Isaiah 47:15

This is what they are to you--those with whom you have labored and traded from youth--each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.

Study Bible

This is how they will be to you
This phrase sets the tone for the verse, indicating a definitive outcome or judgment. In the context of Isaiah 47, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to Babylon, personified as a woman who will face humiliation and defeat. The phrase suggests a sense of inevitability and divine decree. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, but this prophecy foretells its downfall, emphasizing that the alliances and dependencies Babylon relied upon will ultimately fail.

those with whom you have labored and traded from youth
The mention of "labored and traded" highlights the economic and social relationships that Babylon cultivated over time. The Hebrew root for "labored" (עָמַל, 'amal) often conveys toil or effort, suggesting that Babylon invested significant energy into these relationships. "Traded" (סָחַר, sachar) implies commercial exchanges, which were central to Babylon's wealth and influence. From a historical perspective, Babylon was a hub of commerce and trade, engaging with various nations. The phrase "from youth" indicates that these relationships were longstanding, yet despite their duration, they will not provide the security Babylon expects.

each one wanders on his own way
This phrase paints a picture of abandonment and disarray. The Hebrew word for "wanders" (תָּעָה, ta'ah) can mean to stray or go astray, suggesting a lack of direction or purpose. In the context of Babylon's impending judgment, it implies that those who were once allies or partners will scatter, leaving Babylon isolated. This reflects a broader biblical theme where reliance on human alliances, rather than on God, leads to disappointment and failure.

not one of them can save you
The finality of this phrase underscores the futility of Babylon's reliance on its networks and alliances. The Hebrew root for "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) is often associated with deliverance or salvation, a central theme in the Bible. Here, it emphasizes that no human effort or alliance can deliver Babylon from the judgment decreed by God. This serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and the ultimate insufficiency of human power and wisdom. In a broader scriptural context, it echoes the biblical truth that salvation and deliverance come from God alone, not from human endeavors or alliances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
The city and empire addressed in Isaiah 47, symbolizing pride and self-reliance. Babylon is depicted as a fallen power due to its arrogance and idolatry.

2. Merchants and Traders
Those who have engaged in commerce with Babylon, representing alliances and dependencies that ultimately fail.

3. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Babylon, emphasizing the futility of relying on human strength and alliances.

4. God's Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Babylon for its pride and idolatry, illustrating the theme of God's sovereignty over nations.

5. The Exile
The broader context of Israel's exile, during which Babylon was a dominant power, serving as a backdrop for the prophecy.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Worldly Alliances
Trusting in human alliances and economic power, as Babylon did, ultimately leads to disappointment and failure. Our ultimate reliance should be on God.

The Sovereignty of God
God's judgment on Babylon demonstrates His control over nations and history. We should live with the awareness of God's sovereignty in our lives.

The Danger of Pride
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Humility before God is essential for spiritual well-being.

The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness
Just as Babylon's allies abandoned her, worldly supports can fail us. We must be spiritually prepared and rooted in faith.

The Call to Repentance
The prophecy invites reflection on our own lives and a call to turn away from idolatry and towards God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 47:15 serve as a warning against relying on worldly powers and alliances?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of God's sovereignty over nations in both Isaiah 47 and other parts of Scripture, such as Revelation 18?

3. Reflect on a time when you relied on something or someone other than God. What was the outcome, and how does this passage speak to that experience?

4. How can we guard against the pride and self-reliance that led to Babylon's downfall in our own lives?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our trust and hope are placed in God rather than in human systems or relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 18
This chapter echoes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of worldly systems opposed to God.

Proverbs 11:28
Highlights the futility of trusting in riches, similar to the merchants' misplaced trust in Babylon.

Jeremiah 50-51
Contains prophecies against Babylon, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment and the futility of idolatry.

Psalm 146:3
Warns against putting trust in human leaders, paralleling the merchants' reliance on Babylon.