Isaiah 47

1 descende sede in pulverem virgo filia Babylon sede in terra non est solium filiae Chaldeorum quia ultra non vocaberis mollis et tenera

2 tolle molam et mole farinam denuda turpitudinem tuam discoperi umerum revela crus transi flumina

3 revelabitur ignominia tua et videbitur obprobrium tuum ultionem capiam et non resistet mihi homo

4 redemptor noster Dominus exercituum nomen illius Sanctus Israhel

5 sede tace et intra in tenebras filia Chaldeorum quia non vocaberis ultra domina regnorum

6 iratus sum super populum meum contaminavi hereditatem meam et dedi eos in manu tua non posuisti eis misericordias super senem adgravasti iugum tuum valde

7 et dixisti in sempiternum ero domina non posuisti haec super cor tuum neque recordata es novissimi tui

8 et nunc audi haec delicata et habitans confidenter quae dicis in corde tuo ego sum et non est praeter me amplius non sedebo vidua et ignorabo sterilitatem

9 venient tibi duo haec subito in die una sterilitas et viduitas universa venerunt super te propter multitudinem maleficiorum tuorum et propter duritiam incantatorum tuorum vehementem

10 et fiduciam habuisti in malitia tua et dixisti non est qui videat me sapientia tua et scientia tua haec decepit te et dixisti in corde tuo ego sum et praeter me non est altera

11 veniet super te malum et nescies ortum eius et inruet super te calamitas quam non poteris expiare veniet super te repente miseria quam nescies

12 sta cum incantatoribus tuis et cum multitudine maleficiorum tuorum in quibus laborasti ab adulescentia tua si forte quid prosit tibi aut si possis fieri fortior

13 defecisti in multitudine consiliorum tuorum stent et salvent te augures caeli qui contemplabantur sidera et supputabant menses ut ex eis adnuntiarent ventura tibi

14 ecce facti sunt quasi stipula ignis conbusit eos non liberabunt animam suam de manu flammae non sunt prunae quibus calefiant nec focus ut sedeant ad eum

15 sic facta sunt tibi in quibuscumque laboraveras negotiatores tui ab adulescentia tua unusquisque in via sua erraverunt non est qui salvet te

Isaiah 47 Commentary

Chapter 47

God's judgments on Babylon. (1-6) Carelessness and confidence shall not prevent the evil. (7-15)

Verses 1-6 Babylon is represented under the emblem of a female in deep distress. She was to be degraded and endure sufferings; and is represented sitting on the ground, grinding at the handmill, the lowest and most laborious service. God was righteous in his vengeance, and none should interpose. The prophet exults in the Lord of hosts, as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. God often permits wicked men to prevail against his people; but those who cruelly oppress them will be punished.

Verses 7-15 Let us beware of acting and speaking as Babylon did; of trusting in tyranny and oppression; of boasting as to our abilities, relying on ourselves, and ascribing success to our own prudence and wisdom; lest we partake of her plagues. Those in the height of prosperity, are apt to fancy themselves out of the reach of adversity. It is also common for sinners to think they shall be safe, because they think to be secret in wicked ways. But their security shall be their ruin. Let us draw from such passages as the foregoing, those lessons of humility and trust in God which they convey. If we believe the word of God, we may know how it will be with the righteous and the wicked to all eternity. We may learn how to escape the wrath to come, to glorify God, to have peace through life, hope in death, and everlasting happiness. Let us then stand aloof from all delusions.

Chapter Summary

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.