Isaiah prophesied that when the LORD brings Babylon to her end, he will also have compassion on the Israelites. God would return them to their own land. Other nations would join them. They would even rule over their former oppressors and make them captives.

At that time, God's people would taunt the king of Babylon. The Babylonian king would go to the realm of the dead, weak and covered with worms. In life, the king arrogantly said he would raise his throne to the heavens and challenge God. But in death, he would be disgraced and rejected.

The judgments pronounced on Babylon would also come upon Assyria and Philistia. These judgments point to God's final judgment of all who oppose God. They will suffer the same fate as Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia. Israel's restoration points to God's establishment of his kingdom. The LORD Almighty has determined his plan for the world, and no one can stop him from fulfilling it (26,27). The only hope for humanity is to repent and take refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us humbly repent of pride and worldliness and pray for others to also turn to the LORD for salvation.


Application: Father, you alone control the world. Your judgment is certain. Thank you for Jesus in whom we find refuge from judgment.
One Word: God's judgment is certain.