Isaiah 13:4
New International Version
Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The LORD Almighty is mustering an army for war.

New Living Translation
Hear the noise on the mountains! Listen, as the vast armies march! It is the noise and shouting of many nations. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together.

English Standard Version
The sound of a tumult is on the mountains as of a great multitude! The sound of an uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathering together! The LORD of hosts is mustering a host for battle.

Berean Standard Bible
Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war.

King James Bible
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

New King James Version
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle.

New American Standard Bible
A sound of a roar on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of an uproar of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of armies is mustering the army for battle.

NASB 1995
A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the uproar of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts is mustering the army for battle.

NASB 1977
A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the uproar of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts is mustering the army for battle.

Legacy Standard Bible
A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the rumbling of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! Yahweh of hosts is mustering the host for battle.

Amplified Bible
A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the uproar of the kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts is mustering an army for battle.

Christian Standard Bible
Listen, a commotion on the mountains, like that of a mighty people! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations being gathered together! The LORD of Armies is mobilizing an army for war.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a mighty people! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations being gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war.

American Standard Version
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as of a great people! the noise of a tumult of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! Jehovah of hosts is mustering the host for the battle.

Contemporary English Version
Listen to the noisy crowds on the mountains! Kingdoms and nations are joining forces. The LORD All-Powerful is bringing together an army for battle.

English Revised Version
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people! the noise of a tumult of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! the LORD of hosts mustereth the host for the battle.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen to the noise on the mountains. It is like the sound of a large army. It is the sound of kingdoms and nations gathering together. The LORD of Armies is assembling his army for battle.

Good News Translation
Listen to the noise on the mountains--the sound of a great crowd of people, the sound of nations and kingdoms gathering. The LORD of Armies is preparing his troops for battle.

International Standard Version
"Listen! There's a noise on the mountains like that of a great multitude! Listen! There's an uproar among the kingdoms, like that of nations massing together! The LORD of the Heavenly Armies is mustering an army for battle.

Majority Standard Bible
Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war.

NET Bible
There is a loud noise on the mountains--it sounds like a large army! There is great commotion among the kingdoms--nations are being assembled! The LORD who commands armies is mustering forces for battle.

New Heart English Bible
The noise of a multitude is in the mountains, as of a great people; the noise of an uproar of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together. The LORD of hosts is mustering the army for the battle.

Webster's Bible Translation
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations assembled: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

World English Bible
The noise of a multitude is in the mountains, as of a great people; the noise of an uproar of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! Yahweh of Armies is mustering the army for the battle.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A voice of a multitude in the mountains, "" A likeness of a numerous people, "" A voice of noise from the kingdoms of nations who are gathered, "" YHWH of Hosts inspecting a host of battle!

Young's Literal Translation
A voice of a multitude in the mountains, A likeness of a numerous people, A voice of noise from the kingdoms of nations who are gathered, Jehovah of Hosts inspecting a host of battle!

Smith's Literal Translation
The voice of a multitude in the mountain; the likeness of much people; the voice of the uproar of kingdoms, nations being gathered: Jehovah of armies reviewing the army of battle.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as it were of many people, the noise of the sound of kings, of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts hath given charge to the troops of war.

Catholic Public Domain Version
On the mountains, there is the voice of a multitude, as if of a numerous people, a voice with the sound of kings, of nations gathered together. For the Lord of hosts has given orders to soldiers of war,

New American Bible
Listen! the rumble on the mountains: that of an immense throng! Listen! the noise of kingdoms, nations assembled! The LORD of hosts is mustering an army for battle.

New Revised Standard Version
Listen, a tumult on the mountains as of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathering together! The LORD of hosts is mustering an army for battle.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The noise of tumult on the mountains, like as of many peoples; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together; the LORD of hosts is performing wonders.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A sound of tumult in the mountains, a likeness of the many Gentiles, a sound of tumult of the kingdoms of the Gentiles who are gathered. LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts is performing wonders
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Hark, a tumult in the mountains, Like as of a great people! Hark, the uproar of the kingdoms Of the nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts mustereth The host of the battle.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A voice of many nations on the mountains, even like to that of many nations; a voice of kings and nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts has given command to a war-like nation,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Oracle Concerning Babylon
3I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph. 4Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war. 5They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the LORD and the weapons of His wrath—to destroy the whole country.…

Cross References
Joel 3:9-11
Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack! / Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ / Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD.

Jeremiah 50:2-3
“Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ / For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee.”

Revelation 19:17-19
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.” / Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.

Jeremiah 51:27-28
“Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her—Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts. / Prepare the nations for battle against her—the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officials, and all the lands they rule.

Zephaniah 1:14-16
The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, / a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.

Matthew 24:30-31
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. / And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Ezekiel 38:4-9
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. / Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets, / as well as Gomer with all its troops, and Beth-togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. ...

Revelation 16:14-16
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. / “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” / And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Jeremiah 25:30-31
So you are to prophesy all these words against them and say to them: ‘The LORD will roar from on high; He will raise His voice from His holy habitation. He will roar loudly over His pasture; like those who tread the grapes, He will call out with a shout against all the inhabitants of the earth. / The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.

Joel 2:1-11
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near— / a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. / Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland—surely nothing will escape them. ...

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, ...

Jeremiah 4:5-6
Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ / Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.

Revelation 14:14-20
And I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. / Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest, for the crop of the earth is ripe.” / So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. ...

Zechariah 14:2-3
For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. / Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.

Jeremiah 6:22-23
This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth. / They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”


Treasury of Scripture

The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts musters the host of the battle.

noise

Isaiah 22:1-9
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops? …

Jeremiah 50:2,3,21
Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces…

Jeremiah 51:11,27,28
Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple…

like as.

Joel 2:4-11
The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run…

Revelation 9:7-19
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men…

the Lord

Isaiah 10:5,6
O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation…

Isaiah 45:1,2
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; …

Jeremiah 50:14,15
Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Armies Army Assembled Battle Forces Gathered Gathering Great Hark Host Hosts Kingdoms Massing Meeting Mountains Multitude Nations Noise Numbering Numbers Sound Strong Together Tumult Tumultuous Uproar
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Armies Army Assembled Battle Forces Gathered Gathering Great Hark Host Hosts Kingdoms Massing Meeting Mountains Multitude Nations Noise Numbering Numbers Sound Strong Together Tumult Tumultuous Uproar
Isaiah 13
1. God musters the armies of his wrath
6. He threatens to destroy Babylon by the Medes
19. The desolation of Babylon














Listen
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שִׁמְעוּ" (shim'u), which is an imperative form, calling for immediate attention and obedience. In the biblical context, this is not merely a passive hearing but an active, attentive listening that demands a response. The call to "listen" is a divine summons, urging the audience to pay heed to the unfolding divine plan. It is a reminder of the importance of being attuned to God's voice amidst the noise of the world.

a tumult on the mountains
The word "tumult" comes from the Hebrew "קוֹל" (qol), meaning sound or voice, often associated with loud, chaotic noise. The "mountains" symbolize places of strength and permanence, often seen as the dwelling places of gods in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Here, the tumult on the mountains signifies a divine intervention that disrupts the natural order, indicating a powerful, awe-inspiring event orchestrated by God.

like that of a great multitude
The phrase "great multitude" in Hebrew is "עַם רָב" (am rav), suggesting a vast assembly of people. This imagery evokes the overwhelming presence and power of God's forces. Historically, large gatherings were often associated with significant events, such as battles or religious festivals. The comparison to a great multitude emphasizes the magnitude and seriousness of the divine action being described.

an uproar among the kingdoms
"Uproar" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁאוֹן" (sha'on), indicating a loud, chaotic noise, often associated with confusion or commotion. The "kingdoms" refer to the various nations and political entities of the ancient world. This uproar among the kingdoms suggests a divine shaking of the established order, where God asserts His sovereignty over all earthly powers, reminding believers of His ultimate authority.

like nations gathered together
The gathering of "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim) implies a coalition or assembly, often for war or judgment. In the biblical narrative, the gathering of nations can signify impending judgment or a significant shift in the divine plan. This phrase underscores the universality of God's reach and the inevitability of His purposes being fulfilled, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign plan.

The LORD of Hosts
This title, "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot), emphasizes God's supreme command over the heavenly armies. "Hosts" refers to the angelic beings and celestial bodies that serve God. This title is a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to marshal all of creation to accomplish His will. It reassures believers of God's protection and the certainty of His victory.

is mustering an army for war
The verb "mustering" comes from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), meaning to gather, appoint, or muster. This action indicates a deliberate and strategic preparation for battle. The "army" (חַיִל, chayil) represents not only physical forces but also spiritual power. The phrase "for war" highlights the impending divine judgment and the decisive nature of God's intervention. It serves as a call to readiness and faithfulness, reminding believers of the spiritual battle they are part of and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

(4) The noise of a multitude . . .--The prophet hears, as it were, the tramp of the armies gathering on the mountains north of Babylonia (possibly the Zagros range, or the plateau of Iran, or the mountains of Armenia; but the prophet's geography was probably vague) before they descend to the plain, and march against the haughty city. (Comp. Jeremiah 51:27.)

Verse 4. - The noise of a multitude in the mountains. I do not know why Isaiah should not have been "thinking of his geography" (Cheyne). As soon as the Greeks knew anything of the Persians, they knew of them as a mountain people, and attributed their valor and their handy habits to the physical character of their country (Herod., 9. ad fin.). Jeremiah connects the invading army which destroyed Babylon with mountains, when he derives it from. Ararat (comp. Genesis 8:4), Minni (Armenia), and Ashchenaz (Jeremiah 51:27). At any rate, the mention of "mountains" here is very appropriate, both Media and Persia being, in the main, mountainous countries. A great people; or, much people - not necessarily of one nation only. The host of the battle; rather, a host of war; i.e. a multitude of men, armed and prepared for war.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Listen,
ק֥וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

a tumult
הָמ֛וֹן (hā·mō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth

on the mountains,
בֶּֽהָרִ֖ים (be·hā·rîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

like that
דְּמ֣וּת (də·mūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1823: Resemblance, model, shape, like

of a great
רָ֑ב (rāḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

multitude!
עַם־ (‘am-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

Listen,
ק֠וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

an uproar
שְׁא֞וֹן (šə·’ō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7588: A roar (of waters, etcetera), din, crash, uproar

among the kingdoms,
מַמְלְכ֤וֹת (mam·lə·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

like nations
גּוֹיִם֙ (gō·w·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

gathered together!
נֶֽאֱסָפִ֔ים (ne·’ĕ·sā·p̄îm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

The LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

musters
מְפַקֵּ֖ד (mə·p̄aq·qêḏ)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

an army
צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

for war.
מִלְחָמָֽה׃ (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 13:4 The noise of a multitude (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 13:3
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