Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Isaiah 47
Overview
Oracle against Babylon.
Isaiah speaks oracle, prophesying the fall of Babylon.
God called Babylon to do the work of God through her. But Babylon became arrogant treating all nations they conquered harshly, and claiming them to be her own. She ignored God, forgetting why God called her to be a means of God’s work.
Isaiah prophesy the fall of Babylon, using an analogy of a woman, “Virgin daughter of Babylon,” (v1), who shows shameful exposure.
Babylon will be judged by God because of her pride. God called Babylon to be God’s tool to punish God’s people, Israel. But Babylon acted herself like a queen who treated people without mercy, claiming, “I am, and there is none beside me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.” (v.8).
God’s judgement against Babylon will be this; “loss of children and widowhood, and disaster upon her.” And all glory and strength with wisdom that she sued to enjoy will be gone.
The fall of Babylon will come upon her.
Reflection.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
