Isaiah 45-47
The Incomparable Yahweh—Worth the Wait!
o
o

Goals for this Bible Study
 To know God more through His revelation in the book of Isaiah, especially Isaiah 40-48
 To consciously apply the truths which He intended through the Book of Isaiah
 To learn how to interpret Old Testament literature like Isaiah. This will be done by example—i.e.
learn by doing and imitating what you see me and your leader doing.
 To encourage one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25, accountability)
 Memorize, meditate, and apply Isaiah 40:12-31

Homework:
1) Read Isaiah 40-44 once. Read Isaiah 45-47 twice asking yourself the question, “How do I see the
Incomparability of Yahweh fleshed out in these texts?”
2) Continue any Scripture memory work. Complete the Bible Study below.
3) Come prepared to share at least 1) 2-3 new insights you learned, 2) 2-3 ways you need to apply the
lesson.
4) Complete any accountability assignments

Review: (Matching--draw a line from the paragraph to the appropriate reference)
The thematic center of the introduction: The glory of Yahweh will be revealed. The glory of
the Yahweh is His work in history and redemption that exalts Him alone as the only deity.
He is The Holy One. The Incomparable God. Understanding this brings comfort.
The ultimate “adversary” of Yahweh is not other “gods” it is the people who generate idols.
Our “idols” have no intrinsic power or value they are ultimately reduced by Yahweh to mere
products of the real adversaries of Yahweh—people who manufacture idols. Yahweh’s
unexpected contrast in showing forth man’s folly and His own greatness is meant to get His
people to return to Him. Yahweh is engendering “repentance” from idolatry through these
chapters. As His people “see” the redemption He is offering and the “folly” of their ways,
they are to return to Him alone as their God! As they becoming “seeing, hearing, and
knowing,” witnesses of the one true God, they are to burst forth in shouting and joy because
of the Incomparable Yahweh and His Redemption.
o
Yahweh’s unimaginable plan is to use the blind and deaf witness, Israel, to testify that He
alone is God. This plan involves these three mind blowing steps…1) A miraculous
transformation. This results in 2) an invigorated new creation for the purpose of 3)
influencing all the nations in providing healing and engendering praise of Yahweh.
o
Yahweh’s rhetorical questions regarding 1) His unlimited power, 2) His unmatched wisdom,
and 3) His uncontested control to declare that He alone is God. As a result of believing this
His people were not to fear/worry but they were to respond in trust. This trust would then
result in comfort. This passage could be summarized as Yahweh’s loving confrontation
of His people in order to prepare them to see that He alone as God.
o
The preparation of the nations for “gods on trial!” Yahweh will provide three irrefutable
witnesses to the nations to that declare that He alone is God, (1) A fear evoking force—the
discriminating Cyrus, (2) A praise offering people—the exalted and rescued remnant of
Israel, (3) A mouth shutting act-- the irreproducible foretelling of events
o
Yahweh will accomplish His unimaginable plan (transformation of a blind and deaf witness)
through REDEMPTION which includes the aspects of 1) Ownership 2) Protection 3)
Substitutionary Deliverance 4) Affection 5) Restoration 6) Purpose 7) Forgiveness 8)
Abundance
o
The introduction to Isaiah 40-48
Is 40:1-11
Is 43
Is 40:12-27
Is 42
Is 44
Is 41
Is 40:5

Introduction:
QUESTION: When you are in “captivity” (spiritual; the pressures of life are overwhelming)
what do you long for? What things do you long for that fail to satisfy?
I long for relief from the pressure or “escape”. I want to feel good and not feel overwhelmed.
The desire to escape from it all is one that will always let me down in the end.
QUESTION: Notice some of the“Exile Psalms” (*Ps 74, 79, 85). For what had the people been
hoping for and waiting?
Deliverance from their situation. Retribution from God for the acts against them. Restoration
to a better place with fruitful abundance.
The Incomparable Yahweh—Worth the Wait (Isaiah 45-47
READ Isaiah 40:27-31 and 45-47: Consider what should you expect to see when “waiting”
(Those who wait upon the Lord, Isaiah 40:31) upon the only true God to act ?
40:31 – Renewed strength, energy, and soaring on wings like eagles? (i.e. a feeling of freedom?)
45- Expect to see God’s glory and exaltation, not our own. The proper order of things will be
established with Yahweh on the throne, receiving the glory that is His. v25 states that the Israelites
will be found righteous and be able to exult(glory).
46 – God will be exalted and idols/idol-makers brought low.
47 – The demolition of false gods and pretenses. All who exalt themselves and ignore God’s
commands will face His righteous judgement. Salvation is from God alone, not anyone else.
Here is what we see in Isaiah 45-47--four totally satisfying acts of God that He accomplishes
when He is ready to respond…that demonstrates to the watching world that He alone is God
1. A Surprising Deliverance (45)
Watch the following youtube videos
#1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4_4QC3xXBI&feature=related
#2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1wa226Qec
QUESTION: How does the text in Isaiah 45 indicate that God’s method of deliverance of His people
from exile was totally “surprising” and “unexpected?”
QUESTION: What does 45:5 indicate about who Yahweh is “LORD” over?
QUESTION: Why do you think God used a “pagan” king as “deliverer” and as His anointed one?
This is a “Surprising Deliverance”…
A. Of Yahweh’s people (45:4)
B. For the opportunity of repentance and mandatory submission of all (45:20-23)
C. To demonstrate that Yahweh alone is God (45:5, 6, 7, 14, 18, 21, 24)
QUESTION: How should Yahweh’s ability to perform a “surprising deliverance” help you with
worries and fears? How has He surprised you in your own experience?
2. An Exaltation of His People (45:14-17; 46:13)
QUESTION: What is the contrast between those who are not God’s people (45:16) and those who are
God’s people (v. 17)
QUESTION: What is the purpose of God in doing this? (45: 14end of verse; 45:20-25; 46:9)
QUESTION: How does this truth of God exalting His people comfort you? How do you try to
vindicate and exalt yourself now? How will your efforts to vindicate and exalt yourself compare to
God’s?
3. An Exposure of all impotent objects of trust (Chapter 46)
SUMMARY OF Chapter 46: Isaiah 46 carries forth the argument of chapters 40-45 but in a
heretofore undeveloped way. The argument from Isaiah 40 onward has been that the glory of Yahweh
will be revealed and all flesh will see it. Yahweh was going to be exalted in such a way that exiled
Israel and other nations would see that He alone is the only deity. Out of the five sections into which
Isaiah 46 is divided ( vv. 1-2, vv. 3-4, vv. 5-7, vv. 8-11, vv. 12-13), three begin with commands for
Israel to listen or remember. The content of each message is that Yahweh was the only deity as
demonstrated by various activities (redeeming, predicting, delivering, speaking, etc) in which He was
involved. Section three (vv. 5-7), in contrast, poses the question to the exiles, “To whom will you
compare me?” which has been asked before in Isaiah 40-45. Then, that question is answered in terms
of whom traditionally Israel had likened Yahweh—to idols who were unable to deliver. Thus, the
argument of Isaiah 40-45 is still present in 46 but there exists something new in Isaiah 46 that frames
the incomparability of Yahweh from a different perspective.
What sets Isaiah 46 apart from Isaiah 40-45 is the introduction of the Babylonian gods in
section one of the poem (vv. 1-2). The Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo are described as stooping
down and their images being carried by beasts. Most interpreters take this imagery to represent the
humiliation of Bel and Nebo who could not deliver Babylon from the forth coming conqueror Cyrus.
To support this claim, previously in chapter 45:23 the same verb is used to show that every knee would
bow in submission to Yahweh. Then, Isaiah 46:1 depicts Bel and Nebo as “bowing.”
Thus the humiliation of the Babylonian gods is set in contrast to the exaltation of Yahweh
alone as the only deity. What is introduced, however, in 46:1a, quickly fades into other concerns of
the ironic folly of idolatry in general. While the subject of 46:1a is very clearly Bel and Nebo, Isaiah
46:1b -2 seems to be intentionally ambiguous in regard to who is doing the carrying of the heavy
burdens of the images of Bel and Nebo. Are the beasts the ones falling under the wearying load? Or,
is it idol worshipers (“carried things by you”). Most translators supply additional terms to suggest that
the beasts are the ones bearing the load and seemingly bowing under the weight of the images.
However, later in the text of 46 there is a direct comparison subsequently of people “carrying” the
idols. Thus Isaiah 46:1b-2 may be intentionally ambiguous or may be functioning as a double
entendre.
Nevertheless, if vv. 1b-2 were intentionally ambiguous, clarity comes very soon. Israel, like
the weary beast, was carrying the load of the idols (46:7). The gods represented by their images were
supposed to be carrying and delivering their worshippers. The irony is that the people were carrying
and bearing their gods and have subsequently become weary. The word “weary” has been a key term
throughout Isaiah 40-48.
In contrast to gods that needed to be carried, Yahweh claimed to be carrying and supporting
Israel. In contrast to gods that could not deliver, Yahweh claimed to deliver Israel. In contrast to gods
who could not speak, Yahweh claimed to have spoken and orchestrated the events of deliverance that
would soon come to pass, before they had occurred. Consequently, the humiliation of the impotent
gods in which Israel had been trusting was the offered proof that Yahweh alone was the only deity
and Israel was to remember this.
Primary Application
The Babylonian deities would be rendered by Yahweh incapable of saving Babylon from Cyrus
who would execute a redemption for God’s people. In effect Yahweh exposes the impotence of these
deities to demonstrate to His people and those watching around His people that Yahweh was God.
Yahweh will continue to work in such a way that the objects in which people place their trust
will be shown to be impotent in a day of crisis. He also allows His people to experience the
“weariness” that comes from trusting in objects other than Yahweh. When the objects of trust are
exposed for what they are, Yahweh desires for individuals to turn in trust to Him, the One who
“carries” them so as to renew their strength and experience rest from their burdens.
QUESTION: How do you get weary carrying your false gods? How has God shown you you’re
your false gods are impotent? How does chapter 46 impact you?
4. An Unstoppable Humiliation of the Proud (Is 47)
A. Reason for the Humiliation: Pride (45:7-8)
QUESTION: Why does God deal with pride so severely?
B. Resistance of the Humiliation: Futile! (47:9-15)
QUESTION: What is the contrast between the tale of the two cities of “Zion” and “Babylon” (compare
Is 46:13 and Is 47)
QUESTION: What does “Zion” represent? What does “Babylon” represent”?
QUESTION: What picture of “humiliation” is being painted in 47:1-3
QUESTION: What is the purpose of God in doing this? (47:4)
SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 47: Isaiah 47 begins with commands also but this time not to exiled
Israel. The commands are from Yahweh and directed against Babylon who is personified as a lady.
The previous chapter involved the humiliation of Babylon’s gods and now the text turns toward the
city of Babylon itself. The logic of the order is given by Goldingay, “Since one purpose of gods is to
guarantee and legitimate political rule, the exposure of Babylonian theology is an appropriate precursor
to the dismissal of Babylonian power.”1 Each imperative involves some act of humiliation for the
empire. The once queen of kingdoms is now commanded to become a humiliated and exposed servant.
1
Goldingay, 301.
The text paints the picture of Lady Babylon’s crimes as primarily two. First, lady Babylon had
become exalted in her position over the nations without remembering the consequences for those who
are proud. She viewed her privileged empire position as never ending. She had become spoiled and
self-confident. She trusted in her ability to protect herself via her own false diviners. Secondly, the
text indicates that in her exalted position she dealt harshly with the exiles of Israel and did not show
them compassion.
The poem takes on the feel of a lament for Babylon but not out of sincere grief. The lament is
more of a mocking and sarcastic taunt as calamity is predicted to come upon the once untouchable
empire. Lady Babylon is commanded to stand fast in her attempts to protect herself from the
oncoming calamity as if to fully demonstrate the utter futility of the objects of her trust. These objects
of trust are compared to “chaff” (v. 14)—a metaphor that Isaiah uses frequently of humanity. The
diviners would be extinguished as fire burns chaff. And, the diviners would not be able to deliver
themselves from the hand of the oncoming consuming calamity.
This poem, with its content of humiliation of Babylon and with its sarcastically lamenting tone,
serves to enforce the prominent theme of this section of Isaiah. However, unlike the previous chapter
there is not a repetitious emphasis that Yahweh alone is the only deity. Chapter 47 is more subtle.
The only mention of Yahweh in chapter 47 is in verse 4—“Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Host is His
name, the Holy one of Israel.” The humiliation then of Lady Babylon was to be done at the hand of
Yahweh. This three fold title in the context of the humiliation of Babylon is significant. “Our
Redeemer” is the cry of the oppressed and humiliated people that were soon to be liberated and
exalted. “Yahweh of Host” captures the essence of the god who commands the heavenly armies to do
His bidding by raising up and/or disposing of nations to do His bidding. Finally “the Holy one of
Israel” captures the essence of the god like no other. Therefore, the offered proof that Yahweh alone
was the only god was His ability to bring down the proud and demonstrate the utter futility of trust
in anything else. In short this poem is about the vengeance of Yahweh (v. 3).
Primary Application
Isaiah 2:12 states, “For the Lord of Host will have a day against everyone who is proud and
lofty and against everyone who is lifted up, that he may be abased.” Israel was proud and had to be
humbled by means of the captivity. Israel’s conquerors, who were used as a tool of Yahweh to humble
His people, would, however, not escape Yahweh’s “day.” Isaiah 47 teaches that Yahweh will humble
the proud on a day when they least expect it and they will try to use their objects of trust to avert it but
to no avail. But who are the proud?
The proud are those who lift themselves up in direct contrast to exalting Yahweh. They are the
ones viewing themselves as entirely self-sufficient, untouchable, and assured of their exalted position
among the current order of society. Babylon viewed herself as “queen forever” and not able to know
something any different than her privileged position among the nations. They are the one’s whose
“security” has come through some other means than trust in Yahweh. Being consumed with one’s own
invulnerability however leads to “forgetting” the things that come after personal exaltation—
humiliation.
With these individuals, Yahweh will have a day of reckoning whereby the proud will be
humiliated. This will include the just debasement of those exalting themselves. Those who have
lifted themselves “over the earth” will be “brought down to the earth.” For Babylon who took captive
God’s people, she would experience servitude herself. For Babylon who was clothed in royal clothes,
she would be stripped and her nudity would be revealed. The metaphor of “nudity” is meant to convey
the image of shame and humiliation. Another metaphor used is that of a “consuming fire” which is
meant to convey an onslaught of calamity that falls upon the proud. This “fire” is not a helpful fire by
which individuals are warmed and soothed. All of this conveys the concept that Yahweh will execute a
vengeance and it will be in “full measure.”
In such a day of reckoning in which Yahweh executes a humiliation, all other objects, people,
false deities in which individuals have trusted will be seen to be impotent. Then, on that day, Yahweh
alone is seen to be the only God.
THEME: What should you expect to see when “waiting” (Those who wait upon the Lord,
Isaiah 40:31) upon the only true God to act ?
Four Totally Satisfying acts of God that He accomplishes when He is ready to respond…that
demonstrates to the watching world that He alone is God
1.
2.
3.
4.
A Surprising Deliverance
An Exaltation of His People
An Exposure of All Impotent Objects of Trust
An Unstoppable Humiliation of the Proud
DISCUSS: How are these acts manifested in Christ’s 1st coming? 2nd coming? Are certain acts reserved
more for his second coming than His first coming?
****SPOILERS******

o
o
Review: (Matching--draw a line from the paragraph to the appropriate reference)
The thematic center of the introduction: The glory of Yahweh will be revealed. The glory of
the Yahweh is His work in history and redemption that exalts Him alone as the only deity.
He is The Holy One. The Incomparable God. Understanding this brings comfort.
The ultimate “adversary” of Yahweh is not other “gods” it is the people who generate idols.
Our “idols” have no intrinsic power or value they are ultimately reduced by Yahweh to mere
products of the real adversaries of Yahweh—people who manufacture idols. Yahweh’s
unexpected contrast in showing forth man’s folly and His own greatness is meant to get His
people to return to Him. Yahweh is engendering “repentance” from idolatry through these
chapters. As His people “see” the redemption He is offering and the “folly” of their ways,
they are to return to Him alone as their God! As they becoming “seeing, hearing, and
knowing,” witnesses of the one true God, they are to burst forth in shouting and joy because
of the Incomparable Yahweh and His Redemption.
o
Yahweh’s unimaginable plan is to use the blind and deaf witness, Israel, to testify that He
alone is God. This plan involves these three mind blowing steps…1) A miraculous
transformation. This results in 2) an invigorated new creation for the purpose of 3)
influencing all the nations in providing healing and engendering praise of Yahweh.
o
Yahweh’s rhetorical questions regarding 1) His unlimited power, 2) His unmatched wisdom,
and 3) His uncontested control to declare that He alone is God. As a result of believing this
His people were not to fear/worry but they were to respond in trust. This trust would then
result in comfort. This passage could be summarized as Yahweh’s loving confrontation
of His people in order to prepare them to see that He alone as God.
o
The preparation of the nations for “gods on trial!” Yahweh will provide three irrefutable
witnesses to the nations to that declare that He alone is God, (1) A fear evoking force—the
discriminating Cyrus, (2) A praise offering people—the exalted and rescued remnant of
Israel, (3) A mouth shutting act-- the irreproducible foretelling of events
o
Yahweh will accomplish His unimaginable plan (transformation of a blind and deaf witness)
through REDEMPTION which includes the aspects of 1) Ownership 2) Protection 3)
Substitutionary Deliverance 4) Affection 5) Restoration 6) Purpose 7) Forgiveness 8)
Abundance
o
Is 40:1-11
Is 43
Is 40:12-27
Is 42
Is 44
Is 41
Is 40:5
The introduction to Isaiah 40-48

Introduction:
QUESTION: When you are in “captivity” (spiritual; the pressures of life are overwhelming)
what do you long for? What things do you long for that fail to satisfy?
Various Answers
QUESTION: Notice some of the“Exile Psalms” (*Ps 74, 79, 85). For what had the people been
hoping for and waiting?
Example Psalm 79
v. 6—justice for those who oppress
v. 8—release from consequences of sin
v. 8—compassion
v. 9—Help
v.10—Vindication
The Incomparable Yahweh—Worth the Wait (Isaiah 45-47
READ Isaiah 40:27-31 and 45-47: Consider what should you expect to see when “waiting”
(Those who wait upon the Lord, Isaiah 40:31) upon the only true God to act ?
Here is what we see in Isaiah 45-47--four totally satisfying acts of God that He accomplishes
when He is ready to respond…that demonstrates to the watching world that He alone is God
1. A Surprising Deliverance (45)
Watch the following youtube videos
#1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4_4QC3xXBI&feature=related
#2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1wa226Qec
QUESTION: How does the text in Isaiah 45 indicate that God’s method of deliverance of His people
from exile was totally “surprising” and “unexpected?”
Cyrus is one anointed from pagan nations who did not know the Lord who would function as a
Deliverer! (v. 45:4)
QUESTION: What does 45:5 indicate about who Yahweh is “LORD” over?
Not just His people but all people even if they don’t know the one true God
QUESTION: Why do you think God used a “pagan” king as “deliverer” and as His anointed one?
To show His Sovereignty. He reigns and rules over all—those who acknowledge Him and those who
don’t. This also means that those in our lives who don’t know the Lord are still ruled over by Him and
are there in our lives for the good purposes of the Lord.
This is a “Surprising Deliverance”…
A. Of Yahweh’s people (45:4)
B. For the opportunity of repentance and mandatory submission of all (45:20-23)
C. To demonstrate that Yahweh alone is God (45:5, 6, 7, 14, 18, 21, 24)
QUESTION: How should Yahweh’s ability to perform a “surprising deliverance” help you with
worries and fears? How has He surprised you in your own experience?
Various application answers
2. An Exaltation of His People (45:14-17; 46:13)
QUESTION: What is the contrast between those who are not God’s people (45:16) and those who are
God’s people (45:17)
God’s people would be exalted and not shamed while all others would be “humiliated”
QUESTION: What is the purpose of God in doing this? (45: 14end of verse; 45:20-25; 46:9)
To demonstrate He alone is God
QUESTION: How does this truth of God exalting His people comfort you? How do you try to
vindicate and exalt yourself now? How will your efforts to vindicate and exalt yourself compare to
God’s?
Various application answers
3. An Exposure of all impotent objects of trust (Chapter 46)
SUMMARY OF Chapter 46: Isaiah 46 carries forth the argument of chapters 40-45 but in a
heretofore undeveloped way. The argument from Isaiah 40 onward has been that the glory of Yahweh
will be revealed and all flesh will see it. Yahweh was going to be exalted in such a way that exiled
Israel and other nations would see that He alone is the only deity. Out of the five sections into which
Isaiah 46 is divided ( vv. 1-2, vv. 3-4, vv. 5-7, vv. 8-11, vv. 12-13), three begin with commands for
Israel to listen or remember. The content of each message is that Yahweh was the only deity as
demonstrated by various activities (redeeming, predicting, delivering, speaking, etc) in which He was
involved. Section three (vv. 5-7), in contrast, poses the question to the exiles, “To whom will you
compare me?” which has been asked before in Isaiah 40-45. Then, that question is answered in terms
of whom traditionally Israel had likened Yahweh—to idols who were unable to deliver. Thus, the
argument of Isaiah 40-45 is still present in 46 but there exists something new in Isaiah 46 that frames
the incomparability of Yahweh from a different perspective.
What sets Isaiah 46 apart from Isaiah 40-45 is the introduction of the Babylonian gods in
section one of the poem (vv. 1-2). The Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo are described as stooping
down and their images being carried by beasts. Most interpreters take this imagery to represent the
humiliation of Bel and Nebo who could not deliver Babylon from the forth coming conqueror Cyrus.
To support this claim, previously in chapter 45:23 the same verb is used to show that every knee would
bow in submission to Yahweh. Then, Isaiah 46:1 depicts Bel and Nebo as “bowing.”
Thus the humiliation of the Babylonian gods is set in contrast to the exaltation of Yahweh
alone as the only deity. What is introduced, however, in 46:1a, quickly fades into other concerns of
the ironic folly of idolatry in general. While the subject of 46:1a is very clearly Bel and Nebo, Isaiah
46:1b -2 seems to be intentionally ambiguous in regard to who is doing the carrying of the heavy
burdens of the images of Bel and Nebo. Are the beasts the ones falling under the wearying load? Or,
is it idol worshipers (“carried things by you”). Most translators supply additional terms to suggest that
the beasts are the ones bearing the load and seemingly bowing under the weight of the images.
However, later in the text of 46 there is a direct comparison subsequently of people “carrying” the
idols. Thus Isaiah 46:1b-2 may be intentionally ambiguous or may be functioning as a double
entendre.
Nevertheless, if vv. 1b-2 were intentionally ambiguous, clarity comes very soon. Israel, like
the weary beast, was carrying the load of the idols (46:7). The gods represented by their images were
supposed to be carrying and delivering their worshippers. The irony is that the people were carrying
and bearing their gods and have subsequently become weary. The word “weary” has been a key term
throughout Isaiah 40-48.
In contrast to gods that needed to be carried, Yahweh claimed to be carrying and supporting
Israel. In contrast to gods that could not deliver, Yahweh claimed to deliver Israel. In contrast to gods
who could not speak, Yahweh claimed to have spoken and orchestrated the events of deliverance that
would soon come to pass, before they had occurred. Consequently, the humiliation of the impotent
gods in which Israel had been trusting was the offered proof that Yahweh alone was the only deity
and Israel was to remember this.
Primary Application
The Babylonian deities would be rendered by Yahweh incapable of saving Babylon from Cyrus
who would execute a redemption for God’s people. In effect Yahweh exposes the impotence of these
deities to demonstrate to His people and those watching around His people that Yahweh was God.
Yahweh will continue to work in such a way that the objects in which people place their trust
will be shown to be impotent in a day of crisis. He also allows His people to experience the
“weariness” that comes from trusting in objects other than Yahweh. When the objects of trust are
exposed for what they are, Yahweh desires for individuals to turn in trust to Him, the One who
“carries” them so as to renew their strength and experience rest from their burdens.
QUESTION: How do you get weary carrying your false gods? How has God shown you you’re
your false gods are impotent? How does chapter 46 impact you?
Various application answers
4. An Unstoppable Humiliation of the Proud (Is 47)
B. Reason for the Humiliation: Pride (45:7-8)
QUESTION: Why does God deal with pride so severely?
(Pride is an exaltation of oneself as if the world and people exist to serve me instead of God. It is an
attempted reversal of God’s order of creation where He should be the only one exalted above all cf.
48:11)
B. Resistance of the Humiliation: Futile! (47:9-15)
QUESTION: What is the contrast between the tale of the two cities of “Zion” and “Babylon” (compare
Is 46:13 and Is 47)
Zion the city of the Great King where the Great King Peoples will dwell with God will be saved while
the city of the wolrd (Babylon), with the people who do not know God will be humiliated
QUESTION: What does “Zion” represent? What does “Babylon” represent”?
Zion: God’s People
Babylon: The proud people of the nations who do not know God.
QUESTION: What picture of “humiliation” is being painted in 47:1-3
A lady being stripped nude--humiliation
QUESTION: What is the purpose of God in doing this? (47:4)
The demonstration that Yahweh is the one who exalts and humiliates in His timing and in His ways.
SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 47: Isaiah 47 begins with commands also but this time not to exiled
Israel. The commands are from Yahweh and directed against Babylon who is personified as a lady.
The previous chapter involved the humiliation of Babylon’s gods and now the text turns toward the
city of Babylon itself. The logic of the order is given by Goldingay, “Since one purpose of gods is to
guarantee and legitimate political rule, the exposure of Babylonian theology is an appropriate precursor
to the dismissal of Babylonian power.”2 Each imperative involves some act of humiliation for the
empire. The once queen of kingdoms is now commanded to become a humiliated and exposed servant.
2
Goldingay, 301.
The text paints the picture of Lady Babylon’s crimes as primarily two. First, lady Babylon had
become exalted in her position over the nations without remembering the consequences for those who
are proud. She viewed her privileged empire position as never ending. She had become spoiled and
self-confident. She trusted in her ability to protect herself via her own false diviners. Secondly, the
text indicates that in her exalted position she dealt harshly with the exiles of Israel and did not show
them compassion.
The poem takes on the feel of a lament for Babylon but not out of sincere grief. The lament is
more of a mocking and sarcastic taunt as calamity is predicted to come upon the once untouchable
empire. Lady Babylon is commanded to stand fast in her attempts to protect herself from the
oncoming calamity as if to fully demonstrate the utter futility of the objects of her trust. These objects
of trust are compared to “chaff” (v. 14)—a metaphor that Isaiah uses frequently of humanity. The
diviners would be extinguished as fire burns chaff. And, the diviners would not be able to deliver
themselves from the hand of the oncoming consuming calamity.
This poem, with its content of humiliation of Babylon and with its sarcastically lamenting tone,
serves to enforce the prominent theme of this section of Isaiah. However, unlike the previous chapter
there is not a repetitious emphasis that Yahweh alone is the only deity. Chapter 47 is more subtle.
The only mention of Yahweh in chapter 47 is in verse 4—“Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Host is His
name, the Holy one of Israel.” The humiliation then of Lady Babylon was to be done at the hand of
Yahweh. This three fold title in the context of the humiliation of Babylon is significant. “Our
Redeemer” is the cry of the oppressed and humiliated people that were soon to be liberated and
exalted. “Yahweh of Host” captures the essence of the god who commands the heavenly armies to do
His bidding by raising up and/or disposing of nations to do His bidding. Finally “the Holy one of
Israel” captures the essence of the god like no other. Therefore, the offered proof that Yahweh alone
was the only god was His ability to bring down the proud and demonstrate the utter futility of trust
in anything else. In short this poem is about the vengeance of Yahweh (v. 3).
Primary Application
Isaiah 2:12 states, “For the Lord of Host will have a day against everyone who is proud and
lofty and against everyone who is lifted up, that he may be abased.” Israel was proud and had to be
humbled by means of the captivity. Israel’s conquerors, who were used as a tool of Yahweh to humble
His people, would, however, not escape Yahweh’s “day.” Isaiah 47 teaches that Yahweh will humble
the proud on a day when they least expect it and they will try to use their objects of trust to avert it but
to no avail. But who are the proud?
The proud are those who lift themselves up in direct contrast to exalting Yahweh. They are the
ones viewing themselves as entirely self-sufficient, untouchable, and assured of their exalted position
among the current order of society. Babylon viewed herself as “queen forever” and not able to know
something any different than her privileged position among the nations. They are the one’s whose
“security” has come through some other means than trust in Yahweh. Being consumed with one’s own
invulnerability however leads to “forgetting” the things that come after personal exaltation—
humiliation.
With these individuals, Yahweh will have a day of reckoning whereby the proud will be
humiliated. This will include the just debasement of those exalting themselves. Those who have
lifted themselves “over the earth” will be “brought down to the earth.” For Babylon who took captive
God’s people, she would experience servitude herself. For Babylon who was clothed in royal clothes,
she would be stripped and her nudity would be revealed. The metaphor of “nudity” is meant to convey
the image of shame and humiliation. Another metaphor used is that of a “consuming fire” which is
meant to convey an onslaught of calamity that falls upon the proud. This “fire” is not a helpful fire by
which individuals are warmed and soothed. All of this conveys the concept that Yahweh will execute a
vengeance and it will be in “full measure.”
In such a day of reckoning in which Yahweh executes a humiliation, all other objects, people,
false deities in which individuals have trusted will be seen to be impotent. Then, on that day, Yahweh
alone is seen to be the only God.
THEME: What should you expect to see when “waiting” (Those who wait upon the Lord,
Isaiah 40:31) upon the only true God to act ?
Four Totally Satisfying acts of God that He accomplishes when He is ready to respond…that
demonstrates to the watching world that He alone is God
5.
6.
7.
8.
A Surprising Deliverance
An Exaltation of His People
An Exposure of All Impotent Objects of Trust
An Unstoppable Humiliation of the Proud
DISCUSS: How are these acts manifested in Christ’s 1st coming? 2nd coming? Are certain acts reserved
more for his second coming than His first coming?