Isaiah 13:1

Prophecies about Babylon

1 The 1oracle concerning 2Babylon which 3Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

Isaiah 13:1 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 13:1

The burden of Babylon
That is, a prophecy concerning Babylon, as the word is rendered, ( Proverbs 31:1 ) . The Septuagint and Arabic versions translate it "the vision"; it signifies a taking up F23 a speech against it, and pronouncing a heavy sentence on it, such an one as should sink it into utter destruction; which will be the case of mystical Babylon, when it shall be as a millstone cast into the sea, never to be brought up again, ( Revelation 18:21 ) . The Targum is,

``the burden of the cup of cursing to give Babylon to drink:''
after some prophecies concerning the Messiah and his kingdom, and the church's song of praise for salvation by him, others are delivered out concerning the enemies of the people of God, and their destruction, and begin with Babylon the chief of these enemies, and into whose hands the people of Israel would be delivered for a while; wherefore this prophecy is given forth, in order to lay a foundation for comfort and relief, when that should be their case; by which it would appear that they should have deliverance from them by the same hand that should overthrow them: which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see:
by a spirit of prophecy; for this he saw not with his bodily eyes, though it was as clear and certain to him as if he had. The Targum is,
``which Isaiah the son of Amoz prophesied.''

FOOTNOTES:

F23 (avm) a (avn) "tollere".

Isaiah 13:1 In-Context

1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
2 Lift up a standard on the bare hill, Raise your voice to them, Wave the hand that they may enter the doors of the nobles.
3 I have commanded My consecrated ones, I have even called My mighty warriors, My proudly exulting ones, To execute My anger.
4 A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the uproar of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts is mustering the army for battle.
5 They are coming from a far country, From the farthest horizons, The LORD and His instruments of indignation, To destroy the whole land.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Isaiah 14:28; Isaiah 15:1
  • 2. Isaiah 13:19; Isaiah 14:4; Isaiah 47:1-15; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 50:1-51:64; Matthew 1:11; Revelation 14:8
  • 3. Isaiah 1:1

Footnotes 1

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