Hyenas will howl in her fortressesThis phrase signifies desolation and abandonment. In ancient times, hyenas were considered unclean animals, often associated with desolate and deserted places. The imagery of hyenas howling in fortresses suggests that once-mighty structures will be left in ruins, overtaken by wild animals. This reflects the judgment and complete destruction prophesied against Babylon, a city known for its grandeur and strength. The fortresses, once symbols of power and security, will become habitats for scavengers, indicating the total collapse of Babylon's defenses and societal structure.
and jackals in her luxurious palaces.
Jackals, like hyenas, are often found in deserted areas, further emphasizing the theme of desolation. The mention of "luxurious palaces" highlights the opulence and wealth that characterized Babylon. These palaces, once filled with splendor and human activity, will be reduced to ruins, inhabited by wild animals. This transformation from luxury to desolation serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly power and wealth. The imagery also connects to other biblical prophecies where desolate cities are inhabited by wild creatures, symbolizing divine judgment (e.g.,Isaiah 34:13,Jeremiah 9:11).
Babylon’s time is at hand,
This phrase indicates the imminence of Babylon's judgment. Historically, Babylon was a dominant empire, known for its military prowess and cultural achievements. However, the prophecy foretells that its time of reckoning is near. This aligns with the biblical theme that God sets the times and seasons for nations, raising them up and bringing them down according to His sovereign will (Daniel 2:21). The phrase serves as a warning that no matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's timing and judgment.
and her days will not be prolonged.
The certainty of Babylon's downfall is emphasized here. Despite its apparent strength and influence, Babylon's days are numbered, and its end is inevitable. This reflects the biblical principle that God's judgments are sure and will come to pass at the appointed time. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human empires and the futility of relying on worldly power. In a broader theological context, it points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly kingdoms, a theme echoed in the book of Revelation with the fall of "Babylon the Great" (Revelation 18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BabylonThe primary subject of
Isaiah 13, Babylon represents a powerful empire known for its wealth and influence. In this context, it symbolizes human pride and rebellion against God.
2.
Hyenas and JackalsThese animals are often associated with desolation and ruin. Their presence in the once-luxurious palaces of Babylon signifies the complete devastation and abandonment of the city.
3.
IsaiahThe prophet who delivered this message. Isaiah's prophecies often include themes of judgment and redemption, calling people back to faithfulness to God.
4.
JudgmentThe event prophesied in this chapter is the impending judgment and destruction of Babylon, serving as a warning to all nations that defy God.
5.
The Day of the LordA recurring theme in prophetic literature, referring to a time when God will execute judgment and establish His justice.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is inevitable for those who persist in rebellion against Him. Just as Babylon's days were numbered, so too are the days of all who oppose God's will.
The Futility of Human PrideBabylon's fall serves as a stark reminder of the futility of human pride and self-reliance. True security and success come only from aligning with God's purposes.
The Call to RepentanceThe prophecy against Babylon is a call to repentance for all nations and individuals. It urges us to examine our lives and turn back to God before it's too late.
Hope in God's SovereigntyEven in the midst of judgment, believers can find hope in God's sovereignty. He is in control, and His plans will ultimately lead to the restoration of His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 13:22?
2.How does Isaiah 13:22 illustrate God's judgment on sinful nations?
3.What lessons can we learn about God's sovereignty from Isaiah 13:22?
4.How does Isaiah 13:22 connect with Revelation's depiction of Babylon's fall?
5.How can we apply the warnings of Isaiah 13:22 to modern society?
6.What does Isaiah 13:22 teach us about the consequences of turning from God?
7.What is the historical context of Isaiah 13:22?
8.How does Isaiah 13:22 relate to God's judgment?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the prophecy in Isaiah 13:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 13?
11.Revelation 18:2 - How can Babylon's sudden and complete fall be reconciled with historical records showing its gradual decline over centuries?
12.How do we reconcile Isaiah 13:20's claim that Babylon will 'never be inhabited' with archaeological findings of later habitation on the site?
13.How does Isaiah 13:17's mention of the Medes align with historical records indicating Babylon's capture by the Persians under Cyrus the Great?
14.Aren't biblical prophecies just vague predictions?What Does Isaiah 13:22 Mean
Hyenas will howl in her fortresses“Hyenas will howl in her fortresses” paints the aftermath of divine judgment. The strongholds of Babylon, once bustling with soldiers and administrators, are reduced to haunting ruins.
• Wild scavengers symbolize total abandonment (Jeremiah 50:39;Zephaniah 2:13–15).
• God’s promise that arrogant powers will be humbled is vividly fulfilled (Isaiah 14:22-23).
•Revelation 18:2 echoes the same picture for the final fall of “Babylon the great,” showing how consistently God exposes human pride.
and jackals in her luxurious palaces“and jackals in her luxurious palaces” contrasts former splendor with utter desolation.
• Palaces once filled with music and feasting now echo with animal cries (Isaiah 34:13;Psalm 102:6).
• The detail emphasizes that no corner of Babylon’s wealth can resist God’s decree (Jeremiah 51:37).
• It reminds us that material glory without righteousness collapses under the weight of divine truth (Matthew 6:19-21 for personal application).
Babylon’s time is at hand“Babylon’s time is at hand” declares that the hour of reckoning has arrived.
• The Medo-Persian conquest came swiftly, just as Isaiah foretold (Daniel 5:30-31).
• God sets the calendar for nations (Jeremiah 51:33;Acts 17:26).
• This same urgency appears inRevelation 14:8—judgment may seem delayed, yet it comes right on schedule.
her days will not be prolonged“and her days will not be prolonged” affirms the finality of God’s sentence.
• No political alliance can stretch Babylon’s lifespan (Isaiah 47:9, 11).
• God alone determines when a kingdom’s “appointed time” ends (Job 14:5;Habakkuk 2:3).
• The verse reassures believers that evil has an expiration date while God’s kingdom stands forever (Daniel 2:44).
summaryIsaiah 13:22 gives a concrete, literal forecast: the mighty city of Babylon will become a silent wilderness where only hyenas and jackals roam. The prophecy proves that God’s word is precise, His timing perfect, and His judgment unavoidable. Its enduring message encourages us to trust His sovereignty, reject pride, and invest our hope in the everlasting kingdom that can never be overthrown.
(22)
Wild beasts of the islands . . .--The Authorised version rests on a false etymology of the words, which strictly mean "wailers," and in its form
eyprobably represents the cry of a wild beast, such as the
jackal,with which it is commonly identified (see
Isaiah 34:14;
Jeremiah 50:39), or, possibly, the hyaena. Perhaps, however, as the word "jackal" is wanting in the next clause, it would be best to keep "wailers."
In their desolate houses.--Literally, as the text stands,among their widows;but the word closely resembles that for "castles" or "fortresses" inIsaiah 32:14;Isaiah 34:13. The Authorised version is either an attempt to combine the two meanings, or to take the word "widow" figuratively, as inIsaiah 47:8, for a house bereaved of its owner. . . .
Verse 22. -
Wild beasts of the islands. In the Hebrew,
iyyim, which means "wailers" or "howlers," probably "jackals." The Revised Version gives "wolves."
In their desolate houses; or,
in their castles (Cheyne).
And dragons;
i.e. "serpents." These have not been observed recently; but one of our old travelers notes that "the lande of Baby-lone," in his day, "was fulle of dragons and grote serpentes, and dyverse other veney-mouse ecstes alle abouten" (Mandeville, quoted by Ker Porter, 'Travels,' vol. 2. p. 36).
Near to come. About one hundred and eighty years elapsed between the utterance of this prophecy and the fall of Babylon - a short period in the lifetime of a nation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Hyenasאִיִּים֙(’î·yîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 338:A howler, any solitary wild creaturewill howlוְעָנָ֤ה(wə·‘ā·nāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respondin her fortressesבְּאַלְמנוֹתָ֔יו(bə·’al·m·nō·w·ṯāw)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 490:A widow, a desolate placeand jackalsוְתַנִּ֖ים(wə·ṯan·nîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural
Strong's 8577:A marine, land monster, sea-serpent, jackalin her luxuriousעֹ֑נֶג(‘ō·neḡ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6027:Daintiness, exquisite delightpalaces.בְּהֵ֣יכְלֵי(bə·hê·ḵə·lê)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1964:A large public building, palace, templeBabylon’s timeעִתָּ֔הּ(‘it·tāh)Noun - common singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whenis at hand,וְקָר֤וֹב(wə·qā·rō·wḇ)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138:Nearand her daysוְיָמֶ֖יהָ(wə·yā·me·hā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3117:A daywill notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe prolonged.יִמָּשֵֽׁכוּ׃(yim·mā·šê·ḵū)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4900:To draw, drag
Links
Isaiah 13:22 NIVIsaiah 13:22 NLTIsaiah 13:22 ESVIsaiah 13:22 NASBIsaiah 13:22 KJV
Isaiah 13:22 BibleApps.comIsaiah 13:22 Biblia ParalelaIsaiah 13:22 Chinese BibleIsaiah 13:22 French BibleIsaiah 13:22 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Isaiah 13:22 Wolves will cry in their castles (Isa Isi Is) 
