(Judgment against the nations--13:1-23:18)

1. I will punish the world for its evil (1-13)

This is a prophecy about Babylon, the proud and arrogant people who invaded the land, ravaged Jerusalem and took the people into captivity. God's judgment on Babylon would be a preview of the day of judgment, the day when the Lord would come to punish the world for its evil and put an end to the arrogance of proud people. When the Lord's army musters and his banner is raised on a bare hilltop, all those who love God will rejoice (3), and all those who have lived their lives in their own ways, ignoring God, will be seized with terror and anguish (8).

2. Babylon will be overthrown (14-22)

Babylon's pride and glory would be overthrown by God, and she would be turned into a wilderness. The instrument of his judgment was the Medes (17). This prophecy was fulfilled. God keeps his promises.

Application: Lord, humble my pride and the pride of my people, so that we may not be destroyed on the day of judgment.
One Word: God will humble the proud