Isaiah 13:13

"I will make people more rare than fine gold, even a person than the pure gold of Ophir."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 13:13, the rarity of people is emphasized to highlight the severity of judgment coming upon Babylon. The comparison to fine gold and the pure gold of Ophir underscores that even a single survivor will be exceedingly precious, suggesting the utter devastation of the city while also hinting at the value of faithfulness amidst disaster.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Therefore I will shake the heavens -A strong, but common figure of speech in the Scriptures, to denote great commotions, judgments, and revolutions. The figure is taken from the image of a furious storm and tempest, when the sky, the clouds, the heavens, appear to be in commotion; compare1 Samuel 22:8: Then the earth shook and trembled, The foundation of heaven moved and shook, Because he was wroth. See alsoIsaiah 24:19-20;Haggai 2:6-7. And the earth shall remove out of her place -A common figure in the Scriptures to denote the great effects of the wrath of God; as if even the earth should be appalled at his presence, and should tremble and flee away from the dread of his anger.

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