Judgment of Babylon - Essay Sample

Introduction

The judgment of Babylon caps the beginning of the exegesis of the book of Isaiah 14:1-23. This judgment is the first part of Isaiah's prophecy. In this prophecy, the lord is showing his punishment to the Kingdom of Babylon. According to this chapter, the desolation and gloom of the Lord's wrath upon Babylon is a sign of mercy upon Israel. To understand the text, we must acknowledge the compassion shown by God to Israel's tribe of Judah that was taken captive by the Babylonians. Babylonians had conquered the tribe of Judah thus making the Israelites live in captivity for an extended period. The pronouncement of judgment on Babylon, Judah's greatest enemy is seen as an extension of mercy upon Israel. The Lord is aiming at restoring Jacob (Israel) by sticking with the Israelites by forgiving their sins. Due to God's punishment upon Babylon, Judah is set free from its captivity allowing them to return to their Kingdom Israel.

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It is evident from the text that the Israelites had sinned against the Lord and that is the cause of their captivity. This sign indicates that the Israelites did not stick with God at all times and were not obedient to his word. On the other side, the Lord's promise to hold with the Israelites at all times still stands as was promised. Therefore, through this promise the Israelites, God's chosen nation are receiving salvation from God.

Explanation of the First Step

Through this text, the Lord promises to destroy Satan (Babylon) while pronouncing mercy upon those who believe in him. Satan's dominion over the life of Christians is short term and never long lasting (Aberbach). Sometimes Christians are so weary and get discouragement by a continuous attack by Satan. The exegesis of the first part of the book of Isiah chapter 14:1-23 the, guides Christian, to abide in the Lord as Satan's York over their life will be short lived. It also urges Christians that God will come to their rescue if they comply with him, and thus they should never give up trusting in God.

The Promise of Restoration

The second part if this exegesis indicates God's restoration of Israel after rescuing them from captivity. In this captivity, the Babylonians forcefully exiled most of Judah's population. During this captivity, the Israelites were at their worst moments, as life in captivity meant no freedom at all while enduring all manner of struggles. Isaiah's prophecy also exemplifies that when sinners are their best, there is always a measure of God's wrath awaiting them (Motyer). On the other hand, God's people will still pass through worst moments moreover; the tough time will not last, as there will be something better as God will come to their rescue. It is essential to note that during worst moments the Lord will have mercy on those who turn away from their sins, restore their losses, and redeem their future.

The Invitation to Gentiles

Invitation to the gentiles is the last part of this exegesis. This part is the invitation of the other tribes to receive the goodness of the lord with the Israelites. The Gentiles are invited to receive the goodness of God and his compassion. Through this gesture, God is eliminating the enemies of Israel by welcoming them to be part of their Kingdom. God is weakening Israelite's enemies by encouraging other tribes to cease living under oppression and join Israelites kingdom upon invitation (Aberbach). An explanation of this last part demonstrates that the restoration of Christians after their trouble will be a long-lasting, as they will have no enemies. Satan will have no power and reign over their lives, as God's restoration will be sufficient to cover them all through.

The Relationship Between Chapter 13 and the Rest of Section 14

This chapter fits with chapter 13 and the rest of chapter 14 by continuously emphasizing on the fall of Babylon. It is evident that there was rejoice and singing as by the trees and new life after the destruction of Babylon. The King of Babylon 's rule is oppressive and unjust as no subject under his kingdom was satisfied by his tenure. Destruction and vices mar the reign of the king of Babylon with consistent dissatisfaction among subjects. God is trying to reveal to us that the king of spiritual Babylon (Satan) days are numbered (Welch). His oppression is ceasing as God is breaking the staff of the wicked and the scepter of the rulers (Isaiah 14:5). In this context, God is encouraging that we should never be discouraged as God is in control, his restoration will be long-term in our life as he destroys Satan's reign on our experience.

Collins Themes of Isiah’s Prophecy Preaching

According to Collins themes of the teaching of Isaiah, various issues are evident in the book of Isaiah. There are multiple themes which include: the problem of justice and judgment, loyalty, suffering, power as well as compassion and forgiveness. Although among the most influential arguments among them all is the theme of truth and understanding. The theme of judgment and justice passed on Babylon depicts the dominant theme of Isaiah. God's judgment on Babylon sets the center of his preaching. He states that God continually places his judgment upon everyone in the book of Isaiah. Prophet Isaiah exists as an individual warning the people of the impending God's judgment upon the people if they do not shun from their wicked ways. Through this theme prophet Isaiah, want people to behave with devotion and sincerity in their hearts.

Works Cited

Aberbach, D. Introduction. In The Bible and the 'Holy Poor'. Routledge. (pp. 9-21). , 2017.

Motyer, J. A. The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary. InterVarsity Press., 2015.

Roberts, J. J., & Machinist, P. First Isaiah. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2015.

Welch, J. W. Authorship of the Book of Isaiah in Light of the Book of Mormon. Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, 423-443. n.d.