Isaiah 47:9
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
בָּ֣אוּ
they shall come
H935
בָּ֣אוּ
they shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
רֶ֛גַע
to thee in a moment
H7281
רֶ֛גַע
to thee in a moment
Strong's:
H7281
Word #:
5 of 17
a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time
בְּי֥וֹם
day
H3117
בְּי֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 17
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
כְּתֻמָּם֙
upon thee in their perfection
H8537
כְּתֻמָּם֙
upon thee in their perfection
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
10 of 17
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
בָּ֣אוּ
they shall come
H935
בָּ֣אוּ
they shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עָלַ֔יִךְ
H5921
עָלַ֔יִךְ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 73:19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.Nahum 3:4Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Historical Context
Babylon was the ancient world's center of astrology, divination, and magical arts. The 'Chaldeans' became synonymous with astrologers. Despite this concentrated occult power, Babylon fell suddenly to Cyrus's night attack.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'sorceries' (astrology, new age, etc.) do people trust instead of God's revealed will?
- How does the suddenness of Babylon's fall warn you to be ready for Christ's return?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The judgment 'these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day' emphasizes sudden, comprehensive destruction despite Babylon's confidence. The 'loss of children, and widowhood' reverses her boasted immunity (v. 8). The condemnation extends to 'multitude of sorceries' and 'enchantments,' demonstrating that occult practices cannot avert God's judgment. All forms of divination are rebellion seeking knowledge God has forbidden.