I will lay waste the mountains and hillsThis phrase signifies God's power and judgment. Mountains and hills often symbolize strength, stability, and permanence in biblical literature. The imagery of laying waste to these features suggests a dramatic transformation, indicating God's ability to overturn the natural order. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a metaphor for God's judgment against nations or powers that oppose His will. Historically, mountains were places of pagan worship, and this destruction could symbolize the dismantling of idolatry. This imagery is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Isaiah 40:4, where mountains are made low, symbolizing the humbling of the proud.
and dry up all their vegetation
Vegetation represents life, prosperity, and sustenance. The drying up of vegetation indicates a removal of life-giving resources, often associated with divine judgment or a call to repentance. In the ancient Near East, agriculture was central to survival, and a lack of vegetation would lead to famine and hardship. This phrase can also be seen as a reversal of the blessings described inDeuteronomy 28, where obedience to God results in abundant crops. Theologically, it underscores the theme of God as the ultimate provider and sustainer, who can also withdraw His provision as a form of discipline.
I will turn the rivers into dry land
Rivers are vital sources of water, essential for life and agriculture. Turning rivers into dry land signifies a severe judgment, as it removes a critical resource. This act can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation, similar to the parting of the Red Sea inExodus 14, where God controls the waters to deliver His people. In a prophetic sense, this could foreshadow the spiritual dryness that comes from turning away from God, contrasting with the living water that Jesus offers inJohn 4:14.
and drain the marshes
Marshes, or wetlands, are areas of rich biodiversity and ecological importance. Draining them would lead to ecological collapse, symbolizing total desolation. In biblical times, marshes could also be seen as places of refuge or hiding, and their draining could imply that there is no escape from God's judgment. This imagery might also connect to the cleansing and purifying work of God, removing impurities and preparing the way for new growth, akin to the refining process described inMalachi 3:2-3.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.
2.
Mountains and HillsIn biblical literature, mountains and hills often symbolize strength, stability, and sometimes the presence of God. Here, they represent obstacles or entities that God will overcome or transform.
3.
Rivers and PoolsThese are symbols of life, sustenance, and prosperity. Their drying up signifies judgment and the removal of life-giving resources.
4.
JudgmentThe act of God bringing justice and correction, often through transformative or destructive means, as a response to sin or disobedience.
5.
RestorationAlthough not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Isaiah includes themes of restoration following judgment, highlighting God's ultimate plan for redemption.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over CreationGod has absolute control over the natural world. He can transform landscapes to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His power and authority.
Judgment as a Path to RedemptionGod's acts of judgment are not merely punitive but serve a greater purpose in His redemptive plan. They are meant to lead people back to Him and prepare the way for restoration.
The Impermanence of Earthly StabilityMountains and rivers, often seen as permanent and reliable, can be altered by God. This reminds us not to place our ultimate trust in earthly things but in God alone.
The Call to RepentanceRecognizing God's power to bring both judgment and blessing should lead us to examine our lives, repent of sin, and align ourselves with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:15?
2.How does Isaiah 42:15 demonstrate God's power over creation and nature?
3.What actions in Isaiah 42:15 reveal God's transformative work in our lives?
4.How can Isaiah 42:15 inspire trust in God's ability to change circumstances?
5.Connect Isaiah 42:15 with other scriptures showing God's authority over the earth.
6.How can we apply the message of Isaiah 42:15 to our daily challenges?
7.How does Isaiah 42:15 reflect God's power over nature and creation?
8.What historical events might Isaiah 42:15 be referencing?
9.How does Isaiah 42:15 fit into the overall message of Isaiah?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42?
11.What signifies Jesus as God's beloved, well-pleased Son?
12.Is the concept of a heavenly mother biblical?
13.What does 'bruised reed' and 'smoking flax' signify?
14.In Psalm 80:8-11, is there any historical or archaeological proof that Israel's borders expanded so miraculously they 'covered the mountains' and 'the mighty cedars?'What Does Isaiah 42:15 Mean
I will lay waste the mountains and hillsGod announces that He will utterly overthrow what seems unmovable. Throughout Scripture, mountains symbolize barriers or proud powers. The Lord promises to flatten them, proving nothing can resist Him (Isaiah 40:4;Zechariah 4:7;Nahum 1:5). InIsaiah 42 the statement follows His resolve to “prevail against His enemies” (v. 13), assuring His people that:
• No opposition—political, spiritual, or personal—can endure.
• His coming intervention is not symbolic only; He has literally shaken mountains before (Exodus 19:18;Matthew 27:51), and He will do so again when Christ returns (Revelation 16:20).
• Believers can exchange fear for confidence, knowing the Lord combats every obstacle in His redemptive plan.
and dry up all their vegetation.Vegetation represents life, prosperity, and human achievement. When God withholds rain or withers crops, He exposes self-reliance (Amos 4:7-9;Joel 1:10-12). By declaring that He will dry up “all their vegetation,” He warns that:
• Prosperity apart from Him is fragile (Isaiah 40:6-8).
• Judgment reaches every facet of culture—economy, agriculture, comfort.
• His people must root their hope in the everlasting Word, not in perishable abundance.
I will turn the rivers into dry landRivers were lifelines for commerce, travel, and survival. To “turn the rivers into dry land” recalls past miracles—parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17). Here, God declares that:
• He can remove natural supports in a moment, humbling nations that trust in resources (Psalm 107:33-34).
• The same power that delivered Israel will again act decisively, whether for rescue or for judgment.
• Followers of Christ walk by faith, not by the apparent permanence of earthly streams.
and drain the marshes.Marshlands are secluded, fertile spots that seem secure even when rivers fail. Draining them pictures comprehensive judgment—no hidden refuge remains (Isaiah 19:5-8;Ezekiel 30:12-13). The statement reminds us:
• Nothing escapes God’s reach; secret sins and entrenched systems will be exposed.
• Final judgment will dry up every counterfeit sanctuary, but believers find safety in the “living water” Christ offers (John 4:14).
• God’s cleansing prepares for the new creation where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1).
summaryIsaiah 42:15 paints a vivid, literal portrait of God’s unstoppable might. He levels mountains, withers vegetation, dries rivers, and empties marshes—demonstrating total authority over creation and every human stronghold. For the rebellious, these acts warn of inescapable judgment; for the faithful, they guarantee that nothing can hinder His saving purposes. Trust the One who shakes the earth today and will renew it completely tomorrow.
(15)
I will make waste mountains . . .--The whole description is symbolic, and points to the subjugation of the heathen nations, the "rivers" and "pools" probably representing the kingdoms of the Tigris and Euphrates (
Isaiah 8:7). All this seems a purely destructive work, but through it all mercy and truth are working, and a way is being opened for the return of Israel, in painting which, as elsewhere, the literal melts into the spiritual, as in a dissolving view. (See Note on
Isaiah 40:4.) "These things" include the whole work of judgment and of mercy.
Verse 15. -
I will make waste mountains and hills. The result of God's "stirring up his jealousy," and giving a free vent to his feelings, will be the destruction of the great and mighty ones of the earth (comp.
Isaiah 2:14). These are probably, in this place, the Babylonian kings and nobles. Dry up all their herbs;
i.e. turn Babylonia, temporarily, into a desert.
Make the rivers islands, and dry up the pools. Invert the established order of things - turn the rivers into dry land, and empty the reservoirs. There is, perhaps, some allusion to those dealings with the river-beds, which the Greek historians ascribe to Cyrus (Herod., 1:189, 191; Xen., 'Cyrop.,' 7:5, § 10), and which are not disproved by the fact that the one native account of the capture of Babylon by Cyrus, which has come down to us, makes no mention of them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I will lay wasteאַחֲרִ֤יב(’a·ḥă·rîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2717:To parch, to desolate, destroy, killthe mountainsהָרִים֙(hā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countryand hillsוּגְבָע֔וֹת(ū·ḡə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1389:A hillockand dry upאוֹבִ֑ישׁ(’ō·w·ḇîš)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3001:To be ashamed, confused, disappointed, to dry up, witherallוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheir vegetation.עֶשְׂבָּ֖ם(‘eś·bām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6212:Herb, herbageI will turnוְשַׂמְתִּ֤י(wə·śam·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setthe riversנְהָרוֹת֙(nə·hā·rō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5104:A stream, prosperityinto islandsלָֽאִיִּ֔ים(lā·’î·yîm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 339:A habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an islandand dry upאוֹבִֽישׁ׃(’ō·w·ḇîš)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3001:To be ashamed, confused, disappointed, to dry up, witherthe marshes.וַאֲגַמִּ֖ים(wa·’ă·ḡam·mîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 98:A marsh, a rush, a stockade of reeds
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:15 I will destroy mountains and hills (Isa Isi Is) 
