12How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations.
This verse is often quoted in reference to the fall of Satan from heaven. This may very well be a fit description of that fall, but its first and primary referent is the king of Babylon, 13:1. This section of Isaiah is a series of prophecies against the various kingdoms who came against the Jewish nation. The king of Babylon was a proud and self-important man. He thought more of himself than he should have. He ends up being the object of some significant judgment. Babylon was east of Israel and its capital was just south of modern day Baghdad. It was a massive city with great walls and public building projects. Even today you can see remnants of its walls. He had conquered much of the world of his day, as much as anyone up until that time had conquered. He had power and wealth, and he flaunted it. Even today you can walk of the large stones used to pave the main street in his city, the street along which he led his thousands of captives. Even though he had this power, it was no power compared to the Lord’s power. He was used by the LORD to bring judgment on Israel, but then his time of judgment came. The lesson, we are never above the discipline of the Lord. In fact, He will discipline us because He loves us.
The Arnold Journey 