Isaiah 13: Group Study Handout

Overview

The burden of Babylon is revealed by Isaiah, who calls for a banner to be raised and a voice lifted to summon the people into the gates (vv. 1-2). God commands his mighty men for battle, gathering his army from distant places (vv. 3-5). The Day of Yahweh approaches, characterized by destruction and terror, bringing despair and fear to hearts (vv. 6-8). Divine punishment is pronounced against the world for evil and pride, leading to the removal of sinners (vv. 9-12). Cosmic disturbances will accompany this punishment, shaking the heavens and the earth (vv. 13-16). The Medes are summoned to execute judgment, showing no mercy to the Babylonians (vv. 17-20). The glory of Babylon will be overturned, leaving it desolate and uninhabited, home only to wild animals (vv. 21-22).

Key verse

“Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not value silver, and as for gold, they will not delight in it.”

Isaiah 13:17 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 13:1–2 The Burden of Babylon
2. Isaiah 13:3–5 God's Mighty Army
3. Isaiah 13:6–8 The Day of Yahweh
4. Isaiah 13:9–12 Divine Punishment
5. Isaiah 13:13–16 Cosmic Disturbance and Violence
6. Isaiah 13:17–20 The Role of the Medes
7. Isaiah 13:21–22 Desolation of Babylon

Discussion questions

1. What does Yahweh tell the people to do in v2?
2. In v19, how is Babylon described after its destruction?
3. In v11, what does it mean that God will 'humble the haughtiness of the terrible'?
4. In v16, why is the imagery of infants being 'dashed in pieces' used?
5. When have you seen or experienced 'pangs and sorrows' like in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 13: Jeremiah 51, Jeremiah 50, Isaiah 14.

Before next time: read Isaiah 14.