Prophecy takes a turn for the positive in Isaiah 35. The time will come when the land of Israel that has been destroyed will return to the way it is remembered. In some ways, things will be even better. Verses four through six are some of the Messianic prophecy that Jesus fulfilled. Verse eight speaks of a Way of Holiness which also refers to the Lord but was thought to have referenced the refugees from Babylon.
Isaiah chapter 36 retells the story of the salvation of Jerusalem and Judah. How often has someone tried to convince you to trust them, when everything you know says not to? We have read this story three times now and the result hasn’t changed. We still must look at the fact that the Assyrians believe that Jehovah is no more powerful than any other gods. This all happens after Jonah had caused repentance in Nineveh. It seems that has been forgotten.
We all have something that we depend on and Isaiah 31 warns us about where we place that dependence. Jehovah wants us to rely on Him. Our shield is what He calls Himself. The things that we place above God will perish someday. It is time to turn back to God through Jesus.
The Kingdom that has been prophesied for centuries is described in Isaiah 32. Rightness and judgment will reign there. All our senses will work perfectly. Everyone will be recognized for what they are. This is what will come, but today we must pursue these ideals as we strive to bring others into God’s kingdom.
Women are encouraged to be a significant part of this plan. When this was written, the woman was considered property. Life has changed greatly since then. Those who believe that the Lord views females as inferior are mistaken. They are a significant part of His creation.
The plea of Isaiah 33 is for the Lord to be gracious and be our strength and salvation. He lives above us and gives salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. What we produce on our own is worthless. Those who participate in the righteousness of God will be honored and supplied with their needs. Jehovah will rule over them as judge and lawgiver.
Yahweh asks all nations and people groups to listen in Isaiah 34. He is angry with them and will destroy all the countries that fought against Israel. Even the stars will fall from the sky. Sounds very ominous doesn’t it? The Perseid Meteor shower would be an example of this. Edom and its capital of Bozrah are mentioned specifically. They are in the current land of Jordan.
Israel and Judah are prophesied in Isaiah 28. The Lord will be a glorious crown one day. That day is the coming of Jesus to reign forever. Justice has always been a desire that is rarely enjoyed by most. The Messiah must be the one spoken of here. For we Baptists, ministers that drink are bad enough without them being stumbling drunk.
Do you believe that following Yahweh is only rules and laws? There is a stone that we can rely on and not the Law. Our covenant with death will be annulled. God teaches us how to plant and harvest, and He will give us the wisdom for Life.
Jerusalem will be under siege and it is described in Isaiah 29. Why will this take place? The rules that Jehovah set have been replaced with human rules. The people believe all they had to do to please God is follow these rules. The proper attitudes and actions toward others are ignored. Life is meaningless because their worship has no meaning.
Life will take on new meaning when we see what Yahweh truly desires from us. Obedience and faith in Him will bring us back to where we should have been all along.
How do you feel when your children are being obstinate? Yahweh doesn’t like it either according to Isaiah 30. Your plans are not His plans. Do you check with him before you travel? Talk to Him about all the decisions you make, including what to have for breakfast. To avoid rebellion, all you must do is listen to the ideas that He has for your life. Don’t view obedience as a requirement, but as an opportunity. Avoid the condemnation that Israel dealt with. As your faith and dependence on Jehovah increases, you will desire to continue to grow in the Lord.
The covenant has been broken is reported again in Hosea 8. Kings were chosen without God’s input. Idols are manufactured and worshiped. Assyria will conquer the northern kingdom. They will be gathered again back to the promised land. The law has been disregarded. They have forgotten their maker. Even Judah will eventually fall.
Punishment for Israel is necessary per Hosea 9. Their lack of faithfulness to Yahweh must be paid for. Israel will be carried away in captivity to Assyria and Egypt. Offerings will not be presented. Prophets and priests contribute to the wickedness. Children will be denied the Israelites. When you reject Jehovah, He will not bless you.
Hosea 10 begins a metaphor that is continued by Jesus. Israel is the vine here and the Lord calls himself the vine and us the branches from that plant. Samaria and it’s King will be destroyed. We reap what we sow.
We know that Jesus and His family went to Egypt after the Chaldeans visited the family in their home in Bethlehem. Hosea 11 mentions that Jehovah called His Son from Egypt. His efforts on behalf of Israel is noted. Verse twelve enumerates the sins of God’s people as lies, deceit, and being unruly against God.
We read in Hosea 12 all the errors that the Israelites made in their years of being led by Yahweh. The story begins with Esau and Jacob. The prophets continue to remind Israel of all the ways they have missed the mark or sinned.
Baal worship is mentioned in Hosea 13. Human sacrifice is part of this worship. Israel’s leadership does not help them follow the Lord. They are a hindrance. The punishment He brings will affect the rich and the poor.
Hosea is a book of prophecy that seems odd. In chapter one we are introduced to him. He was around during the reigns of Uzziah through Hezekiah in Judah. His ministry was in marrying a woman who would be unfaithful to him. His family situation would point out the adultery that Israel and Judah committed against Jehovah. The children born in this family were given significant names. Jezreel indicates the punishment coming through the city’s destruction. Lo-Ruhamah is their second born and her name means not loved. Lo-Ammi is the third and that name means not my people.
Adultery is the subject of Hosea 2. Humans can cheat on their spouses and Yahweh looks at our failure to be true to Him to be spiritual adultery. The English words idolatry and adultery seem similar in structure. They are identical from God’s point of view. The language that is used here describes the similarity between these two terms. Isn’t it amazing that God loves us despite of sin?
What does it mean in Hosea 3 where Hosea is told by Jehovah to love his wife? In this situation he buys her away from prostitution. He made sure she knew what was expected of this relationship. This is like the life of the Hebrews and God.
Hosea 4 gives us the punishment that will come on Israel and Judah for their failure to honor the agreement they had made with Yahweh. The land will be destroyed, and thousands will die from pestilence, violence, and war. Even the priests will face the wrath of the Lord. Both men and women are being unfaithful to their spouses. They have committed themselves to their shameful ways.
Hosea warns the priests and the Israelites in chapter five. They are involved in prostitution on a spiritual level. He knows adultery on a personal level. They are unfaithful to Jehovah just as his wife was unfaithful to him. They went to Assyria for aid rather than asking their God. This condemnation is for Judah as well as the northern kingdom.
Returning to Yahweh is encouraged in Hosea 6. Mercy not sacrifice is required. He wishes to be acknowledged for who he is. Sacrifices are no longer offered as they were in Israel. The final sacrifice was Jesus on the cross. God promises to restore Judah despite their sin.
Yahweh makes it known in Hosea 7 that He remembers their sin. The sin is a failure to call on God for help He said He would provide.
An old joke that young ministers used to tell among themselves is about asking a congregation if they have recently read the book of Hezekiah. We are reading about this King of Judah. His story is in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. There is no book of Hezekiah in our Bible.
Hezekiah was the King of Judah for six years when Israel fell to the Assyrians according to 2 Kings 18. The reason for the discipline from Jehovah is because the Covenant had been broken. Eight years later Assyria attacked Judah. Hezekiah pays the King, but it does not last. Sennacherib threatens Hezekiah and challenges his loyalty to his God. As with most non-believers, the King of Assyria does not understand the difference between Yahweh and idols. The commander of His forces voices ominous promises to the people of Jerusalem and challenges their King. The Judean officials tear their clothes in mourning before they go to their boss.
In 2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, King of Judah is referred to as “doing what is right in the sight of the Lord.” He repaired the Temple and established renewed worship of Jehovah there. His opinion is that the failure to worship has brought the Lord’s displeasure. Purification took sixteen days following Yahweh’s word on how to do it. Tomorrow we continue with more of Hezekiah’s reign.
After the dispersion of the northern kingdom Hezekiah celebrates the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30. They invited all of Israel and scheduled the Holy Day in the second month, not the first as was ordered by Mosaic Law. Some did not make the trip, but many did respond. King Hezekiah prayed for those who had not taken the trouble to become ceremonially clean before sharing in the feast. This type of event had not happened since the time of King David.
The excitement of the worship of Jehovah during the Passover brought destruction of some of the idols that are spoken of in 2 Chronicles 31. Hezekiah the King of Judah assigned the priests and Levites to the worship in the Temple as David had before him. He also ordered the giving of offerings and tithes to support those whose job it was to lead worship. Do you contribute to your local Church for this same purpose?
Jerusalem is on the holy mountain in Psalms 48. Mount Zion is another name for it. The security of this natural fortress intimidates enemies. If it were not for the disobedience of the Israelites and their Kings, the country would not have been defeated. The righteousness of our God is ours for claiming through His Son Jesus. Love is endless because our Father is eternal.
The maritime city of Tyre is foretold to be destroyed in Isaiah 23. The fortunes made in this port will be sacrificed to the conquerors. Sidon will also fall. The fame and fortune of those who do not follow Jehovah will not rescue them. The Lord’s promise of destruction is certain.
Will this planet one day be destroyed? According to Isaiah 24 the violation of Jehovah’s laws will cause the destruction of the Earth. Everything will be desolate. The evil people of the lands are treacherous and betray everyone. The foundations of the earth are shaken, and it is broken up, but it will be renewed.
Yahweh will punish the powers of Heaven and the nations from everywhere. The moon and the sun will also survive. One day Jesus will establish a new Heaven and Earth.
Yahweh’s plans were made years ago as stated in Isaiah 25. The destruction of those who violated His laws and the salvation of the righteous were established before the universe was created. He is a refuge for the poor and a shelter from the storm. Prophecy of a feast of rich foods is made. He will also destroy death. Our trust in Him has brought our salvation.
More prophecy of that future time is given in Isaiah 26. The city will be strong, and salvation, righteousness, and peace will be abundant. Jehovah is described as the rock eternal. Do you have a desire for God? His judgment will bring about a right attitude for the world. People alone cannot change the lives of others. The Earth will give birth to those buried in her.
Have you ever thought about the reference to Leviathan in Isaiah chapter 27? What is the fruitful vineyard that we should sing about? Jacob and Israel have filled the Earth with the fruit of the gospel of Christ. The destruction of Jerusalem and removal of Israel from the promised land have brought about their salvation. Israelites are different from those of the nations that Jehovah will annihilate.
Upper Egypt along the Nile river is cursed in Isaiah 18. The symbolic language continues to flow in this book of prophecy. Egypt’s failure to follow Jehovah is the cause of their punishment.
The rest of Egypt does not avoid the displeasure of Yahweh in Isaiah 19. Egypt and her Pharaohs have previously encountered His power and anger. Civil war and outside enemies will bring the worldwide rule of the Nile community to an end. The power of the river to create wealth in the nation will cease. Even the king and his counselors and wise men will be made foolish. A treaty between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel is also predicted.
Cush and Egypt are again mentioned in Isaiah 20 as being captured and crushed. Isaiah’s prophecy covers another three years before these things happen. Those who followed these nations will be brought to shame.
Once again, we are looking at the prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 21. The vision that comes to the prophet is intense. He suffers personal discomfort because of what he sees and hears. Being the lookout currently is very stressful. The chapter ends with more of what will happen to Edom and Arabia.
The prophecies of Isaiah 22 also are directed at Jerusalem. The leaders of the city will not die there. They will be captured outside the walls that had been built to protect them. Despite this the walls will be breached and torn apart. “Let us eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” comes from this chapter. The captivity of Judah in Babylonia is called for here. The death of the generations in this foreign land is also prophesied. Isaiah also tells us that Eliakim will occupy the throne in Jerusalem. His destruction is also foretold.
As we read Isaiah 13 which was written before Assyria destroyed Israel, we see that Babylon will also suffer destruction because of her involvement in the captivity of the Jews from Judah. The time will come when all the nations that taken to Babylon will be allowed to return to their homelands. The Medes will be part of this as they conquer the Babylonians.
We continue in Isaiah 14 with more assurance that Israel will return to the promised land in Palestine. They are still living in their homes when Isaiah is prophesying. Many do not believe that. They think that these scriptures must have been written years after Judah and the Northern Kingdom have been destroyed.
When King Ahaz died, we have the prophecy of the Philistines. They will also suffer as their enemies the Jews will. No country that had a problem with God’s people will escape His vengeance.
Moab is prophesied about in Isaiah 15. The distress of the country as the cities are laid waste is reported. Moab is just one more of the nations that have caused problems for Israel throughout the years. It is time now for them to pay for it as the others have.
Isaiah 16 continues the prophecy against the Moabites. Remember Ruth and the book of the Bible named for her? She was from Moab. She became David’s Great Grandmother. Moab remained an enemy of Israel for many years.
This Moabite woman is an ancestor of the house of David that verse five says it will have a man on the throne who will judge with justice. No one will be in Moab because of their pride and arrogance. A time frame of three years is given for the humiliation of these enemies of Israel.
Another prophecy against Damascus is included in Isaiah 17. The lands around Israel and Judah will eventually suffer their fate. Jehovah does not promise a remnant for all of them. When the destruction comes to Judah, the people will reject the false gods of Canaan. While desolation surrounds them, they will seek His face and protection.
Due to the disobedience of Ahaz of Judah in 2 Chronicles 28 many of the Judeans are taken prisoner to Damascus and Pekah of Israel also defeated them. Obed, a prophet, announced punishment for Israel if they took slaves from Judah. Israel returned all of them to their land.
As we read yesterday, Ahaz joined with Assyria to fight against his enemies. Before his death, he continued to reject the Lord.
Ahaz King of Judah did not follow David’s example and follow Jehovah in 2 Kings 16. He made an agreement with the Assyrian King for protection. He sacrificed to other gods and even removed items from the Temple for this worship. Hezekiah was his son and became King on his death.
Hoshea becomes King of Israel in 2 Kings 17. Assyria conquers them. Samaria falls. The siege took three years. The Israelites were moved to the towns of the Medes in Assyria. Judah was not taken at this time. People from five other nations were resettled in the land of Israel. These new residents do not know Yahweh and what He requires. Lions kill many of them before a priest is brought to instruct them. They were no better or worse than the previous occupants. Tomorrow we look at the period leading to Judah’s destruction.
Charles (Chuck) Kensinger 