Isaiah 13:1 kjv
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
Isaiah 13:1 nkjv
The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
Isaiah 13:1 niv
A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:
Isaiah 13:1 esv
The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
Isaiah 13:1 nlt
Isaiah son of Amoz received this message concerning the destruction of Babylon:
Isaiah 13 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 13:1 | "The burden of Babylon..." | Isaiah 13:1 (Direct Quote) |
| Jeremiah 50:1 | "The word that the LORD spoke against Babylon..." | Jeremiah 50:1 (Similar theme) |
| Jeremiah 51:65 | "...Babylon shall be like God when he overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah." | Jeremiah 51:65 (Judgment of BABYLON) |
| Jeremiah 25:12 | "But when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon..." | Jeremiah 25:12 (Judgment of BABYLON) |
| Revelation 18:2 | "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!" | Revelation 18:2 (Judgment of BABYLON) |
| Nahum 1:9 | "Whatever you plot against the LORD he will complete..." | Nahum 1:9 (Divine Purpose) |
| Habakkuk 2:2 | "Write the vision and make it plain..." | Habakkuk 2:2 (Divine Revelation) |
| Amos 3:7 | "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless he reveals his secret..." | Amos 3:7 (God reveals plans) |
| Zechariah 9:1 | "The burden of the word of the LORD is upon the land of Hadrach..." | Zechariah 9:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 1:1 | "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah..." | Isaiah 1:1 (Prophetic vision) |
| Isaiah 2:1 | "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem." | Isaiah 2:1 (Prophetic word) |
| Isaiah 15:1 | "The burden of Moab..." | Isaiah 15:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 17:1 | "The burden of Damascus..." | Isaiah 17:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 19:1 | "The burden of Egypt..." | Isaiah 19:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 21:1 | "The burden concerning the wilderness of the sea..." | Isaiah 21:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 22:1 | "The burden concerning the Valley of Vision..." | Isaiah 22:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 23:1 | "The burden of Tyre..." | Isaiah 23:1 (Prophetic burden) |
| Isaiah 34:1 | "Draw near, O nations, to hear..." | Isaiah 34:1 (Divine Judgment) |
| Isaiah 35:4 | "Say to those who have anxious heart, 'Be strong...' " | Isaiah 35:4 (God's intervention) |
| Matthew 24:15 | "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet..." | Matthew 24:15 (Prophecy fulfilled) |
| Luke 21:24 | "...Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles..." | Luke 21:24 (Jerusalem's fate) |
Isaiah 13 verses
Isaiah 13 1 Meaning
The prophecy of Isaiah chapter 13 verse 1 announces that the Lord has a decree and a revelation concerning Babylon. It signifies the beginning of a prophetic burden or oracle directed against this powerful city. This opening verse establishes the divine authority behind the impending judgment.
Isaiah 13 1 Context
This verse marks the beginning of a significant section in Isaiah (chapters 13-23) that focuses on prophecies against various nations. Babylon, a rising power at the time of Isaiah's ministry, is specifically targeted here. Historically, Babylon was known for its vast empire, opulent culture, and at times, its idolatry and cruelty. The prophecy was likely given during Isaiah's active ministry, possibly around the 8th century BC, and served as both a warning to Judah of the dangers of worldly alliances and a foretelling of the ultimate judgment of oppressive powers. The impending rise of Assyria and later Neo-Babylonian Empire would bring both threat and eventual dominion over the region, making this prophecy relevant.
Isaiah 13 1 Word analysis
"Massa" (מַשָּׂא): Translated as "burden" or "oracle." This term signifies a heavy pronouncement or prophecy, often one of doom or judgment. It indicates a weighty message from God.
"’al" (עַל): A preposition meaning "against," "upon," or "concerning." In this context, it signifies the target of the divine pronouncement.
"Bavel" (בָּבֶל): The Hebrew name for Babylon, a prominent Mesopotamian city and empire. Known for its splendor, military power, and later for its role in the Babylonian captivity of the Jews.
"’asher" (אֲשֶׁר): A relative pronoun, translated as "which" or "that." It introduces the description of Babylon.
"nasa’" (נָשָׂא): The root verb, often related to "lift up," "bear," or "carry." Here, it relates to what "he" (God) lifted up.
"yehovah" (יְהוָה): The personal covenant name of God, the LORD. Emphasizes God's active role and authority in this pronouncement.
"hayah" (הָיָה): The verb "to be," here rendered as "raised" or "lifted." This verb indicates the active initiation by God.
"shekhevet" (שֶׁכֶבֶת): A rare word, likely meaning "revelation" or "declaration." It suggests divine insight and truth being revealed.
"Massa ‘al Bavel": The opening phrase clearly identifies the subject and the nature of the prophecy – a divine burden directed at Babylon. This establishes the focus of the entire chapter and subsequent oracles against other nations.
"’asher nasa’ yehovah ’eth shekhevet ’al Bavel": This clause clarifies who is behind the message and its nature. It is not Isaiah's own pronouncement, but a divine revelation that God Himself has "lifted up" or "brought forth" concerning Babylon. This underscores the authority and certainty of the message.
Isaiah 13 1 Bonus section
The concept of a "burden" (מַשָּׂא) in prophecy is recurrent in the Old Testament. It typically involves pronouncements of judgment against specific nations or against internal sin within Israel. This structure provided a framework for understanding God's interaction with the world stage, demonstrating His rule not only over His chosen people but also over the Gentile nations. The "shekhevet" (revelation) suggests that what follows is not merely an accusation, but a divinely disclosed truth about the future of Babylon, and by extension, about God's dealings with human pride and power.
Isaiah 13 1 Commentary
This initial verse sets a solemn tone for chapter 13. The "burden" signifies a weighty prophecy of divine judgment, delivered by the prophet Isaiah, but originating directly from the Lord. The explicit mention of Babylon indicates a focus on a powerful, earthly empire that would, in time, interact significantly with God's people, often in oppressive ways. This declaration from God Himself means this judgment is certain and divinely ordained, reflecting God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations.