What does Isaiah 13:11 mean?
Through Isaiah's prophecy, the Lord reveals why He is sending complete destruction on the Babylonians. He will punish them, the world, and the wicked for their iniquity. The Lord says that He will always punish those who practice intentional evil in rebellion against Him. The Babylonians are no exception.On some level, all people long for justice and fairness, even if sin sometimes warps our view of what's truly "just." Our creation in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) is reflected in that natural longing to see those who do true evil held accountable for their sins. The writer of Psalm 94:1–7 cries out to God to do this very thing:
O Lord, God of vengeance,At the heart of all such evil is one primary sin that deeply angers God, including His ire towards the ancient Babylonians. They were renowned for culture and sophistication, but also ruthlessly harmed others with their great might. The Lord declares that He will put an end to the public vanity of the arrogant. He will cut down the pompous pride of the ruthless. The coming destruction will humble this nation of tyrants into submission.
O God of vengeance, shine forth!
Rise up, O judge of the earth;
repay to the proud what they deserve!
O Lord, how long shall the wicked,
how long shall the wicked exult?
They pour out their arrogant words;
all the evildoers boast.
They crush your people, O Lord,
and afflict your heritage.
They kill the widow and the sojourner,
and murder the fatherless;
and they say, "The Lord does not see;
The God of Jacob does not perceive.
