This post should have been last week. Sorry for the technical issue of posting

V1: This verse is a tell-all per mankind in and after end time. Mercy on Jacob is self-evident. “Jacob” can be none other than his descendants. Keep in mind that this Bible conflict with the Jews suffering goes back to Genesis. The REAL conflict is between God and Lucifer/Satan/serpent. God created a Chosen People to be His light to the world through Abraham-Isaac-Jacob. However, this does NOT exclude Gentiles. We see this in verse one. God will continue to choose Israel (the 12 tribes); to resettle them in His Promised Land. The ancient city of Babylon remains a ruined archaeological site located in modern-day Iraq. Once a thriving metropolis, the city is now largely unexcavated and is a UNESCO World Heritage site being conserved for future tourism. A different meaning for “Babylon” also exists. In some cultural and religious contexts, the name refers to a system of oppression.  

The Promised Land is two-fold. First, it is the traditional land promised to Abaham. Second, the promise of a kingdom that has yet to come.

Let’s look at number 2. Why? Because it has yet to happen. Many Bible commentators, but not all, miss this point. “…and strangers will join them.” That too has yet to happen. It isn’t going to happen during the Tribulation. That time will be a very bad for Israel, land and people. It is during the Millennial reign of Christ. Key biblical prophecies of this include visions from Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. These texts predict a future where Jerusalem becomes the center of worship for all nations during the aftermath of the Tribulation. These are visitors, i.e. the strangers mentioned in verse one. Jerusalem is central to God’s universal kingdom, and gentile nations join in His worship. In the Hebrew, the word for “strangers” is gêyr. This translates “a foreigner: – alien, sojourner, stranger” [H1481]. It does not mean occupants. There may be some but not many.

V2: Amazingly, in verse 2 we have something that has seldom happened. Traditionally Israelites have been expelled from foreign countries. Here in the first sentence of verse 2, we find foreigners paying for, aiding, and taking Israelite to Jerusalem. Many strangers recognizing the God intervened circumstances “ and will CLING to the house of Jacob”. They will remain as servants and maids [v2b]. Zechariah 8:23 states: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you…”

NOTE: Verses 3 to 11 are the fall of the king of Babylon. This again is a two-fold use of the word Babylon.

V3: “In that day of the Lord” Isaiah assure his fellow Israelis that a day is coming when the House of Jacob will no longer be suppressed at home or in foreign lands. Here the name Babylon is a synonym for nations and people who traditionally and historically abused Israelites as a people. “…You will take up this saying (V5-11) against the King of Babylon.” The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. Where it says the earth far exceeds just a few local nations. Look at the world today as nations and kingdoms line up against Israel. This includes all of them.

The rest for Israel during End Time includes gentiles. The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. This includes all believers. See Matthew 11:28. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”. What will apply to the Israelis during the Millennial reign will include both Israeli and Gentile believers. Some promises from God will be exclusive to His chosen people, Israel.

NOTE: Why we at ahabiblemoments do not think this is simply a reference to the release of Jews from Babylon as some commentaries state. Israel’s joy is overwhelming. In verse one we read of the House of Jacob; In verse two we read of the house of Israel.

V4: This verse introduces the remaining and fascinating verses in chapter 14. The “king” mentioned in verse 4, i.e. the king of Babylon, is actually Satan. Babylon is the earth. Prophecy often has both a near and a distant fulfillment. This is one of those times.

Since the remainder of chapter 14 is one continuous prophecy, we will cease investing your reading time at verse 4. The next several verses itemize nations, places, and people who will fall under God’s End Time judgement. In short …this means everyone. Us at ahabiblemoments included.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025