What does Isaiah 13:8 mean?
Isaiah is pronouncing a prophecy from the Lord against Babylon (Isaiah 13:1). Although it had not yet happened at the time Isaiah was writing, this nation would soon rise to become the dominant power in the world. This is especially true under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. Its rulers and people will become proud and arrogant, picturing themselves to be all-powerful in the world. This prophecy describes the moment when the Lord has had enough. He will assemble a massive, multi-nation army to attack Babylon and destroy its land (Isaiah 13:3–5). Isaiah has called it the day of the Lord, the moment when God will wield the armies as His weapons against the city in judgment for their sins (Isaiah 13:6).Now Isaiah details the response of the people of Babylon. They realize what they had been trusting in to save them, their own power and might, cannot stand against the armies coming for them. The prophet has said their hands will go weak and their hearts will melt.
Scripture describes these people as dismayed. They simply did not imagine this day would ever come. They are seized by pangs and agony. This is perhaps due to regret or trying to figure out where they went wrong. The anticipation of the coming attack brings them anguish. They just keep looking at each other, red-faced, hoping someone will find an answer. No answer will come. Their arrogant trust in themselves has been their undoing.