Isaiah 22:18
He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.
Isaiah 22:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Isaiah, the prophet is delivering a message from God to the people of Judah. The imagery used in the verse is striking and fiery, illustrating the magnitude of God's anger towards the disobedient and unfaithful people. The image of being violently turned and tossed like a ball into a large country signifies the severity of their punishment. The people are being warned that they will be exiled to a foreign land where they will face death and shame, with even their prized possessions, symbolized by the chariots of their glory, becoming a disgrace. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance in order to avoid facing God's wrath.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the imagery of being violently turned and tossed like a ball into a large country conveys a sense of utter devastation and abandonment. The use of the metaphor of being tossed like a ball implies a lack of control and direction, as well as a dehumanizing treatment of the people being judged. This is a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God's commands. The mention of dying in the large country emphasizes the finality and severity of the punishment for those who turn away from God. Additionally, the reference to the chariots of glory becoming the shame of the lord's house highlights the complete reversal of fortune and the humiliation that awaits those who place their trust in material wealth and power rather than in God. This verse serves as a stark warning of the consequences of pride and disobedience, and the importance of remaining faithful to God's will.
Isaiah 22:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
He will surely wind thee round and round, [and toss thee] like a ball into a large country; there shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy glory, thou shame of thy lord's house.
World English Bible
He will surely wind you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there the chariots of your glory will be, you shame of your lord’s house.
Douay-Rheims
He will crown thee with a crown of tribulation, he will toss thee like a ball into a large and spacious country: there shalt thou die, and there shall the chariot of thy glory be, the shame of the house of thy Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He wil surely rolle and turne thee like a bal in a large countrey: there shalt thou die, and there the charets of thy glory shalbe the shame of thy lordes house.