Isa 13:19-21 | MHM | STEP | The Doom of Babylon This section describes the future destruction of Babylon. The prophecy shows how Babylon, once a city of great pride and splendor, will be completely ruined. This was meant to encourage the people of God while they were living as captives in Babylon, reminding them that even the mightiest kingdoms can fall if God decides. v. 19 : Babylon was once a famous and powerful city. It was called the glory of kingdoms and the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency , and was known as the head of gold (Daniel 2:37-38 ). People called it the lady of kingdoms (Isaiah 47:5 ) and the praise of the whole earth (Jeremiah 51:41 ). The Chaldeans were proud of their city’s beauty and wealth.

‏ Isaiah 13:19-21

The Doom of Babylon

This section describes the future destruction of Babylon. The prophecy shows how Babylon, once a city of great pride and splendor, will be completely ruined. This was meant to encourage the people of God while they were living as captives in Babylon, reminding them that even the mightiest kingdoms can fall if God decides.

v. 19: Babylon was once a famous and powerful city. It was called the glory of kingdoms and the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, and was known as the head of gold (Daniel 2:37-38 ^a). People called it the lady of kingdoms (Isaiah 47:5 ^b) and the praise of the whole earth (Jeremiah 51:41 ^c). The Chaldeans were proud of their city’s beauty and wealth.

v. 20: God said that Babylon would be destroyed completely, like Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. It would not happen as quickly or as miraculously, but it would be just as certain. The people of Babylon felt safe and were enjoying themselves when their city was attacked, just as the people of Sodom were not expecting destruction (Luke 17:28-29 ^d). Even though Cyrus and Darius did not completely destroy Babylon at once, over time the city became empty and ruined. The prophecy said, it shall never be inhabited . Later, in the time of Emperor Adrian, nothing was left except the city wall.

v. 21: Unlike Nineveh, which would be deserted but still have sheep in its fields, Babylon would become so empty and ruined that even shepherds would not let their flocks stay there. The land would be so barren that even sheep could not find food. Instead, only wild beasts would live there. The once joyful houses of Babylon would be filled with doleful creatures, owls and satyrs. These strange animals would find the empty city a good place to live, but people would stay away because it was frightening and dangerous.