Isaiah has more words from God to the nations including Babylon again.

1. The prophecy against Babylon (vs. 1-10)

Babylon has always represented in the Bible the city of the world which is opposed to God. The phrase “desert of the sea”, refers to the city is close to the Euphrates. It looked like a land that floated on the water. (vs. 1). Elam refers to Persia; Babylon will be overthrown by the Persians. This prophecy was written near the end of 8th century BC. At least 150 years later this event took place. See Daniel 5. Isaiah sees a great procession of men. It is the Persian army coming to take over Babylon. They had no one on the watchtower and the Persians took them by surprise. (vs. 6-10).

2. The prophecy against Dumah (vs. 11-12)

Dumah is another name for Edom in the mountainous region of Seir. The Edomites descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). They settled in the land to the south-east of Israel, and were the sometimes enemies of Israel. The men of Edom were afraid of the Assyrians and one asks Isaiah if the danger was almost over. The prophet told him that the morning was coming soon for Israel but for Edom the night was coming and they would be destroyed. There is no future for Edom. Its only hope is conversion.

3. The prophecy against Arabia (vs. 13-17)

Isaiah pictures the refugees from an attack on Arabia. It apparently describes the Assyrians as they come down from the north through Arabia. They had traded with Assyria and God would punish them but not destroy them completely.

Categories: Isaiah