This chapter is a prophesy of destruction for “Babylon”, decades before it was a superpower or conquered Judah.
“Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light. I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.” (v9-11)
There are at least 26 references to “the day of the Lord” in scripture, and at least 4 more prophesies that included cosmic disruptions (eg. “the sun will be dark”). Clearly God is sending a strong, yet consistent message of condemnation against sin and rebellion. “The day of the Lord” is partially fulfilled, but most of it has yet to come.
Babylon is mentioned roughly 287 times in scripture, making it second to only to Jerusalem. Similar to “Zion” or “Jerusalem”, “Babylon” has multiple meanings:
– It was a literal city
– It was later a powerful and evil nation, an entire people group
– Though the physical nation was destroyed, the Bible still refers to it as a cultural / spiritual tradition of idolatry, sin, and persecution against God’s people
Most prophesy in scripture has a past, present, and future component to it. We see many biblical prophesies that have been fulfilled (eg. the rise Babylon), we see the present fulfillment of prophesy (eg. the ongoing tradition of Babylon) and we look forward to the future fulfillment of prophesy (eg. the final destruction of Babylon’s legacy on “the Day of the Lord”).
I encourage us to prepare for the day of the Lord – ensure our hearts are prepared, and spread the gospel message to as many people as God leads us to. Eventually it will be too late, and the final day of sin’s judgement will be upon us. Since we don’t know the day or even the year, we must be constantly ready, obeying God’s every prompting as best we can, and partnering with the Spirit to bring more people into Christ’s kingdom – we must not tarry or delay, for the kingdom of God is at hand, and the day of the Lord is approaching.
Father God, our Patient and Steadfast Lord, You are withholding Your judgement until the appointed time, so many more may repent of their sin. Spirit please work in and through us, so we may help bring more souls into Christ’s kingdom. For Your glory, honor, and praise O Lord, until Your day arrives, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training