Isaiah 47:2

KJV

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} the millstones {H7347}, and grind {H2912} meal {H7058}: uncover {H1540} thy locks {H6777}, make bare {H2834} the leg {H7640}, uncover {H1540} the thigh {H7785}, pass over {H5674} the rivers {H5104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take the millstones, and grind meal; take off your veil, strip off your skirt, uncover your legs, wade through the streams.

Berean Standard Bible

Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams.

American Standard Version

Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove thy veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:2 delivers a stark prophetic decree against Babylon, personified as a once-proud queen, commanding her to descend into the most abject forms of servitude and public humiliation. This vivid imagery portrays a complete reversal of her exalted status, forcing her into the laborious, degrading tasks of a common slave and preparing her for a forced march into exile, stripped of all dignity and security. The verse underscores the divine judgment against a nation that had previously wielded immense power and inflicted cruelty upon others, particularly God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is a powerful oracle of judgment specifically directed at Babylon, often referred to as the "daughter of Babylon" or "virgin daughter of Babylon." This chapter forms part of a larger section within Isaiah (chapters 40-55) that contrasts God's sovereignty and redemptive plan for Israel with the futility of idols and the downfall of oppressive empires. The preceding verse, [Isaiah 47:1](/isaiah/47-1 "Isaiah 47:1 - Babylon's Humiliation Begins"), sets the stage by commanding Babylon to "come down, and sit in the dust," immediately signaling her demotion from a throne to the lowest position. This judgment is a direct consequence of Babylon's arrogance and her excessive cruelty towards God's people, themes further elaborated in [Isaiah 47:7-8](/isaiah/47-7 "Isaiah 47:7-8 - Babylon's Arrogant Boast"). The prophecy serves as both a warning to proud nations and a comfort to the exiled Israelites, assuring them of God's ultimate justice and their eventual deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon was delivered by Isaiah centuries before Babylon's actual fall to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. At the time of the prophecy, Babylon was a rising or dominant world power, known for its military might, imperial conquests, and opulent lifestyle. It was the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar that conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the Jewish people into exile (586 BC). Culturally, "grinding meal with millstones" was a task typically performed by the lowest servants or female slaves, signifying extreme drudgery and social degradation. "Uncovering locks," "making bare the leg," and "uncovering the thigh" were actions that stripped a woman of her modesty, dignity, and social standing, exposing her to public shame and preparing her for arduous labor, forced marches, or even sexual exploitation as a captive. "Passing over the rivers" would have evoked images of forced migration, fleeing, or being led into exile across major waterways like the Euphrates, which flowed through Babylon, or other rivers encountered during a journey as a refugee.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Humiliation and Degradation**, depicting a complete reversal of fortune for a proud entity. Babylon, accustomed to luxury and dominance, is reduced to the most menial and shameful tasks, signifying the loss of all dignity. Secondly, the imagery emphasizes **Forced Servitude**, as the commands to grind meal and expose herself are characteristic of a slave, not a queen. This directly contrasts with Babylon's former role as a mistress of nations, now forced to serve. Thirdly, the command to "pass over the rivers" underscores **Exile and Hardship**, mirroring the very fate Babylon inflicted upon others, particularly the Israelites, who were often forced to [sit by the rivers in captivity](/psalms/137-1 "Psalm 137:1 - By the Rivers of Babylon"). Finally, and most profoundly, the passage reveals the theme of **Divine Judgment**. Underlying these explicit commands is the sovereign hand of God, bringing down the proud and mighty. Babylon's arrogance and cruelty are met with a just and severe punishment, demonstrating that no nation, however powerful, is beyond God's ultimate authority and righteous decree, as seen in God's judgment against other nations throughout [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** H3947 - A primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it implies a forceful, non-negotiable command. Babylon is not willingly performing these actions; they are imposed upon her, underscoring her loss of autonomy and the irresistible nature of divine judgment.
* **uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** H1540 - A primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the stripping away of modesty, dignity, and protection. It signifies public shame, vulnerability, and the preparation for arduous labor or forced migration, as captives were often stripped.
* **grind (Hebrew, _ṭâchan'_):** H2912 - A primitive root meaning "to grind meal." This term specifically refers to the laborious and menial task of grinding grain using heavy millstones, typically performed by the lowest servants or slaves. It symbolizes a complete reversal of status from a luxurious queen to a common, degraded laborer.
* **pass over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** H5674 - A primitive root meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative)." Here, it denotes forced movement, likely across rivers as a refugee or captive, signifying the loss of her homeland, security, and settled existence, mirroring the exile she imposed on others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take the millstones, and grind meal:"** This clause issues a direct, imperative command for Babylon to engage in the most arduous and demeaning form of labor. Grinding meal with heavy millstones was typically the work of female slaves or the lowest members of society, often performed in a squatting or kneeling position. This command signifies a complete and humiliating reversal of Babylon's opulent, queenly status to that of a common, subjugated servant. It emphasizes her reduction to a state of utter degradation and forced servitude.
* **"uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh,"** This series of commands graphically depicts the stripping away of Babylon's modesty, dignity, and protection. "Uncovering locks" (her hair, often covered by a veil or elaborate headdress for a queen) and "making bare the leg" and "uncovering the thigh" refer to the removal of long, flowing garments that signified status and modesty. Such exposure would have been deeply shameful in ancient Near Eastern culture, exposing her to public disgrace. Furthermore, baring the legs and thighs was necessary for arduous physical labor, such as wading through rivers, or for being prepared for a forced march as a captive, highlighting her vulnerability and the harshness of her impending fate.
* **"pass over the rivers."** This final command signifies forced displacement and exile. It implies that Babylon will be driven out of her secure homeland, possibly across the Euphrates River that flowed through her capital, or other waterways encountered during a desperate flight or forced march. This command underscores the loss of her territory, her security, and her former dominion, forcing her into the precarious and vulnerable life of a refugee or captive, mirroring the very fate she had inflicted upon conquered peoples, including Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:2 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of judgment and humiliation. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Babylon is addressed directly as a woman, specifically a proud queen ("virgin daughter of Babylon" in [Isaiah 47:1](/isaiah/47-1 "Isaiah 47:1 - Babylon's Humiliation Begins")), who is now commanded to perform the tasks of a slave. This allows for a vivid and emotionally resonant portrayal of her downfall. **Imagery** is extensively used, painting a stark picture of degradation through concrete, sensory details: the heavy "millstones," the laborious act of "grinding meal," and the shocking "uncovering" of hair, leg, and thigh. These images evoke public shame, physical exertion, and extreme vulnerability. The commands themselves function as **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where the actions of grinding and uncovering are not merely physical tasks but symbolic representations of Babylon's loss of power, dignity, and autonomy. The "rivers" symbolize boundaries, security, and home, and "passing over" them becomes a metaphor for forced exile and the disruption of her established order. Finally, there is a profound sense of **Irony**, as Babylon, who had enslaved and exiled other nations, is now herself subjected to the very same fate, a testament to divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:2 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It vividly illustrates the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that even the most powerful empires are accountable to the Almighty. Babylon's humiliation is a divine object lesson, demonstrating that those who exalt themselves and act with cruelty against God's people will ultimately be brought low. This reversal of fortune underscores God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. For the oppressed, this prophecy offered immense hope and assurance that their cries for justice would be heard and answered, and that their oppressors would face retribution.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Daniel 4:37 - God Humbles the Proud")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - The Magnificat: God Humbles the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:2 offers a potent and timeless message for individuals and nations alike. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and the inevitable consequences of pride and oppression. For us, it calls for a posture of humility, recognizing that any strength, influence, or prosperity we possess is ultimately a gift from God, to be stewarded for His glory and the good of others, not for self-aggrandizement or the subjugation of the vulnerable. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of arrogance, self-sufficiency, or a tendency to exploit others for personal gain, urging us instead towards empathy, justice, and dependence on God. Furthermore, it reassures those who feel oppressed or marginalized that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring about justice, reminding us to trust in His sovereign plan even when circumstances seem bleak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-sufficiency, similar to Babylon's arrogance?**
* **How does the imagery of Babylon's humiliation challenge my understanding of true power and lasting security?**
* **How can I actively participate in God's work of justice and humility in my community and the wider world?**
* **What comfort or warning does this passage offer to me regarding the rise and fall of earthly powers and my ultimate allegiance?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Babylon" in this context, and why is God pronouncing such a harsh judgment against her?**

Answer: In Isaiah 47, "Babylon" refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was the dominant world power during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. This empire conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the Jewish people into exile in 586 BC. God pronounces such a harsh judgment against Babylon primarily because of her excessive pride, her self-proclaimed invincibility (as seen in [Isaiah 47:7-8](/isaiah/47-7 "Isaiah 47:7-8 - Babylon's Arrogant Boast")), and her cruel treatment of the nations she conquered, especially God's chosen people. While God used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah's sin, Babylon acted with malicious intent and went beyond the scope of God's commission, leading to her own accountability and ultimate downfall.

**Why is grinding meal and uncovering locks/legs/thighs considered so humiliating?**

Answer: These actions were deeply humiliating in ancient Near Eastern culture because they stripped a woman, especially one of high status, of her dignity, modesty, and social standing. Grinding meal with millstones was a task reserved for the lowest female servants or slaves, signifying extreme drudgery and social degradation. "Uncovering locks" (her hair, often covered by a veil or elaborate headdress) and "making bare the leg" and "uncovering the thigh" involved the removal of long, flowing garments that indicated status and modesty. Such exposure was considered shameful and vulnerable, preparing her for arduous physical labor, forced marches as a captive, or even sexual exploitation. It symbolized a complete reversal from a position of honor and luxury to one of public disgrace and servitude.

**What is the significance of the command to "pass over the rivers"?**

Answer: The command to "pass over the rivers" signifies forced displacement, exile, and the loss of security. Babylon was situated on the Euphrates River, which was central to its identity and defense. To "pass over the rivers" implies being driven out of her homeland, possibly across the Euphrates or other waterways encountered during a desperate flight or forced march as a captive. This command underscores the loss of her territory, her established order, and her former dominion, forcing her into the precarious and vulnerable life of a refugee or captive. It is a powerful ironic echo of the fate she inflicted upon conquered peoples, including the Israelites, who were themselves led into exile across rivers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 47:2 directly prophesies the historical downfall of Babylon, it also points forward to a deeper, spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Babylon, as the epitome of human pride, oppressive power, and rebellion against God, foreshadows the "Mystery Babylon" of the New Testament, representing the ultimate system of worldly evil and opposition to God's kingdom (as extensively detailed in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon")). Just as ancient Babylon was brought low, Christ's victory on the cross decisively judged and defeated the spiritual forces of sin, death, and the oppressive dominion of evil. Unlike Babylon, who was stripped of her dignity in shame, Christ willingly "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), enduring the ultimate public humiliation and exposure on the cross, where he was "made naked" for our sake. This profound act of self-emptying and suffering, a voluntary "uncovering" and "passing over" from life to death, was not for his own judgment but for the redemption of humanity. Through his death and resurrection, Christ "passed over" the chasm of sin and death, securing true freedom and dignity for those who humble themselves and believe in Him. He is the one who ultimately brings down the proud and exalts the humble ([Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - The Magnificat: God Humbles the Proud")), fulfilling the divine pattern of justice and reversal seen in Babylon's fall, and offering a kingdom that will never be destroyed or pass away.

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

Matthew 24:41

Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Exodus 11:5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

Isaiah 20:4

So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Luke 17:35

Two [women] shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Job 31:10

[Then] let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

Nahum 3:5

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.