“Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground” (Isaiah 14.12).

Isaiah is a prophet who predicted the downfall of Judah about 100 years before it actually happened. Judah would be taken into captivity and exile by Babylon. But Isaiah also prophesied what would happened to Babylon and her mighty king. Belshazzar was king when the Medes captured Babylon. He, along with the remnants of Babylon, would be swept away with the broom of destruction (v. 23). Our verse states that he himself would be cut down to the ground and rot without a grave, like a worthless branch (v. 19).

However, Isaiah intertwines the fates of both the king of Babylon and the prince of the power of the air, namely Satan. Satan is described as the prince of this world. He energizes the world and influences it contrary to the will of God. He lives as the epitome of arrogance and pride. Our text describes his willfulness: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (v. 13-14). 

The name ‘Lucifer’ is derived from our text. It’s meaning stated plainly in the Christian Standard Bible: Shining Morning Star. Jesus is deemed the Bright and Morning Star in Revelation 22.16. Satan desires to imitate the Lord Jesus. Paul reveals that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11.14). Just as the king of Babylon fell from his lofty position, even so Satan will suffer humiliation and defeat one day. He will be cast out of Heaven for good and then cast into Hell forever. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under [the feet of believers]” (Romans 16.20). 

Be comforted. It seems as if the proud and arrogant will never really suffer defeat. But this is only how it seems. We live in a fantasy world. People constantly deny the reality of Heaven and Hell …of the kingdom of God and the fate of the kingdoms of this world …of the end of Satan and those he energizes. God will win in the end. His kingdom will become a great mountain that spreads throughout the earth. Our Lord Jesus Christ will reign forever and ever!