July 16: Isaiah 13-17

July 16, Isaiah 13-17

Together we have been reading how corrupt the world was, as was Israel & Judah. This is the context of all of these Judgements…

Isaiah 13 The Judgement via oracles (prophecies). First in the lineup, Babylon, via the prophet Isaiah. All of the nations are under the Sovereignty of God, whether they submit to Him or not. Judgement is coming for Babylon and on the Day of the Lord, God’s wrath will be upon them. In a bigger picture, God says, “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.” In their arrogance, they have made their choices. Judgment will be just, because it is God who is doing it. The animals will be living in the homes and land, because the people will have been done with by God. 

Isaiah 14 The Restoration of Jacob/Israel. ”For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land, and sojourners will join them and will attach themselves to the house of Jacob.” God will be allowing Gentiles to join Him and the house of Israel will triumph and possess the land of those who took it from them. Israel will have its day against Babylon and their evil doings. Babylon oppressed Israel, but the day will come when God will hand Babylon over to the Israelites. There is even a reference to Satan in the context of the Babylonians - “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God, I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north…” Satan is the ultimate copycat, wanting to be like God and will be conquered. 

Then Isaiah gives an oracle adjacent Assyria and Philistine. Neither of them would have been rejoicing when they heard that it is planned for their demise. 

Isaiah 15-16 is the oracle against Moab and they will be undone.The moabites are exceptionally proud. “We have heard of the pride of Moab—how proud he is!— of his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence: in his idle boasting he is not right. Therefore let Moab wail for Moab, let everyone wail.” Pride and God don’t mix. Even when the King of Moab comes to pray and try to get some peace, God will not listen. God said that in 3 years from this oracle that Moab would be brought down, and it happened. 

Isaiah 17 is the oracle against Damascus, and how they will become a heap of ruins. Israel had made an alliance with Damascus and that will be to their demise - God will be bringing Israel down as well. Mostly because of Israel being disobedient, and this is just part of it. Soon though, Israel will look to God again (still hasn't totally happened by the way).  “For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge…” Israel has walked away from their God, our God. 

To sum it all up:

• Listen to what people have to go through who think they can do it on their own and do not follow the one true God. Not good. Instead, turn to Christ and submit your whole life to Him - there is nothing else that can save you in this life or the next, except by believing in Christ Jesus as your Savior