Isaiah 47:6

6 For I was angry with my chosen people and punished them by letting them fall into your hands. But you, Babylon, showed them no mercy. You oppressed even the elderly.

Isaiah 47:6 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 47:6

I was wroth with my people
The people of Israel, for their sins and transgressions, particularly their idolatries. Here begin the reasons and causes of the destruction of Babylon, and the first mentioned is their cruelty to the people of God; for though he was angry with them himself, yet he resented their being ill used by them: I have polluted mine inheritance;
the Jews, who, as they were his people, were his portion and inheritance, as he was theirs: these he is said to pollute, by suffering the Heathen to enter into the land, and defile their city and sanctuary, and carry them captive into an unclean and idolatrous country: and given them into thine hand;
to correct and chastise, but in measure, not to kill and destroy: whereas thou didst show them no mercy;
used them very cruelly, and exceeded the commission given: upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke;
whose age should have commanded reverence and respect, and whose weakness and infirmities called for compassion; but nothing of this kind was shown; they were not spared because of age, but had insupportable burdens laid upon them; and if not they, then much less young men; see ( Lamentations 5:12 ) .

Isaiah 47:6 In-Context

4 Our Redeemer, whose name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, is the Holy One of Israel.

5 “O beautiful Babylon, sit now in darkness and silence. Never again will you be known as the queen of kingdoms.

6 For I was angry with my chosen people and punished them by letting them fall into your hands. But you, Babylon, showed them no mercy. You oppressed even the elderly.

7 You said, ‘I will reign forever as queen of the world!’ You did not reflect on your actions or think about their consequences.

8 “Listen to this, you pleasure-loving kingdom, living at ease and feeling secure. You say, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other. I will never be a widow or lose my children.’