Isaiah 13 - Destruction of Babylon

LINK: Isaiah 13

BACKGROUND

Isaiah 1-12 were primarily about judgment against the southern kingdom (and to a lesser degree, against the northern kingdom). Isaiah 13-23 will be about judgment on nine other nations or cities. They were written so that God's covenant people would be reassured that God will establish His kingdom.

Isaiah 13 is an oracle ("burdensome message") against Babylon. You might recall that Babylon was the home of the infamous Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 and a point of rebellion against God after the flood when the people tried to make a "name" for themselves (See the post for Genesis 11 HERE). Throughout the centuries, as various dynasties ruled over this city, it was viewed as a place of hatred toward God and Israel.

Revelation 17 and 18 use Babylon as a symbol of God's enemies. This oracle occurred at a time Babylon was part of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was about to attack the Syro-Palestine area where Israel lived. Commentators believe that this oracle was fulfilled when Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sacked the city of Babylon in 689 B.C.

No REFLECTION or APPLICATION. It is a "keep reading" day!

PRAYER

Lord, we praise You God that You are sovereign over all nations. We ask that You fulfill Your plan for the nations today. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.