This verse depicts the inevitable downfall of those who rely on earthly power rather than humble themselves before God.
Isaiah 13:17 prophesies a coming judgment on Babylon, emphasizing the sovereignty and power of God to use any nation for His purposes. The verse says: “Behold, I am going to stir up the Medes against them, Who will not value silver or take pleasure in gold.” (v.17) This statement highlights that the people God raises up will not be swayed by material wealth—no offer of silver or gold will turn them aside. Historically, the Medes were an ancient people dwelling in what is now northwestern Iran, emerging around the 8th century BC. By the 7th century BC, they had grown into a kingdom that would eventually join forces with the Babylonians to topple Assyria, marking them as a significant power in the region.
In the broader context of Isaiah 13, God is pronouncing a sentence against Babylon, foretelling that a foreign nation—here, identified as the Medes—would be an instrument of His wrath. The verse’s reference, “Who will not value silver or take pleasure in gold” (v.17), demonstrates that Babylon’s downfall cannot be bought off or avoided through wealth. Prophetically, this calls to mind the principle that worldly riches cannot deter divine justice (James 5:1-6). Just as Babylon would eventually fall to the Persians under Cyrus in 539 BC, Isaiah’s warning shows the certainty of God’s plan coming to fruition at the appointed time.
In New Testament teaching, we see a continuation of this theme in that God raises nations and leaders according to His purposes (Romans 13:1). His power transcends human governance, reflecting the same divine control revealed in “Behold, I am going to stir up the Medes against them” (v.17). Ultimately, this verse reminds us that earthly powers rise and fall under God’s watchful hand, and that in the end, nothing can stand against His perfect plan of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7-10).
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Isaiah 13:17 meaning
Isaiah 13:17 prophesies a coming judgment on Babylon, emphasizing the sovereignty and power of God to use any nation for His purposes. The verse says: “Behold, I am going to stir up the Medes against them, Who will not value silver or take pleasure in gold.” (v.17) This statement highlights that the people God raises up will not be swayed by material wealth—no offer of silver or gold will turn them aside. Historically, the Medes were an ancient people dwelling in what is now northwestern Iran, emerging around the 8th century BC. By the 7th century BC, they had grown into a kingdom that would eventually join forces with the Babylonians to topple Assyria, marking them as a significant power in the region.
In the broader context of Isaiah 13, God is pronouncing a sentence against Babylon, foretelling that a foreign nation—here, identified as the Medes—would be an instrument of His wrath. The verse’s reference, “Who will not value silver or take pleasure in gold” (v.17), demonstrates that Babylon’s downfall cannot be bought off or avoided through wealth. Prophetically, this calls to mind the principle that worldly riches cannot deter divine justice (James 5:1-6). Just as Babylon would eventually fall to the Persians under Cyrus in 539 BC, Isaiah’s warning shows the certainty of God’s plan coming to fruition at the appointed time.
In New Testament teaching, we see a continuation of this theme in that God raises nations and leaders according to His purposes (Romans 13:1). His power transcends human governance, reflecting the same divine control revealed in “Behold, I am going to stir up the Medes against them” (v.17). Ultimately, this verse reminds us that earthly powers rise and fall under God’s watchful hand, and that in the end, nothing can stand against His perfect plan of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7-10).