Isaiah 47:12

KJV

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

KJV (with Strong's)

Stand {H5975} now with thine enchantments {H2267}, and with the multitude {H7230} of thy sorceries {H3785}, wherein {H834} thou hast laboured {H3021} from thy youth {H5271}; if so be thou shalt be able {H3201} to profit {H3276}, if so be thou mayest prevail {H6206}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So for now, keep on with your powerful spells and your many occult practices; from childhood you have been working at them; maybe they will do you some good, maybe you will inspire terror!

Berean Standard Bible

So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror!

American Standard Version

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast labored from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:12 delivers a profound and cutting divine challenge to Babylon, personified as a proud, self-assured queen. It sarcastically commands her to stand firm with her lifelong dedication to enchantments and sorceries, questioning whether these deeply ingrained occult practices, in which she has labored since her inception, will truly be able to profit her or enable her to prevail against the impending judgment. This verse serves as a climactic rhetorical indictment, powerfully exposing the ultimate futility and impotence of all human wisdom, power, and forbidden spiritual arts when confronted by the sovereign will and irresistible might of the Almighty God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is a vivid and dramatic prophetic oracle, a "lament" or "taunt" specifically directed against Babylon, often referred to as the "Daughter of Babylon" or "Lady of Kingdoms." It immediately follows [Isaiah 46](/isaiah/46 "Isaiah 46 - God's Sovereignty Over Idols"), where God emphatically declares His unique sovereignty, contrasting His eternal plan and power with the impotence of Babylon's idols, which must be carried away into captivity themselves. Chapter 47 then graphically portrays Babylon's precipitous fall from glory, depicting her humiliation as she is stripped of her royal garments, forced into servitude, and deprived of her perceived security and wealth. Verse 12 functions as a pivotal rhetorical challenge within this judgment, directly confronting Babylon's long-standing reliance on divination and sorcery as sources of strength and protection, thereby setting the stage for the declaration of her utter helplessness in the verses that follow ([Isaiah 47:13-15](/isaiah/47-13-15 "Isaiah 47:13-15 - The Futility of Babylon's Astrologers")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, particularly during the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC), was a dominant global power renowned for its sophisticated civilization, monumental architecture, and advanced knowledge in fields like astronomy and mathematics. However, this intellectual pursuit was deeply intertwined with astrology, divination, and various forms of magic and sorcery, which were integral to Babylonian culture and religion. The empire maintained a specialized class of "wise men," astrologers, enchanters, and soothsayers, whose counsel was highly valued, as evidenced in biblical accounts such as [Daniel 2:2-10](/daniel/2-2-10 "Daniel 2:2-10 - Babylonian Wise Men Fail to Interpret Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 5:7-11](/daniel/5-7-11 "Daniel 5:7-11 - Belshazzar's Wise Men Fail to Read the Writing on the Wall"). Babylon prided itself on this accumulated "wisdom" and believed it offered protection, insight, and control over destiny. Isaiah's prophecy, delivered centuries before Babylon's actual fall to Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, directly targets this cultural hubris and reliance on occult practices, highlighting their ultimate impotence against the true God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **futility of false security**, demonstrating that any reliance on human ingenuity, occult practices, or worldly power apart from God is ultimately vain and will utterly fail when confronted by divine judgment. Babylon's "enchantments" and "sorceries" are exposed as utterly useless, offering no genuine protection or advantage. Secondly, the passage underscores **divine sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over history and the destinies of nations. Despite Babylon's perceived invincibility, God's decree against her is irreversible, showcasing that He is the one who "declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done" ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Thirdly, it reinforces the consistent biblical **condemnation of occult practices**. Throughout Scripture, God strictly forbids divination, sorcery, and enchantment as abominations ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition Against Occult Practices")), and Isaiah 47:12 serves as a stark illustration of the ultimate emptiness, deception, and danger of seeking power or knowledge through such forbidden means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enchantments (Hebrew, _cheber'_):** From the root meaning "to join" or "to bind," this term refers to magical spells, charms, or incantations, often implying a mystic binding or alliance with supernatural, often malevolent, forces. In this context, it speaks to the specific, practiced rituals Babylon employed to manipulate circumstances or gain advantage, suggesting a form of spiritual coercion or control.
* **sorceries (Hebrew, _kesheph'_):** This word denotes magic, sorcery, or witchcraft, often involving the use of drugs, potions, or incantations to achieve desired outcomes or to harm others. It highlights the manipulative, deceptive, and often destructive nature of Babylon's occult practices, which were deeply ingrained in its cultural and religious fabric.
* **prevail (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** While its primary meaning is "to awe" or "to dread," in this specific context, it carries the sense of being able to stand firm, overcome, or succeed against an opposing force. The sarcastic challenge in the verse questions whether Babylon's long-standing magical efforts can truly "prevail" or stand up against God's impending, terrifying judgment and irresistible power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Stand now with thine enchantments,"**: This opening phrase is a direct, sarcastic, and confrontational challenge issued by God to Babylon. The imperative "Stand" (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_) implies a call to take a firm stance, to prepare for a test, a battle, or a critical confrontation. It is an ironic invitation for Babylon to put her full trust and reliance in her magical spells and charms, which she has so long cultivated and upon which she has depended for security.
* **"and with the multitude of thy sorceries,"**: This clause emphasizes the vast quantity, variety, and pervasive nature of the magical practices Babylon engaged in. The word "multitude" (Hebrew, _rôb'_) signifies an abundance or great number, highlighting the extensive and deeply embedded nature of these occult arts within Babylonian society, suggesting a comprehensive system of reliance on forbidden spiritual means.
* **"wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth;"**: This phrase points to the deep historical roots, diligent effort, and sustained investment Babylon made in these occult practices. "Laboured" (Hebrew, _yâgaʻ'_) implies wearisome toil, persistent exertion, and a profound commitment, while "from thy youth" (Hebrew, _nâʻûwr'_) suggests that these practices were fundamental to Babylon's identity, development, and perceived strength from its earliest days as a burgeoning power.
* **"if so be thou shalt be able to profit,"**: This is the first part of the rhetorical challenge, questioning the practical benefit, advantage, or true efficacy these practices might yield. "Profit" (Hebrew, _yaʻal'_) means to be valuable, useful, or beneficial. The implication is that despite all the arduous labor and long-standing tradition, there will be no genuine gain, help, or positive outcome from them in the face of divine judgment.
* **"if so be thou mayest prevail."**: This is the culmination of the challenge, directly questioning the ultimate power or ability of Babylon's sorceries to overcome or withstand opposition. "Prevail" (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_) means to overcome, to stand firm against an opposing force, or to succeed. The rhetorical nature of the question strongly implies that these practices will utterly fail to protect Babylon from its divinely ordained downfall, revealing their complete impotence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:12 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment and the utter futility of human idolatry. **Sarcasm** and **Irony** are central to the verse, as God mockingly invites Babylon to rely on the very practices that will prove utterly useless against His supreme power. The imperative "Stand now" is not a genuine offer of opportunity but a taunt, designed to highlight Babylon's coming humiliation and helplessness. **Personification** is also powerfully evident, as Babylon is addressed directly as "thou," a female figure, the "Daughter of Babylon," emphasizing her former pride and impending shame. The phrase "multitude of thy sorceries" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the vast extent of Babylon's reliance on these forbidden arts, further setting up the stark contrast with their ultimate impotence. Finally, the repeated "if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail" functions as a potent **Rhetorical Question**, where the answer is implicitly and emphatically negative, powerfully conveying the absolute certainty of Babylon's downfall and the complete failure of her magical defenses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:12 powerfully articulates a fundamental biblical truth: the utter impotence of all human wisdom, power, and spiritual practices that stand in opposition to or attempt to circumvent the sovereign will of the one true God. Babylon's reliance on "enchantments" and "sorceries" represents humanity's perennial temptation to seek control, knowledge, or security through means other than God, whether through occultism, humanistic philosophy, self-reliance, or any system that elevates human ingenuity above divine authority. This verse serves as a stark reminder that such endeavors, no matter how diligently pursued, deeply ingrained, or ancient their tradition, are ultimately futile and will fail when confronted by the divine decree. God's challenge to Babylon is a universal declaration that no created power, no hidden knowledge, and no human effort can thwart His purposes or stand against His righteous judgment. It underscores that true power and ultimate victory belong to God alone.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 10:1-5](/jeremiah/10-1-5 "Jeremiah 10:1-5 - The Futility of Idols and Human Wisdom")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:12 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection in contemporary life, challenging believers and modern society alike. Just as ancient Babylon placed its trust in "enchantments" and "sorceries," modern individuals and cultures often seek security, wisdom, and power in various forms of self-reliance, technological advancement, financial accumulation, political maneuvering, or even New Age spiritualities and self-help philosophies that promise control apart from God. This verse compels us to critically examine where our ultimate trust lies. Are we diligently "labouring" in areas that promise control or advantage, only to find them hollow and insufficient when true crises emerge or when confronted by the unyielding realities of life and death? Do we subtly or overtly seek "profit" or to "prevail" through means that bypass God's wisdom, His moral law, and His sovereign plan? The passage calls believers to a radical, unwavering trust in God alone, reminding us that true security, lasting peace, and genuine victory are found not in human contrivances or forbidden practices, but in humble submission to the Almighty's perfect will and in His unfailing power. It compels us to repent of any reliance on false securities and to re-center our lives on the unshakable foundation of God's power, faithfulness, and redemptive grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to "labor" for security, control, or success apart from God's guidance and provision?**
* **What modern-day "enchantments" or "sorceries" (e.g., unchecked materialism, self-help gurus, excessive reliance on technology, political ideologies) might I be placing undue trust in?**
* **How does the demonstrated futility of Babylon's efforts encourage me to deepen my reliance on God's sovereignty, wisdom, and unfailing love?**

### FAQ
**What specific practices are implied by "enchantments" and "sorceries" in ancient Babylon?**

Answer: In ancient Babylon, "enchantments" (Hebrew, _cheber_) and "sorceries" (Hebrew, _kesheph_) referred to a wide array of magical and divinatory practices that were deeply embedded in their religious and cultural life. _Cheber_ often involved the use of spells, charms, or incantations, possibly to "bind" or influence events or people, sometimes implying a connection with demonic forces or the manipulation of natural phenomena through ritual. _Kesheph_ encompassed a broader range of magical arts, including the use of potions, drugs, or various rituals to manipulate circumstances, gain forbidden knowledge, or inflict harm upon others. These practices were integral to Babylonian religion and daily life, often performed by a specialized class of priests, astrologers, and soothsayers who advised rulers and the populace alike, as seen in accounts like [Daniel 5:7](/daniel/5-7 "Daniel 5:7 - The King's Magicians and Astrologers"). Isaiah 47:12 highlights the extensive nature of these practices, which Babylon had cultivated "from thy youth," indicating their deep historical roots and pervasive influence within their culture, yet ultimately their utter powerlessness against the God of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:12, with its declaration of the futility of human and demonic powers against the sovereign God, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Babylon's "enchantments" and "sorceries" represent not only the specific occult practices of an ancient empire but also the broader spiritual powers of darkness and the deceptive, self-reliant wisdom of this fallen world, which humanity often trusts for security, control, and meaning. Yet, Christ's life, ministry, death, and glorious resurrection definitively exposed and dismantled the impotence of these forces. He came precisely to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and, through His victory on the cross, "disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" ([colossians/2-15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "wisdom of this world," which encompasses all forms of humanistic and occultic attempts to gain power or knowledge apart from God, is shown to be utter foolishness in God's sight, as "God made foolish the wisdom of the world" through the cross ([1 Corinthians 1:20](/1-corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - Worldly Wisdom is Foolishness")). Jesus, the true King and Lamb of God, possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([matthew/28-18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and at His name, every knee will bow, whether of those in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([philippians/2-9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Thus, the sarcastic challenge to Babylon to "prevail" with her sorceries is ultimately answered in Christ, who alone has prevailed over sin, death, and every spiritual power, offering true profit, eternal victory, and genuine freedom to all who trust in Him.

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

Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Acts 13:12

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Jeremiah 2:28

But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

Nahum 3:4

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

Isaiah 47:9

But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Revelation 17:4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: