Isaiah 13:22

KJV

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the wild beasts of the islands {H338} shall cry {H6030} in their desolate houses {H490}, and dragons {H8577} in their pleasant {H6027} palaces {H1964}: and her time {H6256} is near {H7138} to come {H935}, and her days {H3117} shall not be prolonged {H4900}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Jackals will howl in their palaces and wild dogs in their temples of delight. Its time is close at hand, its days will not last long.

Berean Standard Bible

Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged.

American Standard Version

And wolves shall cry in their castles, and jackals in the pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:22 delivers a stark and climactic pronouncement of divine judgment against Babylon, vividly portraying its inevitable and irreversible desolation. It paints a chilling picture of once-magnificent palaces and grand houses transformed into desolate ruins, overrun by wild, mournful creatures, symbolizing the complete reversal of human order and the finality of God's decree. The verse emphatically declares that Babylon's appointed time for destruction is imminent and will not be delayed, underscoring the certainty and swiftness of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 commences with a "burden" or prophetic oracle specifically directed against Babylon, outlining God's impending judgment upon this formidable empire. The chapter meticulously details the instruments of divine wrath, such as the Medes ([Isaiah 13:17](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17 - Medes as God's Instrument")), the terrifying nature of "the day of the Lord" ([Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the Lord")), and the cosmic disturbances that will accompany this cataclysmic event ([Isaiah 13:10-13](/isaiah/13-10-13 "Isaiah 13:10-13 - Cosmic Disturbances")). Verses 19-22 specifically shift focus from the violent overthrow of Babylon to its subsequent, permanent state of desolation. Verse 22 serves as the culminating statement of this utter ruin, reinforcing the theme of absolute abandonment introduced in earlier verses like [Isaiah 13:20](/isaiah/13-20 "Isaiah 13:20 - Babylon's Eternal Desolation"), which declares that Babylon "shall never be inhabited." This progression from judgment to eternal desolation underscores the finality of God's decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** When Isaiah delivered this prophecy in the 8th century BCE, Babylon was not yet the dominant world power. Assyria held imperial sway, and Babylon often existed as a rebellious province or vassal state. However, Isaiah's prophetic vision extends far into the future, anticipating the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, its eventual conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, and its subsequent fall to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BCE. The imagery of "palaces" and "houses" reflects the renowned urban grandeur of cities like Babylon, celebrated for its immense fortifications, the Hanging Gardens, and opulent architectural marvels. The depiction of "wild beasts" and "dragons" inhabiting these ruins is a common motif in ancient Near Eastern judgment prophecies, symbolizing a complete reversal of order where human civilization and its achievements are undone, reverting to a state of primeval chaos and wilderness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. It profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, even those that appear invincible in their time, such as Babylon. It vividly highlights **Divine Judgment**, portraying the severe and inevitable consequences of national pride, idolatry, and oppressive practices, which ultimately lead to Babylon's catastrophic fate. Furthermore, the striking imagery of desolation and the habitation of wild creatures powerfully reinforces the theme of **Reversal of Order**, where human civilization and glory are utterly undone, reverting to a state of wilderness and chaos. This motif is also found in prophecies against other nations, such as the pronouncement against Edom in [Isaiah 34:11-15](/isaiah/34-11-15 "Isaiah 34:11-15 - Edom's Desolation by Wild Animals"). Finally, the emphatic declaration that "her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged" speaks directly to the **Certainty and Imminence of Prophecy**, assuring God's people that His spoken word will unfailingly come to pass, regardless of human resistance or perception of delay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wild beasts of the islands (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** (H338) This term, likely derived from a root suggesting a doleful sound, refers to "howlers" or any solitary wild creature. Its use here emphasizes the eerie, mournful sounds of the desolate wilderness replacing the vibrant sounds of human life, signifying complete abandonment and ruin. It points to creatures like jackals or hyenas, known for their haunting cries in deserted places.
* **palaces (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** (H1964) This word denotes a large public building, specifically a palace or temple. Its inclusion here dramatically highlights the profound contrast between Babylon's former magnificence—its grand royal residences and sacred temples—and its future state of utter ruin. The very symbols of its power, wealth, and religious devotion will become mere havens for wild animals, underscoring the completeness of its downfall.
* **prolonged (Hebrew, _mâshak'_):** (H4900) This primitive root means "to draw," "to extend," or "to delay." In the negative, "shall not be prolonged," it powerfully conveys the absolute certainty and swiftness of God's judgment. There will be no reprieve, no extension of grace, and no delay in the execution of the divine decree against Babylon, emphasizing its inescapable and imminent fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses,"**: This initial clause immediately paints a vivid picture of utter desolation. The "wild beasts of the islands" (referring to howling desert creatures like jackals or hyenas, _ʼîy_ H338) are depicted as the new inhabitants of what were once human dwellings. The phrase "desolate houses" (Hebrew _ʼalmânâh_ H490, also meaning "widow") powerfully evokes a sense of abandonment, emptiness, and mourning, much like a house left without its beloved inhabitants. The "crying" of these animals further emphasizes the mournful and eerie silence that has irrevocably replaced the bustling sounds of human activity and life.
* **"and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces:"**: This clause continues and intensifies the imagery of reversal and degradation. "Dragons" (Hebrew _tannîyn_ H8577, often referring to large serpents, sea monsters, or, in contexts of desolation, to desert jackals or howlers) are now found inhabiting "pleasant palaces." The striking juxtaposition of fearsome, wild, and unclean creatures with "pleasant" (Hebrew _ʻôneg_ H6027, signifying luxury or delight) and "palaces" (H1964) creates a profound and shocking contrast. This imagery underscores the utter degradation, ruin, and defilement of Babylon's former glory, opulence, and luxury, turning its symbols of power into symbols of its demise.
* **"and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged."**: This final clause shifts from descriptive imagery to a definitive and unyielding statement of divine decree. "Her time" (Hebrew _ʻêth_ H6256, referring to an appointed season or moment for judgment) is declared "near" (Hebrew _qârôwb_ H7138, meaning at hand or imminent). The emphatic declaration that "her days shall not be prolonged" (Hebrew _mâshak_ H4900, to draw out or delay, combined with _yôwm_ H3117 for "days" and _bôwʼ_ H935 for "to come") removes any doubt about the certainty, swiftness, and immediacy of Babylon's judgment, sealing its inescapable and unalterable fate.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and irreversible doom. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid and chilling picture of former splendor replaced by eerie desolation, with wild beasts and "dragons" inhabiting once-grand palaces. This creates a powerful sensory experience for the reader, emphasizing the completeness of the ruin. **Juxtaposition** is strikingly evident in the stark contrast between "pleasant palaces," symbols of human achievement and luxury, and their new, wild inhabitants—howling creatures of the wilderness. This highlights the dramatic and humiliating reversal of fortune for Babylon. The phrase "desolate houses" also employs a subtle form of **personification**, as houses cannot truly experience desolation but reflect the profound abandonment and ruin of their former human occupants. Finally, the concluding statement, "her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged," utilizes **emphatic declaration** and **repetition of idea** (near/not prolonged) to underscore the absolute certainty and swiftness of the divine judgment, leaving no room for doubt, hope of reprieve, or delay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:22 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human empires and His unwavering commitment to justice. It illustrates that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or seemingly impregnable a nation may be, if it defies God, practices idolatry, and oppresses His people, its "time" is appointed for judgment. The reversal of order, where human habitation gives way to the untamed wilderness, is a powerful symbol of divine undoing, a de-creation that signals the end of an era marked by human pride and rebellion against the Creator. This prophecy offers deep reassurance to God's people that even in the face of overwhelming worldly power, their God remains the ultimate arbiter of history, and His righteous judgment will inevitably come to pass, bringing an end to all forms of ungodly dominion and injustice.

* [Jeremiah 50:39](/jeremiah/50-39 "Jeremiah 50:39 - Babylon's Desolation in Jeremiah")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Zephaniah 2:14](/zephaniah/2-14 "Zephaniah 2:14 - Desolation of Nineveh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:22, though a specific prophecy against ancient Babylon, carries timeless implications for all generations and societies. It powerfully reminds us that all earthly powers, no matter how formidable or enduring they appear, are transient and ultimately accountable to the sovereign God. In a world often captivated by seemingly insurmountable systems of power, wealth, and influence, this verse offers a profound counter-narrative: God's justice will prevail, and all that is built on human pride, oppression, and defiance of His divine will shall ultimately crumble into ruin. This truth should temper our trust in human institutions and reorient our hope towards the eternal and unshakable Kingdom of God. It calls us to critically examine our own lives and societies for any echoes of Babylon's self-sufficient pride, materialism, or oppressive tendencies, urging us to humble ourselves before God and align our ways with His righteous standards. The certainty of Babylon's fall should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in what truly lasts and diligently seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of wild beasts inhabiting palaces challenge our contemporary perceptions of power, permanence, and human achievement?**
* **What "pleasant palaces" or symbols of human glory and self-sufficiency in our own lives or societies might be vulnerable to God's judgment if not aligned with His will?**
* **How does the phrase "her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged" encourage or challenge your faith in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "wild beasts of the islands" and "dragons" truly refer to in this context?**

Answer: While the King James Version uses evocative terms like "wild beasts of the islands" and "dragons," the Hebrew terms (H338 _ʼîy_ and H8577 _tannîyn_) are generally understood by scholars to refer to various types of wild, desert-dwelling animals, particularly those that howl or are associated with desolate, uninhabited places. _ʼîy_ often denotes "howlers" or solitary wild creatures like jackals or hyenas. _Tannîyn_ can refer to large serpents, sea monsters, or, as often in prophetic literature concerning desolation, to jackals, desert wolves, or other large, fearsome desert creatures. The intent of the prophet is not to suggest mythical creatures, but to paint a vivid and chilling picture of utter abandonment and ruin where the sounds and presence of human civilization are entirely replaced by the eerie, mournful sounds and presence of the wilderness. This signifies a complete return to a wild, untamed state, illustrating the finality of the city's destruction. This type of imagery is common in biblical prophecies of judgment against proud nations, as also seen in [Isaiah 34:14-15](/isaiah/34-14-15 "Isaiah 34:14-15 - Wild Creatures in Edom's Desolation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 13:22 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological significance point to the broader biblical narrative of God's comprehensive judgment on all ungodly systems and the glorious establishment of His eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ. Babylon, throughout Scripture, transcends its historical reality to become a profound symbol of human rebellion, pride, and opposition to God (e.g., [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots")). The complete desolation described in Isaiah 13:22 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment pronounced upon "Babylon the Great" in the book of Revelation, where its fall is similarly depicted as absolute and irreversible, with its former glory becoming a dwelling place for unclean spirits and every detestable bird ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). This final, cosmic judgment is intrinsically linked to the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ, who will return as the righteous judge to bring a decisive end to all earthly kingdoms and systems that oppose God and to establish His perfect, eternal, and righteous reign ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return as Judge and King")). Thus, the certainty of Babylon's "time" being "near to come" in Isaiah finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the assured return of Christ, who will usher in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells and no earthly power can ever again challenge the absolute sovereignty of God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Isaiah 25:2

For thou hast made of a city an heap; [of] a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

Isaiah 35:7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.

Jeremiah 51:33

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon [is] like a threshingfloor, [it is] time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Isaiah 34:13

And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, [and] a court for owls.

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.