July 17: Isaiah 18-22

July 17, Isaiah 18-22

Isaiah 18 ‘Ethiopia was South Egypt, whose powerful king at the time had sway all over Egypt. This is not a prophecy of doom; but seems rather to refer to the excitement and call to arms among the Ethiopians at the advance of Sennacherib’s army in Judah, whose fall would leave open the gateway for the Assyrian march on into Egypt, the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem; and Ethiopia’s message of gratitude for destruction of the Assyrian Army.’ (Halley’s Bible Handbook)

Isaiah 19 An oracle against Egypt. God is coming down to strike Egypt, so much so, that even the idols will tremble at His presence and the heart of the Egyptians will melt because of Him. Egypt is predicted to decline and all of their wise leaders will be gone. God will send on them confusion. The roles will be reversed and the Egyptians will be in terror and fear of those from Judah. But then, Egypt will repent and come to the Lord. Interesting to note, the regions around Egypt were some of the first to accept Christianity.

Isaiah 20 ‘Isaiah’s warning of their defeat and captivity, intended to discourage Judah from looking to Egypt for aid adjacent Assyria.’ (Halley’s Bible Handbook) They were to look to God not man for help. God had Isaiah go to extreme measures as a prophet to get His point across. For Isaiah this meant going naked and without sandals for a season to reveal that Egypt & Cush would also be dismayed and uncovered. 

Isaiah 21 Babylon depended on the Nile for sustenance and business. God will be drying it up and they will be in disarray. Their fall is impending. This was a lot for Isaiah to take in, causing him to tremble. ‘Arabia, was the desert between Edom and Babylon. Dedan, Tema, and Kedar were leading Arabian tribes. This is a prediction that they will experience a terrific blow within a year. Sargon invaded Arabia 716 BC.’ (Halley’s Bible Handbook) Interesting, isn't it? What God said would happen, happened. 

Isaiah 22 Judah was a city on a hill, a light shining to the nations if you will. Now it is darkness to the nations. Judah is being rebuked for disobedience and relying on man and not God. They will become hopeless

To sum it all up:

• Is God guiding you towards what? Is there any areas in your life where you are disobedient? Now is the time to get things right before the Lord. Do not delay in coming to Him!