471 Come down, and sit on the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit on the earth, there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For no more do they cry to thee, 'O tender and delicate one.' 2 Take millstones, and grind flour, Remove thy veil, draw up the skirt, Uncover the leg, pass over the floods. 3 Revealed is thy nakedness, yea, seen is thy reproach, Vengeance I take, and I meet not a man. 4 Our redeemer 'is' Jehovah of Hosts, His name 'is' the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit silent, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For no more do they cry to thee, 'Mistress of kingdoms.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-5
Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-6
(Read Isaiah 47:1-6)
Babylon is represented under the emblem of a female in deep distress. She was to be degraded and endure sufferings; and is represented sitting on the ground, grinding at the handmill, the lowest and most laborious service. God was righteous in his vengeance, and none should interpose. The prophet exults in the Lord of hosts, as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. God often permits wicked men to prevail against his people; but those who cruelly oppress them will be punished.