Charles Spurgeon Commentary Isaiah 14

This promise had a measure of fulfillment when Israel was brought back from Babylon; and it is still true that, when God's people come to their worst, there is always something better before them. On the other hand, it is equally sure that, when sinners come to their best, there is always something terrible awaiting them.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew; and his declaration agrees with this prophecy, The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land.

I believe that there will be a far grander fulfillment of this prophecy in that day when God will bring back his chosen people to their own country, and then will be the fullness of blessing to the Gentiles also: The strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

The chosen people have the worst of it now in many parts of the world, but they shall have the best of it eventually; they shall not always be trampled on, their time of uplifting shall come in the end, and there is nothing after the end; what is last, lasts forever.

O child of God, you will soon have a glorious season of rest! Today is your time of labor; you are now under hard bondage, but you will yet come forth into the fullness of your liberty in Christ Jesus. In that day, Jehovah himself will give you rest from all your grief and fears; you will obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

This was a great prophecy for Isaiah to utter, for, in his day, there was no power on earth equal to that of Babylon. That great city abounded in palaces and extraordinary wealth, and its power was such that no kingdom could stand against it. For a while, it broke in pieces all those who fought against it, yet God broke Babylon in his own time. And here is a song of rejoicing in anticipation of its overthrow: How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

No power can ever be permanently strong that is founded upon wickedness; sooner or later, it will have to come to an end. A falsehood may array itself in the garments of wisdom and strength, and go forth to fight hopefully for victory; but, in the end, it must die. The stone of truth will find out the giant's brow, and lay him headlong in death.

Babylon, which no one could resist, is herself destroyed, and there is no one to come to her assistance.

Go today, and see where the owl dwells, and mark the habitation of the dragons. Say to yourself, "This is Babylon, the great city that was the queen over all nations; but she did evil in the sight of the Lord and spoke extremely proudly. And behold, Jehovah has crumbled her in the dust; and now that Babylon is gone, the whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they breath forth into singing."