Isaiah 14:1-32
Q.1. What is Babylon? How was Babylon described? Is the Babylon of the Old Testament the same as the Babylon described in Revelation? – (Gen.11:1-4; Isa.21:9; Rev.14:8; 17:3-18; 18:2-8)
Babel (Hebrew), or Babylon (Greek), was one of the cities of the ancient kingdom, established by Nimrod, early in mankind’s history after the Flood (Gen.10:10). It is considered by some to be the place where life began, and was the site where humans attempted to build a tower that would extend up to Heaven (Gen.11:1-4). This city became the epitome of all idolatrous worship, and the capital city of an empire with its name. Some fifteen hundred years after its founding, God spoke of Babylon through the prophet Isaiah – Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground (Isa.21:9). The kingdom of Babylon would continue for another two hundred years beyond the life of Isaiah, until 539 B.C. The city would continue to be inhabited, until the Islamic invasions around A.D. 650. The prophecy of Isaiah had a dual meaning. It not only referred to ancient Babylon, but also to a later Babylon, the Babylon in the book of Revelation (Rev.14:8; 18:2). In addition to the Babylon of the Old Testament, it is here described as a woman who sits on a beast, of which John wrote – So an angel carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns … And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Rev.17:3, 5). This woman in Revelation 17 is a church, but not the Church that was established by Jesus Christ. Notice what this church does to those who obey God and follow Jesus Christ – And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marvelled with great amazement … And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth (Rev.17:6 & 18). This woman called Babylon the Great, is an apostate church that will be responsible for the martyrdom of many true followers of Jesus Christ. It will be in alliance with the world rulers and the economic system that will be brought down on the appointed day, in a single hour (Rev.18:2-8 c.f. 18: 2, 8, 10, 17, 19, 21).
Q.2. Will Israel always be oppressed by Babylon? How is Babylon like Lucifer? What was the cause of his downfall? What will God do to Babylon? – (Isa.14:1-23 c.f. Ezk.28:11-15; Rev.12:3-4, 7-9)
Babylon will eventually be destroyed, whereas Israel will be restored – When the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and again choose Israel, and settle them in their own land, then strangers will join them and attach themselves to the house of Jacob (Isa.14:1). Isaiah, and then later Ezekiel (Ezk.chpt.28), were given revelations about Lucifer’s rebellion and fall. Babylon has the same character as Lucifer – 13 But you said in your heart, `I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. 14 `I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most-High.’ (Isa.14:13-14 c.f. Jn.8:44). Babylon, Tyre, and the ruling cities of the world were filled with pride. Isaiah prophesied their fall – Sheol from beneath is excited over you to meet you when you come; It arouses for you the spirits of the dead, all the leaders of the earth; It raises all the kings of the nations from their thrones (Isa.14:9). Satan likewise will be destroyed – Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit … “I will rise up against them,” declares the Lord of hosts, “and will cut off from Babylon name and survivors, offspring and posterity,” declares the Lord (Isa 14:15 & 22). After that – The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; They break forth into shouts of joy (Isa.14:7).
Q.3. What has God planned for all the opponents of Israel? Can God’s destruction of Assyria be frustrated? What will happen to Philistia? Will Zion survive? – (Isa.14:24-32)
God then turned his attention to Assyria, and also the whole earth, including all nations (Isa.14:25). King Ahaz had great confidence that the Assyrians would save him, but Isaiah recorded that he would die (Isa.14:28). Assyria would not escape because –24 The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand … 27 For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isa.14:24 & 27). This is a powerful reminder that the fortunes of the nations are determined and controlled by God. The Philistines would also be repaid for their opposition to Israel, and would one day be made to acknowledge them as being God’s people – How then will one answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord has founded Zion, and the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it (Isa.14:32).