JUDGMENT AGAINST BABYLON
Isaiah 13: 1-22
I. The Day of the Lord is at Hand (vs. 1-10)
a. “Burden” in verse 1 is also interpreted oracle or prophecy. In what is revealed does it carry the sense of a burden to the prophet?
b. Who is mustering the army and from where do they come?
c. Is this first part of chapter 13 talking about the imminent destruction of Babylon or is it revealing a more distant event?
d. What is the reference to the Day of the Lord describing?
e. How do verses 9-10 help establish the timeline of when this “Day” will come? (see also Mt. 24:29-31)
II. I Will Punish the World for its Evil (vs. 11-16)
a. When will the Lord punish the world for its evil?
b. When God’s wrath is poured out how will it affect the heavens and the earth?
c. How will men respond and will it make a difference?
III. I Will Stir up the Medes (vs. 17-22)
- In verse 17-22 we see the imminent judgment pronounced against Babylon. Who will God use to destroy Babylon?
- How thorough would the Medes be in destroying Babylon?
- Would there be any hope in a bribe or tribute to prevent destruction?
- Will the Medes show any compassion on anyone in Babylon?
Application: The consistency of the message given through the prophets and the Revelation about the end times points to something that will absolutely happen. How then should we live knowing that God has ordained the end even from the beginning? Who will escape the terror of these events?
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