Isaiah 13:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 13:6-18

We have here a very elegant and lively description of the terrible confusion and desolation which should be made in Babylon by the descent which the Medes and Persians should make upon it. Those that were now secure and easy were bidden to howl and make sad lamentation; for, I. God was about to appear in wrath against them, and it is a fearful thing to fall into his hands: The day of the Lord is at hand (Isa. 13:6), a little day of judgment, when God will act as a just avenger of his own and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint ,.... Or hang down; that is, the hands of all the Babylonians, the city being taken suddenly and at once, so that they should not be able to lift them up to lay hold on a weapon, and defend themselves: and every man's heart shall melt ; like wax before the fire; be dispirited, and lose all their valour and courage, have neither power nor heart to resist their enemies, and attempt to save themselves. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 13:1-18

The fall of Babylon a type of the general punishment of the wicked. Scripture deals with history altogether in the way of example. Whether the subject be Assyria, or Syria, or Egypt, or Babylon, or even the "peculiar people of God," the object is to teach men by the facts adduced what they have to expect themselves. In Isaiah 10:1-34 . Assyria, here Babylon, is held up as a warning to sinners. The absolute certainty that punishment will overtake them at God's hands is the main lesson... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 13:1-22

It is remarkable that Babylon heads the list of the Church's enemies in the present catalogue. Dr. Kay supposes the term "Babel" to be equivalent to "Asshur-Babel," and to designate "the Assyro-Babylonian Empire." He thinks that "Babel" heads the list on account of Assyria's position, under Tiglath-Pileser and Shalmaneser, in the van of Israel's adversaries. But neither Isaiah nor any other sacred writer knows of an Assyro-Babylonian kingdom or empire. Assyria and Babylonia are distinct... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 13:1-22

Oracle concerning Babylon. I. APPROACH OF THE WARRIORS OF JEHOVAH . On the bare mountain the banner is upraised, and with loud cry and commanding gesture of the hand a host of warriors is summoned from all sides. As in verse 26, Jehovah is viewed by the poet as a mighty Battle-Leader, Lord of hosts. His voice is heard, "I have given commission to my anointed ones, have called my heroes for my work of punishment, my proudly rejoicing ones!" And then a noise is heard in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint (comp. Jeremiah 1:1-19 :43; Ezekiel 7:17 ; Zephaniah 3:16 ). There shall be a general inaction and apathy. Recently discovered accounts of the capture of Babylon by Cyrus show a great want of activity and vigor on the part of the defenders. Every man's heart shall melt (comp. Deuteronomy 20:8 ; Joshua 2:11 ; Joshua 5:1 , etc.). The general inaction will spring from a general despondency. This statement agrees much better with the recently... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 13:7

Mental depression. "Faint." A common experience enough this. Some people pride themselves on the speciality of their experiences, just as they consider their physical ailments to be altogether peculiar and unique. Faint! Who amongst us does not understand that? Why, we do not know. Care is like the atmosphere; its pressure is enormous, but the thing itself is invisible. " Light as air ," some say; but many temperaments could say , " heavy as air," which depresses all the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint - This is designed to denote the consternation and alarm of the people. They would be so terrified and alarmed that they would have no courage, no hope, and no power to make resistance. They would abandon their plans of defense, and give themselves up to despair (compare Jeremiah 50:43 : ‘The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble; anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a Women in travail;’ Ezekiel 7:17; Zephaniah... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 13:6-8

Isaiah 13:6-8. Howl ye We have here a very elegant and lively description of the terrible confusion and desolation which should be made in Babylon by the attack which the Medes and Persians should make upon it. They who were now at ease and secure are premonished to howl, and make sad lamentation, 1st, Because God was about to appear in wrath against them, and it is a fearful thing to fall into his hands. And, 2d, Because their hearts would fail them, and they would have neither courage nor... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 13:1-22

13:1-23:18 MESSAGES FOR VARIOUS NATIONSAll the nations are under the rule of God, who controls their rise to power and their final destruction according to his purposes. This is the truth that the prophet teaches in the collection of prophecies against various nations in Chapters 13 to 23. The first message is for Babylon, which in Isaiah’s day had not yet risen to a position of international power. The fall of Babylon that is pictured in these chapters would not take place for more than one... read more

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