\\INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 13\\

This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of Babylon,
literally understood as a type and exemplar of the destruction of the
mystical Babylon, so often spoken of in the book of the Revelation: an
account is given of the persons that should be the instruments of it,
and of the desolation they should make; which would issue in the utter
ruin of that once famous city. The title of the prophecy, and the
person that had it, and brought it, are expressed, \\#Isa 13:1\\ orders
are given to the Medes and Persians to prepare for war, \\#Isa 13:2\\
and are described as the Lord's sanctified ones, his mighty ones, and
who rejoiced in his highness, \\#Isa 13:3\\ by the multitude of them,
by the length of the way they came, and the end of their coming, by
divine direction, and as the instruments of God's wrath, to destroy the
land of the Chaldeans, \\#Isa 13:4,5\\ wherefore the inhabitants of it
are called to howling, because that destruction from the Lord was at
hand, \\#Isa 13:6,9\\ the effects of which were fainting, fear,
consternation, pain, and sorrow, without the least relief and comfort,
\\#Isa 13:7,8,10\\ the causes of which were their sin and iniquity,
particularly their arrogance, pride, and haughtiness, \\#Isa 13:11\\
which destruction is further described by the fewness of men that
should be left in the land, \\#Isa 13:12\\ by the strange revolution
made in it, and the confusion it should be in, \\#Isa 13:13\\ by the
fear and flight of men, both of their own and other nations, that
should be among them, \\#Isa 13:14\\ by the slaughter of men and
children, the plunder of their houses, and the ravishing of their
wives, \\#Isa 13:15,16\\ the persons that should be employed as
instruments are mentioned by name, and represented as not to be bribed
with gold and silver; and as merciless and uncompassionate, that should
spare neither young men nor children, \\#Isa 13:17,18\\ and the chapter
is concluded with a particular account of the destruction of Babylon;
which is aggravated, by observing its former glory; by comparing its
ruin to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah; by its being no more to be
inhabited by men within, nor to have Arabian shepherds pitching their
tents without it; and by being the habitation of wild beasts, satyrs,
dragons, and doleful creatures, \\#Isa 13:19-22\\.