Isaiah 47:9

These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells.

Study Bible

These two things
The phrase "these two things" refers to the calamities that will befall Babylon. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, the loss of children and widowhood were seen as devastating misfortunes. The Hebrew word for "things" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) often implies matters of significant consequence, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment.

will overtake you
The verb "overtake" (בּוֹא, bo) in Hebrew conveys the idea of something arriving or coming upon someone suddenly and unexpectedly. This emphasizes the swiftness and inevitability of the judgment that Babylon will face, highlighting the certainty of God's prophetic word.

in a moment, in a single day
The expression "in a moment, in a single day" underscores the suddenness and completeness of the disaster. The Hebrew word for "moment" (רֶגַע, rega) suggests a brief, fleeting period, while "single day" (יוֹם אֶחָד, yom echad) emphasizes the rapidity with which these events will unfold. This serves as a stark reminder of the power and decisiveness of God's judgment.

loss of children and widowhood
These terms represent profound personal and societal loss. In ancient cultures, children were seen as a blessing and a source of security, while widowhood was a state of vulnerability and grief. The Hebrew words for "loss of children" (שְׁכוֹל, shekol) and "widowhood" (אַלְמָנוּת, almanut) convey deep sorrow and desolation, illustrating the totality of Babylon's impending downfall.

They will come upon you in full measure
The phrase "in full measure" (בְּתֻמָּם, betummam) indicates the completeness and thoroughness of the judgment. The use of this phrase suggests that the punishment will be exact and comprehensive, leaving no aspect of Babylon's pride and power untouched.

in spite of your many sorceries
The term "sorceries" (כְּשָׁפִים, keshafim) refers to the practices of magic and witchcraft that were prevalent in Babylon. Despite their reliance on these occult practices, they will be powerless to prevent the divine judgment. This highlights the futility of trusting in anything other than God.

and the potency of your spells
The word "potency" (עָצְמָה, otzmah) suggests strength or power, while "spells" (חֲבָרִים, chabarim) refers to incantations or magical rites. Despite the perceived strength of these practices, they will be ineffective against the sovereign will of God. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority and power of God over all human endeavors and spiritual forces.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
The city and empire addressed in this chapter, known for its pride, idolatry, and sorcery.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Babylon.

3. Sorceries and Spells
Practices of magic and divination that Babylon relied upon, which God condemns.

4. Loss of Children and Widowhood
Metaphors for the complete devastation and loss that Babylon will experience.

5. Judgment Day
The event when God's judgment will be executed swiftly and decisively against Babylon.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's judgment is inevitable and will come swiftly, as seen in the suddenness of Babylon's fall.

The Futility of Sorcery and Human Wisdom
Reliance on sorcery and human wisdom is futile against the sovereign will of God. True wisdom comes from fearing the Lord.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Babylon's pride and idolatry led to its downfall. We must guard against pride and idolatry in our own lives.

The Sovereignty of God Over Nations
God is sovereign over all nations and their destinies. He raises up and brings down according to His purposes.

The Call to Repentance
The warning to Babylon serves as a call to repentance for all who trust in anything other than God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the suddenness of Babylon's judgment in Isaiah 47:9 reflect the nature of God's justice?

2. In what ways do modern societies rely on "sorceries" or human wisdom, and how can Christians respond to this?

3. What parallels can you draw between the fall of Babylon and the warnings given to other nations or cities in the Bible?

4. How can we ensure that we are not placing our trust in idols or human wisdom in our personal lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's sovereignty in your life. How did it shape your understanding of His control over all things?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 18
This chapter echoes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate judgment against worldly powers and systems that oppose God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses condemn sorcery and divination, practices that Babylon engaged in, showing God's consistent stance against such practices.

Nahum 3:4
This verse speaks of the seductive nature of sorcery and its role in leading nations astray, similar to Babylon's influence.