Isaiah 13:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the stars {H3556} of heaven {H8064} and the constellations {H3685} thereof shall not give {H1984} their light {H216}: the sun {H8121} shall be darkened {H2821} in his going forth {H3318}, and the moon {H3394} shall not cause her light {H216} to shine {H5050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the stars, the constellations in the sky, will no longer give their light; the sun will be dark when it rises; and the moon will no longer shine.

Berean Standard Bible

For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.

American Standard Version

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in its going forth, and the moon shall not cause its light to shine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:10 is a potent prophetic declaration within an oracle against Babylon, vividly portraying a cosmic disruption that signals the terrifying and inescapable nature of divine judgment. This verse describes the cessation of light from the stars, sun, and moon, employing vivid apocalyptic imagery to underscore God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His decisive intervention in human history. It serves as a stark warning of the comprehensive desolation that awaits those who defy the Almighty, while simultaneously affirming God's ultimate control over all nations and their destinies, culminating in the complete overthrow of human power and pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13:10 is strategically placed within the "burden" or oracle concerning Babylon, which commences in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon"). This chapter initiates a broader section of prophecies (chapters 13-23) against various nations, emphatically demonstrating Yahweh's universal dominion over all earthly powers. The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the Lord is at Hand"), set the stage by describing the imminence of "the day of the Lord" as a time of cruel wrath and fierce anger, where the land will be made desolate and sinners destroyed. The cosmic signs depicted in verse 10 dramatically intensify this imagery, portraying a complete unraveling of the natural order, serving as a prelude to the detailed description of Babylon's utter destruction and its transformation into an uninhabitable wasteland in [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Babylon's Desolation"). This profound celestial imagery thus establishes the unprecedented scale and severity of the judgment to follow, underscoring that even the cosmos mourns the fall of such a mighty empire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy against Babylon was delivered during a complex geopolitical period. While Assyria was the dominant world power at the time of Isaiah's ministry, Babylon was a rising force, destined to eventually conquer Judah. This oracle, therefore, looks beyond Isaiah's immediate present to a future when Babylon's pride and idolatry would reach their zenith, foretelling its inevitable downfall. In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies were often revered as deities, associated with national gods, or seen as powerful omens influencing human destiny. Kings and empires frequently used astronomical phenomena to legitimize their rule or interpret divine will. Consequently, the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars would have been understood not merely as a natural event, but as a profound sign of cosmic disorder and divine wrath, indicating the collapse of established order and the direct intervention of a supreme deity far superior to any national or astral god. This imagery would have evoked deep fear and awe, signifying the complete and irreversible end of an era or empire, far surpassing mere military defeat.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 13:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the **Day of the Lord**, a recurring biblical motif signifying a time of God's direct, often cataclysmic, intervention in history to execute judgment on the wicked and vindicate His people. The cosmic signs here are characteristic of this theme, emphasizing the universal scope and terrifying nature of divine wrath, as also powerfully depicted in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun and Moon Darkened"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. By depicting the Creator's power to disrupt the most fundamental and reliable elements of the cosmos—the very sources of light—the passage asserts Yahweh's supreme authority over all creation, all nations, and all human endeavors. No earthly power, not even the mighty Babylonian empire, can stand against the God who commands the heavens. Finally, it speaks to the **Inescapability of Divine Judgment**. The universal nature of these celestial signs implies that when God's judgment comes, it is comprehensive, unavoidable, and affects all aspects of existence, leaving no refuge for those under His condemnation. This theme resonates with the broader message of accountability found throughout the prophetic books, such as the warnings against Judah's unfaithfulness in [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2-4 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion") and the ultimate judgment on all who defy God's righteous standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Constellations (Hebrew, _Kᵉçîyl'_):** H3685, derived from the same root as the word for "fool," refers to "any notable constellation," specifically **Orion** (as if a burly one). The mention of Orion, a prominent and easily recognizable constellation, suggests the idea of powerful, fixed, and seemingly unchangeable celestial bodies. The prophecy declares that even these mighty, distant, and seemingly stable cosmic entities will fail to give their light, emphasizing the totality and supernatural nature of the impending darkness and judgment. It signifies that no aspect of the created order, however grand or remote, is beyond God's power to affect or even dismantle.
* **Light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** H216, meaning "illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.); bright, clear, day, light." This word encompasses not just physical radiance but also metaphorical light, often associated with life, blessing, joy, prosperity, and divine presence. The withholding of this light from all celestial bodies signifies a profound absence of life, hope, joy, and divine favor, plunging the world into a state of utter gloom and despair. This comprehensive withdrawal of light is indicative of a judgment that affects both the physical and spiritual realms, leaving no comfort or relief.
* **Darkened (Hebrew, _châshak'_):** H2821, a primitive root meaning "to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken; be black, be (make) dark, darken, cause darkness, be dim, hide." This active verb emphasizes the deliberate and complete obscuring of light. It's not merely a passive dimming or a natural eclipse, but a profound, active process of becoming black and hidden, reinforcing the severity and finality of the cosmic judgment described. The use of this verb highlights God's direct agency in bringing about this profound and terrifying darkness, signaling a complete reversal of the natural order and an overwhelming display of divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the cosmic scope of the prophecy, indicating that the judgment is not confined to earthly realms but extends to the very fabric of the universe. It declares that the celestial bodies, which are normally reliable sources of light and guidance, will cease their fundamental function. The inclusion of "constellations" (specifically Orion, as noted in the Key Word Analysis) adds to the sense of universal cosmic disruption, implying that even the most prominent and seemingly permanent features of the night sky will be affected, plunging the world into an unnatural and profound gloom.
* **"the sun shall be darkened in his going forth,"** This phrase intensifies the imagery by focusing on the sun, the primary source of light, warmth, and life. "In his going forth" refers to the sun's rising, the moment when light is expected to break through the darkness of night and bring the promise of a new day. The declaration that it will be "darkened" even at this moment signifies an unnatural and terrifying reversal of the established order, indicating a profound and pervasive judgment that even the dawn cannot escape. This suggests a darkness that is not merely temporary but absolute and overwhelming, signifying the end of an era.
* **"and the moon shall not cause her light to shine."** Completing the trio of major celestial bodies, the moon's failure to shine reinforces the totality of the darkness. The moon, which reflects the sun's light and provides illumination during the night, also ceases its function, leaving no source of illumination whatsoever. This tripartite description of cosmic failure—stars, sun, and moon—underscores the comprehensiveness and inescapability of the divine judgment, creating an image of absolute gloom, desolation, and the complete collapse of the natural order under God's sovereign hand.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:10 is exceptionally rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. Foremost is **Apocalyptic Imagery**, a literary technique characterized by highly symbolic and dramatic depictions of cosmic and natural phenomena to describe divine judgment and the radical transformation or end of an era. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is a classic example, creating a sense of universal catastrophe that transcends mere earthly events and signals a profound divine intervention. This imagery also functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally as an astronomical prediction, but rather to convey the immense scale, severity, and comprehensive nature of God's wrath against Babylon. It powerfully communicates that the impending judgment is so devastating that it will feel as if the very cosmos is in mourning or collapsing. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second and third clauses ("the sun shall be darkened in his going forth" and "the moon shall not cause her light to shine") echo and reinforce the first clause ("the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light"). This repetition with variation intensifies the message of universal darkness and judgment, building a cumulative sense of dread and inevitability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. The disruption of the cosmos serves as a profound theological statement: if God can command the very sources of light to cease their function, then no earthly power, no matter how mighty or seemingly invincible like Babylon, can withstand His judgment. This cosmic imagery is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying the "Day of the Lord"—a time when God intervenes decisively in human affairs, bringing judgment upon the wicked and vindicating His righteous purposes. It underscores that God's justice is not confined to human courts but extends to the very fabric of the universe, ensuring that all rebellion against Him will ultimately face comprehensive and inescapable consequences. The cessation of light symbolizes the end of an era, the loss of hope, and the profound despair that accompanies divine wrath, demonstrating that God's control extends even to the most fundamental elements of existence.

* [Ezekiel 32:7](/ezekiel/32-7 "Prophecy Against Egypt and Cosmic Darkness")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:10 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's immense power and unwavering justice. For the believer, this verse offers profound assurance: the God who controls the sun, moon, and stars is the same God who holds the destiny of nations and individuals in His hands. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and the rise and fall of seemingly insurmountable powers, this passage encourages unwavering trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. It reminds us that no earthly empire, no human ideology, and no personal struggle is beyond His divine oversight and control. Our ultimate security is found not in political stability, economic prosperity, or military might, but in the unchanging character and supreme authority of the Almighty. For those who live in defiance of God, it serves as a solemn warning that His judgment is real, comprehensive, and inescapable. It calls us to humility, repentance, and a reverent fear of the Lord, urging us to seek reconciliation with our Creator before the decisive "Day" arrives. Ultimately, it compels us to align our lives with His righteous will, finding our security not in fleeting earthly powers but in the eternal, unchanging God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of cosmic disorder in Isaiah 13:10 challenge our reliance on seemingly stable earthly systems or powers, and where do we find true stability?**
* **What does God's ability to command the sun, moon, and stars reveal about His character, particularly His power, justice, and His relationship to creation?**
* **How should the "inescapability of divine wrath" described in this verse influence our urgency in sharing the Gospel and living a life of repentance and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Is Isaiah 13:10 a literal prediction of astronomical events for Babylon's fall?**

Answer: While the language is vivid and descriptive, Isaiah 13:10 is generally understood as **apocalyptic imagery** rather than a literal astronomical prediction for the immediate fall of ancient Babylon. In prophetic literature, cosmic disturbances (darkened sun, moon, stars) are a common **metaphor** for profound political upheaval, the collapse of a nation's power and glory, and the direct intervention of God in history, often referred to as "the [Day of the Lord](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Day of the Lord")." It signifies a complete reversal of order, a time of utter desolation and judgment so severe that it feels as if the very heavens are in mourning or collapsing. This kind of imagery is found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in [Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Cosmic Darkness") concerning Egypt, and in New Testament prophecies of the end times in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus' Prophecy of the End Times") and [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances"). Therefore, it speaks to the profound spiritual and historical impact of God's judgment rather than a precise celestial forecast.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 13:10 directly prophesies the judgment upon Babylon, its cosmic imagery finds ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a single historical event, but in the broader narrative of God's judgment and redemption culminating in Jesus Christ. The "darkening" of the heavens foreshadows the spiritual darkness that covered the earth when Christ, the true [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), bore the sins of humanity on the cross. At His crucifixion, the sun was indeed [darkened for three hours](/luke/23-44-45 "Luke 23:44-45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"), a literal cosmic sign accompanying the ultimate divine judgment being poured out on sin through the Son. This moment of God's wrath against sin, endured by Christ, paradoxically became the means of salvation for all who believe. Furthermore, the "Day of the Lord" imagery, where the heavens are shaken and light fails, points forward to Christ's glorious return. [Acts 2:20](/acts/2-20 "Acts 2:20 - The Day of the Lord in Peter's Sermon") quotes Joel's prophecy of the sun being turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and notable Day of the Lord, which Peter applies to the era inaugurated by Christ's resurrection and the outpouring of the Spirit, anticipating Christ's final advent. Ultimately, the judgment depicted in Isaiah 13:10, which culminates in the destruction of earthly powers, finds its eschatological fulfillment in Christ's final triumph over all sin and evil, establishing a new heaven and a new earth where there is [no need for the sun or moon](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun or Moon in New Jerusalem") because the [Lamb is its light](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Light"), bringing eternal light and life to His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Mark 13:24

¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

Ezekiel 32:7

And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light.

Ezekiel 32:8

All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.

Revelation 8:12

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.