Isaiah 47:1-15
Q.1. Why was the prediction of the doom of Babylon unexpected? What would God do to its pride and complacency? How do we know that the prophecy is true? From Whom did it come? – (Isa.47:1-7)
Isaiah and the other prophets had prophesied the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by Babylon (see Isa.39:5-7 c.f. Ezk.12:13). It is one of the special features of prophecy that God gives hope to His people even before judgment comes. So, this chapter outlining the doom of Babylon even before God used it to punish His own people reveals the sovereign rule of God – Our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel (Isa.47:4). God uses Isaiah to identify the pride of the Chaldeans when she assumed – … `I will be a queen forever.’ These things you did not consider nor remember the outcome of them (Isa.47:7). He would use Babylon to chastise Judah but – … You did not show mercy to them, on the aged you made your yoke very heavy (Isa.47:6). But the omnipotent Lord of the host of heaven’s army had kept note of their arrogance (see Isa.47:4). God’s wrath reveals that He is in charge.
Q.2. What was wrong with Babylon’s view of itself? How would God confirm that His prediction would come true? From where did Babylon get its security? What made their trust useless? – (Isa.47:8-15)
Babylon had built its dependence on false prophets and presumed – … `I am, and there is no one besides me. I will not sit as a widow, nor know loss of children’ (Isa.47:8). Sadly, Babylon’s confidence had not been built on God but sorcery and astrologers and so they had deluded themselves (see Isa.47:9-12). But these philosophies are powerless and unable to save them, let alone themselves (see Isa.47:13-14). God sums up – there is none to save you! (see Isa.47:15).