Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV.

It helps in reading our chapter, Isaiah 13, to read the comments given below the chapter. It says Chapters 13-23 are about the judgment on other nations with chapter 13 a prophecy concerning Babylon. It also noted Babylon was the rallying point of rebellion against God after the flood (Genesis 11); and that Revelation 17 and 18 use Babylon as a symbol of God’s enemies; and this final entry…Even before Babylon became a world power, Isaiah prophesied that, though it would shine for a while, Babylon’s destruction would be so complete that the land would never again be inhabited. Babylon, in present-day Iraq, still lies in utter ruin, buried under mounds of dirt and sand.

A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw: Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles. I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out My wrath – those who rejoice in My triumph…Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame…See I will stir up against them the Medes, who do not care for silver and have no delight in gold…Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pride and glory of the Babylonians, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; there no nomads will pitch their tents, there no shepherds will rest their flocks…Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged…v. 1-3, 6-8, 17, 19, 20, 22.

Why a day of wrath? The cruelty of kingdoms and nations cannot go on forever and they will not stop their cruelty willingly. Creator God…Father…Son…Spirit, will remove what is harmful and bring out what is needed and good. He alone is our rock, our foundation and our safe, abiding place…there is no other. That Scripture shows us what has been and what will be before it becomes, is an anchor we can hold onto. Kingdoms rise and fall believing they alone are invincible. People living within them, at their mercy, cry out. God hears. He knows the misery of ancient times and He knows the misery being played out in all the nations of this present time. He knows our individual hearts and minds. If we allow Him, in His hands, we are safe and being formed and He alone can remove all that is harmful in us, and bring in His healing love. How we each of us need God’s love! Nations cannot save us. God will; and He will accomplish His will for all of us in His love and His wisdom. Abide in Him now and know His peace given for our good.