Old Testament
Isaiah 13:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Raise a banner on the high mountain, call out to them, wave your hand so they may enter the gates of the nobles.
Compare translations
Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
What Isaiah 13:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 13:2, the prophet is instructed to raise a banner on a high mountain, symbolizing a call to action or a signal for people to gather. The act of waving a hand and calling out emphasizes urgency and the importance of the message being delivered. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the impending judgment against Babylon, indicating that the call is directed towards those who will respond to this divine warning. The 'gates of the nobles' suggests that this message is meant for influential leaders or those in power, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The imagery of a banner and a high mountain conveys a sense of visibility and authority, as the call to action is meant to be seen and heard by many. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of impending change or judgment.
How to apply Isaiah 13:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to be alert and responsive to calls for action in our lives. Just as the prophet raised a banner, we should be willing to stand up for what is right and call others to join us in important causes, especially in times of crisis or change.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 13:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 13:2
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does raising a banner on a high mountain symbolize in Isaiah 13:2?
In Isaiah 13:2, raising a banner on a high mountain symbolizes a call to action or a signal for people to gather. It represents visibility and authority, indicating that the message being delivered is urgent and important. The high mountain serves as a vantage point from which the call can be seen and heard by many, emphasizing the need for collective response to the impending judgment.
Who is the intended audience of the message in Isaiah 13:2?
The intended audience of the message in Isaiah 13:2 includes those who will respond to the divine warning, particularly influential leaders or nobles. The phrase 'gates of the nobles' suggests that the call is directed towards those in positions of power, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the need for them to heed the warning about the impending judgment against Babylon.
How can Isaiah 13:2 be applied to modern life?
Isaiah 13:2 can be applied to modern life by encouraging individuals to be alert and responsive to calls for action in their communities. Just as the prophet raised a banner, we should stand up for what is right and rally others to join important causes, especially during times of crisis or change. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and readiness to respond to significant challenges.
What themes are present in Isaiah 13:2?
Isaiah 13:2 encompasses several themes, including Divine Call, Judgment, Urgency, Leadership, Prophecy, Visibility, and Response. These themes highlight the importance of being aware of divine messages, the seriousness of impending judgment, and the need for leaders to take action. The imagery used in the verse reinforces the call for collective vigilance and readiness in the face of change.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.