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 (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. This chapter outlined the coming doom of Babylon, even though God would use them to punish His own people. It reveals the sovereign rule of God – Our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel (Isa.47:4). God used Isaiah to identify the pride of the Chaldeans, who 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). The omnipotent Lord of the host of heaven’s army had kept note of their arrogance (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 came true? From where did Babylon get its security? What made their trust useless? – (Isa.47:8-15)
Babylon had depended on false prophets, and had 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 on sorcery and astrologers, so they had deluded themselves (Isa.47:9-12). These philosophies were powerless to save them. (Isa.47:13-14). God summed up – there is none to save you! (Isa.47:15).