Literary: Verses 15 and 16 are best read in their symbolic context as reversals than an accurate depiction of the manner of the victory of the Lord. The Lord’s means of conquering the world would never require such viciousness. Rather, these verses follow Isaiah’s literary theme of reversals. These verses are an accurate depiction of the conquering methods of the rich and powerful of Isaiah’s day. The coming of the Messiah will mean a reversal of their fortunes. Not only will the haughty be brought low, but they will be conquered.
By using the imagery of savage warfare, Isaiah highlights the total reversal of the roles of the mighty of the earth compared to the Savior. The old order is symbolically turned upside down, and the Savior and the righteous will prevail, where it the “real world” they might be subject to such high and mighty as would use such tactics in warfare.