Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud—God directly addresses Babylon as zdon (זָדוֹן, pride, arrogance, presumption). Pride was Babylon's characteristic sin: the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Nebuchadnezzar's boast (Daniel 4:30), Belshazzar's sacrilege (Daniel 5:22-23). I am against thee is one of Scripture's most terrifying phrases—when God sets Himself against someone, no defense avails.
Saith the Lord GOD of hosts—Adonai Yahweh Tseva'ot (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת), the full title emphasizing sovereign authority over all armies. For thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee—the appointed yom (day) and eth paqadtik (time of your reckoning) arrive with certainty. God's longsuffering has limits; the 'day' of grace ends, judgment begins.
Historical Context
Pride characterized Babylon from its founding. The Tower of Babel represented humanity's arrogant attempt to make a name for themselves independent of God (Genesis 11:4). Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to seven years of madness until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37). Belshazzar's pride in drinking from Jerusalem's temple vessels the night Babylon fell epitomized the empire's arrogance (Daniel 5:2-5, 22-23). When Cyrus conquered Babylon, he claimed that Marduk (Babylon's chief god) had chosen him—ironic confirmation that Babylon's gods could not save them. Pride indeed preceded Babylon's fall.
Questions for Reflection
What makes pride such a dangerous sin that God directly opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5)?
How did Babylon's pride manifest, and where do you see similar arrogance in modern institutions or nations?
What does it mean to have God 'against' you, and how does this motivate humility and repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud—God directly addresses Babylon as zdon (זָדוֹן, pride, arrogance, presumption). Pride was Babylon's characteristic sin: the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Nebuchadnezzar's boast (Daniel 4:30), Belshazzar's sacrilege (Daniel 5:22-23). I am against thee is one of Scripture's most terrifying phrases—when God sets Himself against someone, no defense avails.
Saith the Lord GOD of hosts—Adonai Yahweh Tseva'ot (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת), the full title emphasizing sovereign authority over all armies. For thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee—the appointed yom (day) and eth paqadtik (time of your reckoning) arrive with certainty. God's longsuffering has limits; the 'day' of grace ends, judgment begins.