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The taunt song (vv.4b-21) forms the major part of the next section. It is preceded by a reference to God’s compassion on Israel (vv.1-4a). In brief form, these verses convey the message of chs. 40-55. As such, they certainly presuppose Israel’s exile, anticipate the imminent destruction of Babylon, and look eagerly to the return.
When the day of devastation comes, the exiles are encouraged to take up this taunt against the king of Babylon, at whose hand they suffered so intensely.
What a taunt song it is! It celebrates Babylon’s end with unrestrained joy. Such is this wonderful deed of the Lord that all the lands and created things cannot refrain from singing.
The second stanza (vv.9-11) moves to the underworld where the spirits of the departed prepare to meet the Babylonian king who has become just like them, with this exception: While they sit on thrones (v.9), he is to be on a bed of maggots and worms (v.11).
The third stanza (vv.12-15) is reminiscent of 2:6-22, where we are told that “the Lord has a day in store for all the proud and lofty...they will be humbled.” The arrogant pride of the king of Babylon knew no limit. He would ascend to the highest heights and dare to make himself like God. Alas, now he has been brought down, down to the grave.
In the fourth stanza (vv.16-20) we read the words of onlookers as they pass by a great battlefield. Apparently they see the Babylonian king slain there. Unlike the other royalty of the world who have their tombs, this one is covered only with the corpses of others killed in battle (cf. Jer 22:19 for the stigma of a king not having proper burial). Vv.20b-21 declare the end of the monarch’s descendants.
As if to add credibility to his song, the prophet now concludes with direct address from the Lord himself. It provides a fitting summary to the entire poem as well.