Babylon
A city, nation, empire, and anti-God world system!
Isaiah 13:1 - 14:23
“Isaiah called these prophetic declarations “burdens” (oracles). The Hebrew word means “to lift up”. The prophet was carrying a heavy weight because of the solemn nature of his message. He was announcing judgments that involved the destruction of cities and the slaughter of thousands of people. No wonder he felt burdened!” “Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p.56
“Chapters 13 to 23 consist of oracles concerning surrounding Gentile nations. These come appropriately after the great subject of Messianic prophecies in chapters 7-12. It has been foretold therein that the authority of the Messiah will be exercised over all the kingdoms of the world, and consolatory messages had been given concerning the ultimate blessing and glory of Israel. Accordingly the doom of these Gentile powers one after another is predicted.”
“Isaiah” W.E. Vine p.52
I What “burden” has Isaiah for Babylon? 13: 1-22
“Babylon in the Scriptures became a synonym of all that which is ungodly and wicked, of all the powers and human institutions which defy God and exalt themselves against Him.”
“Isaiah” Buksbazen p.198
What has the Lord done? v.2,3
What is He doing? v.4,5
What “Day” is coming? v.6,9,13b
“But it is clear that Isaiah’s prophecy describes something more significant than the ups and downs of an ancient city. The prophets often began a message by focusing on local events, but then enlarged their vision to reveal something greater. Isaiah saw in the fall of Babylon a picture of “the Day of the Lord”, that time when God will pour out His wrath on the whole world.”
“Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p.57
How do men react? v.7,8
What happens to the earth and to the heavens? v.9,10
What is the purpose of that “Day”? v.11-13
Can anyone escape? v.14-18
How complete is Babylon’s destruction? v.19-22
“Chapter 14 introduces the day of Israel’s deliverance and Millennial blessing, and it is in the day that the Lord gives them rest from sorrow and fear and bondage that they will rejoice in the destruction of Babylon and utter their taunt against the city’s oppressor.” “Isaiah” W.E. Vine p.53
II What does God promise Israel? 14: 1-23
What can they believe God for? Why? v.1,2
Who will they taunt when freed? v.3.4
What do they acknowledge when freed? v.5.6
How extensive is peace and rest? v.7,8
How is the end of the king of Babylon described? v.9-11
What was his ambition? v.13,14
“Here is the contrast between the insatiable ambition of mortal man and the overruling power of God. Instead of being “like the Most High” the king of Babylon was hurled down to the deepest pit. The man who was once the object of awed adulation, before whom nations trembled, who razed cities and held captive countless people, suddenly became the object of scorn and headshaking.”
“Isaiah” Buksbazen p.198
Who has empowered him? v.12-15
“In the fall of the king of Babylon, he saw the defeat of Satan, the “prince of this world” who seeks to energize and motivate the leaders of nations. . .Like the king of Babylon, Satan will someday be humiliated and defeated. He will be cast out of heaven and finally cast into hell (Revelation 20:10).
. “Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p.58
Why are people astonished? v. 16,17
How total is his destruction? v.18-23