What does Isaiah 5:14 mean?
In Hebrew literature, including the Old Testament books, "Sheol" is the grave, the pit, or the place where the dead go. It is often mentioned in connection with a bad end to life or God's judgment. The writer of Psalm 88:3–5 describes it this way:"For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
for they are cut off from your hand."
In this verse, Isaiah personifies Sheol and says it has grown hungry. The prophet paints a picture of Sheol stretching its jaw to devour the wealthy Judean people who have stopped knowing the Lord. Isaiah could not be clearer about what is coming for the people of Jerusalem.
The wealthy and important people will not be able to buy or bargain their way out of what is to come. The nobility will go down into Sheol along with the multitude. The revelers will fall into the same pit along with everyone else. Babylon will carry off many people into captivity (2 Kings 24:14), but many will also die before that moment comes (Isaiah 3:25).
