Isaiah 47 13

Isaiah 47:13 kjv

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

Isaiah 47:13 nkjv

You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.

Isaiah 47:13 niv

All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.

Isaiah 47:13 esv

You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you.

Isaiah 47:13 nlt

All the advice you receive has made you tired.
Where are all your astrologers,
those stargazers who make predictions each month?
Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds.

Isaiah 47 verses

Isaiah 47 13 Meaning

This verse describes the futility of seeking help from astrological and astronomical divinations that were practiced by Babylon. The “astrologers” and “star-gazers” who provided these supposed prophecies are declared unable to save Babylon from the coming destruction. Their constant, meticulous observation of the stars was ultimately useless against God’s sovereign judgment.

Isaiah 47 13 Context

This verse is found in Isaiah chapter 47, which is a judgment oracle against Babylon. The chapter describes Babylon’s arrogance and downfall, comparing it to a proud woman who will be brought low. The preceding verses (10-12) have detailed how Babylon trusted in its wisdom, magic, and the astrological systems that were prominent in its culture, believing these would protect it. This verse directly refutes that confidence, showing the utter impotence of such practices when faced with divine judgment. Historically, Babylonian culture placed great emphasis on astrology and divination through the stars, seeking guidance and predicting future events by observing celestial phenomena. This verse highlights the biblical assertion that all forms of occultism and reliance on human or created systems are vain and cannot thwart the will of the Almighty God.

Isaiah 47 13 Word Analysis

• מִֽצְפִּ֣ים (miṣṣĕp̄îm): From the root צָפָה (tsap̄â), meaning "to watch," "to look out," "to behold," "to observe." Here, it refers to those who keep watch or observe.

• וּמְחַלְּקֵ֣י (ūməḥallĕqê): From the root חָלַק (ḥālaq), meaning "to divide," "to split," "to distribute." In this context, it refers to those who divide the heavens, likely into sections or constellations for astrological interpretation.

• בְּלּוֹת (bĕlōṯ): From the root בָּלַל (bālal), meaning "to mix," "to confuse," "to confound," or possibly related to observing the "new moon" (related to יָרֵחַ - yārēḥ). The interpretation of "new moons" is common in understanding the practices being condemned.

• לְבָבוֹת (lĕḇāḇōṯ): Plural of לֵב (lēḇ), meaning "heart," but here metaphorically representing thoughts, purposes, or minds; it can also be translated as "minds" or "understandings" in the sense of mental faculties used in their divinations.

• יוֹצְרִ֑ים (yōṣĕrîm): From the root יָצַר (yātsar), meaning "to form," "to shape," "to create." It refers to those who "create" or perhaps interpret patterns from the stars.

• וּבְמוֹלָדוֹת (ūḇəmôlāḏōṯ): Related to "births" or "new beginnings," strongly suggesting "new moons" given the common practice of astrological calculations tied to lunar phases.

• יוֹשִׁיעוּ (yôšîʿū): From the root יָשַׁע (yāššaʿ), meaning "to save," "to deliver," "to rescue." It highlights the ineffectiveness of these practitioners.

• וְלֹא־ (wəlō-): "and not" – emphasizes the complete failure.

• יַצִּ֣ילוּ (yaṣṣîlū): From the root נָצַל (nātsal), meaning "to snatch away," "to deliver," "to rescue," a synonym for "save," reinforcing the point of their powerlessness.

• לָךְ (lāḵ): "to you" or "for you," directly addressing Babylon.

• Words/Phrases Group Analysis:

  • "those who divide the heavens": Refers to the astronomical calculations and mapping of constellations, the division of the sky into different sectors or houses used in astrology.
  • "those who observe the stars": Pertains to the practice of looking at and interpreting the positions and movements of stars and planets.
  • "who at the new moons predict what will befall you": Specifically targets the practice of seeking prognostication based on lunar cycles, a common element in ancient astrological systems.

Isaiah 47 13 Bonus Section

The Babylonian astrological system was highly sophisticated for its time, meticulously charting the stars and planets. They believed these celestial bodies were divine or directly influenced earthly events. This verse directly polemicizes against such polytheistic and occult practices. The mention of "new moons" is significant, as lunar cycles were fundamental to their calendar and their divinatory practices. This opposition to astrological and magical systems is a recurring motif in Isaiah and the Old Testament, promoting trust in Yahweh alone. This confidence in stars by Babylon mirrors other instances of people trusting in false gods or systems rather than the true God, such as the Israelites’ occasional turn to idolatry or even the prideful trust in military alliances described elsewhere. The complete inability of these supposed experts to "save" Babylon underscores the divine prerogative in governance and judgment.

Isaiah 47 13 Commentary

The verse unequivocally pronounces the doom of Babylon, particularly condemning its reliance on astrological divinations. The esteemed "astrologers" and "star-gazers" who were central to Babylonian culture, offering supposed insights into the future, are rendered powerless by God's judgment. Their intricate systems of dividing the heavens and observing celestial movements, especially around the new moon, were incapable of averting the impending destruction. This passage emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, contrasting it sharply with the futility of superstitious practices. True salvation and security are found not in manipulating or observing created objects but in obedience to the Creator. The Babylonians’ confidence in their "wise men" and their methods is portrayed as a dangerous delusion, leading them to their inevitable ruin. This highlights a consistent theme throughout Scripture: that worship or reliance on the created order (as with stars) instead of the Creator is folly and will ultimately lead to judgment.