Isaiah 47:15

This is what they are to you--those with whom you have labored and traded from youth--each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.

Study Bible

This is what they are to you—
This phrase addresses the Babylonians, specifically the sorcerers and astrologers who were trusted advisors. In the broader context of Isaiah 47, God is pronouncing judgment on Babylon, a nation known for its reliance on magic and divination. The phrase indicates a shift from reliance on these practices to the realization of their futility.

those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—
Babylon was a major center of commerce and trade in the ancient world, known for its wealth and influence. The phrase suggests a long-standing relationship, emphasizing that these advisors and merchants have been integral to Babylon's identity and prosperity. Historically, Babylon's economy was heavily reliant on trade, and its culture was deeply intertwined with the practices of divination and astrology.

each one strays in his own direction;
This indicates the abandonment and disunity among those who were once allies or trusted advisors. In times of crisis, rather than providing support, they scatter. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the unreliability of human alliances compared to the steadfastness of God. It also echoes the scattering of the nations at Babel (Genesis 11:9), highlighting the futility of human efforts apart from God.

not one of them can save you.
The ultimate message is the impotence of Babylon's trusted advisors and allies in the face of divine judgment. This underscores the biblical principle that salvation and deliverance come only from God, not from human wisdom or power. It connects to other scriptures that emphasize God's sovereignty and the futility of trusting in anything other than Him, such as Psalm 146:3, which warns against putting trust in princes or mortal men who cannot save.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
The city and empire addressed in Isaiah 47, symbolizing pride and self-reliance. Babylon is depicted as a fallen power due to its arrogance and idolatry.

2. Merchants and Traders
Those who have engaged in commerce with Babylon, representing alliances and dependencies that ultimately fail.

3. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Babylon, emphasizing the futility of relying on human strength and alliances.

4. God's Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Babylon for its pride and idolatry, illustrating the theme of God's sovereignty over nations.

5. The Exile
The broader context of Israel's exile, during which Babylon was a dominant power, serving as a backdrop for the prophecy.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Worldly Alliances
Trusting in human alliances and economic power, as Babylon did, ultimately leads to disappointment and failure. Our ultimate reliance should be on God.

The Sovereignty of God
God's judgment on Babylon demonstrates His control over nations and history. We should live with the awareness of God's sovereignty in our lives.

The Danger of Pride
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Humility before God is essential for spiritual well-being.

The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness
Just as Babylon's allies abandoned her, worldly supports can fail us. We must be spiritually prepared and rooted in faith.

The Call to Repentance
The prophecy invites reflection on our own lives and a call to turn away from idolatry and towards God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 47:15 serve as a warning against relying on worldly powers and alliances?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of God's sovereignty over nations in both Isaiah 47 and other parts of Scripture, such as Revelation 18?

3. Reflect on a time when you relied on something or someone other than God. What was the outcome, and how does this passage speak to that experience?

4. How can we guard against the pride and self-reliance that led to Babylon's downfall in our own lives?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our trust and hope are placed in God rather than in human systems or relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 18
This chapter echoes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of worldly systems opposed to God.

Proverbs 11:28
Highlights the futility of trusting in riches, similar to the merchants' misplaced trust in Babylon.

Jeremiah 50-51
Contains prophecies against Babylon, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment and the futility of idolatry.

Psalm 146:3
Warns against putting trust in human leaders, paralleling the merchants' reliance on Babylon.