Isaiah Chapter 47

The Fall of Babylon Predicted

1Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

2Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

3Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

4As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

5Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.

6I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

7And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

8Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

9But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

10For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.

11Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.

12Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

13Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

14Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

15Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Humiliation of Babylon

1 “Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate.

2 Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove your veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers.

3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man.”

4 Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

5 “Sit in silence, and go into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called the mistress of kingdoms.

6 I was angry with my people, I profaned my inheritance, and gave them into your hand: you showed them no mercy; on the aged you have very heavily laid your yoke.

7 You said, ‘I shall be a mistress forever;’ so that you did not lay these things to your heart, nor did you remember the latter end of it.

8 “Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:’

9 but these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come on you, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments.

10 For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, No one sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me.

11 Therefore evil will come on you; you won’t know when it dawns: and mischief will fall on you; you will not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don’t know.

12 “Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail.

13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.

14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before.

15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter; there shall be none to save you.

The Humiliation of Babylon

1 “Go down and sit in the dust,

O Virgin Daughter of Babylon.

Sit on the ground without a throne,

O Daughter of Chaldea! a

For you will no longer be called

tender or delicate.

2 Take millstones and grind flour;

remove your veil;

strip off your skirt, bare your thigh,

and wade through the streams.

3 Your nakedness will be uncovered

and your shame will be exposed.

I will take vengeance;

I will spare no one.”

4 Our Redeemer—the LORD of Hosts is His name—

is the Holy One of Israel.

5 “Sit in silence and go into darkness,

O Daughter of Chaldea.

For you will no longer be called

the queen of kingdoms.

6 I was angry with My people;

I profaned My heritage,

and I placed them under your control.

You showed them no mercy;

even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke.

7 You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’

You did not take these things to heart

or consider their outcome.

8 So now hear this,

O lover of luxury who sits securely,

who says to herself,

‘I am, and there is none besides me.

I will never be a widow

or know the loss of children.’

9 These two things will overtake you in a moment,

in a single day:

loss of children, and widowhood.

They will come upon you in full measure,

in spite of your many sorceries

and the potency of your spells.

10 You were secure in your wickedness;

you said, ‘No one sees me.’

Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray;

you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’

11 But disaster will come upon you;

you will not know how to charm it away.

A calamity will befall you

that you will be unable to ward off.

Devastation will happen to you

suddenly and unexpectedly.

12 So take your stand with your spells

and with your many sorceries,

with which you have wearied yourself

from your youth.

Perhaps you will succeed;

perhaps you will inspire terror!

13 You are wearied by your many counselors;

let them come forward now and save you—

your astrologers who observe the stars,

who monthly predict your fate.

14 Surely they are like stubble;

the fire will burn them up.

They cannot deliver themselves

from the power of the flame.

There will be no coals to warm them

or fire to sit beside.

15 This is what they are to you—

those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—

each one strays in his own direction;

not one of them can save you.

Footnotes:

1 a That is, Babylon; also in verse 5

The Fall of Babylon Predicted

1Come down, and sit on the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit on the earth, there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For no more do they cry to thee, 'O tender and delicate one.'

2Take millstones, and grind flour, Remove thy veil, draw up the skirt, Uncover the leg, pass over the floods.

3Revealed is thy nakedness, yea, seen is thy reproach, Vengeance I take, and I meet not a man.

4Our redeemer is Jehovah of Hosts, His name is the Holy One of Israel.

5Sit silent, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For no more do they cry to thee, 'Mistress of kingdoms.'

6I have been wroth against My people, I have polluted Mine inheritance And I give them into thy hand, Thou hast not appointed for them mercies, On the aged thou hast made thy yoke very heavy,

7And thou sayest, 'To the age I am mistress,' While thou hast not laid these things to thy heart, Thou hast not remembered the latter end of it.

8And now, hear this, O luxurious one, Who is sitting confidently -- Who is saying in her heart, 'I am, and none else, I sit not a widow, nor know bereavement.'

9And come in to thee do these two things, In a moment, in one day, childlessness and widowhood, According to their perfection they have come upon thee, In the multitude of thy sorceries, In the exceeding might of thy charms.

10And thou art confident in thy wickedness, Thou hast said, 'There is none seeing me,' Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, It is turning thee back, And thou sayest in thy heart, 'I am, and none else.'

11And come in on thee hath evil, Thou knowest not its rising, And fall on thee doth mischief, Thou art not able to pacify it, And come on thee suddenly doth desolation, Thou knowest not.

12Stand, I pray thee, in thy charms, And in the multitude of thy sorceries, In which thou hast laboured from thy youth, It may be thou art able to profit, It may be thou dost terrify!

13Thou hast been wearied in the multitude of thy counsels, Stand up, I pray thee, and save thee, Let the charmers of the heavens, Those looking on the stars, Those teaching concerning the months, From those things that come on thee!

14Lo, they have been as stubble! Fire hath burned them, They deliver not themselves from the power of the flame, There is not a coal to warm them, a light to sit before it.

15So have they been to thee with whom thou hast laboured, Thy merchants from thy youth, Each to his passage they have wandered, Thy saviour is not!

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Isaiah 47?

2Introduction to Isaiah 47

3Context of Isaiah 47

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

6Isaiah 47 Unique Insights

7Isaiah 47 Connections to Yeshua

8Isaiah 47 Scriptural Echoes

9Isaiah 47 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Isaiah 47?

Introduction to Isaiah 47

Isaiah 47 presents a profound prophetic dirge against Babylon, the mighty empire that would eventually conquer Judah. This chapter stands as one of Scripture’s most powerful declarations of divine judgment against human pride and oppression. Through vivid imagery of a fallen queen forced into servitude, the prophet exposes the ultimate fate of all worldly powers that exalt themselves against the Most High God.

The significance of this chapter lies in its dual nature – both as a specific prophecy about historical Babylon’s downfall and as an eternal warning about the consequences of human arrogance and self-deification. Its message resonates through the ages, speaking to every generation about the temporary nature of worldly power and the supreme sovereignty of יהוה.

Context of Isaiah 47

Within the book of Isaiah, chapter 47 forms part of a larger section (chapters 40-48) focused on God’s sovereignty and Babylon’s eventual downfall. It follows directly after chapter 46’s criticism of Babylon’s idols and precedes chapter 48’s call for Israel to learn from Babylon’s mistakes. This strategic placement emphasizes the contrast between the false gods of Babylon and the true God of Israel.

The chapter’s position within the broader biblical narrative is equally significant. It stands as a counterpoint to the arrogant claims of human empires throughout history, from ancient Babylon to Rome and beyond. The imagery used here finds its echo in Revelation 18:7-8, where similar language describes the fall of spiritual Babylon.

In the larger context of Isaiah’s prophecy, this chapter serves as both warning and comfort – warning to those who oppose God and comfort to His people who suffer under oppression. It demonstrates that no matter how powerful or secure human kingdoms may appear, they remain subject to God’s sovereign purposes and judgment.

Ancient Key Word Study

Virgin daughter (בְתוּלַת) – This term carries deep cultural significance, representing not just physical purity but the honored status and protection traditionally afforded to unmarried daughters. Its use here in describing Babylon’s fall emphasizes the dramatic nature of her humiliation.
Tender and delicate (רַכָּה וַעֲנֻגָּה) – These Hebrew words paint a picture of someone unused to hardship, living in luxury. The terms were typically used to describe nobility, making their application to Babylon’s future state of servitude particularly poignant.
Silence (דוּמָם) – More than mere quietness, this word carries the connotation of being struck dumb by overwhelming circumstances. It suggests complete helplessness and submission, a stark contrast to Babylon’s previous boasting.
Mistress of kingdoms (גְּבֶרֶת מַמְלָכוֹת) – This phrase combines the feminine form of “master” with the word for kingdoms, creating a unique title that emphasizes Babylon’s perceived role as supreme ruler over other nations.
Sorceries (כְּשָׁפִים) – This term specifically refers to magical practices aimed at controlling supernatural forces. It connects to Babylon’s historical reputation as a center of occult practices and astrology.
Widow (אַלְמָנָה) – In ancient Near Eastern culture, widowhood represented the ultimate state of vulnerability and loss. Its use here symbolizes Babylon’s complete loss of power and protection.
Evil (רָעָה) – This Hebrew word encompasses both moral wickedness and calamity/disaster, creating a powerful wordplay where Babylon’s moral evil results in disaster falling upon her.
Dawn (שַׁחַר) – Used metaphorically in verse 11, this word typically represents hope or new beginnings. Here, it ironically describes the sudden arrival of disaster instead of deliverance.
Ransom (כָּפְרָהּ) – This term, often used in ceremonial contexts for atonement, appears here in a negative sense, emphasizing that no payment can prevent Babylon’s judgment.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s command to “sit in the dust” (שְׁבִי לֶעָפָר) deliberately contrasts with Babylon’s previous position on a throne. The Hebrew word for dust (עָפָר) carries connotations of mortality and humiliation, chosen over other possible terms like אֲדָמָה (ground) to emphasize complete degradation.
The phrase “take the millstone” in verse 2 uses the specific term רֵחַיִם rather than the more general word for stone (אֶבֶן), emphasizing the menial nature of the labor. This was specifically women’s work, making it particularly humiliating for the “tender and delicate” princess.
Verse 3’s exposure imagery employs the term תִּגָּל (revealed) rather than רָאָה (seen), suggesting not just visibility but shameful exposure. This word choice emphasizes the public nature of Babylon’s humiliation.
The declaration “I am, and there is none besides me” in verse 8 deliberately mimics God’s own declarations of uniqueness (e.g., Isaiah 45:5), highlighting Babylon’s blasphemous self-deification.
Verse 9’s sudden destruction is described using the term פֶּתַע (suddenly) rather than מְהֵרָה (quickly), emphasizing the unexpected nature of the judgment rather than just its speed.
The reference to “wisdom and knowledge” in verse 10 uses חָכְמָה and דַּעַת specifically, terms associated with divine wisdom in Proverbs, ironically highlighting Babylon’s misplaced trust in human understanding.
Verse 11’s “disaster” (רָעָה) creates a wordplay with earlier uses of the same root, suggesting that the evil Babylon planned for others returns upon her own head.

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Isaiah 47 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of prophetic significance that would have resonated deeply with both ancient and modern audiences. The portrayal of Babylon as a fallen queen draws on ancient Near Eastern royal ideology, where kings and kingdoms were often personified as women. This imagery appears in numerous archaeological findings, including the famous Ishtar Gate, where Babylon is depicted as a magnificent queen.

A fascinating rabbinical interpretation noted in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 96b) connects this chapter with Daniel’s later confrontation with Belshazzar in Daniel 5. The rabbis saw the prophecy of Babylon sitting in darkness (verse 5) as being fulfilled literally when the Medes and Persians diverted the Euphrates and entered the city through darkened water tunnels. This historical detail adds depth to our understanding of how precisely God’s prophetic word was fulfilled.

The chapter’s emphasis on Babylon’s sorceries and astrology reflects historical reality – Babylon was indeed the ancient world’s center of astronomical and astrological study. Archaeological findings have uncovered thousands of cuneiform tablets dealing with astronomical observations and divination. This scientific knowledge, though impressive, became a source of pride that led to their downfall, illustrating the danger of human wisdom divorced from recognition of God.

Early Christian writers like Justin Martyr saw in this chapter a preview of the spiritual warfare between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world, culminating in the final judgment described in Revelation. The parallel between ancient Babylon’s claim “I am, and there is none besides me” and similar claims by the end-time Babylon in Revelation 18 suggests a recurring pattern of human pride that sets itself against God.

Isaiah 47 Connections to Yeshua

The judgment pronounced against Babylon’s pride and self-deification finds its ultimate answer in the Messiah’s humility and self-emptying, as described in Philippians 2:5-11. Where Babylon said “I am,” exalting herself to divine status, Yeshua, though being in very nature God, made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.

The chapter’s themes of judgment and deliverance point forward to the Messiah’s dual role as both judge and savior. Just as Babylon’s fall meant liberation for God’s people, so Yeshua’s victory over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection brings freedom to those held captive by sin. This connects powerfully with His declaration in Luke 4:18-19, where He announces His mission to set the captives free.

Isaiah 47 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s imagery and themes resonate throughout Scripture, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected meanings. The fall of Babylon described here finds its ultimate echo in Revelation 18, where similar language describes the fall of spiritual Babylon. The proud declaration “I sit as queen” appears in both texts, highlighting the eternal relevance of this prophecy.

The theme of divine judgment against human pride connects with numerous other biblical passages, including Daniel 4:28-37 and Acts 12:20-23. The specific imagery of a fallen queen also appears in Lamentations 1, where Jerusalem herself is depicted as a fallen princess.

The warnings against sorcery and divination echo similar condemnations in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 and find their New Testament parallel in Acts 19:18-20, where new believers renounce their magical practices.

Isaiah 47 Devotional

This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts for signs of pride and self-sufficiency. Babylon’s fall teaches us that true security comes not from human achievement or wisdom, but from humble dependence on God. When we begin to think “I am, and there is none besides me” in any area of our lives, we step onto dangerous ground.

The prophecy also reminds us that God sees the suffering of His people and will ultimately bring justice. This should comfort us when we face oppression or injustice, knowing that God’s judgment, though it may seem delayed, is certain. At the same time, it challenges us to examine whether we might be participating in systems of oppression ourselves.

Finally, the chapter’s exposure of Babylon’s false spiritual practices calls us to evaluate our own sources of guidance and wisdom. Do we truly seek God’s wisdom, or do we rely on modern equivalents of Babylon’s astrologers and sorcerers – perhaps in the form of self-help philosophies or worldly wisdom that excludes God?

Did You Know

The reference to grinding meal (verse 2) specifically describes using a hand mill, a task so laborious it was often assigned to prisoners, making this prophecy particularly humiliating for the “daughter of Babylon.”
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that Babylon was indeed famous for its extensive astrological archives, with thousands of cuneiform tablets dedicated to celestial observations and predictions.
The phrase “remove your veil” in verse 2 refers to the custom of noble women wearing distinctive veils in public, making their removal a sign of social degradation.
The Hebrew word for “sorceries” (כְּשָׁפִים) is related to whispered incantations, reflecting actual Babylonian magical practices known from archaeological findings.
The judgment of fire mentioned in verse 14 ironically echoes Babylon’s famous religious practice of fire divination, where priests would interpret the patterns of burning oil.
The reference to commerce in verse 15 reflects Babylon’s position as the ancient world’s largest trading center, with merchants from as far as India and China.
The title “virgin daughter” was actually used in Babylonian royal inscriptions, making Isaiah’s use of it particularly pointed and ironic.
Ancient Babylonian texts have been found containing exact parallels to the boast “I am, and there is none besides me,” confirming the historical accuracy of this prophecy.
The specific astronomical knowledge referenced in the chapter aligns perfectly with what we now know about Babylonian science from cuneiform texts.

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