Isaiah 47:5-7
Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called the mistress of kingdoms. I was angry with my people; I profaned my heritage; I gave them into your hand; you showed them no mercy; on the aged you made your yoke exceedingly heavy. You said, “I shall be mistress forever,” so that you did not lay these things to heart or remember their end.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse powerfully contrasts Babylon's former glory with its impending ruin. The command to "sit in silence" and "go into darkness" isn't just about mourning; it's about the utter silencing and obscuring of a power that once boasted its supreme authority over kingdoms. The loss of its title, "mistress of kingdoms," signifies a complete stripping away of its identity and influence.
This passage is a divine pronouncement against Babylon, referred to as the "daughter of the Chaldeans." God is vividly describing her impending fall from power, stripping away her titles and glory. The verses immediately following detail the specific cruelties Babylon inflicted on God's people during their exile, emphasizing that her own harshness will lead to her downfall.
Imagine a queen, accustomed to lavish praise and global command, suddenly told to sit in silence. What does this quiet convey?
The imperatives 'Sit in silence' and 'go into darkness' aren't just commands; they paint a vivid picture of Babylon's utter downfall.
Emptied of Power
Together, these actions signify the end of her reign and the beginning of her ignominious period of suffering and obscurity.
What does it mean to be a 'mistress of kingdoms,' and why is its loss so devastating?
Babylon's identity was intrinsically tied to her dominion. The title 'mistress of kingdoms' wasn't just a label; it represented her perceived ultimate authority and prestige.
The End of an Empire
Understand the original words
dumam · Hebrew Adverb
An expression of total submission and the loss of power; to be silenced is to have one's voice, influence, and authority removed by the sovereign decree of God.
geberet mamlakot · Hebrew Noun Phrase
One who exercises sovereignty and dominion; used here to denote Babylon's former status as the supreme imperial power over other nations, a status now revoked by God.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and the nation of Israel. It denotes the people of Israel as God's chosen possession and special treasure.
racham · Hebrew Noun
The withholding of deserved punishment; compassionate forbearance toward those who are suffering or at fault. It reflects the character of God, which His people are also called to manifest.
This prophecy was delivered during Babylon's peak imperial power under Nebuchadnezzar II, while Jerusalem was suffering its devastating defeat and exile. The "daughter of the Chaldeans" is addressed directly after God describes His people's punishment and Babylon's cruel excess in carrying it out, highlighting the impending fall of the oppressor.
c. 626 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire Founded
Nabopolassar seizes independence from Assyria, marking the beginning of Babylon's resurgence as a major power.
605-562 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II's Reign
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon reaches its zenith of power and influence, conquering many surrounding nations.
597 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II deports Jehoiachin and many citizens of Judah to Babylon, beginning the period of Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecies.
This passage describes the brutal aftermath of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon, showing the captives being led away and the city blinded by Nebuchadnezzar. It illustrates the very real consequences of conquest and the loss of former glory, echoing the 'silence and darkness' that Isaiah prophesies for Babylon itself.
Ezekiel 26:7-11This prophecy against Tyre, another great ancient city, describes its eventual downfall and humiliation. Like Babylon in Isaiah, Tyre is depicted as losing its former prestige and power, forced into silence and obscurity after being a 'mistress' of trade and influence.
Daniel 5:1-7This chapter recounts the very night Babylon fell to the Persians, during a lavish feast where King Belshazzar and his nobles profaned sacred vessels. It directly shows the suddenness and darkness that befell the city, as their pride and revelry were interrupted by judgment, leading to the end of their reign as 'lady of kingdoms'.
Revelation 18:7-10The New Testament vision of Babylon's destruction in Revelation mirrors Isaiah's prophecy. It describes a similar fall from grandeur, where the city that once declared 'I sit as a queen... I shall not be a widow' is brought low, facing judgment, smoke, and mourning, signifying its complete loss of power and status.
barnesIsaiah 47:5: "Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms."
Sit thou silent - The same general sentiment is expressed here as in the preceding verses, though the figure is changed. In Isaiah 47:1-3 , Babylon is represented under the image of a frivolous and delicately-reared female, suddenly reduced from her exalted station, and compelled to engage in the most menial and laborious employment. Here she is repres…
pulpitIsaiah 47:5: "Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms."
Verse 5. - Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness. The second strophe begins, like the first, with a double imperative. The fallen people is recommended to hide its shame in silence and darkness, as disgraced persons do who shrink from being seen by their fellows. Thou shalt no more be called The lady of kingdoms. Babylon can scarcely have borne t…
This verse powerfully contrasts Babylon's former glory with its impending ruin. The command to "sit in silence" and "go into darkness" isn't just about mourning; it's about the utter silencing and obscuring of a power that once boasted its supreme authority over kingdoms. The loss of its title, "mistress of kingdoms," signifies a complete stripping away of its identity and influence.
This passage is a divine pronouncement against Babylon, referred to as the "daughter of the Chaldeans." God is vividly describing her impending fall from power, stripping away her titles and glory. The verses immediately following detail the specific cruelties Babylon inflicted on God's people during their exile, emphasizing that her own harshness will lead to her downfall.
This passage is a divine pronouncement against Babylon, referred to as the "daughter of the Chaldeans." God is vividly describing her impending fall from power, stripping away her titles and glory. The verses immediately following detail the specific cruelties Babylon inflicted on God's people during their exile, emphasizing that her own harshness will lead to her downfall.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Isaiah 47:5-7 is available in the Sola app.
ol · Hebrew Noun
A wooden frame placed on the necks of draft animals to enable them to pull a load. Metaphorically, it represents servitude, oppression, or a burden of responsibility placed upon a person or nation.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire and leading to the eventual return of the Jewish exiles.
"Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called the mistress of kingdoms. I was angry with my people; I profaned my heritage; I gave them into your hand;…" — This verse powerfully contrasts Babylon's former glory with its impending ruin. The command to "sit in silence" and "go into darkness" isn't just about mourning; it's about the utter silencing and ob…
