Isaiah 47:1

KJV

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come down {H3381}, and sit {H3427} in the dust {H6083}, O virgin {H1330} daughter {H1323} of Babylon {H894}, sit {H3427} on the ground {H776}: there is no throne {H3678}, O daughter {H1323} of the Chaldeans {H3778}: for thou shalt no more {H3254} be called {H7121} tender {H7390} and delicate {H6028}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Come down, and sit in the dust, you virgin daughter of Bavel! Sit on the ground, not on a throne, daughter of the Kasdim! No longer are you to be called dainty and delicate.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of Chaldea! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.

American Standard Version

Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:1 initiates a dramatic prophetic oracle against Babylon, once the dominant and seemingly invincible empire that had brought Judah into exile. This verse vividly portrays a profound reversal of fortune, commanding the proud and luxurious "virgin daughter of Babylon" to descend from her exalted status and sit in the dust, stripped of her throne and former delicate existence. It serves as a powerful declaration of divine judgment, signaling the definitive end of Babylon's reign and her utter humiliation before the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is strategically placed within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-55). This section primarily addresses the exiled people of Judah, offering profound comfort and hope through prophecies of God's sovereign deliverance and the future restoration of Israel. Chapter 47 specifically focuses on the impending downfall of Babylon, the very empire that had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and held its people in captivity. This oracle serves as a crucial theological counterpoint to the prophecies of Israel's return, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unyielding justice against oppressors. It immediately follows [Isaiah 46](/isaiah/46 "Isaiah 46 - The Impotence of Babylon's Idols vs. God's Power"), which powerfully contrasts the impotence and burden of Babylon's idols with the true God who carries and sustains His people, and it precedes [Isaiah 48](/isaiah/48 "Isaiah 48 - God's Faithfulness to Rebellious Israel"), which calls Israel to acknowledge God's prophetic power in fulfilling these very predictions, thereby solidifying their trust in His promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy's anticipated fulfillment (late 6th century BC), the Neo-Babylonian Empire was the dominant world power, having reached its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar II. Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, architectural grandeur (e.g., the Hanging Gardens, the Ishtar Gate), and its perceived invincibility, protected by massive walls and a formidable military. The city had conquered Judah in 586 BC, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants. The epithet "virgin daughter of Babylon" highlights its historical record of never having been conquered or violated by foreign invaders, emphasizing its profound pride and deep-seated sense of security. The "Chaldeans" refer to the ruling dynasty and ethnic group that founded and governed the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a term synonymous with its power, astrological prowess, and influence. The command to "sit in the dust" or "on the ground" was a common ancient Near Eastern symbol of extreme humiliation, deep mourning, and the loss of all status, often associated with captives, the defeated, or those in profound distress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several major themes that resonate throughout Isaiah and the wider biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of empires, even those as mighty and seemingly impregnable as Babylon. It underscores the profound biblical principle that no nation, however powerful or self-assured, is beyond divine accountability for its pride, idolatry, and oppression, a concept echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Jeremiah 25:12 - Judgment on Babylon"). Another prominent theme is the **Reversal of Fortune**, where the proud are abased and the humble exalted. Babylon, once "tender and delicate" and accustomed to luxury, is now commanded to endure hardship and degradation, a stark contrast that offers immense comfort and profound hope to the oppressed Israelites, assuring them that their suffering is not eternal and their oppressor will face divine justice. This dramatic reversal is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, powerfully articulated in [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat: The Mighty Cast Down").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **yârad (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This primitive root means "to descend" or "to go downwards," often implying a fall, a loss of status, or a movement to a lower region. In Isaiah 47:1, the imperative "Come down!" is a forceful, non-negotiable command, signaling Babylon's forced descent from its position of power, prestige, and perceived invincibility. It represents a dramatic and irreversible change from its elevated status to one of profound humiliation and vulnerability, a divinely ordained demotion.
* **bᵉthûwlâh (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** A feminine passive participle meaning "a virgin," often used figuratively to describe a city or state that has never been conquered, violated, or defiled by foreign invaders. Calling Babylon the "virgin daughter" emphasizes its historical purity from foreign domination, highlighting its perceived invincibility, untouched grandeur, and unbroken pride. This epithet makes the subsequent command to "sit in the dust" all the more shocking and ironic, as the city that prided itself on its unblemished record is now about to suffer unprecedented violation and degradation.
* **kiççêʼ (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** This term refers to a "throne," specifically a canopied seat, which serves as a potent symbol of royal authority, sovereignty, and established power. The declaration "there is no throne" directly signifies the complete cessation of Babylon's independent rule and its utter loss of regal authority. It means the definitive end of its self-governance, its reduction to a subjugated state, and its public stripping of the very emblem of its former dominion and prestige.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon":** This opening imperative immediately establishes the tone of divine judgment and impending humiliation. "Come down" signifies a forced descent from a position of power, elevation, and pride. "Sit in the dust" is a vivid, culturally resonant metaphor for extreme degradation, deep mourning, and abject defeat, a posture of the vanquished and sorrowful. Addressing Babylon as "O virgin daughter" underscores its past reputation for invincibility and untouched glory, making its commanded humiliation all the more shocking and profoundly ironic.
* **"sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans":** This clause reiterates and intensifies the previous command, emphasizing the complete and irreversible loss of status. "Sit on the ground" reinforces the image of utter destitution, the absence of any comfort or dignity, and the public display of defeat. The declaration "no throne" explicitly states the definitive end of Babylon's sovereignty, its royal authority, and its independent rule. The repetition of "O daughter of the Chaldeans" links this judgment directly to the ruling dynasty and the very heart of the empire's power, signifying the collapse of its entire political and social structure.
* **"for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate":** This final clause explains the reason and consequence of Babylon's catastrophic fall. "Tender and delicate" describes Babylon's pampered, luxurious, and unaccustomed-to-hardship existence, a life of ease, privilege, and self-indulgence. The prophecy declares that this era of comfort, luxury, and perceived security is definitively over. Babylon will no longer enjoy its privileged status but will be forced into a harsh reality of servitude, suffering, and public disgrace, a complete and irreversible reversal of its former identity and reputation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:1 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message of divine judgment and the dramatic reversal of fortunes. **Personification** is central, as Babylon is directly addressed as a "virgin daughter" and "daughter of the Chaldeans," imbuing the city with human qualities and making the imperative command to "come down" more personal, impactful, and accusatory. The phrase "virgin daughter" itself functions as a potent **Metaphor**, representing Babylon's historical unconquered status and perceived purity, which sets up a powerful **Irony** as this untouched entity is now commanded to endure the ultimate defilement of humiliation and defeat. The commands to "sit in the dust" and "sit on the ground" are vivid **Metaphors** for extreme degradation, deep mourning, and the complete loss of status, contrasting sharply with the imagery of a royal throne and a life of luxury. The entire verse is delivered in the **Imperative Mood**, underscoring the absolute authority of the divine speaker and the inevitability of Babylon's downfall. The stark contrast between Babylon's past "tender and delicate" nature and its prophesied future state creates a strong **Antithesis**, powerfully highlighting the dramatic and irreversible reversal of its fortunes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no nation, however mighty, proud, or secure in its own eyes, is beyond the reach of divine judgment, especially when that power is wielded in arrogance, idolatry, and oppression. Babylon's dramatic fall from perceived invincibility to utter humiliation underscores the transient nature of human empires and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous rule. This oracle offers a powerful message of hope and vindication for the oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering, hears their cries, and will ultimately bring down their oppressors, establishing His eternal and just kingdom.

* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Daniel 5:26-31](/daniel/5-26-31 "Daniel 5:26-31 - Belshazzar's Feast and Babylon's Judgment")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat: The Mighty Cast Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Isaiah 47:1, depicting the dramatic downfall of a proud and seemingly invincible empire, offers timeless and profound lessons for individuals and societies today. It serves as a stark reminder that worldly power, material wealth, and perceived security are ultimately fleeting and temporary. Any entity—whether a nation, an institution, a community, or an individual—that operates with unchecked pride, self-sufficiency, and oppressive tendencies will inevitably face a reckoning, for God is just. This passage calls us to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that all authority, blessing, and true security come from God alone. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and hope: in transient earthly comforts, accomplishments, and power, or in the enduring and unshakable sovereignty of God. Furthermore, for those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or overlooked, this prophecy serves as a powerful source of encouragement and assurance, reminding them that God is a God of justice who hears the cries of His people and will ultimately bring down systems of injustice and pride, ushering in His righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own strength, accomplishments, or perceived invincibility, rather than on God's sovereign provision and guidance?**
* **How does the prophetic fall of Babylon remind me of the temporary and fragile nature of all earthly achievements, securities, and sources of pride?**
* **What forms of pride, self-indulgence, or "delicate" comforts might I need to "come down" from in my own life, embracing humility and dependence on God?**
* **How can I actively advocate for justice, champion humility, and challenge systems of pride and oppression in the world around me, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**Why is Babylon called "virgin daughter" in this verse?**

Answer: The designation "virgin daughter of Babylon" is a highly poetic and deeply ironic epithet. Historically, Babylon was renowned for its formidable defenses, its massive walls, and its strategic location, and it had indeed not been conquered by any foreign power up to the time of this prophecy's fulfillment by Cyrus the Great. The term "virgin" therefore highlights its perceived invincibility, its unblemished record of never having been defiled or violated by an invading army, and its profound sense of security and pride. This makes the divine command to "come down, and sit in the dust" all the more shocking and humiliating, as the city that prided itself on its untouched status is now commanded to experience the ultimate degradation and violation. This imagery underscores the unprecedented nature of its impending fall, as a city that felt utterly secure from such a fate is now facing it directly, a fate also prophesied in [Jeremiah 50:42](/jeremiah/50-42 "Jeremiah 50:42 - Babylon's Enemies and Their Cruelty").

**What is the significance of the command to "sit in the dust" and "sit on the ground"?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "sitting in the dust" or "on the ground" was a powerful and widely recognized symbol of extreme humiliation, deep mourning, and utter destitution. It was a posture universally adopted by captives, those in great distress, or individuals who had fallen dramatically from a position of honor, power, and comfort. For a city like Babylon, renowned for its immense grandeur, unparalleled luxury, and imperial dominance, to be commanded to "sit in the dust" signifies a complete, public, and irreversible stripping away of its dignity, authority, and comfort. It contrasts sharply with the imagery of a king on a magnificent throne and represents a dramatic and absolute reversal from its former exalted status to one of abject defeat, public shame, and servitude, a fate often depicted for cities in mourning and desolation, as powerfully seen in [Lamentations 2:10](/lamentations/2-10 "Lamentations 2:10 - Elders of Daughter Zion Sit in the Dust").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:1, with its pronouncement of devastating judgment against the proud, self-sufficient, and oppressive empire of Babylon, finds profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While earthly Babylon represents the epitome of worldly power, human pride, and defiant opposition to God and His people, Jesus Christ embodies ultimate humility and divine authority. Unlike Babylon, which was commanded to "come down" in forced humiliation and judgment, Jesus willingly "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He descended from heavenly glory not in judgment, but in self-sacrificial, redemptive love, choosing to "sit in the dust" of human suffering, sin, and death on the cross, ultimately conquering the spiritual "Babylon"—the oppressive systems of sin, death, and the devil—through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The declaration "no throne" for earthly Babylon contrasts sharply with Christ's eternal and unshakable throne, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed or taken away ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Son of Man Given Dominion")). Furthermore, the ultimate judgment against "Babylon the Great" in the book of Revelation, which represents all systems of worldly rebellion, idolatry, and oppression throughout history, is carried out by the Lamb of God ([Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). Thus, Isaiah's prophecy foreshadows not only the historical fall of an ancient empire but also the ultimate triumph of Christ over all earthly pride and the establishment of His humble, yet eternal, and supremely righteous reign, echoing Mary's prophetic words that God "has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble" ([Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat")).

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 51:33

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.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Jeremiah 50:42

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they [are] cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, [every one] put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

Zechariah 2:7

Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest [with] the daughter of Babylon.

Jeremiah 46:11

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; [for] thou shalt not be cured.

Isaiah 3:26

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

Isaiah 37:22

This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.