Why is the Destruction of Babylon Good News for God’s People?

Isaiah 13

Sermon Notes:

1) The Day of the Lord is Near, no matter who you are or when you live, 1-6, 22b

2) The Day of the Lord displays God’s anger against unrepentant sin, 6-16

3) The Day of the Lord displays God’s Sovereignty over good and evil, 1-3, 17 (cf Is. 10:5- 15; 14:1-2)

4) The Day of the Lord will humble Babylon and all her prideful imitators, 11, 17-22

Reflection questions:

1. Why was it important for Israel to know that a particular foreign nation was going to be defeated? What was the state of Israel’s army at this time? See Isaiah 7:1-2, which may have been several years before Isaiah 13.

2. Why was Israel experiencing such bad fortune in the realm of war and geopolitical struggles? See Isaiah 9:13-14, as well 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4.

3. Was the Day of the Lord good news or bad news? Was it good new for some, not for others?