Isaiah 13:16

16 While they look on helplessly, their babies will be battered to death, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be raped."

Isaiah 13:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their
eyes
Upon the ground, or against the wall, as was foretold should be, ( Psalms 137:8 Psalms 137:9 ) and in way of retaliation for what they did to the Jews, ( 2 Chronicles 36:17 ) and this was to be done "before their eyes", in the sight of the inhabitants, which must make it the more distressing and afflicting; and, as Kimchi observes, this phrase is to be applied to the following clauses: their houses shall be spoiled;
plundered of the substance, wealth, and riches in them, by the Persian soldiers: and their wives ravished;
by the same, and both before their eyes, and after that slain, in like manner as they had ravished the women in Zion, ( Lamentations 5:11 ) .

Isaiah 13:16 In-Context

14 "The foreigners living in Babylon will run away to their homelands, scattering like deer escaping from hunters, like sheep without a shepherd.

15 Anyone who is caught will be stabbed to death.

16 While they look on helplessly, their babies will be battered to death, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be raped."

17 The Lord says, "I am stirring up the Medes to attack Babylon. They care nothing for silver and are not tempted by gold.

18 With their bows and arrows they will kill the young men. They will show no mercy to babies and take no pity on children.