Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
cruel—not strictly, but unsparingly just; opposed to mercy. Also answering to the cruelty (in the strict sense) of Babylon towards others (Isaiah 14:17) now about to be visited on itself.
the land—"the earth" [HORSLEY]. The language of Isaiah 13:9-13 can only primarily and partially apply to Babylon; fully and exhaustively, the judgments to come, hereafter, on the whole earth. Compare Isaiah 13:10 with Matthew 24:29; Revelation 8:12. The sins of Babylon, arrogancy (Isaiah 13:11; Isaiah 14:11; Isaiah 47:7-8), cruelty, false worship (Jeremiah 50:38), persecution of the people of God (Isaiah 47:6), are peculiarly characteristic of the Antichristian world of the latter days (Daniel 11:32-37; Revelation 17:3, Revelation 17:6; Revelation 18:6-7, Revelation 18:9-14, Revelation 18:24).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Isaiah 13:9:
Isaiah 13:9
Isaiah 51:2
Joel 1:15
Mark 13:25
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.