The verse doesn't just say destruction is coming; it emphasizes that it comes "from the Almighty." This highlights that this isn't just a military defeat, but a judgment wielded by God himself, making it absolutely unavoidable and final. The original Hebrew even plays on words, linking "destruction" directly with "the Destroyer" (Almighty), underscoring God's ultimate power in this devastation.
Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come! Therefore all hands will be feeble, and every human heart will melt. They will be dismayed: pangs and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another; their faces will be aflame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah’s prophecy begins by announcing a message of judgment against Babylon, depicting an invading army marching from a distant land. This powerful army, described as "weapons of his indignation," is coming to devastate the entire region. The prophet then turns to the inhabitants of Babylon, urging them to lament because the "day of the LORD," a time of divine retribution, is rapidly approaching.
You hear 'the day of the Lord' and might think of a future event, but this passage shows it's a concept that has historical, terrifying precedents.
The phrase 'the day of the Lord' isn't just about a future, cosmic event. It refers to a specific time when God intervenes decisively to bring judgment. In Isaiah's prophecy against Babylon, this 'day' signifies the imminent arrival of God's wrath and destruction. It's a divine appointment for reckoning, not a natural disaster or a random act of war, but a purposeful act of God.
This day is characterized by:
When God's judgment comes, it's not merely strong—it's absolute. This verse emphasizes the terrifying source of this destruction.
The phrase 'destruction from the Almighty' isn't just a description of what will happen, but a crucial insight into who is behind it and why it's unstoppable. The Hebrew word for 'Almighty' (Shaddai) carries a profound weight of power and sovereignty. It’s a name associated with God's ability to protect and provide, but here it underscores His power to bring complete devastation.
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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.
masas · Hebrew Verb
The emotional and spiritual reaction to the judgment of God, where human strength vanishes, pride is humbled, and the soul is overwhelmed by the gravity of divine presence or impending doom.
bahal · Hebrew Verb
A state of intense mental or emotional terror caused by divine judgment, where human wisdom and strength prove inadequate to handle the overwhelming reality of God's wrath.
chil · Hebrew Noun
A term describing the intense physical and emotional suffering associated with the intensity of God’s judgment, often compared to the unavoidable and painful intensity of childbirth.
This prophecy against Babylon, delivered by Isaiah centuries before its fall, paints a vivid picture of divine judgment. The 'day of the LORD' signifies a time when God directly intervenes to punish nations, and in this case, it heralds the mighty conquest of Babylon by the Medes and Persians.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah during a period of Assyrian dominance, offering messages of judgment and hope to a nation facing political and spiritual challenges.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, serving as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Assyrian King Sennacherib invades Judah, besieging Jerusalem. Though Jerusalem is miraculously spared, the event underscores the vulnerability of the region.
c. 626-586 BC
Rise of Neo-Babylonian Empire
Babylon rises to power, eventually conquering Assyria and becoming the dominant force in the Near East.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish leaders and skilled workers to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This devastating event fulfills many prophecies of judgment.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ending its empire and ushering in a new era for the region, eventually leading to the return of the Jews from exile.
This passage is nearly identical, directly stating 'Alas for the day, for the day of the LORD is near, and as a destruction from the Almighty it will come!'
Zephaniah 1:7This verse also announces the 'day of the LORD,' describing it as a sacrifice and a time when judgment will be passed on those who have turned back from following the LORD.
Ezekiel 30:3This passage echoes the sentiment of impending doom on the 'day of the LORD,' stating 'For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a day of doom for the nations.'
Revelation 6:17This New Testament passage describes the fear and destruction associated with the 'great day of their wrath,' directly linking it to the concept of the day of the Lord's judgment.
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 verse doesn't just say destruction is coming; it emphasizes that it comes "from the Almighty." This highlights that this isn't just a military defeat, but a judgment wielded by God himself, making it absolutely unavoidable and final. The original Hebrew even plays on words, linking "destruction" directly with "the Destroyer" (Almighty), underscoring God's ultimate power in this devastation.
Isaiah’s prophecy begins by announcing a message of judgment against Babylon, depicting an invading army marching from a distant land. This powerful army, described as "weapons of his indignation," is coming to devastate the entire region. The prophet then turns to the inhabitants of Babylon, urging them to lament because the "day of the LORD," a time of divine retribution, is rapidly approaching.
Isaiah’s prophecy begins by announcing a message of judgment against Babylon, depicting an invading army marching from a distant land. This powerful army, described as "weapons of his indignation," is coming to devastate the entire region. The prophet then turns to the inhabitants of Babylon, urging them to lament because the "day of the LORD," a time of divine retribution, is rapidly approaching.
"Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come! Therefore all hands will be feeble, and every human heart will melt. They will be dismayed: pangs and agony will seize them;…" — The verse doesn't just say destruction is coming; it emphasizes that it comes "from the Almighty." This highlights that this isn't just a military defeat, but a judgment wielded by God himself, mak…
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Last reviewed October 2026
