Babylon's Destruction

In chapter 47 Isaiah’s message from the Lord is directed toward Babylon. God is declaring that He will exact vengeance on Babylon because her actions toward Israel showed “no mercy” (verse 6) even to the elderly. He is declaring that their excessive pride would result in humiliation. There is a direct connection between verses 7-8 and Revelation 18:7-8. (Revelation 17-18 are specifically about Babylon.)

Is. 47:8-9 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children: But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Rev. 18:7-8 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

History records that this is not descriptive of the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians or even subsequently to the Greeks. It appears to reference a time yet future in context with the message of John recorded in Revelation. This appears to be another one of those sections in which the prophet is addressing events as a whole that will come to pass in “sections” so to speak, where the prophecy's complete fulfilment includes a great gap of time.

I think it is also interesting that the prophet makes reference to the use of sorcery and enchantments as reason for the complete destruction of Babylon. This area has been associated with the works of Satan since its beginnings under the leadership of Nimrod. It is the birthplace of false religion as recorded by John.

Rev. 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Scripture also records that the works of Satan in the kingdom of Antichrist will be characterized by miraculous works and lying wonders.

Rev. 13:11-14 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast….

2Th. 2:8-10 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

In spite of the apparent miraculous abilities of her leaders, God declares through Isaiah that they will not be sufficient to protect them from the destroying judgment of Almighty God.