Isaiah 13:6
Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
Original Language Analysis
הֵילִ֕ילוּ
Howl
H3213
הֵילִ֕ילוּ
Howl
Strong's:
H3213
Word #:
1 of 8
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
י֣וֹם
ye for the day
H3117
י֣וֹם
ye for the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Joel 1:15Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.Isaiah 13:9Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.Amos 5:18Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.Zephaniah 1:7Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.Revelation 18:10Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.Isaiah 2:12For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:Isaiah 34:8For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.Jeremiah 51:8Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.Joel 2:11And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?Isaiah 14:31Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.
Historical Context
The 'day of the LORD' concept runs throughout Scripture (Joel 2:1; Amos 5:18; Zephaniah 1:14; 2 Peter 3:10). It represents God's definitive intervention to judge evil and establish righteousness. For Babylon, this day came in 539 BC. Yet prophetic language often carries multiple fulfillments—historical and eschatological. The cosmic imagery in verses 10-13 suggests this prophecy points beyond Babylon's fall to final judgment. Reformed theology sees God's historical judgments as previews of final judgment at Christ's return.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the reality of 'the day of the LORD' affect how we live today?
- What is the relationship between historical judgments (like Babylon's fall) and the final day of judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.' The command to howl (lament with loud wailing) reflects the terror of impending judgment. 'The day of the LORD' is a major prophetic theme—God's intervention in history to judge sin and vindicate righteousness. Here it comes 'as a destruction from the Almighty' (Hebrew: Shaddai). The wordplay is intentional: 'shod' (destruction) from 'Shaddai' (Almighty)—devastating judgment from the all-powerful God. This day is both historical (Babylon's fall) and eschatological (final judgment).