_GOD MUSTERETH THE ARMIES OF HIS WRATH: HE THREATENETH TO DESTROY
BABYLON BY THE MEDES. THE DESOLATION OF BABYLON._
_Before Christ 713._
The SECOND part of the prophesies of Isaiah, containing a wonderful
account of God's dealings with the enemies of his church and people,
begins at this chapter,... [ Continue Reading ]
_ISAIAH 13:1_.— This prophesy respecting Babylon may be divided into
two parts; the former part contained in the present chapter: wherein
we have, _first,_ the title, Isaiah 13:1.; _secondly,_ the matter
comprehended in this first part, which describes figuratively and
strongly the calamity of Babyl... [ Continue Reading ]
LIFT YE UP A BANNER— In this beginning of the discourse we have,
_first,_ a figurative declaration of the causes, principal as well as
instrumental, of the judgment to be brought upon Babylon; wherein God
is introduced as a supreme general, delivering his commands to his
ministers to collect a stron... [ Continue Reading ]
THE NOISE OF A MULTITUDE, &C.— The prophet here relates three
things, the sudden effects of the divine command; _first,_ the
collection and congregation which God had destined to execute his
judgments. _There is a noise of tumult in the mountains; the
appearance of much people; the voice of the tumu... [ Continue Reading ]
HOWL YE, &C.— We have here, in this latter member of the first part
of the discourse, a premonition to the Babylonians concerning their
approaching calamity; Isaiah 13:6. _Secondly,_ the effects of the
expedition of their enemies against them are set forth; the stupor,
_consternation,_ and despair o... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE, &C.— What other effect could the premonition concerning
the approach of such formidable enemies produce, than consternation
and dismay? So the prophet informs us, eloquently describing in this
period the consternation of the Babylonians upon the report of the
expedition undertaken against... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, THE DAY OF THE LORD COMETH, &C.— The prophet begins here to
describe the calamity itself coming upon the Babylonians, but in
figures, according to his manner, grand, and adapted to raise a
terrible image of that calamity. We have the proposition in the ninth
verse, and the enarration of it i... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I WILL SHAKE THE HEAVENS— Every one who reads and compares
these words with those preceding, must observe, that they contain an
explanation of what the prophet had said concerning the mighty storm
to be raised against the Babylonians; so that here the same subject is
continued and amplifie... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, I WILL STIR UP THE MEDES— Here follows the second part of
this prophesy; in which, what the prophet had foretold principally in
figure, is here plainly related; and is easily divided, as it contains
the antecedent and consequent, the cause and effect. The antecedent,
or efficient causes of t... [ Continue Reading ]
AND BABYLON, THE GLORY— The prophet in this eloquent passage
describes to us the consequence of the fury of the enemy raised up by
God against Babylon; namely, the devastation and desolation of
Babylon; and that extreme and everlasting; so as to exclude all hope
of the restoration of this once magni... [ Continue Reading ]