Read Isaiah 13.
From Genesis to the Prophets to Revelation, the Bible condemns the city of
Babylon as a center of hatred against God. It is referred to as the
source of astrology and other satanically inspired alternatives designed to
distract people from trusting in God's word. Here, the Holy Spirit
revealed to Isaiah the destruction of the Babylonian Empire.
Perhaps, the most significant element of Isaiah's message is that Babylon would
not become a world empire for another 200 years. But such is the nature
of prophecy, that is, telling the future in advance. No one but the
sovereign LORD Himself could know and control this plan. The events
described here were fulfilled in Daniel 5 with the famous handwriting on the
wall. Babylon's end came with the sandwiched attack by the Medes and
Persians.
But there is more. A similar description
of a revived Babylon is found in Revelation 16-18. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of
Isaiah’s prophecy.
Notice in the chapter that though empires fall and another is raised up, it is
God who planned it all and takes full credit for using them to do His work.
v.3-"I myself have commanded...to execute my anger..."
v.4-"The LORD of hosts is mustering a host for battle."
v.5-"...the LORD and the weapons of his indignation,..."
v.11-"I will punish...I will put an end..."
v.12-"I will make people more rare..."
v.13-"I will make the heavens tremble..."
v.17-"I am stirring up the Medes against them..."
The LORD had called Judah to repent and experience forgiveness of their sins in
chapter one. It came with this warning,
“If you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten with the sword; for the mouth of
the LORD has spoken.” (1:19) While the
God of the universe has such plans and power of justice for Jew and Gentile
alike, He knows and cares for every individual life. “Come now, let us
reason together, says the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be
as white as snow.” (1:18) Our response begins with a willingness to “come” to
Him.
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