Understanding Isaiah 47:11

Bible Verse: Isaiah 47:11 - "Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know."

Meaning and Interpretation

Isaiah 47:11 serves as a stark warning to Babylonian society regarding the consequences of their pride and reliance on sorcery and false gods. The verse emphasizes the inevitability of divine judgment upon a people who have turned away from God to pursue their own destructive paths.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights that this verse conveys God's displeasure with Babylon's arrogance. The prediction of unforeseen calamity serves as a punishment for their wickedness. He notes that their inability to foresee their downfall is a poignant reminder of the limits of human wisdom when opposed to divine sovereignty.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes interprets the 'evil' mentioned as a reference to the inevitable destruction that will result from the nation's unwillingness to heed warnings from God. He focuses on the lack of knowledge about the source of this calamity, underscoring the futility of their reliance on astrology and sorcery.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the suddenness of the coming destruction. He stresses that the judgment will be swift and unexpected, which emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and repentance. Clarke connects this verse with the broader theme of judgment throughout Isaiah, portraying God's righteousness in punishing those who lead others away from Him.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment: The passage underscores the certainty of God's judgment against sin and injustice.
• Pride and Arrogance: Babylon's pride is a central theme, demonstrating the dangers of self-reliance over faith in God.
• Inability to Escape Consequences: The imagery of 'evil coming upon thee' suggests that divine justice cannot be evaded.

Application to Daily Life

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for individuals to reflect on their lives and consider the tentacles of pride and reliance on worldly wisdom over divine guidance. In a contemporary context, it invites believers to cultivate humility and dependence on God, seeking His wisdom through scripture study and prayer.

Cross References

• Jeremiah 50:31 - A similar warning to Babylon, emphasizing God's judgment.
• Lamentations 3:38 - Discusses the nature of God's judgment and its intentionality.
• Proverbs 16:18 - A reminder that pride precedes destruction.

Conclusion

Isaiah 47:11 beckons the reader to a deeper understanding of Scripture and the serious implications of turning away from divine wisdom. For those researching bible verse meanings, bible verse interpretations, or engaging in bible study lessons, this verse offers rich insights into the nature of divine justice and the human condition.