These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Babylon's catastrophic losses—bereavement and widowhood—will come "in a moment, in one day," and "in full measure." This emphasizes that despite all her elaborate magic and enchantments, which promised control and foresight, they will utterly fail her at the crucial moment, rendering them useless against God's sovereign judgment.
These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is addressing Babylon, a powerful empire that has oppressed God's people. He's detailing the sudden and complete destruction that awaits her, emphasizing that her vaunted magic and enchantments will offer no protection. This prophecy paints a picture of utter desolation, stripping away the city's pride and power in a single, devastating blow.
How can a mighty empire crumble in 'a moment, in one day'? This verse reveals the shocking speed of God's justice.
The Day of Reckoning
Isaiah 47:9 uses the powerful phrase 'in a moment, in one day' to describe the swiftness of Babylon's downfall. This wasn't a slow decline; it was a sudden, catastrophic event that stripped away all her perceived security.
Babylon was known for its magic and enchantments. Why would God bring judgment despite or because of these practices?
Trusting in the Wrong Powers
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The verse highlights Babylon's reliance on 'many sorceries' and 'great power of enchantments.' These practices were central to their culture, believed to offer protection and foresight.
Understand the original words
keshapim · Hebrew Noun
Often associated with the forbidden practice of seeking guidance or power from demonic spirits rather than God. It represents rebellion against God’s sovereignty and reliance on occult forces.
cheber · Hebrew Noun
Practices involving magical spells or rituals used to influence events or people. Biblically, these are condemned as idolatrous attempts to control reality outside of God's authority.
This verse dramatically illustrates the swiftness with which God's judgment can fall, even on seemingly powerful and magically protected nations. The sudden downfall of Babylon serves as a stark reminder that human confidence in worldly power, wisdom, or occult practices is ultimately futile against divine sovereignty.
Mid-6th century BC
Babylonian Empire at its peak
Under Nebuchadnezzar II and his successors, Babylon was a vast empire, known for its immense wealth, cultural achievements, and seemingly unshakeable power. This era saw the height of its influence and its complex system of magic and divination.
539 BC— this verse
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia, through a combination of military strategy and political maneuvering, conquered Babylon. This event marked the sudden and dramatic end of Babylonian independence and dominion.
Post-539 BC
Babylon's loss of political power
Following Cyrus's conquest, Babylon transitioned from a ruling empire to a subject province within the Persian Empire. This loss of sovereignty and prestige is symbolized by the prophecy of widowhood and childlessness.
c. 522 BC and 482 BC
Babylonian revolts against Persia
Babylon attempted to regain its independence through two major revolts against Persian rule. These uprisings were ultimately suppressed, leading to further devastation and loss for the city and its people.
331 BC
Alexander the Great conquers Babylon
Alexander the Great took control of Babylon, intending to make it the capital of his vast empire. While he initiated rebuilding projects, the city never regained its former glory.
This verse describes Babylon being shamed and disgraced, echoing the judgment and loss of status mentioned in Isaiah 47:9, also highlighting the destruction of a once-proud city.
Ezekiel 26:16-17This passage speaks of Tyre's sudden fall and desolation, similar to Babylon's fate, emphasizing the swiftness of divine judgment and the resulting shock and terror.
This New Testament passage directly parallels Babylon's judgment, describing its sudden fall and the lamentation over its complete destruction, reflecting the totality of loss in Isaiah 47:9.
These verses immediately following Isaiah 47:9 explain why Babylon falls – its trust in its own wisdom and sorceries – directly connecting the cause and effect of the judgment described.
pulpitIsaiah 47:9: "But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments."
Verse 9. - In a moment in one day. The day of the capture of the city by Cyrus, which was the third of Marchesvan, B.C. 539. Then, "in a moment," Babylon lost the whole of her prestige, ceased to reign, ceased to be an independent power, became a "w…
barnesIsaiah 47:9: "But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments."
In a moment, in one day - This is designed, undoubtedly, to describe the suddenness with which Babylon would be destroyed. It would not decay slowly, and by natural causes, but it would not decay slowly, and by natural causes, but it would be suddenl…
The verse highlights that Babylon's catastrophic losses—bereavement and widowhood—will come "in a moment, in one day," and "in full measure." This emphasizes that despite all her elaborate magic and enchantments, which promised control and foresight, they will utterly fail her at the crucial moment, rendering them useless against God's sovereign judgment.
Isaiah is addressing Babylon, a powerful empire that has oppressed God's people. He's detailing the sudden and complete destruction that awaits her, emphasizing that her vaunted magic and enchantments will offer no protection. This prophecy paints a picture of utter desolation, stripping away the city's pride and power in a single, devastating blow.
Isaiah is addressing Babylon, a powerful empire that has oppressed God's people. He's detailing the sudden and complete destruction that awaits her, emphasizing that her vaunted magic and enchantments will offer no protection. This prophecy paints a picture of utter desolation, stripping away the city's pride and power in a single, devastating blow.
"These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments." — The verse highlights that Babylon's catastrophic losses—bereavement and widowhood—will come "in a moment, in one day," and "in full measure." This emphasizes that despite all her elaborate magic and…
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Last reviewed October 2026