Isaiah 13:1

1 Isaiah son of Amoz received this message concerning the destruction of Babylon:

Isaiah 13:1 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 13:1

The burden of Babylon
That is, a prophecy concerning Babylon, as the word is rendered, ( Proverbs 31:1 ) . The Septuagint and Arabic versions translate it "the vision"; it signifies a taking up ^F23 a speech against it, and pronouncing a heavy sentence on it, such an one as should sink it into utter destruction; which will be the case of mystical Babylon, when it shall be as a millstone cast into the sea, never to be brought up again, ( Revelation 18:21 ) . The Targum is,

``the burden of the cup of cursing to give Babylon to drink:''

after some prophecies concerning the Messiah and his kingdom, and the church's song of praise for salvation by him, others are delivered out concerning the enemies of the people of God, and their destruction, and begin with Babylon the chief of these enemies, and into whose hands the people of Israel would be delivered for a while; wherefore this prophecy is given forth, in order to lay a foundation for comfort and relief, when that should be their case; by which it would appear that they should have deliverance from them by the same hand that should overthrow them: which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see:
by a spirit of prophecy; for this he saw not with his bodily eyes, though it was as clear and certain to him as if he had. The Targum is,

``which Isaiah the son of Amoz prophesied.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (avm) a (avn) "tollere".

Isaiah 13:1 In-Context

1 Isaiah son of Amoz received this message concerning the destruction of Babylon:

2 “Raise a signal flag on a bare hilltop. Call up an army against Babylon. Wave your hand to encourage them as they march into the palaces of the high and mighty.

3 I, the LORD, have dedicated these soldiers for this task. Yes, I have called mighty warriors to express my anger, and they will rejoice when I am exalted.”

4 Hear the noise on the mountains! Listen, as the vast armies march! It is the noise and shouting of many nations. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together.

5 They come from distant countries, from beyond the farthest horizons. They are the LORD ’s weapons to carry out his anger. With them he will destroy the whole land.