Isaiah 47:12-13

12 "Stand fast now in your 1spells And in your many sorceries With which you have labored from your youth; Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you may cause trembling.
13 "You are 2wearied with your many counsels; Let now the 3astrologers *, Those who prophesy by the stars, Those who predict by the new moons, Stand up and 4save you from what will come upon you.

Isaiah 47:12-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 47

This chapter is a prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, and of the Chaldeans, and declares the causes of it. The mean, low, ignominious, and miserable condition Babylon and the Chaldeans should be brought into by the Lord, the Redeemer of his people, is described, Isa 47:1-5, the causes of it are their cruelty to the Jews, Isa 47:6, their pride, voluptuousness, and carnal security, Isa 47:7,8 their sorceries and enchantments, and trust in their own wisdom, Isa 47:9,10, wherefore their destruction should come suddenly upon them, and they should not be able to put it off, Isa 47:11, their magic art, and judiciary astrology, which they boasted of, by them they could neither foresee nor withstand their ruin, which would be of no avail unto them, Isa 47:12-14, nor their merchants either, Isa 47:15.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Isaiah 47:9
  • 2. Jeremiah 51:58, 64
  • 3. Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 44:25; Isaiah 47:9; Daniel 2:2, 10
  • 4. Isaiah 47:15
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