God reversing the fortunes of rebellious nations. What they amassed becomes plunder, gathered instantly and completely, just as locusts strip a field. The Lord orchestrates both the judgment and the collection, using human agents to carry out His will. The verse reassures God’s people that oppressive power is never final; the Sovereign King can, and will, redistribute wealth and authority according to His righteous purposes.
(4)
Your spoil . . .--The words are addressed to the invader. He who came to spoil should find himself spoiled. As caterpillars and locusts devour the green herbage, so should he (or they, the indefinite pronoun standing for the people of Jerusalem) strip his camp of all its treasures.
Verse 4. -
Your spoil shall be gathered. The "spoiling" of Assyria would commence with the discomfiture of the great host. In the historical narrative (
2 Kings 19:35;
Isaiah 37:36) nothing is said of it; but, beyond a doubt, when the host was to a largo extent destroyed, and the remainder fled, there must have been an enormous booty left behind, which the enemies of the Assyrians would naturally seize. A further spoiling of the fugitives probably followed; and, the
prestige of the great king being gone, marauding bands would probably on all sides ravage the Assyrian territory.
Like the gathering of the caterpillar. The "caterpillar" (
khasil) is probably the grub out of which the locust develops - a very destructive insect.
Shall he run. It would be better to render,
shall they run. The word, indeed, is in the singular; but it is used distributively, of the various spoilers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Your spoilשְׁלַלְכֶ֔ם(šə·lal·ḵem)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7998:A prey, spoil, plunder, bootywill be gatheredוְאֻסַּ֣ף(wə·’us·sap̄)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeas if by locusts;הֶֽחָסִ֑יל(he·ḥā·sîl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2625:The ravager, a locustlike a swarmכְּמַשַּׁ֥ק(kə·maš·šaq)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4944:A traversing, rapid motionof locustsגֵּבִ֖ים(gê·ḇîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1357:A locustmen will pounceשׁוֹקֵ֥ק(šō·w·qêq)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8264:To course, to seek greedilyon it.בּֽוֹ׃(bōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 33:4 Your spoil will be gathered as (Isa Isi Is) 
