Isaiah 21:9
Isaiah 21:9 in Multiple Translations
Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
and, behold, here cometh a troop of men, horsemen in pairs. And he answered and said, Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the graven images of her gods are broken unto the ground.
See, here come war-carriages with men, horsemen by twos: and in answer he said, Babylon is made low, is made low, and all her images are broken on the earth.
Now look! A man in a chariot with a pair of horses is coming.” Then he said, “Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the idols of its gods lie smashed on the ground!”
And beholde, this mans charet commeth with two horsemen. And he answered and said, Babel is fallen: it is fallen, and all the images of her gods hath he broken vnto the ground.
And lo, this, the chariot of a man is coming, A couple of horsemen.' And he answereth and saith: 'Fallen, fallen hath Babylon, And all the graven images of her gods He hath broken to the earth.
Behold, here comes a troop of men, horsemen in pairs.” He answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the engraved images of her gods are broken to the ground.
And behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken to the ground.
Behold this man cometh, the rider upon the chariot with two horsemen, and he answered, and said: Babylon is fallen, she is fallen, and all the graven gods thereof are broken unto the ground.
Now, I saw a man riding in a chariot pulled by two horses. I called out to him, and he answered/shouted, ‘Babylon has been destroyed! All the idols in Babylon lie in pieces on the ground!’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּה
זֶ֥ה
בָא֙
רֶ֣כֶב
אִ֔ישׁ
צֶ֖מֶד
פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
נָפְלָ֤ה
נָֽפְלָה֙
בָּבֶ֔ל
וְ/כָל
פְּסִילֵ֥י
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/הָ
שִׁבַּ֥ר
לָ/אָֽרֶץ
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
בָא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
צֶ֖מֶד
tsemed
H6776
pair
N-ms
פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָפְלָ֤ה
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נָֽפְלָה֙
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בָּבֶ֔ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
פְּסִילֵ֥י
pᵉçîyl
H6456
idol
N-mp
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/הָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
שִׁבַּ֥ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:9
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בָא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
צֶ֖מֶד
tsemed
H6776
"pair"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pair or team, often of animals, and can also mean an acre of land that a yoke of cattle can plow in a day. It's used to describe a unit or a set of two things working together.
Definition: 1) couple, pair, team, yoke 1a) couple, pair, span (usually of animals) 1b) acre 1b1) the amount of land a span of oxen could plow in one day
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: acre, couple, [idiom] together, two (donkeys), yoke (of oxen). See also: Judges 19:3; 2 Kings 5:17; Isaiah 5:10.
פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָפְלָ֤ה
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
נָֽפְלָה֙
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בָּבֶ֔ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
פְּסִילֵ֥י
pᵉçîyl
H6456
"idol"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image or quarry, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: image, idol, graven image Another spelling of pe.sel (פֶּ֫סֶל "idol" H6459)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image, quarry. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Psalms 78:58; Isaiah 10:10.
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/הָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
שִׁבַּ֥ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
לָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:9
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- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:9
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:9
Context — Babylon Is Fallen
7When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.”
8Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.
9Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”
10O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel. 11This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 18:2 | And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. |
| 2 | Revelation 14:8 | Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:8 | Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 51:44 | I will punish Bel in Babylon. I will make him spew out what he swallowed. The nations will no longer stream to him; even the wall of Babylon will fall. |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:19 | And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 50:9 | For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 51:64 | Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah. |
| 8 | Isaiah 46:1–2 | Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 50:2–3 | “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 14:4 | you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! |
Isaiah 21:9 Summary
Isaiah 21:9 tells us that Babylon, a powerful and idolatrous city, will fall to an invading army. The phrase 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon' shows that the city's destruction will be complete. This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and that idolatry will ultimately be punished, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 29:17-18 and Psalm 96:5. It encourages us to trust in the one true God, rather than in idols or our own strength, and to worship Him alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the riders and horsemen in pairs in Isaiah 21:9?
The riders and horsemen in pairs signify the approaching army that will bring judgment to Babylon, as prophesied by God through Isaiah, similar to the conquests described in Jeremiah 51:20-24 and Ezekiel 26:7-11.
Why does the verse repeat 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon'?
The repetition of 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon' emphasizes the complete and utter destruction of the city, much like the emphasis on the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:2, where it is also described as having fallen.
What does it mean that 'all the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground'?
This phrase indicates that the idols and false gods of Babylon will be destroyed, symbolizing the powerlessness of these idols, as also seen in Isaiah 46:1-2, where the idols of Bel and Nebo are described as being unable to save their worshippers.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Isaiah's prophecies?
Isaiah 21:9 is part of a series of prophetic messages concerning the judgment of various nations, including Babylon, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations, as seen in Isaiah 13:1-22 and Jeremiah 25:12-14.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the consequences of idolatry and trusting in false gods?
- How does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to us today about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God?
- In what ways can we apply the message of Isaiah 21:9 to our own lives, particularly in regards to trusting in God's power and sovereignty?
- What does the image of the shattered idols on the ground reveal about the nature of true worship and the futility of idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:9
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men,.... Or "of a man" (x); a chariot with a man in it, Cyrus or Darius: [with] a couple of horsemen; the army of the Medes and Persians, with their two leaders
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:9
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
Behold; the sum of what I have discovered is this. A chariot of men; not filled with goods, as chariots of burden used to be; but provided with men, to fight from or with them. With a couple of horsemen; understand, and a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; which is easily understood from , where they are expressed. He; the prophet Isaiah, who set the watchman or the Lord, by whose command he was set, , who here gives an explication of the vision. All the graven images of her gods; which is mentioned as an evidence that she was fully conquered, because otherwise they would not have suffered their idols to have been thrown to the ground. He hath broken; God, by the hands of Cyrus, his instrument. Or it is an indefinite speech, he hath broken, &c., for they are broken, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
Isaiah 21:9 And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.Ver. 9. And, behold, here cometh a chariot o men.] Or, Behold, even now are gone in - that is Cyrus and Darius have broken into the town, and surprised it. And he answered and said.] He - that is, the watchman - numinis quodam afflatu commotus, by a divine instinct. or rather God himself. Babylon is fallen, is fallen.] That is, Shall fall, certo, cito, penitus, certainly, speedily, utterly - ruit alto a culmine Troia. So shall shortly mystical Babylon, as the Jesuits themselves, Ribera and A Lapide, confess; only they say this shall be toward the end of the world, when Rome shall become idolatrous, as though it were not so now. But what said Petrarch long since? There yet standeth near at hand a second Babylon, cito itidem casura, si vos essetis viri, which would soon be down, would you but stand up as men.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
(9) And, behold, here cometh . . .—Better, Behold, there came . . . The words narrate a second vision, not the watchman’s narrative of the first. He sees now, as it were, a part of the cavalcade which he had beheld before, and now it is no longer silent, but reports what has been accomplished. “Babylon is fallen, is fallen!” The words are applied to the destruction of the mystical Babylon in Revelation 14:8; Revelation 18:2. Stress is laid on the destruction of the idols of Babylon by the iconoclastic Persians.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
Verse 9. Here cometh a chariot of men, &c. - "A man, one of the two riders"] So the Syriac understands it, and Ephrem Syr.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:9
9. Hardly has he spoken when the appointed vision appears: And, behold, here cometh a troop of men, horsemen in pairs (see Isaiah 21:7). And in the same breath the watchman declares its significance: Babylon is fallen, &c. (proph. perf.). Cf. Revelation 18:1 f.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:9
And, behold ... a chariot of men - This place shows that the word ‘chariot’ (רכב rekeb) may denote something else than a wagon or carriage, as a chariot drawn by men cannot be intended.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:9
9. But soon his complaint is hushed, and then bursts on his view the cavalcade, coming as it were from out of Babylon itself, shouting, Babylon is fallen, is fallen.
Sermons on Isaiah 21:9
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the United States and the world, highlighting the military buildup by Russia and the impending superwar. The preacher em |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
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Are You One of the Chosen Ones? by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, ther |
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Church of Vidor Saturday by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for the church to undergo a cleansing process, drawing parallels between the spiritual state of the church today and the historical clean |
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Crucified Unto Me by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of separation from the world and dedication to God as foundational principles of Christian living. He illustrates the stark contrast between B |