Isaiah 13:1
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
Original Language Analysis
מַשָּׂ֖א
The burden
H4853
מַשָּׂ֖א
The burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
1 of 7
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
בָּבֶ֑ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֑ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
2 of 7
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָזָ֔ה
did see
H2372
חָזָ֔ה
did see
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
4 of 7
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
Cross References
Isaiah 1:1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.Daniel 5:6Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.Daniel 5:28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.Isaiah 14:28In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.Isaiah 13:19And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.Isaiah 15:1The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
Historical Context
Written c. 700 BC when Assyria, not Babylon, dominated. Yet Isaiah foresaw Babylon's rise and fall. Babylon conquered Jerusalem (586 BC), then fell to Persia (539 BC)—fulfilling this prophecy. The precision demonstrates divine inspiration—God revealed Babylon's judgment before its empire even existed. This burden against Babylon prefigures judgment on all God-opposing empires throughout history, culminating in Revelation's 'Babylon the Great.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment on Babylon demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations?
- What does advance prophecy of Babylon's fall teach about God's comprehensive control of history?
- How do judgments on historical Babylon prefigure judgment on all God-opposing powers?
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Analysis & Commentary
Chapter 13 begins oracles against nations, starting with Babylon. 'The burden of Babylon' introduces a prophetic message of judgment. Isaiah receives this vision 'which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see' during Babylon's rise, predicting its fall—remarkable since Babylon hadn't yet conquered Judah. This demonstrates prophetic insight into future events and God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. Babylon, despite becoming God's judgment instrument against Judah, would itself face divine judgment for pride and cruelty.