Reading for May 2nd

Read Isaiah 13.1-22. In 13.1-22: The overthrow of Babylon. In verses 1-22: It is a surprise that Babylon, rather than Assyria, is the great oppressing power to be punished for its excessesses and cruelites. The reason, lies in the importance of Babylon for the structure of the book: Chs. 40-55 reflect the period of Babylonian imperial control over the nations dealt with in chs. 13-23. Reference to the attacking Medes (v. 17) points to this fierce prophecy as a fore-warning of the defeat of Babylon in 538 BCE, later anticipated so eagerly in chs 46-47. Judah's bitter sufferings at the hands of Babylon explain the vengeful spirit in vv. 14-16 and the longing that such a great kingdom should become a pertpetual ruin (vv. 20-22). Comments or Questions..