Isaiah 47:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:13 delivers a piercing indictment against Babylon, personified as a proud, self-reliant queen, exposing the utter futility and spiritual exhaustion inherent in her dependence on occult practices and humanistic wisdom. The verse vividly portrays Babylon's desperate, yet ultimately vain, attempts to secure her future through a multitude of astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators, declaring that these supposed sources of power and insight are utterly powerless to deliver her from the imminent divine judgment and destruction. It starkly contrasts the exhaustive, fruitless endeavors of human divination with the unyielding, irresistible sovereignty and power of the Almighty God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Isaiah 47, a powerful prophetic oracle specifically directed against Babylon, portrayed metaphorically as a virgin daughter brought low and humiliated. The preceding verses detail Babylon's fall from her perceived throne of invincibility, her degradation, and the divine reasons for her judgment—primarily her excessive cruelty towards Israel and her blasphemous self-deification, encapsulated in the arrogant declaration, "I am, and there is none else beside me" [Isaiah 47:8](/isaiah/47-8 "Isaiah 47:8 - Babylon's Arrogance"). Verse 13 directly follows a description of Babylon's deep-seated trust in her own wickedness and her false sense of security, which led her to believe that no one saw her actions or could harm her. The immediate context, particularly [Isaiah 47:12](/isaiah/47-12 "Isaiah 47:12 - Babylon's Sorceries"), emphasizes Babylon's "many sorceries" and "great enchantments," which are now revealed as utterly useless in the face of God's righteous wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, particularly during the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC), was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced knowledge of astronomy, which was inextricably linked with astrology and various forms of divination. Babylonian priests and scholars meticulously observed celestial bodies, believing that the movements of stars and planets revealed the will of the gods and foretold future events. They developed sophisticated calendars and intricate systems for interpreting omens derived from celestial phenomena, animal entrails, dreams, and other signs. This pervasive reliance on divination was deeply embedded in their culture, influencing political decisions, military campaigns, and daily life. The prophet Isaiah, writing centuries before Babylon's eventual fall to the Persians, directly confronts this cultural practice, highlighting its impotence against the true God of Israel, whose power far surpasses any perceived control or knowledge gained through pagan rituals.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 47:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the **Futility of Idolatry and False Wisdom**, demonstrating that human reliance on occult practices, pagan deities, or self-derived knowledge is ultimately vain and leads to destruction, contrasting sharply with the true wisdom that comes from the Lord, whose fear is the beginning of knowledge [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"). Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute control over nations and their destinies, regardless of their perceived power or their attempts to manipulate fate through divination. Babylon's fall serves as a vivid illustration of God's justice against pride and wickedness, a theme echoed in other prophetic books concerning God's dominion over all earthly powers, such as the declaration in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules the Kingdom of Men"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Exhaustion of Vain Efforts**, showing that seeking answers and security from sources outside of the one true God leads to weariness, spiritual fatigue, and ultimate disappointment, a profound spiritual truth that transcends historical contexts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wearied (Hebrew, _lâʼâh'_):** From H3811, a primitive root meaning "to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted; faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves)." This word paints a vivid picture of Babylon's state, not of enlightenment or security, but of profound exhaustion. Despite her relentless pursuit of knowledge through countless diviners and endless consultations, she is utterly fatigued and disgusted by the fruitless endeavor. It suggests a deep spiritual and intellectual weariness resulting from a ceaseless but ultimately vain quest for control and certainty outside of God's revealed truth.
* **Astrologers (Hebrew, _hâbar'_):** From H1895, a primitive root of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation, meaning "to be a horoscopist; [phrase] (astro-) loger." This term, often used in conjunction with "heaven" (H8064, _shâmayim_), specifically refers to those who practiced celestial divination, meticulously charting the heavens to discern omens and predict the future. The prophet directly challenges the efficacy of these highly esteemed Babylonian practitioners, whose craft was central to the empire's perceived wisdom and security, exposing their inability to avert divine judgment.
* **Prognosticators (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses... [idiom] prognosticator." While the root means "to know," in this context, combined with "monthly" (H2320, _chôdesh_), it refers to those who make predictions, specifically based on monthly cycles or new moons. This broad term encompasses various forms of diviners who claimed special knowledge of future events, further emphasizing Babylon's comprehensive reliance on occult "knowledge" rather than divine truth, which is ultimately exposed as empty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels."**: This opening clause directly addresses Babylon, personified as a queen, highlighting her state of profound exhaustion. Her "counsels" do not refer to wise advice from legitimate sources but rather to the endless, laborious consultations with her numerous diviners, sorcerers, and astrologers. Despite the sheer quantity and intensity of these efforts, they have yielded no true peace, security, or effective solution, only weariness and futility.
* **"Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up,"**: This is a powerful, sarcastic challenge issued by the prophet. He mockingly calls upon the very practitioners Babylon trusts—those who claim to interpret the heavens and predict events based on celestial observations and monthly cycles—to rise to the occasion and prove their worth. The specific listing of these distinct groups underscores the widespread and deeply ingrained nature of divination in Babylonian society, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their false reliance.
* **"and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate, impossible test of their power: can they deliver Babylon from the impending judgment and destruction that God has decreed? The rhetorical question implies a resounding "no," serving as a devastating indictment. Their utter inability to "save" Babylon exposes the complete impotence of their occult practices and humanistic wisdom when confronted with the sovereign, irresistible will of the Almighty God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. **Personification** is central, as Babylon is directly addressed as a weary queen, allowing the prophet to speak to the nation's pride, self-reliance, and ultimate vulnerability in a vivid, relatable manner. The most striking device is **Sarcasm** or **Irony**, evident in the challenging command, "Let now the astrologers... stand up, and save thee." The prophet knows, and intends for the audience to understand, that these figures are utterly powerless, making the command a mocking taunt rather than a genuine invitation. This **rhetorical question** effectively highlights the futility of Babylon's pagan practices and the emptiness of her false wisdom. Furthermore, a strong **Contrast** is established between Babylon's exhaustive, yet fruitless, human efforts ("wearied in the multitude of thy counsels") and the inevitable, irresistible divine judgment that is "to come upon thee." The detailed listing of specific diviners ("astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators") also functions as a form of **enumeration**, emphasizing the breadth of Babylon's occult reliance and the comprehensive nature of its impending failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true wisdom and power, contrasting the vain attempts of humanity to control its destiny through occult means with the absolute sovereignty of the one true God. It underscores the biblical condemnation of divination and magic, not merely as ineffective, but as an affront to God's unique authority as the revealer of truth and the controller of all events. The weariness described in the verse is a spiritual weariness that comes from seeking life, guidance, and security from broken cisterns rather than the fountain of living waters. Ultimately, the passage reinforces that God alone is the source of salvation and true knowledge, and all other sources lead to deception, spiritual bondage, and ultimate disappointment.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 10:2-3](/jeremiah/10-2-3 "Jeremiah 10:2-3 - The Futility of Idols")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20-21](/1_corinthians/1-20-21 "1 Corinthians 1:20-21 - God's Wisdom vs. World's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:13 stands as a timeless warning for all generations, urging us to critically examine the sources of our security, wisdom, and guidance. In a world saturated with information, self-proclaimed experts, and countless voices claiming to offer insight into the future or solutions for life's myriad challenges, this verse calls us to discern carefully. Whether it's reliance on horoscopes, fortune-telling, New Age philosophies, self-help gurus, or even humanistic ideologies that intentionally exclude God, any source that elevates human wisdom or occult methods above divine revelation will ultimately lead to weariness, spiritual emptiness, and profound disappointment. True peace, lasting security, and genuine, life-giving wisdom are found only in placing our complete trust in God and His infallible Word. We are called to seek His counsel above all else, recognizing that His Word is truly a [lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp"), guiding us with perfect clarity and unwavering truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "counsels" or sources of wisdom do I primarily rely on for guidance and security in my life, and are they truly from God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "weariness" or spiritual fatigue because I am seeking answers or control outside of God's sovereign will?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my trust in God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, rather than in human predictions, self-effort, or worldly systems?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my reliance on God's Word and His Holy Spirit for true wisdom, lasting peace, and divine direction?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were "astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators" in ancient Babylon?**

Answer: These terms refer to various specialized classes of diviners and occult practitioners who were central to Babylonian society and highly esteemed. "Astrologers" (Hebrew: *hâbar shâmayim*) were those who "divided" or "charted the heavens," interpreting the positions, movements, and conjunctions of celestial bodies (stars, planets, moon) to foretell events, discern omens, or reveal the will of the gods. "Stargazers" (Hebrew: *chôzê kôwkâbîm*) were "beholders of the stars," another descriptive term for those deeply engaged in celestial divination, often focusing on specific constellations or phenomena. "Monthly prognosticators" (Hebrew: *môdîʻîm ləḥodâšîm*) were those who made predictions or gave advice based on the new moons or monthly cycles, which were considered significant times for omens and rituals. Collectively, they represent the sophisticated and pervasive system of divination that Babylon relied upon for guidance and security, which Isaiah declares to be utterly powerless against God's judgment.

**Why did God condemn these practices so strongly in the Old Testament?**

Answer: God condemned these practices so strongly because they represent a fundamental rejection of His unique sovereignty, omniscience, and authority as the sole revealer of truth and controller of destiny. In [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord"), God explicitly forbids divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and necromancy, stating that "whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord." Such practices attempt to gain knowledge or control outside of God's revealed will, often by appealing to demonic powers or vain human speculation. They divert trust and worship from the one true God to false sources, leading people away from true worship and into spiritual deception and bondage. God alone knows and controls the future, and He reveals what He chooses, when He chooses, through His prophets and His infallible Word, making all other sources of supposed foresight illegitimate and dangerous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:13, in its scathing condemnation of Babylon's reliance on false wisdom and occult practices, points forward to the ultimate source of true wisdom, deliverance, and salvation found only in Jesus Christ. The "weariness" of Babylon in her futile counsels foreshadows the universal human condition apart from God, endlessly seeking answers, control, and security in broken systems that ultimately disappoint and exhaust. Christ, however, offers true rest to the weary, inviting all who labor and are heavy laden to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor and Are Heavy Laden"). He is not merely a prognosticator of the future but the very [Lord of history](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega"), whose sovereign plan unfolds perfectly, from creation to consummation. While Babylon's astrologers looked to the stars in vain for guidance, the wise men from the East were divinely led by a star to worship the [King of the Jews](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - Where is He Who has been Born King of the Jews?"), recognizing that true divine revelation came not from celestial charts but from the incarnate Son of God. In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), providing the only reliable counsel and the only true salvation from the judgment that will ultimately come upon all who reject Him. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering deliverance that no human or occult power could ever provide, and His wisdom stands in stark contrast to the foolishness of the world ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men")).

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 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?