Author: drthomasclothier

Isaiah 36-39 provides a historical interlude involving the Prophet Isaiah and the Judean King, Hezekiah. These four chapters also comprise the fifth major division in the Book of Isaiah. The previous four divisions include: I. The LORD is the Holy One of Israel (1-12); II. Oracles Against the Nations (13-23); III. The Little Apocalypse (24-27); and IV. Judgment and Salvation (28-35).

Chapters 36-39 are divided as follows: A. King Hezekiah is Delivered from King Sennacherib (36-37); B. King Hezekiah is Delivered from Illness (38); and C. King Hezekiah’s Self-Confidence Leads to the Future Exile of Judah (39). The four chapters duplicate almost verbatim 2 Kings 18:13–20:19 (cf. 2 Chronicles 32:1–23). 

Chapters 36-37 contain a narrative concerning the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army under the command of King Sennacherib (701 B.C.). The chapters also describe the LORD’s glorious deliverance of His holy city.

Prior to attacking Jerusalem, King Sennacherib of Assyria sent his military commander, the Rabshakeh, to threaten, ridicule, and intimidate King Hezekiah and the Judean people. Three of Hezekiah’s top officials—Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah—met with Sennacherib’s military commander (36:1-3).

The message delivered to King Hezekiah was twofold: First, Judah cannot depend on Egypt for help against the Assyrians (36:4–6). Second, Judah cannot depend upon God (36:7–12, 18–21). Therefore, Judah should surrender (36:13–17).

Hezekiah initially grieved and tore his clothes and dressed in sackcloth (36:22). He then approached the Prophet Isaiah and begged him to intercede and ask God for help (37:2-4). Isaiah’s responded and told Hezekiah that King Sennacherib would experience death and defeat (37:5-7).

Following this, Sennacherib informed Hezekiah that he and Judah would be destroyed (37:8-13). Hezekiah then prayed to the LORD for deliverance (37:14-20; 2 Kings 19:14-19). His prayer is worth noting.

 ¹⁴ Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. ¹⁵ And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying: ¹⁶ “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. ¹⁷ Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. ¹⁸ Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, ¹⁹ and have hurled their gods into the fire, though they were no gods, but the work of human hands—wood and stone—and so they were destroyed. ²⁰ So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.”

The LORD condemned Sennacherib because of his pride (37:21-28). Sennacherib would be led back to Assyria with a hook in his nose and a bit in his mouth (37:29).

It is at this same time that the LORD consoled and comforted King Hezekiah. The LORD promised the king that the land would soon enjoy abundant crops (37:30–32), and the Assyrians would never enter Jerusalem (37:33–35). The LORD would defend the city and His people. That very night, the LORD’s angel destroyed 185,000 Assyrian troops. Sennacherib fled back to Assyria where his sons eventually killed him (37:36-38).

Even when circumstances and situations seem darkest, we must remember that the LORD is sovereign and providential. He is in control of our lives.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

You may have noticed that we are halfway through our study of the Book of Isaiah. In chapters 34-35, the prophet shares more oracles concerning the Day of the LORD and the glory of the Millennial Kingdom.

Isaiah 34 deals with God’s judgment against all nations in general, and one representative nation in particular, in the Great Tribulation. Isaiah 35 addresses the subject of God’s provision in the Millennial Kingdom.

Isaiah 34:1-4 is a general statement concerning the LORD’s judgment upon all nations which reject Him as Savior and LORD. The world’s armies will be destroyed (34:1–2), the mountains will flow with the blood of unburied corpses (34:3), the heavens will dissolve and the stars will fall (34:4), and they will be like withered leaves and fruit falling from a tree.

The prophet then focused upon one nation, Edom (34:5-17), as representative of all the nations (Isaiah 63:1; Genesis 25:23; Numbers 20:14-21; Ezekiel 35:1-5; Obadiah 1-14; Malachi 1:1-3). The inhabitants of Edom were to be found on the high plateau to the south and southeast of the Dead Sea. The biblical term Edom, meaning “red,” denotes either the name of the land or the name of Isaac’s son Esau, in remembrance of the red pottage or stew for which he exchanged his birthright to his twin brother Jacob (Genesis 25:30; 36:1, 8, 19). The country of Edom was also known as Seir (Genesis 32:3; 36:30; Numbers 24:18). A long history of enmity existed between Judah and Edom, and several prophets, in addition to Isaiah, spoke unfavorably about Edom (Ezekiel 32:29; Joel 3:19; Amos 1:11–12; Malachi 1:2–4).

The LORD’s judgment will be severe upon Edom (34:5–15). Edom’s people will be cut down like animals (34:5–8), the ground will be covered with fire (34:9), the land will become desolate and uninhabitable (34:10–15) and the judgment is guaranteed (34:16–17).

Chapter 35 focuses on the glorious millennial reign following the LORD’s judgment of the nations.  What will life be like during this perfect age (35:1–2, 5–10)?

First, the deserts will bloom, the lame will walk, and the mute will shout and sing (35:1–2, 6–7). Second, the blind will see, and the deaf will hear (35:5), and a highway, called the Way of Holiness, will be constructed (35:8–10). Isaiah 35:10 says, “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

What encouragement may Isaiah 35 provide the believer when facing the challenges of today? The truth of the coming judgment, and the glorious Millennium, should comfort and strengthen believers. Isaiah 35:3-4 says, “³Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. ⁴Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied of the LORD’s rule and reign over a restored Israel (32-33). The prophet also heralded a sixth woe—this one against the ancient Assyrians. Isaiah described two periods of time for God’s people: one in the future and one in his own day.

To begin with, Isaiah proclaims what life will be like in the future Millennial Kingdom (32:1–8, 15–20; 33:16–24). The prophet’s focus not only concerns the Son of God, Jesus Christ, but also the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

The glorious and beautiful ministry of the Son of God will be fivefold (32:1–8; 33:16–24): The Messiah will (1) Reign as earth’s righteous king (32:1); (2) Restore and regenerate Israel (32:2–4); (3) Right all wrongs (32:5–8); (4) Meet the needs of all people (33:16); and (5) Usher in universal peace (33:18–24).

The glorious and beautiful ministry of the Spirit of God will be as follows (32:15–20). He will (1) Anoint the people of God (32:15); (2) Bring about worldwide justice (32:16–17); and (3) Guarantee abundant crops (32:18–20).

Isaiah also heralded warnings concerning circumstances in his own day during the 8^th century B.C. (32:9–14; 33:1–15). The prophet’s warning were twofold.

Isaiah initially warned the women of Israel to not only hear God’s Word (32:9-10), but also to obey it (32:11–14). Otherwise, their land would be overgrown, and their homes would be gone due to their laziness.

Isaiah subsequently warned the Nation of Assyria against any aggression they might take against the Southern Kingdom of Judah (33:1–15). The people of Judah prayed for deliverance by God and from Assyria (33:2–4). The LORD heard their prayer and promises that (1) The Assyrian destroyers would be destroyed (33:1); and (2) Assyrian soldiers would be cut down like thorns and burned (33:5–15).

Not only will the LORD rule and reign in the millennial future, but He also rules and reigns in our present circumstances. All believers of all time can rest in the rule and reign of Yahweh.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isaiah 30-31 continues the Prophet Isaiah’s oracles of woe against Israel. The historical context is when Israel attempted to make an alliance with Egypt as a protection from their enemies in the 8^th century B.C. What appears to be solely a political alliance rooted in history has striking spiritual implications for all believers in Christ today. How so, you may be wondering. Let’s examine the text and find out.

To begin with, there was a devastation that the LORD would bring upon Israel. The cause of God’s judgment upon His people was due to their lack of prayer in discerning the will of God. Rather, they sought their own plans (30:1-7)

Israel also demanded that their prophets cease preaching about sin and only preach soothing sermons (30:8-11). In other words, Israel did not want to hear what they needed to hear from God, but rather what they wanted to hear from their fellow man.

Isaiah 30:9-11 says, “⁹ For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; ¹⁰ who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, ¹¹ leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

Beloved, what Israel was guilty of in the 8^th century B.C., the evangelical church is guilty of today. The church has been filled with a congregational consumer mindset which tells its pastors and leaders what it wants to hear. Consequently, if a pastor does not comply he will be replaced by an individual who will. In such a situation, the church no longer wants to hear about the Holy One of Israel.

Therefore, what will God to those who reject His Word? God’s judgment will fall (30:12-14; 16-17).

What hope did Israel then, and the church today, have before the Holy One of Israel? The only hope for the disobedient before the LORD is to repent of sin and to return to the only God of their salvation (30:15, 18; 31:6-7).

What will God’s restoration of His people look like? What will the LORD do on behalf of His repentant and returning people?

First, He will comfort His people and hear their prayers (30:19). The LORD will be gracious and respond to their cries.

Second, the LORD will teach and guide His people (30:20–22).

Third, the LORD will providentially provide for their physical needs (30:23–26). The animals will be well fed, and the sun and moon will be bright.

Fourth, the LORD will defeat His enemies (30:27–28, 30–33; 31:4–5, 8–9).

Finally, the LORD will fill His people’s hearts with joy (30:29): The people of God will sings songs of joy to God.

He who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit says to believers.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

“Human arrogance stands in opposition to the majesty of the LORD.” R. C. Sproul

The Prophet Isaiah heralded six woes, or oracles of judgment, against Israel, Jerusalem, and the surrounding Gentile nations in chapter’s 28–33. Today, we survey chapter’s 28 & 29.

There is a twofold theme contained in chapters 28 & 29 concerning the twelve tribes of Israel. It is the theme of Israel’s rejection of God and its eventual restoration by God. Israel’s rejection of God involved both the northern kingdom of Israel (consisting of ten tribes), and the southern kingdom of Judah (consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin) in the 8^th century B.C.

The northern kingdom, Israel, was guilty of arrogance and drunkenness (28:1). It was because of this that the LORD would bring the Assyrians against them as an instrument of God’s divine justice and judgment (28:2-4; 2 Kings 17).

The southern kingdom, Judah, was not only guilty of having drunken priests and prophets who were unable to fulfill their responsibilities (28:7-8), but it was also guilty of ridiculing faithful prophets like Isaiah (28:9-10), disbelieving God’s faithfulness (28:14-15; 29:9), and attempting to deceive themselves, and God, regarding their sin (29:15-16).

God’s punishment of Judah would not only include the Babylonian Captivity in the 7^th century B.C. (28:11-13, 17-22; 29:1-4) in particular, but He would also bring a spiritual stupor upon Israel as a whole to reject their own Messiah (28:16; 29:10-13).

It is at this juncture within the oracle that the Holy Spirit leads Isaiah to share a parable. The parable consists of comparing God’s working among the nations to a farmer working the soil (28:23-29).

The LORD’s restoration of His people would be centralized in a Redeemer (28:16). He would be compared to a stone, a tested stone, and a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. This Redeemer would bring redemption to His people by providing justice and strength (28:5-6), protection (29:5-8, 20, 22), along with healing and joy (29:17-29; 21, 23-24).

Even a surface examination of these two chapters in Isaiah provide believers today with encouragement that as the LORD was faithful to Old Testament Israel, He will also be faithful to the New Testament church. Additionally, redemption from God is still in the person and work of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. May each of us seek to be salt and light in the midst of a spiritually polluted and dark culture (Matthew 5:13-16) which needs to not only hear about God’s judgment but also of His salvation.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

The Prophet Isaiah wrote a song that would be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah establishes the millennial kingdom. The theme of this song is set forth in Isaiah 26:1 which says, “In that that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.” Isaiah’s song comprises chapters 26 & 27.

The prophet was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the believing remnant. He listens to the people express their thanks to and their confidence, trust, dependence, commitment in, and worship of, God.

The people of God sing of their Savior (26:1-15). The people thank God for His strength and peace (26:1–6), for His righteous judgment (26:7-11), and for His uniqueness (26:12-15). This is because Yahweh, unlike lifeless idols which Israel worshiped in the past, is the true and only God.

The people of God sing of their Suffering (26:16-18; 27:7-11). The people confess that their suffering was due to their sin (26:16; 27:7-11). This suffering is compared to a woman who is experiencing labor pains (26:17–18).  Israel suffered like a woman giving birth.

The people of God sing of their Salvation (26:19; 27:12-13). The people of God will experience the resurrection from the dead (26:19) and a restoration to the land (27:12-13). This is a message of hope. The Old Testament expresses faith and trust in the resurrection of the body since death, in all of its forms, is an invasion of God’s created order (Isaiah 25:8; Job 19:26; Psalm 49:15; 73:24-26; Daniel 12:1-2; Hosea 13:14).

Finally the people of God will sing of their Security (Isaiah 26:20–21; 27:1–6). The people of God will enjoy God’s protection during the Great Tribulation (26:20–21; 27:1) and productivity during the glorious Millennium (Isaiah 27:2–6).

The song’s conclusion is summarized in 27:21-13 which says, “¹² In that day from the river Euphrates to the Brook of Egypt the Lord will thresh out the grain, and you will be gleaned one by one, O people of Israel. ¹³ And in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem.”

Dr. Don Carson explains that, “For Israel within the homeland (vs. 12) the emphasis is on the sifting of the minority from the mass (cf. 10:20–23). For those dispersed abroad it is on the trumpet call that will summon them home (vs. 13). The NT will show the gospel’s call having already this double effect to sift and to save (1 Cor. 1:23–24), among Jew and Gentile alike. So the two verses show the Lord’s final triumph, in terms not of conquest or new creation (as it can be pictured) but simply of persons gathered in and brought home. This is, after all, the heart of the matter (cf. Rev. 7:9ff.).

Do you belong to the believing remnant which is justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone? If so, take time today to praise the Lord for this gracious gift. If not, repent of your sins and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the eternal God who became man, who was born of a virgin, who lived a sinless life, who died a substitutionary death on the cross and who rose from the dead. Forgiveness of sin and a righteous standing before God the Father is found only in Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name” (Isaiah 25:1a).  

Isaiah 24:1-27:13 is often called “the little apocalypse.” Apocalyptic literature is filled with symbolism and has as its theme cataclysmic judgment. The Prophet Isaiah heralded to the people of God, along with pagans, that the Day of the LORD would bring judgment on the created world along with the fullness of salvation for the saints.

Isaiah 24 focuses on God’s overthrow of the corrupted earth. Isaiah 25 focuses on God’s overthrow of death.

The Prophet Isaiah worships and praises God for His many blessings. These include the following.

Isaiah praised God for His faithfulness (25:1): “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” God promises wonderful things, and He accomplishes them.

Isaiah praised God for His salvation of the Gentiles (25:2–3): “For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the foreigners’ palace is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. ³ Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” Strong nations will declare his glory, and ruthless nations will adore him.

Isaiah praised God for His mercy (25:4–5): “⁴ For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,        ⁵ like heat in a dry place. You subdue the noise of the foreigners; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is put down.” The LORD is kind to the poor and needy.

Isaiah praised God for His provision (25:6–7): “⁶ On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. ⁷ And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations.” The LORD will spread a feast for everyone and will remove the cloud of gloom hanging over the earth.

Isaiah praised God for His victory over death (25:8): “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” The LORD will swallow up death forever.

Isaiah praised God for His restoration of Israel (25:9): “It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Israel will rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah praised God for His judgment of His enemies (25:10–12): “¹⁰ For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill. ¹¹    And he will spread out his hands in the midst of it as a swimmer spreads his hands out to swim, but the Lord will lay low his pompous pride together with the skill of his hands. ¹² And the high fortifications of his walls he will bring down, lay low, and cast to the ground, to the dust.” God will destroy the Moabites and will end their evil works.

What Isaiah praised God for in the 8^th century B.C., I can praise God for in the 21^st century A.D. For that matter, so can you. May we do so today.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

“On that day the Lord will punish the host of heaven, in heaven, and the kings of the earth, on the earth” (Isaiah 24:21).

Isaiah 24:1-27:13 is often called “the little apocalypse.” Apocalyptic literature is filled with symbolism and has as its theme cataclysmic judgment. Other examples of apocalyptic literature in the Scriptures include the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation.

The Prophet Isaiah heralded to the people of God, along with pagans, that the Day of the LORD would bring judgment on the created world along with the fullness of salvation for the saints.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “God’s plan of redemption includes restoration from exile, the blessings of Christ in the church, and the establishment of God’s kingdom in all nations.”

Isaiah 24 focuses on God’s overthrow of the corrupted earth. While the immediate context here may refer to the devastation of Judah following the Babylonian captivity, it would seem to have its ultimate fulfillment during the Great Tribulation immediately prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

The language the prophet used is extensive and describes complete and utter devastation for the earth. God himself will lay waste to the entire earth (24:1): The earth will become a great wasteland, and the people will be scattered. All people and fallen angels will be judged (24:2–4, 21–22): No one will be spared from God’s wrath, and the fallen angels will be put in prison. Very few will survive (24:6): A curse will consume the earth and its people, who will be destroyed by fire. Happiness will no longer exist (24:7–13): All joy in life will be gone.

Additionally, evil and treachery will be everywhere (24:16b–18): People possessed by sheer terror will flee from one danger only to be confronted with something even more horrifying. The earth will stagger like a drunkard (24:19–20): It will fall and collapse like a tent, unable to rise again because of the weight of its sins.

Why does such devastating judgment occur (24:5)? It is because humanity has twisted the laws of God and has broken His holy commands (Romans 1:18-32). Thus, Isaiah 24 fits well with other portions of Scripture about the wars between human powers and between God and the nations that accompany the last days (Ezek. 38:1–39:20; Rev. 16:12–16).

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Human sin affects not only men and women but also the rest of creation itself, and it is groaning in longing for release from death and decay (Gen. 3:17–18; Rom. 8:20–23). Before this release occurs, however, the creation must be judged. The results of this judgment are likened to an olive tree and grapevines after the harvest (Isa. 24:13). Just as precious few olives and grapes are left on the plants at the end of the harvest, only a few parts of the earth will remain. This is likely a reference to the remnant that will survive judgment, a faithful people who will rejoice in the Lord’s verdict against unrighteousness (vv. 14–16). God’s final judgment will be for His people as much as it is against sin and death. The faithful remnant will be vindicated as our Creator judges thoroughly and righteously, even toppling those who hold the most power among creatures—the kings of the earth and the rebellious members of the heavenly host (vv. 21–23). God will set all things right for His children, which means bringing an end to Satan and his demonic horde (Rev. 20:7–10).”

 We are closer to the Day of Judgment today then we were yesterday, and we will be even closer to it tomorrow. Are you ready to escape that great day by resting in Christ’s righteousness alone? The only hope anyone has to escape such judgment is to repent of sin and receive Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord (Romans 3:21-26). Have you?

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

Isaiah 13-23 is an extended series of oracles by God, which are revealed through the Prophet Isaiah. There are two series of oracles.

The first series of messages are found in chapters 13-20. We have already examined the oracle against the nation of Babylon. Included in this series of judgments from God upon pagan nations are the ancient empires of Assyria (14:24-27), Philistia (14:28-32), Moab (15-16), Damascus and Ethiopia (17-18), and Egypt (19-20).

The second series of oracles against the nations are in chapters 21-23. Included in this series of judgments from God upon pagan nations are the ancient empires of Babylon (21:1-10), Edom (21:11-12), Arabia (21:13-17), and Tyre (23). Also included in this second series is an oracle against the ancient City of Jerusalem (22).

One of the things all these nations had in common was a hatred for God’s people. They were also nations which the LORD used in order to discipline His covenant people, Israel. This would be a fulfillment of God’s curses and blessings upon His people which He shared through Moses (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-28).

An interesting fact is the LORD’s inclusion of Jerusalem within this series of oracles against pagan nations. This can be explained by Jerusalem’s association with Babylon. The leaders and inhabitants of Jerusalem trusted Babylon, instead of the LORD, during the period of Assyria’s dominance within the region. Jerusalem trusted in a human power rather than God’s sovereignty.

Jerusalem’s lack of trust in the LORD is summarized in Isaiah 22:5-11. “⁵ For the Lord God of hosts has a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the valley of vision, a battering down of walls and a shouting to the mountains. ⁶ And Elam bore the quiver with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. ⁷ Your choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen took their stand at the gates. ⁸ He has taken away the covering of Judah. In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, ⁹ and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, ¹⁰ and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. ¹¹ You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago.”

What was true for the pagan nations of antiquity, remains so for nations which exist today. No one can change the LORD’s plans or avoid His judgment. This is not only true for the pagan nations, but also true for God’s people.

May everything which has breath, praise the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!