ESV Reformation Study Bible – Isa 14:12
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Isa 14:12

14:12 fallen from heaven. This figure represents in an exaggerated way the fall of Babylon, with all its imperial ambitions, into destruction (cf. Lam. 2:1; Luke 4:6; 10:15).

O Day Star, son of Dawn. Lit. “shining one, son of dawn.” Probably this refers to the planet Venus, rising in the morning and climbing toward the top of the sky, only to be overtaken by the sun. In the ancient world observations of this astronomical cycle gave rise to several myths. Babylon seems to have thought of itself as fulfilling such a heavenly destiny, and becoming an eternal and universal empire. But with the appearance of God (v. 22), Babylon’s light would be extinguished.