The Latter End Is 47:1-15 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
This prophecy is directed to Babylon because she did not remember the latter end. This passage reveals what happens to Babylon at the 2nd Advent.
Before her destruction she is tender and delicate [Is 47:1]. She is given to pleasure and dwells carelessly. But before the 2nd Advent and her final fall [Rev 18] notice what happens:
Her throne is destroyed – Is 47:1 – thus she must sit on the ground.
She is in survival mode – Is 47:2 – her women are grinding their own meal at the millstone.
Her nakedness and shame appear – Is 47:3 – compare Is 20:4; 2 Chr 28:8-15 – this is what happens to the conquered.
The Lord’s vengeance is upon her – Is 47:3 – He is Israel’s redeemer [v.4] and when he comes to take vengeance, he can be absolutely ruthless [consider Noah’s flood or Sodom and Gomorrah].
She is deposed – Is 47:5 – she is no more the lady of the kingdoms [Rev 17:1-2, 12-13, 15; 18:7].
Why? Because:
- She went too far with God’s judgment against Israel – Is 47:6 – [compare 2 Chr 28:9-11].
- She was lifted up in pride – Is 47:7-8 – “a lady for ever” and “I am, and none else beside me” [contrast Is 46:9].
- She didn’t remember the latter end – Is 47:7 – she should have considered that all nations who attempt to become world dominant always collapse.
She becomes a widow – Is 47:8-9 – see Rev 18:7
She loses her children – Is 47:8-9 – practically speaking, her men die in battle and her children die in civilian casualties.
Why? Because:
- She used sorceries and enchantments – Is 47:9 – see Rev 18:3.
- She trusted in wickedness – Is 47:10 – see 2 Tim 3:8.
- She thought no one would see her – Is 47:10 – see Prov 15:3.
- Her wisdom and knowledge perverted her – Is 47:10 – see Ezek 28:3-7, 17.
- She thought she was God – Is 47:10 – she said, “I am, and none else beside me,” [v.7] – compare 2 Thes 2:4.
She gets evil unexpectedly, mischief indefensibly and desolation suddenly – Is 47:11.
Her enchantments, sorceries, counsels, astrologers, stargazers and monthly prognosticators cannot save her – Is 47:12-13 – she already knew these men were incapable of supernatural wisdom – see Dan 1:20; 2:2, 10; 4:6-7; 5:8. These will all be completely destroyed by fire – Is 47:14 – see Mal 4:1.
Her merchants will not be able to save her – Is 47:15 – see Rev 18:11, 15-19.