The ancient city of Babylon (see Genesis 10:10) was on the river called Euphrates (in modern Iraq). From the beginning the rulers of Babylon had proud ambitions that led to very serious results for many other people (see Genesis 11:1-9). Even in Isaiah’s day, Babylon was causing constant troubles to... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH: GOD CONTROLS THE NATIONS GOD’S PLANS FOR JUDAH, ASSYRIA AND EGYPT ISAIAH CHAPTER S 10 TO 20 _NORMAN HILLYER_ CHAPTER 13 The next major division of the Book of Isaiah is Chapter s 13 to 23. These 11 Chapter s are about the history of foreign countries that affect Judah in some way. Isa... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Raise a flag’ (see my note on 11:12)... [ Continue Reading ]
This is another example of God’s control over foreign nations, on behalf of his people. These nations will be his agents, who carry out his judgement.... [ Continue Reading ]
‘The day is coming.’ On that day, people will see clearly what God is doing. His powerful deeds will impress everyone. The date is God’s secret. GOD WILL PUNISH PROUD PEOPLE V9 The day of the *Lord is near. ‘I shall not pity anyone when that time comes. Because I am so angry, I shall destroy the... [ Continue Reading ]
‘The day of the *Lord’: see my note on verse 6.... [ Continue Reading ]
Isaiah uses pictures in words to describe how total is the effect of God’s action. The darkness will be extraordinary because no light whatever reaches the world from the stars. Or from the sun, or from the moon. This does not mean that God removes them from the sky. But he covers them so completely... [ Continue Reading ]
The *Medes came from the country that is today called Iran (Persia). They joined forces with the army from Persia in the attack that destroyed Babylon in the year 539 *BC.... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Young men’ often means ‘men old enough to fight as soldiers’. That is also why ‘bows and arrows’ appear in this verse. • Attackers usually pitied babies and children. But even they would not escape death. The cruel actions of the *Medes will be against everyone, of whatever age.... [ Continue Reading ]
God totally destroyed the cities called Sodom and Gomorrah (see Genesis chapter 19). The city called Babylon was immensely larger than Sodom and Gomorrah. And Babylon was famous for its wonderful buildings. But now Babylon’s fate is certain.... [ Continue Reading ]
Today what remains of Babylon’s beautiful buildings and impressive avenues lies underneath many feet of sand. WOE ~ a very sad cry because there is much pain to come. LORD ~ God’s name in the Bible. In the original language, God’s names mean ‘head over all’ and ‘God always’. MEDE ~ a person from the... [ Continue Reading ]