Isaiah 47:9

The Humiliation of Babylon · Isaiah 47:1–15
Read Isaiah 47

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.
Literal
And these two things will come to you in a moment, in a single day: Bereavement and widowhood. In full measure they will come upon you in the multitude of your sorceries, in the great abundance of you spells.
Latin
Venient tibi duo hæc subito in die una, sterilitas et viduitas: universa venerunt super te, propter multitudinem maleficiorum tuorum, et propter duritiam incantatorum tuorum vehementem.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

People often used witchcraft and magic to protect themselves from evil and ensure a happy future.

Babylon was known for its confidence and arrogance (see Isaiah 14:13–17; Daniel 4:30). The nation's charms, magic, and wisdom could not stop the disaster planned for it.

We can draw two conclusions from the earlier evidence that the Lord alone is God:

  1. Babylon's great pride is foolish (Isaiah 47:1–15);

  2. Israel should listen to the word of the Lord (Isaiah 48:1–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah God’s Servant Salvation in Isaiah

Events

Glossary

Church Enchantment Isaiah, Book of New Creation, New Creature

Topics

Babylon: Inhabitants of Addicted to Magic Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Pleasure: Worldly Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Security: False: Ruin Will Overtake It Self-Delusion: Babylon Sorcery: Practiced by the Babylonians Widows: A Desolate Condition Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning