Ep 769 – Isaiah 13:1-9

God has plans for Israel, but He also has plans for all the nations of the earth, including all those who stand opposed to His will and who futilely attempt to thwart His ways. In these opening verses of chapter 13, Isaiah delivers a divine oracle against Babylon. This powerful nation was going to be used by God to bring His judgment upon the people of Judah. But God would also punish them for the role they would play in the destruction of God's people and city. While acting as instruments in the hands of God, that would not excuse them for their actions, because they would thoroughly enjoy the part they played. They would find great joy in defeating the people of Judah and would take unfair and unnecessary advantage of them. And God would eventually repay them, along with every other nation that stands opposed to Him. This oracle reveals God's plans for the nations of the earth, and reminds us that He is sovereign over all, including every king and country that has been or ever will be. He alone is God and the coming day of the Lord will find every tribe, nation and tongue coming under His divine jurisdiction.