Isaiah 13:20

KJV

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall never {H5331} be inhabited {H3427}, neither shall it be dwelt {H7931} in from generation {H1755} to generation {H1755}: neither shall the Arabian {H6163} pitch tent {H167} there; neither shall the shepherds {H7462} make their fold {H7257} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will never again be inhabited, never lived in through all generations. Arabs will not pitch tents there nor shepherds bring their flocks.

Berean Standard Bible

She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there.

American Standard Version

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall shepherds make their flocks to lie down there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:20 delivers a stark and absolute prophecy concerning the irreversible desolation of Babylon, a once-mighty empire. It vividly portrays a future where the city, destined for divine judgment, will become so utterly uninhabitable that not even transient nomads or shepherds seeking temporary shelter for their flocks will dare to settle there, underscoring the perpetual and complete nature of its ruin across all future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 initiates a series of "burdens" or prophetic oracles against various nations, beginning with Babylon. This chapter specifically focuses on Babylon's impending downfall, portraying it as a cataclysmic event orchestrated by God. The preceding verses [Isaiah 13:1-19](/isaiah/13-1-19 "Isaiah 13:1-19 - The Burden Against Babylon") describe the gathering of God's instruments of wrath—the Medes—and the terrifying day of the Lord, characterized by cosmic disturbances, widespread destruction, and the merciless slaughter of Babylon's inhabitants. Verse 20, therefore, serves as the climactic declaration of Babylon's ultimate fate, emphasizing the permanence of its destruction following the initial violent overthrow. It transitions from the active judgment to the enduring consequence, setting the stage for the subsequent imagery of wild beasts inhabiting the ruins [Isaiah 13:21-22](/isaiah/13-21-22 "Isaiah 13:21-22 - Desolation and Wild Beasts").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BC), Babylon was a rising power, though it had not yet reached its zenith as the dominant Mesopotamian empire that would conquer Judah and exile its people. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, would emerge centuries later. Thus, Isaiah's prophecy is remarkably prescient, foretelling an event far in the future. The mention of "Arabian" and "shepherds" is culturally significant. Nomadic Arab tribes were known for their transient lifestyle, pitching tents wherever they could find pasture or temporary refuge. Shepherds, similarly, would often utilize ruins or sheltered areas for their flocks. The fact that even these most adaptable and transient groups would avoid Babylon signifies an unparalleled level of desolation, suggesting the area would be utterly devoid of resources, dangerous, or cursed, rendering it unfit for any form of human or animal habitation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, even those as formidable as Babylon. It reveals that no earthly power, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, is beyond God's ultimate justice. Secondly, it highlights the **Reliability of Prophetic Word**, as Isaiah's detailed prediction of Babylon's desolation, centuries before its actual fall and subsequent long-term abandonment, serves as a testament to the truthfulness and accuracy of God's declarations. This theme provides comfort and assurance to God's people, reminding them that His promises of deliverance and restoration are equally certain, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Absolute Desolation as a Consequence of Pride and Oppression**. Babylon's fate is a severe warning against human arrogance, idolatry, and the oppression of God's people, echoing similar warnings found in [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **never (Hebrew, _netsach'_):** This word (H5331), often translated as "forever," "perpetually," or "eternally," emphasizes the absolute and enduring nature of the desolation. From its root meaning of "a goal" or "the bright object at a distance travelled towards," it points to a state of ruin that extends to the most distant horizon of time, signifying an irreversible and permanent cessation of dwelling, highlighting the finality of God's judgment.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** Meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain" (H3427), this verb describes the act of settling and residing in a place. Its negation ("shall never be inhabited") powerfully conveys the complete absence of any permanent or even temporary human presence. The land will not merely be empty, but utterly forsaken, incapable of sustaining life or providing shelter, a stark contrast to its former bustling existence.
* **make their fold (Hebrew, _râbats'_):** This verb (H7257) means "to crouch," "to recline," or "to lie down," specifically referring to animals resting or making a lair. In the context of shepherds making a "fold," it refers to establishing a temporary resting place for their flocks. The prophecy states that even this most basic and transient form of occupation will cease, illustrating the extreme and universal abandonment of the area, rendering it unsuitable even for the most rudimentary animal husbandry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall never be inhabited,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the core message of the prophecy: the absolute and permanent cessation of dwelling in Babylon. The use of "never" (Hebrew: `netsach`) conveys an irreversible state, indicating that the city will not merely be depopulated for a time but will remain uninhabited indefinitely.
* **"neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation:"**: This phrase reinforces and amplifies the preceding statement, employing a common Hebrew idiom to emphasize perpetuity. "From generation to generation" signifies an unbroken continuum of desolation, extending through all future ages. It negates any possibility of recovery or resettlement, stressing the enduring nature of God's judgment across time.
* **"neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there;"**: This clause provides a concrete illustration of the extreme desolation. Nomadic Arabians, known for their ability to adapt and find temporary shelter in even remote or desolate areas, are explicitly stated as avoiding this site. Their absence underscores that the land will be so utterly barren, dangerous, or cursed that it cannot even support the most transient form of human presence.
* **"neither shall the shepherds make their fold there."**: Further emphasizing the complete abandonment, this final clause highlights that even shepherds, who often utilized ruins or wild areas for temporary sheepfolds, will steer clear of Babylon. This signifies that the land will be devoid of pasture, perhaps infested with dangerous creatures (as implied by [Isaiah 13:21-22](/isaiah/13-21-22 "Isaiah 13:21-22 - Desolation and Wild Beasts")), or simply too desolate to offer even minimal refuge for flocks, cementing the picture of total and universal desertion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:20 is rich in **Hyperbole** and **Understatement**, used to emphasize the extreme nature of Babylon's desolation. While "never" and "from generation to generation" might seem like hyperbole for a city that did have some later, limited habitation, in prophetic literature, such language often denotes a profound and lasting ruin far beyond typical recovery. The mention of the Arabian and shepherds is a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, as it describes the *absence* of even the most transient inhabitants, thereby powerfully conveying the *totality* of the abandonment. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Negative Parallelism**, where each clause reinforces the idea of non-habitation through different examples ("never be inhabited," "neither shall it be dwelt in," "neither shall the Arabian pitch tent," "neither shall the shepherds make their fold"). This repetitive structure builds intensity and drives home the message of complete and utter ruin. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of a land so desolate that even nomads and shepherds avoid it creates a powerful and memorable picture of a cursed landscape, serving as a stark **Symbolism** of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:20 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no earthly empire, no matter how formidable or seemingly invincible, operates outside the purview of divine decree. Babylon, a symbol of human pride, idolatry, and oppressive power, is brought to nothing by the very God it defied. This prophecy assures God's people that their oppressors will ultimately face accountability, and that God's word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass. It underscores the reliability of divine prophecy, offering both a warning to the wicked and immense comfort to the righteous, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His purposes and establish His eternal kingdom.

* [Jeremiah 50:13](/jeremiah/50-13 "Jeremiah 50:13 - Babylon's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 51:26](/jeremiah/51-26 "Jeremiah 51:26 - Utter Ruin for Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Final Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:20 offers a powerful and sobering reflection for all generations. It reminds us that earthly power, wealth, and influence are fleeting and ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. No human construct, no matter how grand or seemingly enduring, can withstand divine judgment when it stands in opposition to God's righteousness and justice. For us today, this prophecy serves as a vital call to humility, urging us not to place our ultimate trust in temporal systems or human achievements, but rather in the eternal God who alone holds the future. It encourages us to examine our own lives and societies, questioning where we might be building "Babylons" of pride, materialism, or self-sufficiency, rather than seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness. Furthermore, it offers profound hope to those who feel oppressed or overwhelmed by the injustices of the world, assuring them that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring all things to account, establishing a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or collectively, build "Babylons" in our own lives or societies that are destined for spiritual desolation?**
* **How does the absolute and permanent nature of Babylon's judgment in this verse deepen your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the assurance that God is sovereign over all nations and empires, even those that seem invincible?**

### FAQ

**Has Isaiah 13:20 been literally fulfilled, given that parts of ancient Babylon have been excavated and even partially restored?**

Answer: While archaeological efforts have indeed uncovered and even partially reconstructed elements of ancient Babylon, the prophecy in Isaiah 13:20 speaks to a profound and enduring state of desolation that goes beyond mere physical ruins. The "never be inhabited" and "from generation to generation" refers to the cessation of Babylon as a thriving, self-sustaining city and center of power, particularly in the manner of its former glory. Historically, after its fall to Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, Babylon steadily declined. Subsequent attempts at rebuilding or repopulation were largely unsuccessful or temporary, and it never regained its status as a major metropolitan center. Today, the site remains largely uninhabited, a stark contrast to its ancient vibrancy. The prophecy's emphasis on even the most transient occupants (Arabians, shepherds) avoiding it highlights an extreme level of abandonment that has indeed characterized the site for millennia, fulfilling the spirit and intent of the prophecy regarding its permanent loss of vitality and human flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 13:20, in its declaration of Babylon's utter and perpetual desolation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all earthly empires and systems that oppose Him. Babylon, throughout Scripture, often serves as a symbol of the world system in rebellion against God, characterized by pride, idolatry, and oppression. Just as ancient Babylon fell, so too will every spiritual "Babylon" be utterly destroyed at the coming of Christ. The finality of Babylon's desolation foreshadows the definitive victory of Christ over sin, death, and all evil powers, as depicted in the New Testament. The Lamb of God, who was slain and by His blood ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness"), is the one who ultimately brings down all opposing kingdoms. His reign is eternal, and His kingdom knows no end, unlike the fleeting empires of this world. The "never be inhabited" of Babylon points to the eternal habitation and security found only in Christ, who promises to prepare a place for His followers in His Father's house [John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place"). The absence of the Arabian and shepherd in Babylon's ruins contrasts sharply with Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep and gathers them into His eternal fold, where they will never perish [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Security in Christ"). Thus, the judgment on Babylon serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the enduring and glorious reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is forever.

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

Jeremiah 51:43

Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth [any] son of man pass thereby.

Isaiah 14:23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 50:39

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell [there], and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Isaiah 34:10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Isaiah 34:15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

Jeremiah 50:21

¶ Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

Jeremiah 51:29

And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.