The Ideology of Babylon

Isaiah 46-47

            Bel and Nebo were two of the gods of the Babylonian pantheon, and Isaiah contrasts them sharply with the Lord. Idols must be carted around; they are heavy and a burden. The Lord, on the other hand, has no tangible image, no idol. Rather than a burden, he is the One who carries His people on wings like an eagle (Isaiah 40:31). Further, idols are incapable of speech, but the Lord makes known the end at the beginning (46:10). The earth pours forth His speech (Psalm 19); His Word endures forever (40:8).

            It’s not just the idols of the nations who are the problem, though. Babylon herself is full of pride. She identifies herself with a queen, but she will be shamed like a peasant (47:5, 7, 1-3). She even quotes the Lord’s one declaration about herself, “I am, and there is none beside me” (47:8, 10). This is not just Babylon; pride marks every world power. In a few months we will come to the Gospel of Luke, and we’ll read the very familiar story of Christmas. There we will see that the Roman Empire also appropriated titles that belong to the God of Israel.

            Whether it is the burden of silent, false gods or the overweening arrogance of worldly strength, these chapters reminds us the Lord is the true God, to whom alone we owe allegiance.