Isaiah 47:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But these two {H8147} things shall come {H935} to thee in a moment {H7281} in one {H259} day {H3117}, the loss of children {H7908}, and widowhood {H489}: they shall come {H935} upon thee in their perfection {H8537} for the multitude {H7230} of thy sorceries {H3785}, and for the great {H3966} abundance {H6109} of thine enchantments {H2267}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But both will come over you in an instant, in a single day loss of children and widowhood; they will utterly overwhelm you, despite your many occult practices and powerful spells to prevent it."

Berean Standard Bible

These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells.

American Standard Version

but these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come upon thee, in the multitude of thy sorceries, and the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:9 delivers a powerful and chilling prophecy of divine judgment against Babylon, personified as a proud queen. It foretells a sudden, catastrophic, and complete downfall, specifically highlighting the "loss of children and widowhood" as the devastating consequences. This severe retribution is directly attributed to Babylon's widespread and deep-seated reliance on sorcery and enchantments, practices explicitly condemned by God, underscoring His unwavering sovereignty over all earthly powers and illicit spiritual arts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 stands as a distinct prophetic oracle, a "lament" or "taunt" song directed against Babylon, following a series of oracles concerning various nations. The preceding verses (Isaiah 47:1-8) vividly depict Babylon's fall from her perceived glory and power, portraying her as a virgin daughter now brought low, forced into servitude, and stripped of her royal dignity. She is condemned for her cruel oppression of God's people (Isaiah 47:6) and her arrogant self-sufficiency, declaring, "I am, and there is none else beside me" (Isaiah 47:8). Verse 9 specifically zeroes in on the spiritual dimension of Babylon's sin, identifying her pervasive occult practices as a primary catalyst for the impending, swift, and irreversible judgment, thus serving as a direct explanation for the severity of her fate. The subsequent verses continue to mock Babylon's inability to be saved by her astrologers and diviners (Isaiah 47:12-15), reinforcing the futility of her reliance on forbidden arts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE), Babylon was a rising power, though it would reach its zenith and become the dominant empire only centuries later, particularly under Nebuchadnezzar II, who would conquer Jerusalem and exile Judah. However, the reputation of Mesopotamia, and Babylon in particular, as a center for astrology, divination, and various forms of magic was well-established in the ancient Near East. These practices were deeply interwoven into their religious, political, and daily life, believed to offer insight into the future, manipulate events, and secure power. The Israelites, in contrast, were strictly forbidden from engaging in such activities, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices"). Therefore, God's judgment against Babylon for her "sorceries" and "enchantments" was not merely a condemnation of immoral acts but a direct challenge to the very foundation of her perceived strength and wisdom, highlighting the stark contrast between reliance on divine revelation and reliance on occult manipulation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that no nation, however mighty or self-assured, can escape God's righteous wrath when it defies His commands and oppresses His people. Babylon's fall serves as a stark example of God's ultimate control over history and empires, a theme echoed in the prophecies against other nations in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Condemnation of Occult Practices**, underscoring God's absolute prohibition against sorcery, divination, and all forms of spiritual manipulation. These practices are presented as an abomination, a direct affront to God's unique authority and a dangerous path leading to destruction, a principle consistently upheld from [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums") to [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Fate of the Unbelieving"). Thirdly, the specific calamities of "loss of children and widowhood" symbolize **Complete Desolation and Irreversible Loss**, illustrating that God's judgment is not superficial but strikes at the very heart of a society's continuity and well-being, leaving no hope for recovery or succession. This contrasts sharply with Babylon's boast of eternal dominion in [Isaiah 47:7](/isaiah/47-7 "Isaiah 47:7 - Babylon's Eternal Boast").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **moment (Hebrew, _regaʻ'_):** From a root meaning "to wink," this word denotes a very short space of time, an instant, or suddenly. Its use here emphasizes the unexpected and rapid nature of the impending judgment, contrasting with Babylon's long-held sense of security and permanence. The swiftness of the calamity underscores its divine origin and irresistible force.
* **sorceries (Hebrew, _kesheph'_):** This term refers to magic, spells, and witchcraft, often implying the use of drugs or incantations to manipulate events or gain forbidden knowledge. It points to a reliance on illicit, demonic powers rather than on the one true God, a practice consistently condemned in the Torah and Prophets as an abomination.
* **enchantments (Hebrew, _cheber'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join" or "to bind," this word can refer to a society or a spell. In this context, it signifies charm-casting, binding spells, or divination, often involving conjurations or the use of specific formulas to influence outcomes. Together with "sorceries," it paints a comprehensive picture of Babylon's deep immersion in forbidden spiritual arts, which were seen as a source of her power and influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day,"**: This clause introduces the sudden and comprehensive nature of Babylon's impending judgment. The phrase "in a moment in one day" emphasizes the unexpected, swift, and decisive arrival of the catastrophe, shattering Babylon's illusion of invincibility and perpetual reign. It highlights the immediacy and totality of God's intervention.
* **"the loss of children, and widowhood:"**: These two specific calamities represent the most profound and devastating losses for a society, particularly for women in the ancient Near East. "Loss of children" signifies the destruction of future generations and the obliteration of family lines, while "widowhood" speaks to the loss of protection, provision, and social standing. Together, they symbolize utter desolation, the dismantling of the social fabric, and the complete eradication of hope for continuity.
* **"they shall come upon thee in their perfection"**: This phrase underscores the completeness and utter finality of the judgment. "Perfection" here implies that the calamities will be full, absolute, and without remedy or escape. The judgment will achieve its intended purpose fully, leaving Babylon utterly devastated and without recourse, fulfilling the divine decree to its utmost extent.
* **"for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments."**: This final clause explicitly states the reason for Babylon's severe punishment. Her widespread and excessive engagement in "sorceries" (magic, witchcraft) and "enchantments" (charms, spells, divination) is the direct cause of her downfall. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous retribution for spiritual rebellion, for seeking power and knowledge outside of Him through forbidden means, and for the pervasive nature of these abominable practices within her society.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending doom. **Personification** is central, as Babylon is addressed directly as "thee," a proud queen who will experience the calamities of "loss of children, and widowhood," typically experienced by individuals. This makes the national judgment deeply personal and emotionally resonant. The phrase "in a moment in one day" is a powerful use of **Hyperbole** and **Idiom**, emphasizing the suddenness and totality of the judgment, contrasting sharply with Babylon's self-proclaimed eternal dominion. It creates a sense of abruptness and shock. The pairing of "loss of children, and widowhood" serves as **Merism**, representing the complete and utter destruction of family, future, and social structure, encompassing all possible forms of desolation. Finally, the repetition of "multitude" and "great abundance" in reference to sorceries and enchantments is a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the pervasive and excessive nature of Babylon's sin, thereby justifying the severity of the divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:9 stands as a stark theological declaration of God's absolute intolerance for spiritual rebellion and His unwavering commitment to righteous judgment. It reveals that human power, even when augmented by occult practices, is utterly futile against the divine will. The specific nature of the judgment—loss of children and widowhood—reflects a principle of divine retribution where the punishment often mirrors the sin or strikes at the source of a nation's perceived strength. Babylon's reliance on her "multitude of sorceries" was her perceived strength, yet it becomes the very reason for her complete desolation, demonstrating that what humans trust in apart from God will ultimately fail them. This passage serves as a timeless warning against seeking power, knowledge, or security through forbidden means, reaffirming that true wisdom and security are found only in the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")
* [Revelation 18:7-8](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7-7 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:9 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that God's justice is real, comprehensive, and often comes unexpectedly. For believers today, this verse calls us to a deep introspection about where we place our trust and what we rely upon for security, wisdom, or power. Just as Babylon trusted in her sorceries and perceived invincibility, we can be tempted to rely on worldly systems, human wisdom, financial stability, or even our own abilities, rather than solely on God. This passage challenges us to recognize that any source of security or power sought outside of God's revealed will is ultimately a false and dangerous foundation, destined to crumble. It also powerfully reinforces the biblical prohibition against all forms of occultism, divination, and spiritual manipulation, urging us to flee from anything that seeks to gain knowledge or control through means other than God's Spirit and His Word. Our ultimate security and hope must rest in God alone, for only He is truly sovereign and unshakeable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to place my trust in something other than God, similar to Babylon's reliance on sorcery?**
* **How does the suddenness of Babylon's judgment ("in a moment in one day") challenge my assumptions about time and consequences for sin?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am not subtly engaging in or condoning practices that seek power or knowledge outside of God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's wisdom and provision, rather than seeking security in worldly systems or self-sufficiency?**

### FAQ

**What exactly were "sorceries" and "enchantments" in ancient Babylon?**

Answer: In ancient Mesopotamia, particularly Babylon, "sorceries" (Hebrew: _kesheph_) and "enchantments" (Hebrew: _cheber_) referred to a wide array of magical and divinatory practices. _Kesheph_ often involved the use of spells, incantations, and sometimes potions or drugs to influence events, curse enemies, or gain control over individuals. _Cheber_ could encompass charm-casting, binding spells, or various forms of divination, such as interpreting omens, astrology (which was highly developed in Babylon), or conjuring spirits. These practices were deeply embedded in Babylonian culture, seen as legitimate means to understand the future, protect oneself, or manipulate divine forces, and were often performed by professional priests, diviners, and magicians. The Bible consistently condemns such practices as abominations, a direct affront to the sovereignty of the one true God, as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices").

**Why were "loss of children and widowhood" chosen as the specific judgments?**

Answer: The "loss of children and widowhood" represented two of the most profound and devastating calamities in ancient society, particularly for women. In a patriarchal society, a woman's status, security, and future were often tied to her husband and children. The loss of children meant the end of the family line, the absence of heirs, and the destruction of hope for future generations. Widowhood meant the loss of a protector and provider, often leading to extreme vulnerability and poverty. By prophesying these specific losses, God was declaring a judgment that would strike at the very heart of Babylon's continuity, prosperity, and social fabric. It symbolized a complete and utter desolation, leaving no hope for recovery or succession, directly contrasting with Babylon's arrogant boast of eternal dominion found in [Isaiah 47:7](/isaiah/47-7 "Isaiah 47:7 - Babylon's Boast of Eternal Reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 47:9 directly addresses Babylon's judgment, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The sudden and complete judgment upon Babylon for her reliance on false powers and self-exaltation foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all spiritual wickedness and human rebellion. Just as Babylon's sorceries proved futile against God's decree, so too are all the powers of darkness and the schemes of humanity rendered powerless before the finished work of Christ on the cross. The "loss of children and widowhood" symbolizes the complete desolation that awaits those who reject God and cling to sin; yet, in Christ, we find true spiritual progeny and a divine Husband who will never leave us as spiritual widows (cf. [Isaiah 54:5](/isaiah/54-5 "Isaiah 54:5 - God as Husband to Israel"), [2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Betrothed to One Husband")). Jesus, as the ultimate Lamb of God, took upon Himself the judgment for sin, including the spiritual sorceries and enchantments that enslave humanity, thereby offering freedom and redemption to all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His return will be "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" ([1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Resurrection Moment")), bringing full and final judgment upon all unrighteousness and establishing His eternal kingdom, where no darkness or false power can stand ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). Thus, Babylon's fall serves as a prophetic type, pointing to the decisive victory of Christ over all forces that oppose God, offering hope to those who turn from darkness to His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")).

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

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

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 47:12

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.

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.

Revelation 18:8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.