Reading for June 28th

Read Isaiah 47.1-15. In 47.1-15: The fall of Babylon. In verses 1-9: Babylon is depicted as a mature young lady, accustomed to pampered luxury, but now suddenly seized, stripped, and humilated. The empire had absorbed many nations and had plundered their lands and treasures, showing no pity even to the weakest (v. 6). The proud assumption that her power would remain unchecked forever (v. 8) had encouraged the city to revel in its excesses, without pity or compassion. Now the pain she had inflicted on others would be brought home to her. In verses 10-15: It is by divine authority that such terrible retribution comes. Babylon's elorborate rituals and techniques for uncovering the mysteries of the future could not fend off the disaster. The all-consuming fire ravging the countyside concludes this forwarning of Babylon's imminent downfall. This is not gloating over the enemy so much as the conviction that a divine will for justice untimately shapes the course of human history. Comments or Questions..