But desert creatures will lie down thereThis phrase indicates a transformation of Babylon from a bustling city to a desolate wasteland. The "desert creatures" symbolize the complete abandonment and ruin of the city, as these animals typically inhabit uninhabited and barren areas. This imagery aligns with the prophetic theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God. The desolation of Babylon is a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in
Jeremiah 50:39, where similar language is used to describe the city's downfall.
and howling creatures will fill her houses
The "howling creatures" likely refer to animals such as jackals or hyenas, known for their eerie cries. Their presence in the houses of Babylon signifies the city's utter destruction and the absence of human life. This imagery serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and idolatry, as Babylon was known for its grandeur and defiance against God. The howling creatures emphasize the reversal of fortune from a place of human habitation to one of desolation.
Ostriches will dwell there
Ostriches, often associated with desolate and arid regions, further illustrate the complete abandonment of Babylon. Their presence underscores the idea that the city, once a symbol of human achievement and power, has become a place suitable only for wild animals. This transformation is a testament to the fulfillment of God's judgment and serves as a warning to other nations. The mention of ostriches also connects to other prophetic literature, such asLamentations 4:3, where ostriches are used to depict desolation and neglect.
and wild goats will leap about
The "wild goats" or "satyrs" in some translations, add to the imagery of desolation and chaos. These animals, known for their agility and wild nature, suggest a landscape that has returned to a state of untamed wilderness. The presence of wild goats leaping about indicates that the once-great city has been reduced to a natural habitat for wildlife. This serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and the futility of human pride. The imagery of wild goats can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual desolation, as the city that once thrived on idolatry is now devoid of human presence and divine favor.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BabylonThe prophecy in
Isaiah 13 is directed against Babylon, a powerful empire known for its grandeur and idolatry. The verse describes the desolation that will come upon it.
2.
Desert CreaturesThese are symbolic of desolation and abandonment. In the Hebrew text, the term used can refer to various wild animals that inhabit deserted places.
3.
OwlsOften associated with desolation and ruin in biblical literature, representing the eerie silence and abandonment of a once-thriving city.
4.
OstrichesKnown for inhabiting desolate regions, they symbolize the complete transformation of a bustling city into a wilderness.
5.
Wild GoatsThese animals are often found in rugged, uninhabited areas, further emphasizing the desolation and wildness that will overtake Babylon.
Teaching Points
Divine JudgmentGod's judgment is certain and thorough. The desolation of Babylon serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and idolatry.
The Transience of Earthly PowerNo matter how powerful a nation or city may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's authority and can be brought to ruin.
Symbolism of DesolationThe imagery of wild animals inhabiting a once-thriving city serves as a powerful symbol of the emptiness that follows when God’s presence and blessing are withdrawn.
Call to RepentanceThe prophecy serves as a warning to turn away from sin and idolatry, urging individuals and nations to seek God’s mercy and grace.
Hope in RestorationWhile the immediate context is judgment, the broader biblical account includes the hope of restoration and redemption for those who turn to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 13:21?
2.How does Isaiah 13:21 illustrate God's judgment on Babylon's desolation?
3.What lessons can we learn from the imagery of "desert creatures" in Isaiah 13:21?
4.How does Isaiah 13:21 connect with Revelation's depiction of Babylon's fall?
5.How can we apply the warnings of Isaiah 13:21 to modern society?
6.What does Isaiah 13:21 teach about the consequences of turning away from God?
7.What is the significance of wild animals in Isaiah 13:21?
8.How does Isaiah 13:21 reflect God's judgment on Babylon?
9.Why are desert creatures mentioned in Isaiah 13:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 13?
11.What do owls symbolize in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about Arabs?
13.What do owls symbolize in the Bible?
14.In Jeremiah 50:15–16, why does the prophecy call for Babylon’s complete desolation if archaeological evidence shows some continued habitation after its fall?What Does Isaiah 13:21 Mean
Desert creatures will lie down there“But desert creatures will lie down there” (Isaiah 13:21).
• The prophecy pictures Babylon so emptied of people that only “desert creatures” remain, underscoring total ruin.
• Scripture consistently links such animals with abandoned cities (Isaiah 34:11;Jeremiah 50:39).
• God’s judgment is literal and visible: the empire that once dominated nations would become a haunt for wildlife, a sign that His word never fails (Psalm 119:89).
Howling creatures will fill her houses“…and howling creatures will fill her houses.”
• “Houses” once packed with luxury now echo with the cries of jackals and hyenas (Jeremiah 9:11; 51:37).
• The shift from human celebration to animal howling highlights the severity of divine wrath (Zephaniah 2:14).
• The fulfillment began when Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians (Isaiah 13:17) and has continued through centuries of decay, proving God’s declarations true (Numbers 23:19).
Ostriches will dwell there“Ostriches will dwell there…”
• Ostriches thrive in harsh, lonely wastelands (Job 39:13–18). Their presence intensifies the picture of lifelessness.
• Even compassionate animals abandon their young less willingly than Babylon abandoned her splendor (Lamentations 4:3).
• This detail shows that what humans forsake, God can turn into a habitat fitting only for creatures of the wild (Jeremiah 50:40).
Wild goats will leap about“…and wild goats will leap about.”
• “Wild goats” or shaggy creatures cap the scene, symbolizing eerie activity where once there was bustling commerce (Isaiah 34:14–15).
• Their playful leaping contrasts with the former pride of Babylon, reminding us that earthly glory is fleeting (1 John 2:17).
•Revelation 18:2 echoes Isaiah’s language, extending the pattern of desolation to future judgment on the world’s rebellious systems.
summaryIsaiah 13:21 paints a vivid, literal portrait of Babylon’s downfall. Once a powerhouse of human achievement, it would become so deserted that only desert beasts, howling scavengers, ostriches, and wild goats remained. Each creature emphasizes utter abandonment, proving that when God pronounces judgment, human pride collapses and His word stands forever.
(21)
Wild beasts of the desert . . .--The Hebrew term, which in
Psalm 72:9, and perhaps in
Isaiah 23:13, is used of men, has been rendered by "wild cats," but is probably generic,
the fer? natur?that haunt such desolate regions. The "doleful creatures" (literally
groaners) are probably "horned owls;" while the word rendered "owls (literally,
daughters of screaming) may be taken as
ostriches(
Job 39:13-18). In the "satyrs" (literally,
hairyor
shaggy ones) we may find either "goats (as in
Leviticus 4:24;
Leviticus 16:9), or, as the English version suggests, a mythical form of grotesque animal life (the "demons" or "devils" of
Leviticus 17:7;
2Chronicles 11:15, a goat-shaped form, like that of the Greek Pan), or more probably (with Tristram), the species of baboon (
Macacus Arabicus) still found in Babylonia. . . .
Verse 21. -
Wild beasts of the desert shall lie there. It is not quite clear what particular wild beasts are intended. Those actually noted on the site of Babylon are lions, jackals, and porcupines. These sometimes make their lairs in the ruins (Rich, 'First Memoir,' p. 69; Ker Porter, 'Travels,' vol. 2. p. 342).
Doleful creatures; in the original,
okhim. What animal is meant we cannot say, as the word occurs only in this passage. Mr. Cheyne translates it by "hyenas."
Owls shall dwell there; literally,
daughters of the owl (as in
Leviticus 11:16;
Deuteronomy 14:15;
Job 30:29;
Jeremiah 50:39;
Micah 1:8; and
infra,
Isaiah 34:13;
Isaiah 43:20). Mr. Rich says, "In most of the cavities of the Babil Mound there are numbers of owls and bats." Sir A. Layard," A large grey owl is found in great numbers, frequently in flocks of nearly a hundred, in the low shrubs among the ruins of Babylon" ('Nin. and Bab.,' p. 484, note).
Satyrs shall dance there. The word translated "satyr" is, etymologically, "hairy one," and ordinarily means "a goat." Some have supposed "wild goats" to be here intended, but they are not found in Babylonia. The translation "satyr" is defended by many, who think Isaiah might draw upon current beliefs for some features of his description. Dr. Kay gives "baboons," since the Moko - a kind of baboon - is known in Babylonia.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But desert creaturesצִיִּ֔ים(ṣî·yîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6728:Wild beast of the desert, that dwell in inhabiting the wildernesswill lie downוְרָבְצוּ־(wə·rā·ḇə·ṣū-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7257:To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbedthere,שָׁ֣ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherand howling creaturesאֹחִ֑ים(’ō·ḥîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 255:A howler, lonesome wild animalwill fillוּמָלְא֥וּ(ū·mā·lə·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4390:To fill, be full ofher houses.בָתֵּיהֶ֖ם(ḇāt·tê·hem)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1004:A houseThe owlsבְּנ֣וֹת(bə·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323:A daughterwill dwellוְשָׁ֤כְנוּ(wə·šā·ḵə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwellthere,שָׁם֙(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherand wild goatsוּשְׂעִירִ֖ים(ū·śə·‘î·rîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8163:Shaggy, a he-goat, a faunwill leap about.יְרַקְּדוּ־(yə·raq·qə·ḏū-)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7540:To stamp, to spring about
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 13:21 But wild animals of the desert will (Isa Isi Is) 
