Isaiah 47

Isaiah 47 presents a prophetic message of judgment against Babylon. The chapter personifies Babylon as a proud, powerful woman who will be humiliated and brought low due to her arrogance and oppression of others, especially God's people. The prophecy foretells her downfall, showing that her wealth, power, and magic will not save her from God's judgment.

Isaiah 47:1 (NKJV)
1 “Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate.”

Babylon is addressed as a “virgin daughter,” which implies a once-untouched or powerful city. However, she is called to descend from her throne to sit in the dust, a sign of defeat and humiliation. The city will no longer be known for its beauty and wealth but will be stripped of its former glory. This verse emphasizes that Babylon’s pride and splendor will be brought to nothing.

Isaiah 47:2 (NKJV)
2 Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers.

Babylon is depicted here as a slave, grinding meal, which was a lowly task. The uncovering of the veil and skirt symbolizes shame and humiliation, suggesting that Babylon will be exposed and degraded. Her passage through the rivers signifies the loss of freedom and forced submission to her conquerors. This image contrasts sharply with her previous status as a powerful empire.

Isaiah 47:3 (NKJV)
3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

God declares that Babylon’s nakedness and shame will be publicly exposed, symbolizing her downfall and disgrace. The emphasis on divine vengeance indicates that this is God’s judgment, not merely the actions of human enemies. The phrase “I will not arbitrate” suggests that no negotiation or mercy will be extended—God’s judgment will be final and uncompromising.

Isaiah 47:4 (NKJV)
4 As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel.

This verse shifts the focus to God's people, who recognize that their Redeemer is the Lord of hosts. It serves as a reminder that, while Babylon faces destruction, the Holy One of Israel remains faithful and powerful to save His people. The contrast highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His role as the protector of Israel.

Isaiah 47:5 (NKJV)
5 “Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; For you shall no longer be called The Lady of Kingdoms.”

Babylon, once known as the “Lady of Kingdoms,” is commanded to sit in silence and darkness, symbols of defeat and obscurity. This powerful empire will lose its influence and prestige. The silence represents the end of her pride and boasting, and the darkness suggests the loss of power and control.

Isaiah 47:6 (NKJV)
6 I was angry with My people; I have profaned My inheritance, And given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily.

God acknowledges that He allowed Babylon to conquer His people as part of His judgment. However, Babylon exceeded the bounds of her authority by showing no mercy, especially toward the elderly. This verse highlights Babylon's cruelty and unjust treatment of the captives, which contributes to her impending judgment.

Isaiah 47:7 (NKJV)
7 And you said, ‘I shall be a lady forever,’ So that you did not take these things to heart, Nor remember the latter end of them.

Babylon’s arrogance is evident in her belief that she would remain in power forever, without considering the consequences of her actions. This complacency and lack of reflection on the future led to her downfall. The verse underscores the danger of pride and self-assuredness, especially when it blinds one to impending judgment.

Isaiah 47:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, Who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children’;
9 But these two things shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness Because of the multitude of your sorceries, For the great abundance of your enchantments.”

Babylon is rebuked for her self-indulgence and false sense of security. She believed that her wealth and power would protect her from disaster. However, God declares that sudden calamities—symbolized by widowhood and the loss of children—will fall upon her because of her reliance on sorcery and enchantments. This punishment emphasizes that her magical practices and arrogance cannot shield her from God's judgment.

Isaiah 47:10-11 (NKJV)
10 “For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, ‘No one sees me’; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’
11 Therefore evil shall come upon you; You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; You will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, Which you shall not know.”

Babylon's downfall is attributed to her wickedness and misplaced trust in her own wisdom and knowledge. She believed that no one, including God, saw her deeds. Her self-centeredness and arrogance distorted her perspective, leading to her downfall. The judgment will come unexpectedly, and Babylon will be powerless to prevent it. This illustrates the consequences of relying on human wisdom instead of acknowledging God’s authority.

Isaiah 47:12-13 (NKJV)
12 “Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth— Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail.
13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.”

God challenges Babylon to rely on her sorceries and astrologers in a mocking tone. Babylon had long depended on these practices, but they would prove useless in preventing the coming destruction. Her counselors, astrologers, and magicians, once highly regarded, will fail to provide any real help. This demonstrates the futility of relying on occult practices instead of God.

Isaiah 47:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before!
15 Thus shall they be to you With whom you have labored, Your merchants from your youth; They shall wander each one to his quarter. No one shall save you.”

Babylon’s astrologers and sorcerers are compared to stubble consumed by fire. They will be powerless to save themselves, let alone Babylon. The fire of judgment will not be a comforting fire, but one of destruction. The merchants who once enriched Babylon will also abandon her in her time of need. The prophecy ends with the stark reality that no one will be able to save Babylon from her fate. This concludes the divine judgment pronounced upon her.