Isaia 13:4-14

4 S’ode sui monti un rumore di gente, come quello d’un popolo immenso; il rumor d’un tumulto di regni, di nazioni raunate: l’Eterno degli eserciti passa in rivista l’esercito, che va a combattere.

5 Vengono da lontan paese, dalla estremità de’ cieli, l’Eterno e gli strumenti della sua ira, per distruggere tutta la terra.

6 Urlate, poiché il giorno dell’Eterno è vicino; esso viene come una devastazione dell’Onnipotente.

7 Perciò, tutte le mani diventan fiacche, e ogni cuor d’uomo vien meno.

8 Son còlti da spavento, son presi da spasimi e da doglie; si contorcono come donna che partorisce, si guardan l’un l’altro sbigottiti, le loro facce son facce di fuoco.

9 Ecco il giorno dell’Eterno giunge: giorno crudele, d’indignazione e d’ira ardente, che farà della terra un deserto, e ne distruggerà i peccatori.

10 Poiché le stelle e le costellazioni del cielo non far più brillare la loro luce, il sole s’oscurerà fin dalla sua levata, e la luna non farà più risplendere il suo chiarore.

11 Io punirò il mondo per la sua malvagità, e gli empi per la loro iniquità; farò cessare l’alterigia de’ superbi e abbatterò l’arroganza de’ tiranni.

12 Renderò gli uomini più rari dell’oro fino, più rari dell’oro d’Ofir.

13 Perciò farò tremare i cieli, e la terra sarà scossa dal suo luogo per l’indignazione dell’Eterno degli eserciti, nel giorno della sua ira ardente.

14 Allora, come gazzella inseguita o come pecora che nessuno raccoglie, ognuno si volgerà verso il suo popolo, ognuno fuggirà al proprio paese.

Isaia 13:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 13

This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, literally understood as a type and exemplar of the destruction of the mystical Babylon, so often spoken of in the book of the Revelation: an account is given of the persons that should be the instruments of it, and of the desolation they should make; which would issue in the utter ruin of that once famous city. The title of the prophecy, and the person that had it, and brought it, are expressed, Isa 13:1 orders are given to the Medes and Persians to prepare for war, Isa 13:2 and are described as the Lord's sanctified ones, his mighty ones, and who rejoiced in his highness, Isa 13:3 by the multitude of them, by the length of the way they came, and the end of their coming, by divine direction, and as the instruments of God's wrath, to destroy the land of the Chaldeans, Isa 13:4,5 wherefore the inhabitants of it are called to howling, because that destruction from the Lord was at hand, Isa 13:6,9 the effects of which were fainting, fear, consternation, pain, and sorrow, without the least relief and comfort, Isa 13:7,8,10 the causes of which were their sin and iniquity, particularly their arrogance, pride, and haughtiness, Isa 13:11 which destruction is further described by the fewness of men that should be left in the land, Isa 13:12 by the strange revolution made in it, and the confusion it should be in, Isa 13:13 by the fear and flight of men, both of their own and other nations, that should be among them, Isa 13:14 by the slaughter of men and children, the plunder of their houses, and the ravishing of their wives, Isa 13:15,16 the persons that should be employed as instruments are mentioned by name, and represented as not to be bribed with gold and silver; and as merciless and uncompassionate, that should spare neither young men nor children, Isa 13:17,18 and the chapter is concluded with a particular account of the destruction of Babylon; which is aggravated, by observing its former glory; by comparing its ruin to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah; by its being no more to be inhabited by men within, nor to have Arabian shepherds pitching their tents without it; and by being the habitation of wild beasts, satyrs, dragons, and doleful creatures, Isa 13:19-22.