InstaStudy

The Fall of Babylon: A Study of Isaiah 47

This study explores Isaiah 47, examining the prophetic judgment against Babylon, her pride, false security, and reliance on occult practices. It highlights God's singular power and righteous judgment over all nations.

1. The Humiliation of Babylon

1.1 From Throne to Dust

Verses: Isaiah 47:1; Isaiah 47:2
  • The mighty are brought low by the one true God.
  • No earthly power can withstand the divine decree.

1.2 Stripped of Dignity

Verses: Isaiah 47:2; Isaiah 47:3
  • God exposes the shame of those who exalt themselves.
  • Divine judgment reveals the true nature of pride.

1.3 The Redeemer's Name

Verses: Isaiah 47:4
  • Our Redeemer is the Lord of hosts, His name is holy.
  • There is one Lord who alone redeems His people.

1.4 Silence and Solitude

Verses: Isaiah 47:5
  • The once glorious are made desolate by God's hand.
  • God's judgment brings an end to self-proclaimed authority.

2. God's Judgment and Babylon's Cruelty

2.1 God's Hand in Judgment

Verses: Isaiah 47:6a
  • God uses nations as instruments of His righteous judgment.
  • All authority ultimately rests with the one sovereign God.

2.2 Cruelty Without Mercy

Verses: Isaiah 47:6b
  • God holds nations accountable for their treatment of His people.
  • Excessive cruelty incurs divine wrath.

2.3 Presumption of Perpetuity

Verses: Isaiah 47:7
  • Pride leads to a false sense of eternal security.
  • Only the one true God is eternal and unchanging.

3. Babylon's Pride and False Security

3.1 Boasting in Self-Sufficiency

Verses: Isaiah 47:8a
  • Self-exaltation blinds one to impending judgment.
  • There is no other beside the one true God.

3.2 The Illusion of Invincibility

Verses: Isaiah 47:8b; Isaiah 47:9a
  • False security leads to a sudden and complete downfall.
  • God's judgment can remove all perceived strengths in a moment.

3.3 The Deception of Wickedness

Verses: Isaiah 47:10a
  • Wickedness fosters a sense of hiddenness from divine sight.
  • No secret sin is hidden from the all-knowing God.

3.4 The Failure of Wisdom

Verses: Isaiah 47:10b; Isaiah 47:11a
  • Human wisdom and knowledge cannot avert God's judgment.
  • Only the wisdom of God provides true deliverance.

3.5 Irreversible Ruin

Verses: Isaiah 47:11b
  • God's judgment is often unexpected and unavoidable.
  • No human power can reverse the decree of the Almighty.

4. The Futility of Sorcery and Astrology

4.1 A Call to Futile Practices

Verses: Isaiah 47:12
  • God challenges reliance on false spiritual powers.
  • Only the one true God possesses saving power.

4.2 The Powerlessness of Astrologers

Verses: Isaiah 47:13
  • Those who claim to predict the future are powerless to save.
  • God alone knows and declares the end from the beginning.

4.3 Consumed by Fire

Verses: Isaiah 47:14
  • False gods and their followers are destined for destruction.
  • The fire of God's judgment consumes all that is not of Him.

4.4 No Deliverer Found

Verses: Isaiah 47:15
  • Those who trust in false guides will find no help in their hour of need.
  • Salvation and deliverance come only from the one Lord.