Isaiah 5:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To emphasize that this is not simply a natural occurrence but a divine act and a decree from heaven, the prophet notes that those of high rank and influence, who have caused turmoil and disorder among the people of Israel, will be cast down into hell. He rightly calls them ‘destroyers,’ as they embody wickedness and extend this moral corruption to others. This reflects the nature of contagion: it begins with one individual and, as it spreads, it taints others. The one who indulges in these pleasures, who finds joy in material possessions, and who believes himself to be secure in his wealth, will ultimately stumble and face ruin.

The divine Psalmist articulates this sentiment as he speaks of every soul consumed by pleasure and sin, stating, "It shall go down even unto the generation of its fathers: even unto the ages shall it not see the light" (Psalm 48:20). Regarding the saints who depart from our earthly existence, Scripture asserts that they reunite with their forebears; it is mentioned to the blessed Abraham, "You shall depart to your father, you shall be nourished in old age more kindly" (Genesis 15:15). So, for those who die in their iniquities, we refer to them as having passed to the lineage of their forefathers, identifying as their ancestors those who lived similarly and in every respect akin to their former lives.

Conversely, if Scripture mentions a multitude suffering from hunger and thirst, it resonates with accounts from Josephus, who vividly depicted the tragic suffering of the Jewish people. During the siege of Jerusalem, mothers resorted to extreme measures, sacrificing their own children amid overwhelming hunger and desperation. This suffering was not confined to Jerusalem but rather extended throughout the other cities of Judea—what reason could there be to doubt this? Countless individuals lost their lives in battle, falling by the sword; and as many succumbed in this manner, even more perished from grievous famine. Should one assert that the wicked Jews also experienced a lack of spiritual nourishment and divine sustenance, resulting in their decline and descent into hell due to their refusal to be revitalized by Christ, that assertion holds truth; they too faced such a reality.

But who are the descendants for whom hell has expanded its reach and revealed its insatiable hunger? The answer is found in the mention of the illustrious, the mighty, the wealthy, and those who bring about their destruction. Being rulers of the land and the most esteemed individuals, it was anticipated that they would guide those beneath them appropriately. Yet, they failed to do so, serving instead as examples of a life deserving of condemnation. The Scriptures do not depict them metaphorically as guards or suggest that they spread a thorny net over the people. Can you see why they became a snare? Subordinates often seek to emulate the virtues and vices of their leaders, leading to their own downfall as well as that of many others. Thus, they are the first to descend into hell, for divine wrath shall be unleashed upon them before anyone else. Their punishment arises not from their wealth or status but from their being a plague—a source of destruction and corruption for themselves and those they led astray.

Thus, those who turned away from the Lord and were left unsatisfied, seeking the glory of God and yearning for spiritual nourishment, shall descend into hell, alongside the esteemed, the powerful, and the wealthy.

Three warnings are declared to transgressors: captivity, spiritual death, and descent into hell. Captivity refers to the fall from the previous existence through the deceit of the adversary, who led us away from the joy of Paradise. Spiritual death signifies separation from the life-giving command of God, while descent into hell represents the alienation from God stemming from excessive sin and a willful choice against righteousness. As the righteous have already been resurrected with Christ and are elevated in heavenly realms (cf. Eph. 1:20), so too are the wicked described as already imprisoned, spiritually dead, and descended into hell due to their sinful actions.

The Prophet details the various groups entering hell, beginning with the so-called glorious ones—individuals who, despite their favorable reputations, lack genuine evidence of righteous living. Next are the mighty, who hold authority over many, followed by the wealthy, who have unjustly amassed riches or possess an insatiable craving for more. Lastly, there are the corruptors, who, like a vicious illness, spread their decay to those around them, earning the title of destroyers due to their misleading teachings or their incitement to sin.

It is also noted that the phrase “And rejoice in it” may refer to a Jew by lineage, who finds joy in the earthly Jerusalem without aspiring to the eternal joy set aside for God's saints. However, this wording reflects a common way of attributing the blessings of a dwelling to its inhabitants, as illustrated in the Scripture, "His foundations are upon the mountains of the saints" (Ps. 86:2). Therefore, those who find pleasure in such earthly matters shall ultimately descend into hell.

We are grateful for the teachings of the Apostle of Christ, who not only warns us against this peril through his exhortations but also provides us with the surest means and support to protect ourselves. He instructs us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” If we commit ourselves to the first part of his teaching, we will discover the necessary strength and guidance to fulfill the second part effectively.

Their destroyers will also be present—those who, through their corrupting moral influence, led astray the illustrious, the mighty, and the affluent, including flatterers and false prophets who found enjoyment in such pursuits. This scene takes place in Jerusalem. St. Basil the Great refers to a similar notion in Psalm 86:1, noting that its foundation, which pertains to Jerusalem, rests upon the hills of the saints.