Isaiah 47:2

Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams.

Study Bible

Take millstones and grind flour;
This phrase signifies a call to labor and servitude, reflecting the reversal of fortunes for Babylon. In ancient times, grinding flour was a task for servants or captives, indicating a loss of status and power. The imagery of millstones connects to the daily, menial labor that was often assigned to women or slaves, highlighting the humbling of Babylon. This can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy against Babylon, where the once proud city is brought low (Isaiah 13:19). The use of millstones also recalls the judgment against Babylon in Revelation 18:21, where a mighty angel casts a stone into the sea, symbolizing Babylon's downfall.

remove your veil;
The removal of the veil signifies exposure and shame. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a veil was a symbol of modesty and protection, often worn by women of status. Removing it indicates vulnerability and humiliation. This act can be seen as a metaphor for the uncovering of Babylon's sins and the stripping away of its false pretenses. The veil's removal is akin to the exposure of hidden sins, as seen in other biblical passages like Ezekiel 16:37, where God exposes the sins of Jerusalem.

strip off your skirt,
Stripping off the skirt further emphasizes the theme of humiliation and disgrace. In biblical times, clothing was a sign of dignity and identity. To strip off one's garments was to be laid bare and dishonored. This imagery is used to depict the complete abasement of Babylon, once a city of great power and influence. The act of stripping is also symbolic of judgment, as seen in Lamentations 1:8, where Jerusalem is described as naked and exposed due to her sins.

bare your thigh,
Baring the thigh is another symbol of shame and exposure. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, modesty was highly valued, and exposing the body was considered disgraceful. This phrase underscores the totality of Babylon's humiliation. The exposure of the thigh can also be seen as a metaphor for vulnerability to attack and defeat, as Babylon is left defenseless before its enemies. This connects to the broader theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God, as seen in Nahum 3:5.

and wade through the streams.
Wading through streams suggests a forced journey or exile, often associated with captivity and displacement. In the context of Babylon, this imagery may allude to the city's impending conquest and the subsequent exile of its people. Streams or rivers were often barriers or boundaries, and crossing them symbolized a transition from freedom to captivity. This phrase can be linked to the broader biblical narrative of exile and return, as seen in the Babylonian captivity of Judah and the eventual return to Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:11, Ezra 1:1-4). The act of wading through streams also evokes the idea of purification and judgment, as water is often a symbol of cleansing in scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
A significant city and empire in ancient Mesopotamia, often symbolizing pride and idolatry in the Bible. In Isaiah 47, Babylon is personified as a woman who will face humiliation and judgment.

2. Daughter of the Chaldeans
This phrase refers to the inhabitants of Babylon, specifically highlighting their cultural and spiritual identity. The Chaldeans were known for their wisdom and astrology, which often led them away from the true God.

3. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah conveyed God's messages of judgment and redemption to the people of Israel and surrounding nations, including Babylon.

Teaching Points

Humility Before God
The passage serves as a reminder of the importance of humility. Babylon's pride led to its downfall, teaching us to remain humble before God and acknowledge His sovereignty.

Consequences of Idolatry
Babylon's reliance on false gods and practices resulted in judgment. We are called to examine our lives for any idols that may take precedence over our relationship with God.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Isaiah 47:2 illustrates that no nation or power is beyond God's control. This reassures believers that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and will bring about His justice.

Repentance and Redemption
While the passage focuses on judgment, it also implicitly calls for repentance. Recognizing our sins and turning back to God can lead to redemption and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Babylon's humiliation in Isaiah 47:2 challenge our understanding of power and pride in today's world?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives, drawing from the lessons of Babylon's downfall?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 47:2 provide comfort and assurance in times of global uncertainty?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility in our personal and spiritual lives, in light of Babylon's example?

5. How can the message of repentance and redemption in Isaiah 47:2 inspire us to seek God's forgiveness and transformation in our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 18
This chapter describes the fall of Babylon the Great, drawing a parallel to the judgment pronounced in Isaiah 47. Both passages highlight the theme of divine retribution against pride and idolatry.

Jeremiah 50-51
These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with nations that oppose Him.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is a central message in Isaiah 47:2 regarding Babylon's impending humiliation.