Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 14:6

"that smote the peoples in wrath with a continual stroke, that ruled the nations in anger, with a persecution that none restrained." — Isaiah 14:6 (ASV)

He who smote - This may either refer to the king of Babylon, or to the rod or scepter which he had used, and which was now broken. Herder refers it to the scepter, ‘that which smote the nations.’ (On the meaning of the word “smote,” see the notes at Isaiah 10:20).

The people - The nations that were subject to his authority.

With a continual stroke - Margin, ‘A stroke without removing.’ Vulgate, Plaga insanabili—‘With an incurable plague.’ Septuagint, the same—Πληγῇ ἀνιάτῳ, Plēgē aniatō. The Hebrew is, as in the margin, ‘A smiting without removing,’ or without cessation. There was no relaxation in its oppressions; it was always engaged in acts of tyranny.

He that ruled the nations - Babylon was the capital of a vast empire, and that empire was composed of many dependent nations.

Is persecuted - By those who make war upon it. Its turn had come to be oppressed and overthrown.

And none hinders - No nation opposes the invader. None of the dependent kingdoms of Babylon have any real attachment to it, but all rejoice at its downfall. The most mighty kingdom of the earth is helpless and ruined.

What a change this was! How sudden and striking the revolution! And what a warning to proud and guilty cities!