In Isaiah 14:3-4, what is referred to as a proverb against the king of Babylon?

In Isaiah 14:3-4, the text presents a message of consolation and hope for the people of Israel, indicating that a time will come when they will experience relief from their suffering, particularly from the oppression imposed by the Babylonian king. This passage speaks to the ultimate liberation and peace that the people will enjoy once Babylon's power is broken. Referring to this context, the proverb against the king of Babylon emphasizes the end of oppression and the restoration of rest for the people, marking a significant shift from sorrow, fear, and bondage to a state of freedom and peace.

The focus on the people's restoration highlights the contrast between their current suffering and the promised future of relief, underscoring the themes of hope and divine justice within the scripture. This notion serves as a proverbial expression against the king, suggesting that his fall will lead to the end of the hardships faced by the people.

Other choices, while reflecting various aspects of the king's rule, do not capture the central theme of the proverb as effectively as the aspect of the people's rest from sorrow, fear, and bondage.