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ISAIAH.
#8.
Burdens and Blessings (13: - 27:).
With Particular Reference to The Burden of Babylon (13:, 14:).
pp. 81 - 86
The second large section of Isaiah's prophecy extends from chapter 13: to 27: and
is largely occupied with "burdens" concerning the nations that come into touch with
Israel and their relation to the glorious kingdom that is to be set up at the advent of the
King. The nations that are the subject of this series of prophecies are Babylon, Palestine,
Moab, Damascus, the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, Egypt, The Desert of the Sea,
Dumah, Arabia, The Valley of Vision (possibly Jerusalem) and finally Tyre.
It is not our intention to examine in detail these fifteen chapters, with their intricate
references to history past and future, but to concentrate attention upon the "Burden of
Babylon", for with the fall of Babylon the conflict ceases and the kingdoms of this world
will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
The structure of Isa. 13: 1 - 14: 30 is as follows:--
ISAIAH 13: - 14: 30.
BABYLON AND PHLISTIA.
A1 | 13: 1-5. Babylon. Destroy the whole land.
B1 | 13: 6-18. | a | 6. The Day of the Lord. Destruction.
b | 7, 8. Faint, melt, pangs, sorrows.
a | 9-14. The Day of the Lord. Destroy.
b | 15-18. Dashed, vanished, no pity, not spare.
C1 | 13: 19. Babylon, as Sodom and Gomorrah.
D1 | 13: 20-22. Owls shall be there, satyrs, dragons.
A2 | 14: 1-3. Israel. Set in their land.
B2 | 14: 4-20. | a | 4-8. The oppressor ceased.
b | 9-11. Pomp brought down to the grave.
a | 12-15. Subduer of nations cut down.
b | 16-20. Cast out of thy grave.
C2 | 19: 21, 22. Babylon, name cut off.
D2 | 14: 23. Possession for the bittern.
A3 | 14: 24, 25. Assyrian. Broken in My land.
B3 | 14: 25. Yoke and burden removed.
C3 | 14: 26, 27. The purpose.
D3 | 14: 28-30. Serpents, cockatrice, fiery flying serpent.
Before Immanuel, the root of Jesse, is lifted up as an ensign for the blessing of the
peoples, another ensign is lifted up to bring the peoples with their armies "to destroy the
whole land" (Isa. 13: 2-5).