Isaiah 47:13

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.

Thou art wearied {H3811} in the multitude {H7230} of thy counsels {H6098}. Let now the astrologers {H1895}{H8064}, the stargazers {H2374}{H3556}, the monthly {H2320} prognosticators {H3045}, stand up {H5975}, and save {H3467} thee from these things that shall come {H935} upon thee.

You are worn out with all your consultations - so let the astrologers and stargazers, the monthly horoscope-makers, come forward now and save you from the things that will come upon you!

You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels: let now the astrologers, the star-gazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from the things that shall come upon thee.

Isaiah 47:13 is a powerful indictment against ancient Babylon, exposing the futility of her reliance on occult practices in the face of inevitable divine judgment. The verse challenges Babylon's supposed wisdom and strength, declaring that her vast network of divination would be utterly powerless to save her.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic oracle in Isaiah 47, where Babylon, personified as a proud queen, is told she will be dethroned and brought low. Her arrogance stemmed from a belief in her own invincibility and the supposed wisdom derived from her widespread practice of astrology and divination. The prophet highlights that her many "counsels" – referring to her numerous advisors, sorcerers, and stargazers – would ultimately fail to protect her from the coming destruction. This chapter, like other prophecies against Babylon such as Isaiah 13:1, serves as a stark contrast between human reliance on false wisdom and God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their destinies.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Occult Practices: The verse directly challenges the power of astrologers, stargazers, and prognosticators, declaring them utterly incapable of saving Babylon. This underscores the biblical condemnation of such practices as vain and powerless against God's will.
  • False Security: Babylon placed its trust in these deceptive sources of knowledge, leading to a dangerous sense of security that would ultimately be shattered by God's judgment.
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: Despite Babylon's perceived strength and its reliance on pagan wisdom, God's predetermined judgment would certainly come upon her, demonstrating His supreme control over all earthly powers. This theme echoes throughout prophecies concerning God's rule over nations, as seen in Daniel 4:35.
  • Weariness of Vain Efforts: The phrase "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels" suggests the exhausting and ultimately fruitless nature of seeking answers and security from sources outside of the one true God.

Linguistic Insights

The terms used in this verse illuminate ancient Mesopotamian religious practices:

  • "Astrologers" (Hebrew: hōḇĕrê šāmayim) literally means "dividers of the heavens" or "those who chart the heavens," referring to those who observed celestial bodies to discern omens or predict the future.
  • "Stargazers" (Hebrew: ḥōzê kōḵāḇîm) are "beholders of the stars," another term for those who practiced celestial divination.
  • "Monthly prognosticators" (Hebrew: mōdî‘îm ləḥŏdāšîm) refers to those who made predictions based on the new moons or monthly cycles, a common form of divination to determine auspicious times or foretell events.

These terms collectively condemn the various forms of divination and magic prevalent in Babylon, highlighting their impotence before the Almighty God of Israel.

Practical Application

Isaiah 47:13 serves as a timeless warning against seeking guidance, security, or solutions from sources other than the one true God. In modern times, this can include horoscopes, fortune-telling, New Age spiritualism, humanistic philosophies, or any practice that elevates human wisdom or occult methods above divine revelation. Believers are called to place their trust solely in God and His Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The verse reminds us that true wisdom, lasting security, and ultimate salvation come from God alone, and relying on anything else leads to weariness, deception, and eventual disappointment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 44:25

    That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

  • Daniel 2:2

    Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

  • Daniel 2:10

    The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

  • Ezekiel 24:12

    She hath wearied [herself] with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum [shall be] in the fire.

  • Jeremiah 51:58

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

  • Isaiah 57:10

    Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; [yet] saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

  • Habakkuk 2:13

    Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
← Back