Isaiah 47:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 47:13
13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 47 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, mercy. 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 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 47:13
13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Analysis
The taunt 'Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels' exposes how multiplication of human wisdom increases confusion rather than clarity. The progression (astrologers, stargazers, monthly prognosticators) shows desperate resort to increasingly specific divination as crisis looms. Isaiah's sarcasm 'Let now the astrologers...save thee' demonstrates that those who reject God's free revelation must laboriously purchase false alternatives.
Historical Context
Babylon's astronomical observations were accurate enough to predict eclipses, yet this scientific achievement was integrated into astrological superstition. The 'monthly prognosticators' refers to those who determined lucky/unlucky days based on moon phases.
Reflection
- How does the multiplication of self-help advice, therapy options, and life coaches today parallel Babylon's weary counsel-seeking?
- What is the difference between godly wisdom and the wearying multiplication of human counsel?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 44:25, 57:10, Jeremiah 51:58, Ezekiel 24:12