HE burden of Babylon, which TH 2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, 'shake the hand, that they may go into the gates. of the nobles. 3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine k anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, *like as of a great people; a a 14:28. 15:1. 17.1. 19:1. 21:11, g 5:1-3. Jer. 51:58. b 14.4.&c. 21:1-10. 43:14. 44: 1,2. 47. 1,&c. Jer. 25:12-26. 51:1. Dan. 5:28-31,&c. Rev. 17.13. c 1:1. d 5:26. 11:12. 18:3. Jer. 50:2.51: 27.28. e Jer. 51:25. 10.32. 11.15. 50:21,&c. Jer. 51:20-24. Rev. 17:12-18. Joel 3:11. k Ezra 1: 6: 7:12-26. Ps. 149: 1.22.1-9. Jer. 50:2,3,21.&c. NOTES. tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: "the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. 5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 6 TP Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand: it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt; 8 And they shall be afraid: "pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth; they with reference to the state of the Jews, and CHAP. XIII. V. 1. The word rendered "burden," (though some translate it "the oracle," seems to denote the heavy vengeance predicted; which was seen in vision by the prophet, as if already falling upon Babylon. (Marg. Ref. a.-Note, Jer. 23:33-40.) These two chap'ters, (striking off the five last verses of the lat"ter, which belong to a far different subject,) 'contain one entire prophecy, foretelling the 'destruction of Babylon by the Medes and Per'sians, delivered probably in the reign of Alaz, .. about two hundred years before the completion of it. The captivity itself of the Jews 'at Babylon, (which the prophet does not expressly foretel, but supposes, in the spirit of prophecy, as what was actually to be ef'fected,) did not fully take place till about 'one hundred and thirty years after the deliv-(Marg. Ref.) 'ery of this prophecy; and the Medes, who are V. 2-5. The Lord, by his prophet, addressexpressly mentioned, (17) as the principal ed himself to the rulers of the Medes and Peragents in the overthrow of the Babylonian sians, as if present, commanding them, by monarchy, by which the Jews were released every means to collect forces, and to go and 'from that captivity, were at this time an in- take possession of Babylon, and of the stately 'considerable people; having been in a state palaces of her nobles. He called them, "his of anarchy ever since the fall of the great As- sanctified ones:" those whom I have appointed 'syrian empire, of which they had made a part, and set apart for that service. Lowth. (Notes, 'under Sardanapalus; and did not become a 44:25–28. 45:1—6.) He had selected them and 'kingdom under Deioces till about the seven-endued them with power to execute his indig'teenth of Hezekiah. The foriner part of this nation; and he knew, that they would rejoice prophecy is one of the most beautiful exam- in doing those things, by which his name ples, that can be given, of elegance of compo- would eventually be magnified. (Note, Ezra 1: 'sition, variety of imagery, and sublimity of 1-4.) When the Lord should thus "muster 'sentiment and diction, in the prophetic style: the host for the battle," immense multitudes and the latter part consists of an ode of su- from nations remote from Babylon, and from 'preme and singular excellence.' Bp. Lowth. each other, would speedily be collected, with -The Jews had hitherto had little acquaint- tumultuous noise as "the weapons of his inance with the Chaldeans: that empire was, at dignation" to destroy the whole kingdom of the time when this prophecy was uttered, in- the Babylonians. (Notes, 10:5,6,15.)--This exferior to that of the Assyrians, if it did not con-actly accords to the account given by histostitute a part of it; and it was several years after, that the kings of Babylon obtained the ascendency, and their empire supplanted and swallowed up that of the Assyrians. (Votes, 23:13. 2 Kings 20:12,13,17,18. 23:29,30. 2 Chr. 33:11.) Some intimations, however, had been given the Jews of their danger from that quarter: und indeed all the predictions of the proph--The Almighty.] "Whose power and pur ets, concerning foreign nations, were given poses none is able to resist.' Lowth. rians of the various nations, which constituted V. 6. Marg, Ref.--Note, Joel 1:14,15, v. 15. shall be amazed one at another; faces shall be as t flames. X e their || and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. 9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, * cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven, and the constellations thereof, shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; band I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, Mark Heb. wonder every man at his neighbor. Heb. faces of the flames. Joel 2:6. Nah. 2:10. x 15-18.47 10-15. Jer. 6:22, v Ps 104.35. Prov. 2:22. 1:15,16. Matt. 24,29. 13:24,25. Luke 21:25. Rev. 6:12-14. 8:12. a 14:21. 24:4-6. Jer. 51:3439. Rev. 12:9,10. 18:2.3. b 2.17. 5:15. 14:12-16. Jer. 50: 29-32. Dan. 5.22,23. c 15-18. 4:1. 24:6. Ps. 137.9. d Joel 3:16. Hag. 2:6,7,21,22. Matt. 24.29. Heb. 12:26,27. Rev. 6:13,14. V. 7,8. (Note, Jer. 30:5--9, v. 6.) After many defeats in the open field, the king of Babylon retired with his forces within the walls of his capital: and Cyrus formed the siege of that city; and beyond all expectation took it, by draining off the waters of the Euphrates, and marching his army into the city by the channel of that river; while the inhabitants were either rioting in intemperance, or oppressed with sleep. (Notes, 21:2--5. Jer. 51:30--32. Dan. 5:1-9,30,31. 1 Thes. 5:1--3.) As flames. (8) That is, pale and livid, as terror renders a man; for this is the color of the flame: not red, as with anger, which is the color of the fire, from which the flame proceeds. | V. 9, 10. (Marg. Ref.--Note, 34:3-7.) The prophets, under various figures, taken from the sun, moon, and stars, describe the subversion of governments, when kings, nobles, and rulers are degraded or destroyed; and that confusion, horror, and dismay which attend these violent convulsions. (Notes, Jer. 4:19--27. Ez. 32:7,8. Joel 3:9--17. Matt. 24:29-31. Rev. 6:12 -17.) The grandeur of the images, and the sublimity of the language, in these chapters, have greatly excited the admiration of the most competent judges. V. 11. Marg. Ref.--Notes, 14:3--6,12-15.--| The world.] The Babylonish empire, at one time the largest in the universe, was, it seems, called "the world;" as the Roman empire was in after ages. (Notes, Dar. 2:37,38. Luke 2:1.) V. 12. Such havoc would be made of the men capable of bearing arms, that they would become as scarce as the finest gold, and not to be procured for it. (Vote, 4:1.)-Ophir.] Note, 1 Kings 9:26-28, v. 28. V. 13-15. The empire of Babylon, with all its rulers and nobles, would be as entirely subverted by the power and anger of JEHOVAH, as if the heavens and the earth were shaken out of their place; the vanquished armies of the Chaldeans would be pursued as a hunted roe, and scattered like "sheep which have no shep 14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. h 15 Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. herd:" (Note, 1 Kings 22:17.) their allies, if able, would flee in dismay to their several cities and countries; every one who was overtaken would be slain without mercy; and all who united to make a stand would be speedily cut to pieces: that is, all the associates of Babylon should share her fate. (Notes, 47:12-15. Jer. 50:16. 51:7--9. Hag. 2:6-9. Rev. 18:4--10.) V. 16. 'By way of retaliation for the cruelty 'of the Babylonians against the Jews.' Lowth. (Notes, 2 Chr. 36:17. Ps. 137:7--9. Jer. 51:3340. Zech. 14:1--3.), V. 17. Thirst of glory and dominion, and fierce revenge, would render the Medes regardless of riches; so that they would refuse to give quarter, or to spare the lives of the vanquished, for the sake of ransom. (Marg. Ref. Note, 1.) Xenophon makes Cyrus open a speech to his army in this manner, 'Ye Medes, and others who now hear me, I well know, 'that ye have not accompanied me in this ex'pedition, with a view of acquiring wealth.' (Marg. Ref. Note, Prov. 6:27-35.) The Medes.] 'A nation of no account when 'Isaiah uttered this prophecy: their country 'being a province under the king of Assyria, (2 Kings 17:6.) and not erected into a distinct ‘kingdom, till ... about the seventeenth year of 'Hezekiah. But afterwards they grew to be a 'very considerable people.' Lowth. V. 18. Xenophon ... says, their bows were 'three cubits long.... If the Persian bows were 'of metal,' (Job 20:24. Ps. 18:34.) 'we may easi'ly conceive that with a metalline bow of three 'cubits length, and proportionably strong, the 'soldiers might dash and slay the young men, 'the weaker and unresisting part of the inhab 'itants, (for they are joined with the fruit of the womb and the children,) in_the_general 'carnage on taking the city.' Bp. Lowth.-This cruelty does not seem to have been exercised, when Cyrus took Babylon: but the prophecy then began to be fulfilled; and all the several particulars were accomplished in the subse quent desolations. (Notes, 19-22. Jer. 50:16. 51:61-64, v. 64. Dan. 5:30,31.) from the ends of the earth, to assault their enemies, and they are not aware that they are V. 19-22. The vast extent of Babylon, its only "the weapons of his indignation." He stupendous walls and gates, and its magnifi- also gives them success: and when his day of cent buildings and decorations, are celebrated taking vengeance arrives, the most valiant by ancient writers above those of any other warriors become feeble, numerous armies melt city in the world: 'and it was rising to its away, and all resistance is heartless and use'height of glory, while the prophet Isaiah was less. But the compass of nature cannot fur'repeatedly denouncing its utter destruction.' nish images fully to illustrate the horror and 'From the first of Hezekiah to the first of Neb- dismay, the amazement and despair, which ‘uchadnezzar, under whom it was brought to will come upon the wicked, when the day of 'the highest degree of strength and splendor, the LORD, which is near at hand, “shall come, 'are about twenty years.' Bp. Lowth. But after as a destruction from the Almighty." Then it was taken by Cyrus it began to decline, and indeed "all hands shall be faint," and the hearts soon ceased to be the seat of empire; then its of sinners shall melt: they shall look with aspopulation decreased; at length it was utterly tonishment one at another, and their ghastly deserted; and the desolate buildings were long countenances shall correspond with their inthe resort of every species of wild beasts and ward anguish. For that day will indeed be venomous reptiles, so that it was dangerous "terrible with wrath and fierce anger, to lay for travellers to approach them: at length, it the earth desolate, and to destroy the sinners was so entirely wasted, that no remains of it thereof out of it:" then "the stars shall not could be found; and, strange to tell, it cannot give their light, and the sun and the moon at present be exactly ascertained where this shall be extinguished: the LORD will then punonce renowned city stood! As the walls and ish the world for their evil, and the wicked for buildings were formed of brick, probably, not their iniquity; and cause the arrogancy of the very skilfully prepared; this might conduce to proud to cease:" nay, "the heavens and the the utter decay of its ruins: but when God is earth shall pass away, and no place be found pleased to destroy, nothing can withstand his for them." (Notes, 2 Pet. 3:5-13. Rev. 20:11— power. (Notes, 14:20–23. 34:8-17. Jer. 51:58 15.) In that day all these emphatical expres-64. Rev. 18:21–24.)—'It is uncertain what sions, which are here used as bold metaphors, 'creatures are meant by several of these He- shall be found too feeble to express the least 'brew words; particularly what the word part of the tremendous scene: nor will there 'searim signifies, which we render satyrs. The be any place for the sinner to flee unto, or any 'word originally signifies goats: and it is sup-method by which he may attempt an escape. 'posed that evil spirits of old time appeared in 'the shape of goats, upon which account the 'word is sometimes taken for devils.' Lowth. (Note, Lev. 17:3-7.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The threatenings of scripture press with incumbent weight upon the head of the wicked, and are a 'sore burden too heavy for them to 'bear:' and at the appointed time, they will sink the most flourishing cities and nations into ruin, as well as the souls of sinners into eternal misery. But the believer sees this tremendous vengeance ready to fall on those, who are not aware of their own danger; and, whilst he would affectionately warn them to escape from it, he becomes the object of their derision or indignation.-The Lord selects and sets apart the weapons of his wrath, who are of themselves disposed to the work in which he purposes to employ them; and while they rejoice in gratifying their selfish passions, they unintentionally perform his righteous judgments. He invests them with power, affords them favorable opportunities, gives them helpers, and endues them with intrepidity; and thus "the LORD of hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle:" with furious tumult they march Alas! few act, as if they believed these things; and numbers treat the plain declarations of scripture to this effect, with at least as much neglect and contempt, or contradiction, as we can suppose the proud monarchs and nobles of Babylon did these predictions of poor Jewish prophets. But too late those monarchs and nobles found the truth of the despised oracles of God: then, neither their riches could bribe, nor the misery of the women and children soften, nor the beauty and glory of their city allure, nor its strength resist, "the weapons of the LORD's righteous indignation;" and Babylon became, at length, entirely desolated, even as Sodom and Gomorrah. (Notes, Gen. 19:24, 25. Deut. 29:21-25.) Thus will the denunciations of God's word be executed on all impenitent sinners, in their full meaning: and, notwithstanding the clamors and blasphemies of his enemies, the Lord will appear glorious in justice, in their tremendous ruin; and too late they will know "whose words will stand His, or theirs." The fate of this proud city is a demonstration of the truth of the Bible; an emblem of the approaching ruin of the New Testament-Babylon; a warning to sinners to flee from the wrath to come; and an encourageinent to believers to expect victory over CHAP. XIV. hath the oppressor ceased! the golden A prediction of Jacob's deliverance, as the effect of Babylon's city ceased! ruin, 1, 2 A prophetical exultation over the royal family, and the last king of Babylon; and over the desolations of that city, 3-23. The ruin of Sennacherib's army predicted, 24-27. The burden of the Philistines, 28-32. NOR the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. 2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD, for servants and handmaids: 'and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were: and they shall rule over their oppressors. h 3 And it shall come to pass, in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, 4 That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, i How a 40:1,2. 44:21,22. 54:7,8. Lev. f Ps. 68:18. 2 Cor. 10:5. Eph. 26:40-45. Deut. 4.29-31. b 27.6. Zech. 1:17. 2:12. d 19:24,25. 49:16-23. 56:6-8. e 60.9-12. 61:5. Ezra 2:65. Rom. 15:27. 2 Cor. 8:4,5. Gal. 5:13. 4:3. Heb. that had taken them g 60:14. Jer. 30:16. Dan. 7:18, h 12:1. 32:18. Dent. 28:48,65- 5 The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. 6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, " is persecuted, ° and none hindereth. 7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. 8 Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us. 9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? 11 Thy "pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the k 13:19. Lam. 4:1. Dan. 2:38. | 126:1-3. Prov. 11:10. Jer. Or, exactress of gold. 45:2, 1 29. 9.4. 10:5. Ps. 125:3. 129: In 47:6. 2 Chr. 36:17. Jer. 25: 13. + Or, taunting speech. Jer. 24:6 Heb. a stroke without re-t 9. Ez. 5:15. Hab. 2:6. i 6,17. 47:5. 49:26, 51:23. Jer. q 55:12,13. Ez. 31:16. Zech. 11:2. Or. The grave. r Prov. 15:24. s Ez. 32:21-32. Heb. leaders, or great goats. Jer. 50.8. Ps. 49:6-14,20. 82:6,7. Fc. 2:16. Luke 16:20-23. u 21:4,5. 22:2. Job 21.11-15. Ez. 26:13. 32:19,20. Dan. 5: 1-4,25-30. Am. 6:3-7. Rev. 18:11-19. x 66:24. Job 17:13,14. 24:19,20. Mark 9:13-4. every enemy of their souls, and of the church... the triumphant song on that subject. ... A of God. NOTES. 'chorus of Jews is introduced, expressing their Proverb, &c. (4) Marg.--Notes, Num. 23:7, 8. Hab. 2:5—8, v. 6.—“Or an acute and excel'lent saying, drawn up with art, and adorned 'with rhetorical figures. Job 27:1. 29:1.' Lowth. CHAP. XIV. V. 1, 2. The ruin of Babylon was immediately connected with the mercy of God to the Jews; and the victories of Cyrus made way for their restoration from captivity. The terms, "Jacob and Israel," must imply, that mercy was intended to soine at least of all the twelve tribes.-Probably, several proselytes were made to the Jewish religion, when they were restored to their own land: and by contributions, the inhabitants of the countries,|| in which they had been captives, aided their return, and so "brought them to their place." (Notes, Ezra 1: 7:11-28.) But we do not read, V. 7, 8. At the destruction of this victorious that the Jews ever ruled over the Chaldeans, and oppressive monarchy, the whole earth or had any number of them for servants. It seemed to experience a sudden and unexpected may therefore be inferred, that still more im-relief, as restored to serenity and security; and portant events were predicted: and, in general to express its joy by songs of triumph. The all the prophecies, relating to the destruction fir-trees and cedars mean the princes of the of Babylon, have, no doubt, a typical reference earth, who had seen many of their number to the destruction of Rome and the Papal dom-levelled by the king of Babylon, and had tremination, as foretold by St. John; which will bled for themselves; but now rejoiced at his be followed by the restoration of both Judah destruction, and at the peace and security thus and Israel, in great honor and prosperity; and afforded them. These oppressed kingdoms, then this part of the prophecy will receive a 'or their rulers, are represented under the imfar more signal accomplishment. (Notes, 11: 'age of the fir-trees and cedars of Libanus, 11-16. 60:10-14. Zech. 8:20-23. Rev. 19:11-frequently used to express any thing in the 21.) V. 3-6. The deliverance of Judah from 'captivity ... introduces, with the greatest ease, VOL. IV. 8 'severe taunt against the fallen tyrant; and 'boast their security, now he is no more.' Bp. Lowth. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 55:12,13. Jer. 51: 48,49. Ex. 31:14-17. Zech. 11:1-3.) Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? k 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? 18 All the kings of the nations, even 'all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own in house. 19 But thou art cast out of thy grave, like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit, as a carcass trodden under feet. 20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned. i 4,5. Ps. 52:7. Jer. 50:23. 51: | 6:3. Ez. 32:18.&c k 13:19-22. 64:10. Ez. 6:14. † Or, did not let his prisoners m Job 30:23. Ec. 12:5. n 1 Kings 21:19,24. 2 Kings o Jer. 41:7,9. Ez. 32:23:21. = greatly resembled that arch-apostate in his character and fate. (Notes, Luke 10:17-20. Rev. 12:7--12.) The Jews, exulting in his astonishing fall, upbraid him with his vain V. 9-11. The scene here changes. The ambition and enmity against God. He "bad regions of the dead are laid open to the imagi- said in his heart, that he would ascend into nation, and their inhabitants are seen in com- heaven, and exalt his throne above the stars motion, at the approach of this proud monarch of God:" he would eclipse all earthly princes, to join their company: and the mighty kings and even rival the God of heaven: nay, he and captains, (especially they whom the kings would fix his throne on mount Zion, where of Babylon had destroyed,) are represented as God had appointed to meet his worshippers, leaving their several thrones in order to meet (Note, Ps. 48:2,3.) and there receive the adorahim: not to condole with him, or to welcome tion of his subjects and vanquished foes: for he him; but to insult over him as now become||would aspire to divine honors, and "ascend like one of them; and as bereft of all his pomp, above the heights of the clouds, and be like luxury, music, and mirth; while his poor re- the Most High." (Notes, Gen. 3:4,5. 2 Kings mains on earth are become company and food 19:25. Jer. 51:52,53, v. 53. Ez. 28:2-19. 29:2for the worms. "This is one of the boldest |5. Dan. 8:9-12. Acts 12:20-23.) But in fact 'prosopopoeias that ever was attempted in his soul was about to sink into hell, and his poetry; and is executed with astonishing body to be thrown into the pit, without even brevity and perspicuity, and with that pecu- the accustomed rites of burial.-"The fall of liar force, which in a great subject naturally the apostate angels is not directly recorded in 'results from both.' Bp. Lowth. (Notes, Ez. the Old Testament: but it is implied in the 32:18-32. Mark 9:43-50.) Doubtless this is 'distinction the holy writers make between a poetical description, and the imagery is good and evil spirits; and is sometimes alluded taken from external objects: but we must re-to by the prophets, when they threaten demember, that it has truth for its basis; that the wicked remove at death to a place of misery; and that proud malignant spirits do insult and torment each other. (Note and P. O. Luke 16: 27-31.) The Hebrew word sheol, which our 'translation renders "hell," or "the grave," 'signifies the state of the dead in general, Job 3:14. and is indifferently applied to the good and bad. Here it is taken in the worst sense, and denotes the infernal mansions of deceased tyrants. Lowth. (Notes, Ps. 16:8-11. Prov. 15:24.) The word (D) rendered the dead, signifies grants; and Mr. Mede seems to think that the rebels of the old world, who perished in the deluge, were especially intended. V. 12-15. The Jews seem here to resume the discourse, and address the king of Babylon, by the title of "Lucifer, son of the morning." He had been as "the morning-star," the first in dignity among the princes of the earth; but he was now fallen from heaven and utterly debased. This language may refer to the fall of Satan and his angels, as the king of Babylon 'struction to proud and insolent tyrants, who, V. 16-20. The subject is here diversified by another scene. The dead body of the king of Babylon is found, narrowly examined, and recognised, by some who had known him in his prosperity: and they express their surprise and contempt, by the subsequent interrogations. Among other cruelties they mention as a reason of the dire judgments inflicted on him, his severity to his captives, whom he |