1. Isaiah 13:22 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the sentence, “its time is close at hand and its days will not be prolonged,” mean specifically for the people of Judah?

Isaiah 13:22 (ESV)

22 Hyenas will cry in its towers, and jackals in the pleasant palaces; its time is close at hand and its days will not be prolonged.

The chapter ends with the announcement that Babylon’s time is drawing to a close. The days of her existence are numbered. For Judah, this text is an assurance that the power of Babylon had limitations. This was especially important at that time because many Judeans trusted in an alliance with Babylon. God is the only One with unlimited power and the only One in whom we should put our trust.