The Humiliation of Babylon

Isaiah 47:1–15
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Isaiah describes Babylon’s fall to the Persians more than 150 years before the event took place. The prophet sees a time when the imposing conqueror, Babylon, shall be defeated and he pictures her as one who can do no more than sit in the dust (v. 1) This is an interesting statement as ancient Babylon, in spite of all its splendor, was in reality a kingdom built upon the dust of the desert of Shinar. Cast down from her imperial tower, she is reduced to the disgraceful status of a half-naked slave girl grinding meal with millstones (vv. 2-3). The day came when Israel realized that release from exile would come from God and not themselves (vv. 4-5). God used Babylon to punish His sinful people; He would use Medo-Persia to destroy Babylon and free His people.

Isaiah, speaking for God, further explains that he has only allowed Babylon to come to power and conquer Judah because He is angry at the sin of His people (v. 6). The unrepentant attitude of Babylon is that she will be in power forever (v. 7). She had not even considered the possibility that she would not be in a position of power forever. She thought that she could never be defeated (v. 8).  Caught up in the pursuit of power and pleasure, Babylon believed in her own greatness and claimed to be the only power on earth. Though Babylon thought she was unique, she was wrong; God is the one who is unique, as Isaiah had stated repeatedly (vv. 9-12). The people of Babylon sought advice and help from astrologers and stargazers (v. 13). Astrology as common in Babylon (Dan 2:2) but their work was worthless (vv. 14-15). They could not deliver themselves from the hand of God.

Application

We need to ask ourselves, “Why do we rely on those who are powerless?” The helpless cannot help us. If I want help, I will find it in God who alone has power over the trials and circumstances of life.