Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Everyone will flee to his own land"
Text: Isaiah 13:14
THE FATE OF THE BABYLONIAN ALLIES
This word of warning was even more specific. It was a word that was directed to the “allies” of Babylon. The Babylonians recruited many people who were actually mercenaries.
“It shall be as the hunted gazelle,
And as a sheep that no man takes up;
Every man will turn to his own people,
And everyone will flee to his own land.
Everyone who is found will be thrust through,
And everyone who is captured will fall by the sword.
Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes;
Their houses will be plundered
And their wives ravished.”
Isaiah 13:14-16
1. Armies of Babylon.
a) There were native Babylonians who entered into military service.
b) There were nations that had allied themselves to Babylon.
c) There were mercenaries who were paid to fight for Babylon.
d) All were warned of the consequences of their wicked war atrocities.
2. When Babylon is finally defeated severe consequences would take place.
a) The hunter becomes the hunted.
b) The Babylonian allies and mercenaries would flee to their own countries.
c) They are compared to the hunted gazelle or the sheep that are found astray.
d) They need not expect kindness from their conquerors.
3. All who choose to stay on to fight the losing battle.
a) They would be found and thrust through (speared).
b) No mercy would be shown to those who are captured.
c) All who have refused to lay down their arms in surrender would be killed.
4. War atrocities perpetrated by the Babylonians would be repaid in kind.
a) Houses would be plundered.
b) Children murdered.
c) Women raped.
Such atrocities of war continue to be practised without any conscience!