Isaiah 14:1

Mercy on Jacob. This chapter is a continuation of the prophecy of ch. 13 concerning the fall of Babylon (ch. 13:1; cf. ch. 14:28). The message came to Isaiah in the year 716/715 (see v. 28; Vol. II, p. 77). The fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians would result in the release and restoration of the people of Israel whom the Babylonians had taken captive. Soon after capturing Babylon, Cyrus issued his memorable decree authorizing the Jews to return to their homeland and to rebuild the Temple (2 Chron. 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:1-3).

Strangers. That is, Gentiles. Isaiah here introduces one of his favorite themes — the great ingathering of men from all nations to the worship and service of the true God (see p. 28). To this subject he reverts again and again (chs. 44:5; 54:2, 3; 55:5; 56:4-8; 60:1—5; etc.). This prophecy was partially fulfilled in OT times (see p. 29), and more fully in the great ingathering of Gentiles in apostolic times (Acts 10:1, 2, 48; 11:18; 13:46-48; etc.). It is being fulfilled today as men of all nations come to the saving knowledge of the gospel.