Isaiah 47:1-6 – The Destruction of the Ungodly
We look here at the effect of judgment on Babylon. The ungodly are often honoured. In Isaiah’s day, the kingdom of Babylon was gaining in honour. But as we read here, back in those days, and ever since, and even now, they come to disgrace and contempt. King Jesus allows them for a time to be at ease. King Jesus allows them for a time to sit in the seat of power. But they will be cast down to sit in the dust, as we see in verse one. King Jesus allows them for a time to have a worldly and temporary glory. But we read in verses 2-3 that they shall be shamed. No longer are they exalted, no longer are they glorious. No longer are they ones to whom others bow. No, they bow over the milling equipment. They are left, at best, in rags, and totally at the mercy of their masters.
How do we know that such a thing could happen to wicked, powerful nations, then and today, that seem to be ranged against Christ and against His church? In the last half of verse three and in verse four we see that God’s every intention is to vindicate His people, to take vengeance for His people’s sake. There is no one who can get away from Him, no one who can find a secret hideout. There is no one who can buy Him off. Upon the wicked, there’s no pity, there’s no compassion, there is no mercy. God toward the wicked is just, utterly just. And God is fair, giving them no more than they deserve, and at the same time, giving them no less than they deserve.
On the other hand, there are those upon whom God has decided to be merciful, to be gracious to. It’s not that His justice is relaxed. No, for justice is fully satisfied by Jesus taking their place, living in their place to give them righteousness, dying in their place to take away the debt from their sin, and then raised from the dead, having accomplished it all.
In verse six we see the reason for this destruction to come upon Babylon. God’s people were unfaithful, and so that provoked God’s heavy discipline. God used Babylon to discipline His people. But Babylon, instead of seeking the glory of God, sought its own glory. Babylon ended up being cruel and harsh in many ways, afflicting even the elderly, which God hates. Babylon would go far beyond what God revealed to them, and the end would be destruction.
Questions
- What would happen to Babylon?
- Why was Babylon destroyed?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s care of His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.