Isaiah 13:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 13:6
6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 13 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, obedience, sacrifice. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 13:6
6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
Analysis
'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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 2:12, 13:9, 34:8, Joel 1:15, 2:11, Amos 5:18
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 14:31, Jeremiah 51:8, Revelation 18:10