Isaiah’s oracle

Xanthe Galanis

Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians’ pride,will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; no Arab will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flocks there.  Isaiah 13:19-20

Isaiah’s oracle must have sounded crazy at the time. In it he speaks about the destruction of Babylon, a power that didn't rise until 85 years after his death, by the Medes, another group yet to come to power. In other words, Isaiah spoke about events and people that didn't exist during his lifetime. Furthermore, these prophecies were accurately fulfilled to the letter – an astonishing illustration of the awesomeness of God.

Babylon was totally wiped out, exactly as Isaiah prophesied. The thick walls that once fortified the city are now completely destroyed. Isaiah also wrote about Media Persia, a power that didn't exist during his life time. The Medo-Persians were nothing but a small group of nomads when Isaiah was alive. And yet he prophesied that they would destroy Babylon. This too was fulfilled hundreds of years later, when Darius the Mede killed Belshazzar (Daniel 5).

When we read this ancient oracle with the hindsight of history, it’s clear to us that Isaiah wrote down these prophecies with the guidance of the Holy Spirit – he wasn’t simply making things up.

We can be certain that there is nothing in this world that can stand the righteous judgment of God. So, let us keep our eyes on things that will last - God and his promises.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for ancient prophesies like this which reassure us that your word is true, and that everything you have planned and promised will come true. This week, help me to focus on your ever-lasting truth. Amen