Prophecies Against Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia
Text: Isaiah 13-14
Prophecy Against Babylon - Isaiah 13:1-14:23
These predictions are amazing when you realize that at the time Isaiah was recording them, Assyria was the dominant nation growing to its height of power. Babylonia was a small nation on the edge of the Assyrian Empire. The Medes are even further to the east. Imagine accurately predicting the fall of the world power that took down the Assyrian Empire and announcing that its fall would be due to the Medes hundreds of years before it happened.
God used Babylon to carry out justice - Isaiah 13:1-5
A signal flag is raised to invite an army into Israel. These warriors are tasked with executing God's anger. It is the army of an empire because, at this time, Babylon will rule over many nations. When they finish, the whole land of Israel will be destroyed.
The judgment of God will be frightening - Isaiah 13:6-16
This judgment against God's people will be terrifying. It will be as painful as a woman in labor. It will catch the people by surprise. It will embarrass them. God is determined to wipe out Israel and empty the land. He will take out the lights of the nation (the leaders and counselors).
The judgment will not be limited to Israel alone. God will punish the world for its sins and arrogance. The population of men will decrease. The world will tremble before God's anger. They will flee back to their own countries.
The army will be merciless, killing anyone found. Children will be killed, and women will be raped.
God will then raise the Medes to punish Babylon - Isaiah 13:17-22
However, Babylon's cruelty will not be left unpunished. That empire will fall at the hands of the Medes. They won't do this because of the money they hope to gain. The Babylonian army did not pity its victims, so the Medes would show the Babylonians no pity.
The beauty of Babylon will be destroyed, and it will be emptied and destroyed, much like Sodom and Gomorrah. For generations, it will be uninhabited. Arabs and shepherds won't even camp at the site. Wild animals will occupy it.
Restored Israel will rejoice - Isaiah 14:1-23
God states that He will allow Israel to return to its own territory, but they will be joined by people of other nationalities, which gave rise to the Samaritans. Those who once held Israel captive will become the servants of the Israelites.
When God gives Israel rest, a taunt will be taken up against the king of Babylon. Despite Babylon's fury, it came to an end. God has broken its power to rule and dominate nations. As a result, the world is now at rest in peace. Even the forests will rejoice because logging will cease.
The grave is excited to have Babylon's king as its guest. He will meet former world leaders who will point out that he was no better than them. Babylon's king was proud of his power and the splendor of his kingdom, but he lost it all. He thought he was more powerful than God, but he will die like any other man. The downfall will amaze people. He once controlled the world, destroyed cities, and kept people from returning to their homes, but now he is no more. He won't even be buried with his people because he ruined his own country. Because of his sins, his sons will not be allowed to rule.
God declares He will rise up against Babylon and cut off the people so it will become a residence for wild animals as God cleans it up with destruction.
Prophecy Against Assyria - Isaiah 14:24-27
Assyria is the current rising empire, yet God predicts that Assyria's downfall will begin in Israel. A reference to the defeat of Sennacherib during his siege of Jerusalem. With that defeat, Assyria will no longer be a threat.
God states His plan is firm, and no one can interfere.
Prophecy Against Philistia - Isaiah 14:28-32
In the year King Ahaz died, Isaiah told Philistia, Israel's old enemy, that it should not rejoice over the fall of Assyria. While God foretold of a remnant returning to Israel, God promised to destroy Philstia with famine. How does one nation disappear and the nation next to it survive, except that it is due to God's purpose?
