“And I will make it a possession of the hedgehog, and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of hosts.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this verse as just a description of desolation, but notice the specific details: the "hedgehog" (or "bittern," depending on translation) and "pools of water." This isn't just empty ruin; it’s a transformation into a habitat for creatures that thrive in damp, neglected places, signifying a total, almost grotesque, overturning of its former glory.
“And I will make it a possession of the hedgehog, and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of hosts.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes the taunting song directed at the king of Babylon, following God's judgment against him and his empire. After detailing the arrogant pride that led to his downfall, Isaiah describes the desolate state Babylon will become: a marshy wasteland inhabited by wild creatures and utterly swept away by divine destruction. The preceding verses celebrate the end of Babylon's oppressive rule, and this final image paints a stark picture of its complete annihilation.
God's judgment turns a bustling city into a desolate habitat. What does this say about the fate of those who oppose Him?
The prophecy describes a complete transformation of Babylon. It won't just be empty; it will become a dwelling place for creatures that thrive in ruins and water.
From Imperial Center to Wilderness
Imagine a powerful city being utterly destroyed, not just conquered, but erased. What does this 'broom of destruction' signify?
The phrase 'broom of destruction' paints a vivid picture of God's complete and utter judgment against Babylon.
The Cleansing Power of God's Wrath
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Understand the original words
bam-te'ate hashmed · Hebrew Noun phrase
A metaphor for divine judgment and the thorough removal or eradication of a people or entity, leaving nothing behind. It symbolizes the completeness of God's act in removing someone or something from existence or influence.
This prophecy paints a picture of utter desolation for Babylon, a city known for its grandeur and power. The imagery of wild animals and stagnant water signifies its complete ruin after its fall, a stark contrast to its former glory and a warning to all oppressive empires.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire dominates
Isaiah prophesies during the height of the Assyrian Empire's power, a period marked by military might and expansion. This sets the stage for later prophecies against imperial powers like Babylon.
689 BC
Assyrians destroy Babylon
The Assyrian king Sennacherib brutally destroys Babylon. Although later rebuilt, this event would have deeply impacted the region and demonstrated the devastating potential of imperial power.
626 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire rises
Babylon, under Nabopolassar, breaks free from Assyrian rule, beginning the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This resurgence sets up Babylon as a new imperial power that will eventually conquer Jerusalem.
605 BC
First Babylonian deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a portion of the population, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
587-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This is a catastrophic event for the people of Judah.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon. This event is significant as it fulfills prophecies concerning Babylon's destruction and paves the way for the return of the Jewish exiles.
This passage also describes God's judgment upon Edom, detailing the desolation with similar imagery of wild animals and ruined structures, reinforcing the theme of utter destruction and wilderness reclamation.
Jeremiah 50:39This verse directly echoes Isaiah's prophecy concerning Babylon, stating it will become a dwelling place for wild animals and will never be inhabited again, confirming the completeness of its ruin.
Zephaniah 2:14Similar to Isaiah's prophecy, this passage describes the desolation of Nineveh, mentioning that wild animals will rest in its columns and ruins, illustrating how proud cities fall into ruin and become habitats for the wild.
Revelation 18:2This New Testament passage powerfully describes the fall of a future 'Babylon,' using vivid language of destruction and desolation, showing the ongoing biblical theme of judgment on oppressive powers.
cambridgeIsaiah 14:23: "I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts."
23 . the bittern ] (ch. Isaiah 34:11 ; Zephaniah 2:14 ). Usually rendered “hedgehog” (R.V. porcupine ) in accordance with the LXX. and Vulg. and the analogy of Arabic. The bittern certainly suits the scene best, and it is said to have the hedgehog’s trick of rolling itself up into an unrecognisable mass. (Tristram, Natural History of t…
clarkeIsaiah 14:23: "I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts."
I will sweep it with the besom of destruction "I will plunge it in the miry gulf of destruction" - I have here very nearly followed the Version of the Septuagint; the reasons for which see in the last note on De Poesi Hebr. Praelect, xxviii. The besom of destruction, as our Version renders it. במטאטא bematate. This, says Kimchi, is a…
It’s easy to read this verse as just a description of desolation, but notice the specific details: the "hedgehog" (or "bittern," depending on translation) and "pools of water." This isn't just empty ruin; it’s a transformation into a habitat for creatures that thrive in damp, neglected places, signifying a total, almost grotesque, overturning of its former glory.
This verse concludes the taunting song directed at the king of Babylon, following God's judgment against him and his empire. After detailing the arrogant pride that led to his downfall, Isaiah describes the desolate state Babylon will become: a marshy wasteland inhabited by wild creatures and utterly swept away by divine destruction. The preceding verses celebrate the end of Babylon's oppressive rule, and this final image paints a stark picture of its complete annihilation.
This verse concludes the taunting song directed at the king of Babylon, following God's judgment against him and his empire. After detailing the arrogant pride that led to his downfall, Isaiah describes the desolate state Babylon will become: a marshy wasteland inhabited by wild creatures and utterly swept away by divine destruction. The preceding verses celebrate the end of Babylon's oppressive rule, and this final image paints a stark picture of its complete annihilation.
"“And I will make it a possession of the hedgehog, and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of hosts." — It’s easy to read this verse as just a description of desolation, but notice the specific details: the "hedgehog" (or "bittern," depending on translation) and "pools of water." This isn't just empty…
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Last reviewed October 2026