John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 14:16

"They that see thee shall gaze at thee, they shall consider thee, [saying], Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;" — Isaiah 14:16 (ASV)

They that see thee. The Prophet, again impersonating the dead, mocks that wicked king. This could also be viewed as relating to the living; however, it is better to apply this entire discourse to the dead, unless we prefer to refer it to the grave itself, which amounts to nearly the same thing. We are accustomed to stretch out our necks when we encounter anything strange or deserving our attention. Thus, when it was considered something of a marvel that this king, who possessed such great power, had died, the Prophet says that the eyes of all people were directed toward him, to look at him intently, as if they could scarcely believe their own eyes.

Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that shook kingdoms? They first ask whether it is possible that he who, by the slightest expression of his will, made the earth to tremble, could be so quickly and easily laid low. Next, the Prophet mentions that this man was eager to destroy everything but is unable, and shows that tyrants, with all their cruelty, are like clouds that pour down a sudden shower of rain or hail, as if they would destroy everything, but are scattered in a moment. This comparison was also used by the venerable Athanasius when someone threatened him with the rage of the Emperor Julian. Isaiah shows that this change proceeds from the hand of God, who, by the slightest expression of His will, can overturn the whole world.