Connect Isaiah 47:3 to other scriptures about God's justice and righteousness. Babylon’s Shame and Yahweh’s Vengeance – Isaiah 47:3 “Your nakedness will be uncovered, and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” (Isaiah 47:3) The Heart of the Verse – Justice on Display • Babylon’s pride and cruelty are stripped away; God lifts the veil and publicly exposes the empire’s sin. • The word “vengeance” is God’s personal response to evil—an expression of perfect justice, not uncontrolled anger (cf. Deuteronomy 32:35). • “I will spare no one” underlines the completeness of the judgment; no injustice goes unnoticed. Justice Rooted in God’s Character • “The Rock—perfect is His work, for all His ways are justice.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) • “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” (Psalm 89:14) • Because justice is who God is, He must confront and punish wickedness just as surely as He rewards righteousness. God Exposes Hidden Sin • “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) • “I am against you,” declares the LORD, “I will lift your skirts over your face and show the nations your nakedness.” (Nahum 3:5) • “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed.” (Luke 12:2-3) Whenever a nation, city, or individual revels in secret sin, God eventually brings it to light. Babylon’s humiliation foreshadows a universal principle. Vengeance Belongs to the Lord • “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” (Romans 12:19) • “Indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6) • “From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword… and He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 19:11-15) Only God wields vengeance righteously; when He acts, it is measured, holy, and final. Judgment That Vindicates the Oppressed • “The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 103:6) • “Woe to those who enact unjust statutes… What will you do on the day of reckoning?” (Isaiah 10:1-3) • “Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24) The fall of Babylon reassures the downtrodden that God hears, remembers, and will right every wrong. Righteousness and Justice—Two Sides of One Coin • “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.” (Psalm 96:13) • “I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” (Isaiah 61:8) • “He has prepared His throne for judgment… He judges the world with righteousness.” (Psalm 9:7-8) God’s justice punishes sin; His righteousness sets the standard and offers the remedy through faith and obedience. Living in Light of Divine Justice • Take comfort: evil never has the last word (Psalm 37:28). • Walk in personal righteousness, knowing judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). • Leave retaliation to God, overcome evil with good, and wait for His vindication (Romans 12:17-21). • Look ahead to “a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13) |
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