Isaiah 13:6
Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "destruction" here is very similar to the name "Almighty." This isn't just a coincidence; it’s a powerful play on words, emphasizing that this coming destruction isn't just an event, but a direct, overwhelming act from the one who has the ultimate power to destroy. It highlights that this judgment is not a human conflict but a divine one, making it unstoppable.
This passage is part of a prophecy concerning Babylon, which Isaiah received as a divine vision. The prophecy details the impending destruction of this powerful city and empire, not by human effort alone, but as a direct act of God's judgment against its sin and pride. The verses immediately following describe the terror and helplessness of the inhabitants as this divine judgment arrives.
The prophets used powerful language to describe coming judgment. But what makes this 'day' so different?
The verse calls out a "day of the LORD." This isn't just any bad day; it's a time when God’s sovereign hand directly intervenes to bring judgment. It’s a concept that appears throughout Scripture, signifying a pivotal moment of divine reckoning. Here, it specifically points to the impending fall of Babylon at the hands of the Medes and Persians.
The specific name for God used here carries profound weight. What does it reveal about His power over judgment?
The verse uses the Hebrew name 'Shaddai' for God, translated here as 'Almighty.' This name is ancient and carries a powerful sense of God's supreme power and ability to provide or to destroy.
Understand the original words
yom YHWH · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A phrase describing a future time of divine judgment and intervention in human history where God settles accounts with the wicked and vindicates His people. It is often characterized by cosmic disturbances and the manifestation of God’s holiness and justice.
Shaddai · Hebrew Noun
A title for God emphasizing His omnipotence, sovereign power, and ability to sustain or destroy all creation. It often highlights His role as the God of the covenant who possesses all authority over heaven and earth.
shod · Hebrew Noun
The act of bringing something to ruin or emptiness, often as a result of divine judgment for sin. Biblically, it signifies the removal of God's blessing or the consequence of defying the Creator's order.
This prophecy concerning Babylon's fall, given by Isaiah around 740 BC, speaks of a 'day of the LORD' – a time when God actively intervenes to judge nations. While the ultimate fulfillment is in the future, its immediate context points to the rising Babylonian empire, which would later bring judgment upon Judah. The prophecy highlights that this judgment comes not from human might alone, but as a direct, irresistible act from the Almighty.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah, during a time of both prosperity and increasing spiritual compromise. His prophecies address both domestic issues and future judgments on foreign nations.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, serving as a stark warning of the consequences of national sin and divine judgment.
c. 689 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, besieging Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem is miraculously spared, this event heightens the sense of impending doom and the need for reliance on God.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaigns against Judah, leading to the first wave of exiles, including Daniel, being taken to Babylon.
This passage directly parallels Isaiah 13:6 with its urgent call to 'Wail!' because the 'day of the LORD' is near, emphasizing the destructive nature of that coming day.
Jeremiah 50:31This verse echoes the sentiment of judgment against Babylon, highlighting the 'day of the Lord' as a time of divine reckoning for its pride and actions against God's people.
1 Thessalonians 5:2This New Testament passage describes the 'day of the Lord' as coming 'like a thief in the night,' similar to the sudden and unexpected destruction impending for Babylon in Isaiah.
Revelation 6:17This apocalyptic vision describes the terror of the 'great day of their wrath' and who can stand, mirroring the overwhelming and irresistible destruction that comes from the Almighty in Isaiah's prophecy.
Ezekiel 13:5This verse speaks of prophets who do not 'go up into the breaches, or stop up the ruins' on the day of the Lord, relating to the utter destruction and devastation that is central to the message in Isaiah 13:6.
barnesIsaiah 13:6: "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty."
Howl ye - Ye inhabitants of Babylon, in view of the approaching destruction. The day of the Lord - The time when Yahweh will inflict vengeance on you draws near (see the note at Isaiah 2:12; compare Isaiah 13:9). As a destruction from the Almighty - Not as a desolation from man, but as destruction sent from him who has all power in heaven and on earth. Destruction meditated by man might…
pooleIsaiah 13:6: "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty."
It shall come as a destruction; or rather, a destruction or devastation shall come, as the LXX. and vulgar Latin render it. For this was not as a destruction, but was a destruction indeed. And the particle as is not seldom used to express, not the likeness, but the reality of the thing, as John 1:14 . From the Almighty; who fighteth for your adversaries, and against you, and therefore y…
The Hebrew word for "destruction" here is very similar to the name "Almighty." This isn't just a coincidence; it’s a powerful play on words, emphasizing that this coming destruction isn't just an event, but a direct, overwhelming act from the one who has the ultimate power to destroy. It highlights that this judgment is not a human conflict but a divine one, making it unstoppable.
This passage is part of a prophecy concerning Babylon, which Isaiah received as a divine vision. The prophecy details the impending destruction of this powerful city and empire, not by human effort alone, but as a direct act of God's judgment against its sin and pride. The verses immediately following describe the terror and helplessness of the inhabitants as this divine judgment arrives.
This passage is part of a prophecy concerning Babylon, which Isaiah received as a divine vision. The prophecy details the impending destruction of this powerful city and empire, not by human effort alone, but as a direct act of God's judgment against its sin and pride. The verses immediately following describe the terror and helplessness of the inhabitants as this divine judgment arrives.
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586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, marking the culmination of God's judgment on Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Medes and Persians, led by Cyrus the Great, conquer Babylon, fulfilling prophecies of its destruction and marking a significant shift in regional power.
"Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come!" — The Hebrew word for "destruction" here is very similar to the name "Almighty." This isn't just a coincidence; it’s a powerful play on words, emphasizing that this coming destruction isn't just an eve…
