Isaiah 13:6

KJV

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howl {H3213} ye; for the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} is at hand {H7138}; it shall come {H935} as a destruction {H7701} from the Almighty {H7706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Howl! for the Day of ADONAI is at hand, destruction coming from Shaddai.

Berean Standard Bible

Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

American Standard Version

Wail ye; for the day of Jehovah is at hand; as destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:6 issues a chilling prophetic imperative to "howl," announcing the imminent arrival of "the day of the LORD." This verse serves as a stark and urgent overture to a divine judgment, primarily against Babylon, portraying it not merely as a historical military defeat but as a cataclysmic "destruction" directly orchestrated and unleashed by the omnipotent "Almighty." It establishes a tone of profound despair and inescapable doom for those who will face God's righteous wrath, emphasizing His sovereign and decisive intervention in human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13:6 is strategically positioned at the very outset of a major prophetic section within the book of Isaiah, specifically the "burdens" or "oracles" against various nations, spanning chapters 13-23. The immediate oracle, introduced in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden Against Babylon"), is directed with particular intensity against Babylon, a dominant world power that would later become the instrument of Judah's exile. The opening command to "howl" immediately establishes the dire, lamentable, and catastrophic nature of the impending judgment. The verses that follow in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden Against Babylon") vividly detail the instruments of God's wrath (the Medes), describe cosmic disturbances accompanying the judgment, and paint a picture of the utter desolation that will befall Babylon, making verse 6 a foundational declaration of the judgment's divine source and its devastating severity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Isaiah's prophetic ministry in the 8th century BC, Babylon was a rising, though not yet fully dominant, regional power. The prophecy anticipates its future ascendancy as a global empire and its subsequent dramatic fall, which historically occurred in 539 BC when Cyrus the Great of Persia, leading a coalition including the Medes, conquered the city without a major battle. Culturally, the concept of "the day of the LORD" was a well-established theological motif in ancient Israel, understood as a specific, decisive time when God would powerfully intervene in history, often bringing severe judgment upon His enemies and, conversely, deliverance for His covenant people. This intervention was frequently depicted with dramatic cosmic imagery and military defeat, resonating deeply with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine judgment on nations. The term "Almighty" (Hebrew: *Shadday*) would have powerfully evoked God's supreme, unchallengeable power and authority, emphasizing that this destruction was not merely the outcome of human conflict but a direct, purposeful, and irresistible act of the divine.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most central is **The Day of the LORD**, a recurring motif signifying a divinely appointed time of God's decisive intervention, characterized by judgment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous. Here, it is unequivocally portrayed as a day of wrath and devastation for Babylon, echoing similar pronouncements found in books like [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - The Day of the Lord is Near") and [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to You Who Desire the Day of the Lord"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, powerfully highlighted by the phrase "from the Almighty." This underscores that God is not merely an observer but the ultimate orchestrator of history, capable of raising up and bringing down empires according to His righteous will, as seen in His control over nations throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Finally, the theme of **Imminence and Urgency** is palpable. The declaration "is at hand" and the imperative "Howl ye" convey a sense of immediate and unavoidable doom, demanding a profound emotional and spiritual response to the gravity and proximity of God's impending judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, mournful wailing or a loud, boisterous yell, indicative of profound grief, despair, or lamentation. In Isaiah 13:6, it is presented as a direct command, not a prediction, urging those facing the judgment to express utter anguish, reflecting the horrific and inescapable nature of the coming "day of the LORD." It suggests a public, unrestrained outpouring of sorrow in the face of overwhelming calamity.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally referring to a 24-hour period, in prophetic and theological contexts like this, *yôwm* often denotes a significant, defined period of time marked by a specific, decisive event or divine action. "The day of the LORD" is a technical theological term denoting a divinely appointed time of God's decisive intervention in human affairs, bringing either judgment upon His enemies or salvation for His people. Here, it is specifically an appointed time for severe judgment and reckoning.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises, including promises of judgment and covenant enforcement. Its use in "the day of the LORD" underscores that this is *His* day, a direct manifestation of *His* character, authority, and sovereign will, confirming that the impending events are not random but divinely purposed.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _shôd'_):** This term conveys concepts of violence, ravage, desolation, oppression, and spoiling. It is a strong and evocative word indicating utter ruin and devastation, suggesting not merely a defeat but a complete laying waste and annihilation. The coming "day of the LORD" is characterized by this absolute and comprehensive desolation, leaving nothing intact.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This is a profound and ancient name for God, emphasizing His absolute power, self-sufficiency, and omnipotence. It implies His inherent ability to fulfill all His purposes, including bringing about the most severe and inescapable judgment. The declaration that the destruction comes "from the Almighty" conveys that it is not random, nor merely human-driven, but emanates directly from the all-powerful, sovereign God, whose will cannot be thwarted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howl ye":** This is a direct, imperative command, urging the inhabitants (likely of Babylon, or more broadly, those who will experience or witness the judgment) to express extreme grief, lamentation, and despair. It immediately sets a tone of impending catastrophe so severe that it warrants public, vocal, and unrestrained mourning, highlighting the utter hopelessness of their situation.
* **"for the day of the LORD is at hand":** This clause provides the immediate and urgent reason for the command to howl. The "day of the LORD" – a specific, divinely appointed time of intervention and reckoning – is not a distant threat but "at hand," meaning it is imminent, rapidly approaching, and unavoidable. This emphasizes the urgency and inescapable nature of the coming divine judgment.
* **"it shall come as a destruction":** This clarifies the precise nature of the "day of the LORD" in this context. It will not be merely a difficult period or a military setback but a complete and utter "destruction." The simile "as a destruction" powerfully underscores that the very essence and outcome of this day will be total ruin, desolation, and devastation, leaving nothing but waste.
* **"from the Almighty":** This final, weighty phrase identifies the ultimate source, origin, and agent of this devastating destruction. It unequivocally states that this calamity is not a random occurrence, a mere consequence of human conflict, or a stroke of bad luck, but a deliberate, powerful, and purposeful act originating directly from God Himself, specifically from "the Almighty" (*Shadday*), emphasizing His supreme power, authority, and unchallengeable sovereignty over all events and nations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in "Howl ye," which serves as a direct, forceful command, immediately drawing the reader into the emotional weight of the prophecy and emphasizing the inescapable nature of the impending doom. The phrase "as a destruction" functions as a striking **Simile**, directly comparing the coming "day of the LORD" to utter ruin and desolation, making the abstract concept of divine judgment tangibly destructive and complete. The deliberate and repeated use of divine titles, "the LORD" (YHWH) and "the Almighty" (Shaddai), serves as a form of **Divine Name Emphasis** or **Theophany**, underscoring that this is not a human conflict but a direct, powerful, and sovereign act of God Himself. Furthermore, the entire verse acts as a powerful **Foreshadowing**, setting the grim and urgent stage for the detailed descriptions of Babylon's fall and the broader cosmic judgment that follows in the rest of [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden Against Babylon"). The intensity of the language, particularly "howl" and "destruction," also borders on **Hyperbole**, designed to evoke extreme fear and despair in the audience regarding the overwhelming nature of God's wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:6 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty over all nations and the unfolding of history. The "day of the LORD" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, consistently portraying God as actively intervening in human affairs to execute judgment upon wickedness and ultimately establish His righteous kingdom. This verse asserts that even the most formidable empires, like Babylon, are utterly subject to His divine decree and can be brought to utter ruin by His omnipotent hand. It speaks to the universal principle that pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God will inevitably face His righteous wrath, a truth that transcends ancient historical contexts and remains relevant for all generations and powers. The destruction described is not random but purposeful, emanating directly from "the Almighty," signifying that God's immense power is inextricably linked with His righteous character and His unyielding determination to uphold justice and vindicate His name.

* [Joel 1:15](/joel/1-15 "Joel 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-15](/zephaniah/1-14 "Zephaniah 1:14-15 - The Great Day of the Lord")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While rooted in an ancient prophecy against Babylon, Isaiah 13:6 carries timeless and profound implications for all who read it today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, sovereign, and just ruler of the cosmos, whose warnings are not idle threats but declarations of impending reality for those who defy Him. This verse calls us to a profound sense of humility and accountability, recognizing that no individual, institution, or nation is beyond the reach of divine judgment. It prompts us to examine our own lives and societies for signs of pride, injustice, or rebellion against God, urging sincere repentance and a turning towards righteousness. For those who feel oppressed or witness pervasive injustice, this passage offers a solemn, albeit terrifying, assurance that God sees, and in His perfect timing, He will bring ultimate justice, even if it comes as a terrifying "destruction from the Almighty" for the wicked. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that temporal powers and earthly securities are fleeting, but God's ultimate reign and final judgment are absolutely certain and unavoidable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imminence of God's judgment in Isaiah 13:6 challenge our contemporary sense of security or complacency, both personally and societally?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to ignore, spiritualize, or downplay the concept of "the day of the LORD" and its implications for divine wrath in our modern understanding of God and history?**
* **What comfort or warning does the phrase "destruction from the Almighty" offer to those who are oppressed, marginalized, or suffering injustice, versus those who are oppressors or wield unchecked power in our world?**

### FAQ
**What is "the day of the LORD" in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: "The day of the LORD" is a significant and multifaceted theological concept found throughout the Old and New Testaments, referring to a specific, decisive time when God intervenes directly and powerfully in human history. It is often characterized by dramatic events, cosmic disturbances, and military upheavals. While it can refer to historical judgments (such as the fall of Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden Against Babylon")), it also carries strong eschatological connotations, pointing to a future, ultimate day of judgment and salvation. For the wicked and God's enemies, it is consistently portrayed as a day of wrath, darkness, and destruction; for God's covenant people, however, it is a day of vindication, deliverance, and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. Examples include [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to You Who Desire the Day of the Lord") and [Zephaniah 1:14](/zephaniah/1-14 "Zephaniah 1:14 - The Great Day of the Lord").

**Why is Babylon singled out for such a strong prophecy in Isaiah?**

Answer: Babylon, while not yet the dominant world power during Isaiah's time (8th century BC), was prophetically foreseen to become the instrument of God's judgment against Judah, leading to the devastating Babylonian exile. However, Babylon itself, with its immense power, pervasive idolatry, and arrogant pride, also became the quintessential example of human rebellion against God. By singling out Babylon for such a severe prophecy, God demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and empires, proving that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately defy His will or escape His righteous judgment. The historical fall of Babylon serves as a powerful precedent and a prophetic type for God's ultimate judgment on all forms of human pride, idolatry, and opposition to His divine rule, a theme that finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's symbolic "Babylon" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), representing the corrupt world system.

**How does the name "Almighty" (Shaddai) relate to the destruction described in this verse?**

Answer: The name "Almighty" (Hebrew: *Shadday*) is a profound and ancient divine title that emphasizes God's absolute power, self-sufficiency, and omnipotence. When Isaiah declares that the destruction comes "from the Almighty," it underscores that this is not a random catastrophe, a mere consequence of human actions, or a stroke of bad luck, but a deliberate, irresistible, and perfectly executed act of God's sovereign will. It highlights that the judgment is not only certain but also brought about by a God who possesses infinite power to accomplish all His purposes, whether in creation, salvation, or judgment. This specific name reassures believers of God's ultimate control and faithfulness even in the midst of terrifying events, while simultaneously serving as a stark and inescapable warning to those who defy Him, reminding them that His power is limitless and His justice unavoidable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 13:6, with its chilling prophecy of "the day of the LORD" bringing "destruction from the Almighty," finds its ultimate and comprehensive Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to a historical judgment on ancient Babylon, the broader prophetic motif of "the day of the LORD" consistently points forward to a greater, final day of divine reckoning. Jesus Himself is revealed as the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One")), demonstrating His supreme authority over both salvation and judgment. His first coming inaugurated a "day of salvation" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Day of Salvation")), where He astonishingly took upon Himself the very "destruction" due to humanity's sin, becoming the sacrificial [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This act of substitutionary atonement on the cross absorbed the divine wrath and averted the "destruction from the Almighty" for all who believe. However, His second coming will be the ultimate "Day of the LORD," a glorious and terrifying event where He will return as the righteous and irresistible judge, bringing final "destruction" upon all ungodliness and rebellion, and establishing His eternal kingdom in perfect righteousness ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). For those who "howl" in despair without Christ, this future day will indeed be a terrifying "destruction from the Almighty." But for those who have placed their faith in Him, the "destruction" of sin and death has already been accomplished through His victorious cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and they are saved from the wrath to come, awaiting their glorious redemption ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thermonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers Us from the Wrath to Come")). Thus, Isaiah 13:6 ultimately points to the comprehensive and sovereign work of Christ as both the Deliverer from wrath and the final Executor of divine justice.

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

Joel 1:15

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Amos 5:18

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light.

Zephaniah 1:7

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Isaiah 13:9

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.

Isaiah 2:12

For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Joel 2:11

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.