"A Hard Vision"

Isaiah chapter 21 opens on an ominous note:  "The pronouncement against the wilderness of the sea: Like storm winds in the south in moving onward, from the wilderness it is coming, from a fear-inspiring land."  (Isaiah 21:1)  Straddling the Euphrates Rive is Babylon, with its eastern half in the region  between the two great rivers  Euphrates and Tigris.  It is some distance from the actual sea.  Why, then, is it called "the wilderness of the sea"?  Because the region of Babylon used to flood annually, creating a vast, marshy "sea."  However, the Babylonians have controlled this water wilderness by creating a complex system of dikes, sluices, and canals.  They ingeniously use these waters as part of the city's  defense system. Still, no human works will save Babylon from divine judgment.  A wilderness she had been-a wilderness she will again become.  calamity is heading her way, brewing like one of the fierce storms  that sometimes blow in upon Israel from the fearsome wilderness to the south. -Compare Zechariah 9:14.

As we learned in Chapter 14 of this book, ancient Babylon has a modern counterpart-"Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion.  In Revelation, Babylon the Great is likewise portrayed in connection with  "a wilderness" and "waters."    The apostle John is carried away to a wilderness to be shown Babylon the Great.  He is told that she "sits on many waters" representing "peoples and crowds and nations and tongues."  (Revelation 17:1-3, 5, 15) Popular support has always been a key to the survival of false religion, but  such "waters" will not protect her in the end.  Like her ancient counterpart, she will end up empty, neglected, and desolate.

In Isaiah's day Babylon is not yet the dominant world power, but Jehovah already foresees that when her time comes, she will abuse her power.  Isaiah proceeds:  "There is a hard vision that has been told to me: The treacherous dealer is dealing treacherously, and the despoiler is despoiling." (Isaiah 21:2a)  Babylon will indeed despoil and deal treacherously with the nations she conquers, including Judah.  The Babylonians will sack Jerusalem, pillage its temple, and takes its people captive to Babylon.  There, these helpless captives will be treated treacherously, ridiculed for their faith, and offered no hope of return to their homeland. -2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Psalm 137:1-4.

Yes, Babylon richly deserves this "hard vision," which will mean hard times for her.  Isaiah continues:  "Go up, O Elam!  Lay siege, O Media! All sighing due to her I have caused to cease."  (Isaiah 21:2b)  Those oppressed by this treacherous empire will have relief. At last, an end to their sighing!  (Psalm 79:11, 12)  By what means will this relief come?  Isaiah names two nations that will attack Babylon: Elam and Media.  Two centuries later in 539 B.C.E., Cyrus the Persian will lead a combine force of Persians and Medes against Babylon. As for Elam, Persian Monarchs will possess at least part of that land prior to 539 B.C.E. The Persian forces will thus include Elamites.

Next time: Conclusion of "A Hard Vision"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000