CHAP. XIII. V. 1. The word rendered "burden," (though some translate it " the oracle,") seems to denote the heavy vengeance predicted; which was seen in vision by the prophet, as if already falling upon Babylon. ( Marg . Ref . a.-Note, Jer. 23:33-40.) These two chap'ters, (striking off the five last verses of the lat'ter, which belong to a far different subject,) 'contain one entire prophecy, foretelling the 'destruction of Babylon by the Medes and Per'sians, delivered probably in the reign of Ahaz, '... about two hundred years before the com'pletion of it.
The captivity itself of the Jews 'at Babylon, (which the prophet does not ex'pressly foretel, but supposes, in the spirit of 'prophecy, as what was actually to be ef'fected,) did not fully take place till about 'one hundred and thirty years after the deliv'ery of this prophecy: and the Medes, who are 'expressly mentioned, (17) as the principal 'agents in the overtlirow of the Babylonian 'monarchy, by which the Jews were released 'from that captivity, were at this time an in'considerable people; having been in a state 'of anarchy ever since the fall of the great As'syrian empire, of which they had made a part,
tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.
5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.
6 TP Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand: it shall come ras a
destruction from the Almighty.
7 Therefore shall all hands the faint, and every man's heart shall melt;
8 And they shall be afraid: "pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth; they
m 10:5,6. 45:1,2. Jer. 50:14,15. 51:6-25. Joel 2:1-11,25.
Rev. 18:8.
n 17. Jer. 50:3,9. 51:11,27,28. Matt. 24:31.
o Jer. 51:20,&c.
p 14:31. 23:1. 52:5. 65:14. Jer. 25:34. 49:3. 51:8. Ez. 21:12. 30:2. Joel 1:5,11,13. Zeph. 1: 14. Jam. 5:1. Rev. 18:10.
2:11,31. Am. 5:18. Zeph. 1
7. 2:2,3. Mal. 4:5. 1 Thes. 5 2,3.
r Job 31:23. Joel 1:15.
s 10:3,4. 37:27. 51:20. Jer. 5043. Ez. 7:17. 21:7. Nah. 1:6 Or, fall down.
t 19:1. Ex. 15.15. Nah. 2:10. u 21:3,4. 26:17. Ps. 48:5,6. Jer. 30:6.50:43. Dan. 5:5,6. 1
q 9. 2:12. 34:8. Ez. 30:3. Joel | Thes. 5:3.
with reference to the state of the Jews, and with an especial regard to their advantage.'Babylon was a type or figure of Antichrist, 'the great oppressor of God's church in after 'times. Rev. 17:5. And whoever carefully 'considers several particulars in this and the 'next chapter, and compares them with the 'former part of the twenty-first chapter, with 'chapter forty-seven, and with the fiftieth and 'fifty-first chapters of Jeremiah, which treat of 'the same subject, will easily find that these 'prophecies have an aspect beyond the taking of Babylon by Cyrus; in as much as the proph'ets describe this judgment as a decisive stroke, 'that should thoroughly vindicate the cause of 'oppressed truth and innocence; and put a 'final period to idolatry, and to all the miseries 'and oppressions of God's people. Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . )
V. 2-5. The Lord, by his prophet, addressed himself to the rulers of the Medes and Persians, as if present, commanding them, by every means to collect forces, and to go and take possession of Babylon, and of the stately palaces of her nobles. He called them, "his sanctified ones:" 'those whom I have appointed 'and set apart for that service.' Lowth . ( Notes , 'under Sardanapalus; and did not become a 44:25-28.45:1-6.) He had selected them and 'kingdom under Deioces till about the seven-endued them with power to execute his indig'teenth of Hezekiah. The former part of this nation; and he knew, that they would rejoice 'prophecy is one of the most beautiful exam-in doing those things, by which whi his name 'ples, that can be given, of elegance of compo- would eventually be mag magnified. ( Note , Ezra 1:
'sition, variety of imagery, of imagery, and sublimity sublimity of 'sentiment and diction, in the on, in the prophetic style:
1-4.) When the Lord should thus "muster the host for the battle," immense multitudes from nations remote from Babylon, and from each other, would speedily be collected, with tumultuous noise as "the weapons of his indignation" to destroy the whole kingdom of the Babylonians. ( Notes , 10:5,6,15.)--This exactly accords to the account given by historians of the various nations, which constituted the army of Cyrus. ( Note , Jer. 51:27.) The 'expressions are noble, and contain a lively de 'scription of that terror, which the appearance 'of an hostile army strikes into beholders.' Lowth .
'and the latter part consists of an ode of su'preme and singular excellence. Bp. Lowth . -The Jews had hitherto had little acquaintance with the Chaldeans: that empire was, at the time when this prophecy was uttered, inferior to that of the Assyrians, if it did not constitute a part of it; and it was several years after, that the kings of Babylon obtained the ascendency, and their empire supplanted and swallowed up that of the Assyrians. ( Notes , 23:13. 2 Kings 20:12,13,17,18. 23:29,30. 2 Chr . 33:11.) Some intimations, however, had been given the Jews of their danger from that quarV. 6. Marg . Ref .-- Note , Joel 1:14,15, v. 15. ter: and indeed all the predictions of the proph--- The Almighty . Whose power and purets, concerning foreign nations, were given poses none is able to resist,' Lowth .
shall be amazed one at another; their || and the earth shall remove out of her faces shall be as flames.
9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, * cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
10 For the stars of heaven, and the constellations thereof, shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.
11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; band I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughti
ness of the terrible.
12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.
13 Therefore d I will shake the heavens,
Heb. wonder every man at his neighbor.
† Heb. faces of the flames. Joel 2:6. Nah. 2:10.
x 15-18.47:10-15. Jer. 6:22, 23.50:40-42.51:35-53. Nah. 1:2,6. Mal. 4:1. Rev. 17:16, 17. 18:8. 1917-21.
v. Ps. 104:35. Prov. 2:22.
5:30. Ez. 32:7,8. Joel 2:10, 31.3:15. Am. 8:9,10. Zeph.
1:15,16. Matt. 24,29. Mark 13:24,25. Luke 21:25. Rev. 6:12-14.8:12.
a 14:21. 24:4-6. Jer. 51:3438. Rev. 12:9,10. 18:2,3.
b 2:17. 5:15. 14:12-16. Jer. 50: 29-32. Dan. 5:22,23.
с 15-18. 4:1. 24:6. Ps. 137:9. d Joel 3:16. Hag. 2:6,7,21,22. Matt. 24:29. Heb. 12:26,27. Rev. 6:13,14.
V. 7,8. (Note, Jer. 30:5--9, v. 6.) After many defeats in the open field, the king of Babylon retired with his forces within the walls of his capital: and Cyrus formed the siege of that city; and beyond all expectation took it, by draining off the waters of the Euphrates, and marching his army into the city by the channel of that river; while the inhabitants were either rioting in intemperance, or oppressed with sleep. (Notes, 21:2-5. 21:2 Jer . 51:30--32. Dan. 5:1--9,30,31. 1 Thes . 5:1--3.)
As flames . (8) That is, pale and livid, as terror renders a man; for this is the color of the flame : not red, as with anger, which is the color of the fire, from which the flame proceeds. V. 9,10. ( Marg . Ref .-- Note , 34:3--7.) The prophets, under various figures, taken from the sun, moon, and stars, describe the subversion
place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: h they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.
15 Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword.
16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.
17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.
18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces, and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children.
herd:" (Note, 1 Kings 22:17.) their allies, if able, would flee in dismay to their several cities and countries; every one who was overtaken would be slain without mercy; and all who united to make a stand would be speedily cut to pieces: that is, all the associates of Babylon should share her fate. ( Notes , 47:12--15. Jer . 50:16. 51:7--9. Hag . 2:6-9. Rev. 18:4--10.)
V. 16. By way of retaliation for the cruelty 'of the Babylonians against the Jews. Lowth . ( Notes , 2 Chr . 36:17. Ps . 137:7-9. Jer. 51:33– 40. Zech . 14:1--3.)
V. 17. Thirst of glory and dominion, and fierce revenge, would render the Medes regardless of riches; so that they would refuse to give quarter, or to spare the lives of the vanquished, for the sake of ransom. ( Marg . Ref . - Note , 1.) Xenophon makes Cyrus open
of governments, when kings, nobles, and ru-a speech to his army in this manner, 'Ye Medes,
lers are degraded or destroyed; and that confusion, horror, and dismay which attend these violent convulsions. ( Notes , Jer . 4:19--27. Ez . 32:7,8. Joel 3:9--17. Matt . 24:29-31. Rev. 6:12 -17.) The grandeur of the images, and the sublimity of the language, in these chapters, have greatly excited the admiration of the most competent judges.
V. 11. Marg . Ref .-- Notes , 14:3-6,12-15.The world.] The Babylonish empire, at one time the largest in the universe, was, it seems, called "the world;" as the Roman empire was in after ages. ( Notes , Dav : 2:37,38. Luke 2:1.)
V. 12. Such havoc would be made of the nien capable of bearing arms, that they would become as scarce as the finest gold, and not to be procured for it. ( Note , 4:1.)-- Ophir .] Note , 1 Kings 9:26--28, ν. 28.
'and others who now hear me, I well know, 'that ye have not accompanied me in this ex'pedition, with a view of acquiring wealth.' ( Marg . Ref . Note , Prov . 6:27-35.)
The Medes.] 'A nation of no account when 'Isaiah uttered this prophecy: their country being a province under the king of Assyria, (2 Kings 17:6.) and not erected into a distinct 'kingdom, till ... about the seventeenth year of 'Hezekiah. But afterwards they grew to be a 'very considerable people.' Lowth .
V. 18. Xenophon says, their bows were 'three cubits long. If the Persian bows were 'of metal,' ( Job 20:24. Ps . 18:34.) 'we may easi'ly conceive that with a metalline bow of three 'cubits length, and proportionably strong, the 'soldiers might dash and slay the young men, 'the weaker and unresisting part of the inhab'itants, (for they are joined with the fruit of 'the womb and the children,) in the general 'carnage on taking the city.' Bp. Lowth . This cruelty does not seem to have been exercised, when Cyrus took Babylon: but the prophecy then began to be fulfilled; and all the several
V. 13-15. The empire of Babylon, with all its rulers and nobles, would be as entirely subverted by the power and anger of JEHOVAH, as if the heavens and the earth were shaken out of their place; the vanquished armies of the Chaldeans would be pursued as a hunted roe, and scattered like "sheep which have no shep-particulars were accomplished in the subse
quent desolations. ( Notes , 19-22. Jer. 50:16. 51:61-64, ν . 64. Dan . 5:30,31.)
V. 19-22. The vast extent of Babylon, its stupendous walls and gates, and its magnificent buildings and decorations, are celebrated by ancient writers above those of any other city in the world: 'and it was rising to its 'height of glory, while the prophet Isaiah was 'repeatedly denouncing its utter destruction.' 'From the first of Hezekiah to the first of Neb'uchadnezzar, under whom it was brought to 'the highest degree of strength and splendor, 'are about twenty years.' Bp . Lowth .
But after it was taken by Cyrus it began to decline, and soon ceased to be the seat of empire; then its population decreased; at length it was utterly deserted; and the desolate buildings were long the resort of every species of wild beasts and venomous reptiles, so that it was dangerous for travellers to approach them: at length, it was so entirely wasted, that no remains of it could be found; and, strange to tell, it cannot at present be exactly ascertained where this once renowned city stood!
As the walls and buildings were formed of brick, probably, not very skilfully prepared; this might conduce to utter decay decay of its ruins: but when God is pleased to d destroy, nothing nothing can withstand his power. ( Notes , 14:20-23. 34:8-17. Jer . 51:58 -64. Rev. 18:21-24.) - 'It is uncertain what 'creatures are meant by several of these He'brew words; particularly what the word ' searim signifies, which we render satyrs .
The 'word originally signifies goats : and it is sup'posed that evil spirits of old time appeared in 'the shape of goats, ... upon which account the 'word is sometimes taken for devils . Lowth . (Note, Lev . 17:3-7.)
the
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The threatenings of scripture press with incumbent weight upon the head of the wicked, and are a 'sore burden too heavy for them to 'bear:' and at the appointed time, they will sink the most flourishing cities and nations into ruin, as well as the souls of sinners into eternal misery. But the believer sees this tremendous vengeance ready to fall on those, who are not aware of their own danger; and, whilst he would affectionately warn them to escape from it, he becomes the object of their derision! or indignation.
The Lord selects and sets apart the weapons of his wrath, who are of themselves disposed to the work in which he purposes to employ them; and while they rejoice in gratifying their selfish passions, they unintentionally perform his righteous judgments. He invests them with power, affords them favorable opportunities, gives them helpers, and endues them with intrepidity; and thus "the LORD of hosts mustereth the hosts of
from the ends of the earth, to assault their enemies, and they are not aware that they are only "the weapons of his indignation." He also gives them success: and when his day of taking vengeance arrives, the most valiant warriors become feeble, numerous armies melt away, and all resistance is heartless and useless.
But the compass of nature cannot furnish images fully to illustrate the horror and dismay, the amazement and despair, which will come upon the wicked, when the day of the LORD, which is near at hand, "shall come, as a destruction from the Almighty." Then indeed "all hands shall be faint," and the hearts of sinners shall melt: they shall look with astonishment one at another, and their ghastly countenances shall correspond with their inward anguish.
For that day will indeed be "terrible with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the earth desolate, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it:" then "the stars shall not give their light, and the sun and the moon shall be extinguished: the LORD will then punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease:" nay, "the heavens and the earth shall pass away, and no place be found for them." ( Notes , 2 Pet . 3:5-13.
Rev. 20 : 11 15.) In that day all these emphatical expressions, which are here used as bold metaphors, shall be found too feeble to express the least part of the tremendous scene: nor will there be any place for the sinner to flee unto, or any method by which he may attempt an escape. Alas! few act, as if they believed these things; and numbers treat the plain declarations of scripture to this effect, with at least as much neglect and contempt, or contradiction, as we can suppose the proud monarchs and nobles of Babylon did these predictions of poor Jewish prophets.
But too late those monarchs and nobles found the truth of the despised oracles of God: then, neither their riches could bribe, nor the misery of the women and children soften, nor the beauty and glory of their city allure, nor its strength resist, "the weapons of the LORD's righteous indignation;" and Babylon became, at length, entirely desolated, even as Sodom and Gomorrah. (Notes, Gen. 19:24, 25.
Deut . 29:21-25.) Thus will the denunciations of God's word be executed on all impenitent sinners, in their full meaning: and, notwithstanding the clamors and blasphemies of his enemies, the Lord will appear glorious in justice, in their tremendous ruin; and too late they will know "whose words will stand, His, or theirs." The fate of this proud city is a demonstration of the truth of the Bible; an emblem of the approaching ruin of the New Testament-Babylon; a warning to sinners to flee from the wrath to come; and an encour
the battle:" with furious tumult they march | ageinent to believers to expect victory oves.
CHAP . XIV .
hath the oppressor ceased! the #golden
A prediction of Jacob's deliverance, as the effect of Babylon's city ceased!
A prophetical exultation over the royal family, the last king of Babylon; and over the desolations of that city, 3-23. The ruin of Sennacherib's army predicted, 24-27. The burden of the Philistines, 28-32.
NOR the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the Lord, for servants and handmaids: (and they shall take them captives, * whose captives they were: and they shall rule over their oppressors.
3 And it shall come to pass, hin the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to
6,17-20,33,34. 51:4-6,34-37. g 60:14. Jer. 30:16. Dan. 7:18,
Luke 1:54,72-74.
b 27:6. Zech. 1:17. 2:12.
c Deut. 30:3-5. Jer. 24:6,7. 29: 14.30:18-22.31:8-12. 32:37 -41. Ez. 36:24-28.39:2529.
d 19:24,25. 49:16-23. 56:6-8. 60:3-5. 66:20. Ruth 1:141:8. Esth. 8:17. Jer. 12:15, 16. Zech. 2:11. 8:22,23. Mal. 1:11. Luke 2:32. Acts 15:14 -17. Eph. 2:12-19.
e 60.9-12. 61:5. Ezra 2:65. Rom. 15:27. 2 Cor. 8:4,5. Gal. 5:13.
25-27. Zech. 14:2,3. Rev. 3:9. 11:11-18.18:20-24.
h 12:1.32:18. Deut. 28:48,65- 68. Ezra 9:8,9. Jer. 30:10. 46: 27,28. 50:34. Zech. 8:2,3,8. Rev. 18:20. 19:1-3.
Or, taunting speech. Jer. 24: 9. Ez. 5:15. Hab. 2:6. 16,17. 47:5. 49:26.51:23. Jer. 25:9-14. 37:6,7. 50:22,23. 51. 20-24,34,35. Dan. 7:19-25. Hab. 1:2-10. 2:6-12,17. Rev. 13:15-17. 16:5,6. 17:6. 18:5-8,20.
5 The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.
6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, " is persecuted, and none hindereth.
7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
8 Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying , Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against
every enemy of their souls, and of the church ... the triumphant song on that subject. ... A of God.
NOTES.