Isaiah 47:15

KJV

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, [even] thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured {H3021}, even thy merchants {H5503}, from thy youth {H5271}: they shall wander {H8582} every one {H376} to his quarter {H5676}; none shall save {H3467} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

So much for your [wizards], with whom you have worked all your life! Each will wander off in his own direction, and nobody will save you.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what they are to you— those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.

American Standard Version

Thus shall the things be unto thee wherein thou hast labored: they that have trafficked with thee from thy youth shall wander every one to his quarter; there shall be none to save thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:15 delivers a stark prophetic declaration concerning the ultimate downfall of Babylon, portraying its complete abandonment and utter helplessness. It reveals that those with whom Babylon had diligently cultivated relationships and relied upon for its economic might—its long-standing commercial partners and allies—would scatter in its hour of judgment, each seeking their own safety. This final verse of the oracle against Babylon culminates in the definitive statement that no one will be able to rescue or deliver the proud empire from its divinely ordained destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 stands as a powerful prophetic oracle against Babylon, personified throughout the chapter as a proud queen brought low. The chapter begins by stripping Babylon of its royal garments and forcing it into servitude, a stark reversal of its former glory. Prior to verse 15, Isaiah details Babylon's self-assured pride and reliance on its own wisdom, sorcery, and vast commercial networks, boasting, "I am, and there is none else beside me" [Isaiah 47:10](/isaiah/47-10 "Isaiah 47:10 - Babylon's Self-Deception"). The preceding verses [Isaiah 47:12-14](/isaiah/47-12 "Isaiah 47:12-14 - The Futility of Babylon's Sorcery") specifically highlight the futility of its astrologers and enchanters, who are unable to save it from the impending fire. Verse 15 serves as the climactic conclusion to this denunciation, extending the judgment to Babylon's economic and political alliances, revealing that even these long-standing pillars of its strength will offer no salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah, delivered centuries before the actual fall of Babylon (to Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE), speaks to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a dominant world power known for its immense wealth, sophisticated trade routes, and mystical practices. Babylon's strategic location made it a major commercial hub, attracting merchants and fostering alliances that contributed significantly to its economic and political influence. The "merchants" mentioned in the verse represent not just individual traders but also the broader network of commercial partners and vassal states that benefited from Babylon's prosperity. The cultural norm of self-preservation in the face of collapse, where alliances based on mutual gain quickly dissolve, is powerfully depicted as these partners "wander every one to his quarter," abandoning the doomed city.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. It underscores the **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that no empire, however mighty or resourceful, can withstand God's decree or escape His judgment. It highlights the **Futility of Human Reliance**, exposing the inherent weakness of placing ultimate trust in worldly wealth, strategic alliances, or human wisdom and power, which are all temporary and fallible. Furthermore, it emphasizes the theme of **Judgment and Isolation**, showing that sinful pride and self-sufficiency ultimately lead to utter abandonment and helplessness when divine reckoning arrives. The stark declaration "none shall save thee" serves as a profound contrast between the fleeting nature of worldly strength and the eternal, unwavering nature of God's true salvation, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord") where trust in chariots and horses is contrasted with trust in the name of the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laboured (Hebrew, _yâgaʻ'_):** From H3021, this root properly means "to gasp," and by extension, "to be exhausted, to tire, to toil." In the context of Isaiah 47:15, it signifies the immense effort, investment, and strategic cultivation Babylon put into its relationships with these merchants and commercial partners. It implies a long history of diligent work to build and maintain these advantageous alliances, making their eventual abandonment all the more poignant and ironic.
* **merchants (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** Derived from H5503, this word describes one who "travels round (specifically as a pedlar)" or engages in "trade" and "traffick." It points to the commercial nature of Babylon's alliances and the economic backbone of its empire. These "merchants" represent not only individuals but also the vast network of trading partners and potentially even vassal states whose prosperity was intertwined with Babylon's, yet whose loyalty was ultimately conditional upon their own self-interest.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, this primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," encompassing concepts of deliverance, rescue, and salvation. The declaration "none shall save thee" is a definitive and absolute statement of Babylon's complete lack of a deliverer. Despite all its past efforts and alliances, no external or internal power will be capable of rescuing it from the impending divine judgment, underscoring its utter and inescapable doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, [even] thy merchants, from thy youth:":** This opening clause identifies the agents of Babylon's abandonment. "They" refers to the very individuals and entities with whom Babylon has exerted considerable effort ("laboured") to build relationships. The specific identification of "thy merchants" emphasizes the economic and commercial nature of these alliances. The phrase "from thy youth" highlights the long-standing and deeply ingrained nature of these connections, suggesting that these were not fleeting acquaintances but foundational relationships cultivated over Babylon's entire history as a dominant power. The implication is that these relationships, built on mutual profit and strategic advantage, will prove superficial and unreliable when true crisis strikes.
* **"they shall wander every one to his quarter;":** This describes the immediate and self-serving response of Babylon's former partners. Instead of offering aid or standing in solidarity, these "merchants" and allies will scatter. "To his quarter" (H5676, _ʻêber'_) literally means "to his own side" or "across," indicating a complete dispersal and a prioritization of individual survival over any former loyalty or shared interest. This imagery powerfully conveys the utter isolation of Babylon as its supposed friends abandon it to its fate, each seeking refuge in their own domains.
* **"none shall save thee.":** This is the stark, definitive, and climactic declaration of the verse. It underscores the absolute nature of Babylon's impending judgment and its complete lack of any external or internal source of salvation. Despite its past might, its vast resources, and its extensive network of relationships, when God's judgment falls, there will be no deliverer, no rescuer, and no one capable of providing succor. This phrase encapsulates the total and inescapable doom awaiting the proud empire.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment and abandonment. **Personification** is central to the entire chapter, with Babylon consistently depicted as a proud queen or a virgin daughter brought low, making her ultimate desertion by "her merchants" a deeply personal and humiliating betrayal. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as Babylon, which prided itself on its self-sufficiency, strength, and extensive network of alliances, is left utterly helpless and abandoned by the very entities it trusted and invested in. The language is characterized by **Totalizing Language** or **Hyperbole**, particularly in phrases like "every one to his quarter" and "none shall save thee," which emphasize the universal and absolute nature of the abandonment and the complete absence of any hope for rescue. Finally, there is a powerful **Contrast** between the past "labour" and the long-standing relationships "from thy youth" and the sudden, complete desertion in the face of judgment, highlighting the ephemeral nature of worldly security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the futility of placing ultimate trust in anything other than God. It reveals that all human systems, alliances, and material wealth, no matter how robust or long-standing, are ultimately temporary and incapable of providing true salvation or security in the face of God's sovereign decree. Babylon's reliance on its commercial strength and political connections proved to be a foundation of sand, crumbling precisely when it needed support most. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His power to humble the proud and expose the emptiness of worldly boasts. It is a timeless warning against idolatry—the worship of created things (like wealth or power) over the Creator—and a call to recognize that true deliverance comes only from the Lord.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Curse on Trusting in Man, Blessing on Trusting in God")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - The Merchants' Lament Over Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:15 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary individuals and nations, challenging us to critically examine the objects of our ultimate trust and security. In a world that often prioritizes economic strength, political alliances, and personal networks, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly supports are finite and fallible. Are we, like Babylon, investing our deepest "labour" and hope in systems, relationships, or resources that are ultimately self-interested and will scatter when true adversity strikes? The passage compels us to consider whether our security is rooted in the fleeting promises of human power and wealth, or in the unchanging faithfulness of God. True and lasting peace, security, and salvation are not found in the accumulation of riches or the cultivation of influential connections, but in a humble and unwavering reliance on the Lord, who alone is an unfailing refuge and a never-failing deliverer. This verse calls us to re-evaluate our priorities, shifting our ultimate allegiance from the temporary to the eternal, from the created to the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly systems, relationships, or resources do I tend to rely on for ultimate security and salvation?**
* **How does the fate of Babylon's merchants challenge my understanding of true and lasting help?**
* **In what ways might I be "labouring" in relationships or pursuits that will ultimately offer no salvation in times of crisis?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God as my ultimate deliverer, rather than in the fleeting alliances of the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah specifically mention "merchants" in this prophecy against Babylon?**

Answer: Babylon was a preeminent commercial and economic powerhouse in the ancient world, with vast trade networks and alliances that underpinned its wealth and influence. By specifically mentioning "merchants" (H5503, _çâchar'_), Isaiah highlights that even the very foundation of Babylon's prosperity and its most profitable, long-standing relationships—those built on mutual gain—would prove utterly useless and dissolve in its hour of divine judgment. It underscores that what Babylon trusted in most deeply, beyond just military might or occult practices, would ultimately fail to deliver salvation. The prophet emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the coming desolation, affecting every aspect of Babylon's power.

**Does this verse imply that all human relationships are unreliable?**

Answer: Not necessarily all human relationships, but it strongly cautions against placing ultimate, saving trust in human alliances, economic systems, or material resources. The relationships described here are those cultivated for strategic advantage and mutual gain, symbolized by "merchants" and those "with whom thou hast laboured" (H3021, _yâgaʻ'_). Such relationships, built on self-interest, are inherently fragile and will fail when tested by severe adversity or divine judgment. The verse critiques the *kind* of reliance Babylon placed on its commercial partners, contrasting it with the steadfastness of God. It encourages discernment, reminding us that while human connections have their place, they cannot offer ultimate salvation or security that only God provides.

**What is the significance of "from thy youth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "from thy youth" (H5271, _nâʻûwr'_) emphasizes the longevity and deep-seated nature of Babylon's commercial and political relationships. It suggests that these alliances were not new or superficial but had been cultivated over a long period, forming a core part of Babylon's identity and perceived strength since its early days as an empire. The fact that even these long-standing partners, who had benefited from Babylon's prosperity for generations, abandon her underscores the completeness of her isolation and the utter futility of her reliance on any power other than God. It highlights that no matter how entrenched or seemingly secure worldly foundations may appear, they are ultimately temporary and subject to divine dismantling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:15, with its stark declaration that "none shall save thee," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's proclamation of Jesus as the exclusive and ultimate Savior. Babylon's futile reliance on its merchants and alliances serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow, illustrating the universal human tendency to seek salvation in worldly systems, wealth, or human connections—all of which ultimately fail. In contrast, the New Testament consistently presents Jesus Christ as the one and only true deliverer. 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"), the one in whom "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved" [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name"). Unlike Babylon's fleeting partners who scatter "every one to his quarter," Christ is the faithful friend who "sticks closer than a brother" [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother") and promises never to leave or forsake His own [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"). The futility of laying up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, is contrasted with the eternal security of treasures laid up in heaven through Christ [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"). Thus, Isaiah 47:15 ultimately points to the indispensable need for the unique and eternal salvation offered solely through Jesus Christ, the one who truly saves.

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

Revelation 18:11

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

Isaiah 56:11

Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.

Ezekiel 27:12

Tarshish [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all [kind of] riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.

Ezekiel 27:25

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.