This week we
will continue the study of the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.
Following the lament for Moab, the oracle continues to show the fate of Moab in three parts:
- Moab will come to Judah and find deliverance (vv. 1-5);
- But the announced punishment stands. (vv. 6-12)
- In fact, it will happen within three years — likely referring to B.C. 715/714. (vv. 13-14)
16:1-5—Deliverance by Judah
(1) The prophet calls on the Moabites who have fled to Sela (i.e. Petra, near Mount Hor in Arabia) to send lambs to Zion: Apart from being a sign of submission, what might it signify?
(2) As the Moabites flee from their oppressor, where will they turn for refuge?
(3) Where and from whom will they find deliverance? (v. 5)
(4) What might be the spiritual significance of this prophecy?
16:6-12—Moab’s punishment stands
(5) How is their prosperity described?
(6) What contrast is used to depict their demise?
(7) What reasons are given for their punishment? (v. 6 and v. 12)
(8) What then is the message to all nations on earth?
16:13-14—The precise time of destruction prophesied
(9) Why would God choose to give a precise time for their punishment?
(10) What does the reference to the contract of a “hireling” serve to illustrate?
(11) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela, across the desert, to the mount of Daughter Zion.” (Isa. 16:1)
We have considered how Isaiah wept and lamented over the fate of Moab in the previous chapter (chapter 15). In chapter 16 Isaiah not only continues his weeping (v. 9), but he also sheds a glorious light of hope on Moab, beginning with asking them to send “lambs” as tribute to the ruler of Zion.
It is true that Moab was known as a sheep grazing country (Num. 32:4). The call for Moab to send lambs to Zion is more than a sign of submission, because “the ruler of the land” who sits on a throne of love established in faithfulness is none other than the Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore the sending of lambs is a sign of repentance and worship, as lambs are animals fit for the offering of sacrifices to the Lord.
As with all the nations mentioned in chapters 13-23, Moab represents the sins of the people of the earth and in particular the sins of pride and conceit (16:6), and the worship of idols (16:12).
Indeed, ever since the time of Adam, men’s desire to be masters of their own lives has not only resulted in driving God out of their lives, but also in attempting to get rid of God in the world. This, as we witness today, is on its ascension, and will continue until the return of the Lord.
At the same time, while the worship of idols continues literally in many parts of the world, the more civilized world has continued to worship pleasure, wealth and human achievements. This too, is on its increase. However, the good news which was somewhat veiled in Isaiah’s time has been clearly fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The unfortunate fact is that the world in general has yet to embrace Him as their Lord and Savior and thus will face greater calamities than those prescribed for Moab. On the other hand, the good news remains that salvation is there for them to receive, should they also decide to “send lambs” to the ruler of Zion.
After the oracle concerning Moab, now Isaiah’s oracle is directed to Damascus, but not solely. In fact, its main message seems to be directed to Israel, not just the northern kingdom, but Judah as well, with a message of hope and revenge on the invading nations intertwined throughout this oracle. (see Note 1 below)
17:1-6—Oracle Concerning Damascus
(1) As Damascus (the capital city of Aram — see 7:1-9, especially 7:8) joins hands with Israel to invade Judah, the punishment focuses on the fate of their fortified cities:
a. What will happen to the capital city?
b. “Aroer” means “forever”: What will happen to these “forever” cities?
c. However, a remnant will be preserved for Aram: What are they being likened to? (v. 3)
d. Why? (vv. 5-6)
17:7-8—Future Repentance of Israel
(2) Because of the calamities that befall these neighboring nations, and the destruction that Israel would suffer, what is your response to the following?
a. What will happen “in that day”?
b. In describing their repentance, why does Isaiah highlight God as their “Maker” and as the “Holy One of Israel”?
c. In describing their forsaking of idols and altars, why does Isaiah highlight those as “work of their hands…their fingers have made”? (see Note 2 below)
17:9-11—Unavoidable Punishment of Israel
(3) Although their repentance is predicted, the reality remains that their punishment will precede their repentance:
a. It is not totally clear whether “the strong cities” refer to those of Israel or Aram, or both; however, the fate of both are the same and Israel’s seeking help from Aram will prove to be totally futile:
- What then is the message which points out that God is their Savior and Rock?
- What is the result of their dependence on Aram instead of on God?
17:12-14—Destruction of the Nations Used as Israel’s Punishment
(4) What image does Isaiah employ in describing the invading nations? How appropriate is it?
(5) What image does Isaiah employ in describing their fate? How appropriate is it?
(6) With such an eclectic oracle, what might be the message behind it?
18:1-7—Woe to Cush: Cush includes today’s Ethiopia and in 715 B.C., i.e. during Isaiah’s time, began to rule Egypt (i.e. that dynasty was Nubian or Cushite).
(7) The Cushites are asked to be “swift messengers”, because of their swift “papyrus boats”:
a. To whom are they called to be messengers? (both v. 2 and v. 3,
)b. What is the message that they are to deliver? (vv. 4-6)?
(8) Whoever that aggressive nation is, what will happen when God humbles them and the world? (v. 7 and also see 19:25)
(9) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note:
1. Since the Valley of Rephaim (which is southwest of Jerusalem) is mentioned as a sign of the fading glory, this oracle appears to apply to both Israel and Judah.
2. “Asherah was the consort of El, the Canaanite high god. As such, she was the mother-goddess…In the fertility cult she was represented by the grove of trees…At other times the grove seems to have been replaced merely by poles.” (NICOT, Isaiah 1-39, 352)
3. Commentators are divided in their opinions as to who this “people tall and smooth-skinned…of strange speech” are. Many opine that since 18:1 picks up the same “woe” that begins in 17:12, this may continue to refer to the Assyrians (or the many nations that would invade Israel). Since a particular people is being described, and Cush is so close to Egypt which is a country certainly known to be divided by rivers and was feared in the ancient world, I am inclined to see them as the ones being described in this oracle. However, the message is not confined to one people, but “all you people of the world” (18:3).
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites.” (Isa. 17:3)
We have read earlier in chapter 7 how king Ahaz and his people of Judah were “shaken like trees of the forest are shaken by the wind” simply at the rumor that their northern brothers, Israel, had joined Aram in planning to attack them (7:2). Well, they might have reasons to fear Aram, as Isaiah describes their cities as “cities of Aroer” which means “forever cities”. However, like all nations on earth, Aram will face judgment from God and the “royal power from Damascus” will disappear. In a sarcastic way, the oracle of Isaiah calls the “remnant of Aram” like “the glory of the Israelites” (17:3).
At first glance, one might wonder why there would be any glory left of Aram, but Isaiah quickly explains, “In that day, the glory of Jacob will fade” (17:4). Indeed, as we learn from history, Jacob (which refers to the Northern kingdom which allied with Aram) was totally destroyed by the Assyrians (around 722 B.C.).
This is a stern warning not just to kings and rulers of the earth, but to all who rely on and give glory to men and not to God their “Maker” (17:7). Men’s glory will inevitably fade; even at its height, it pales when compared to the glory of God, as the refrain of this hymn beautifully reminds us:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
This is a marvelous oracle in that the harsh punishment of Egypt will turn not only to a tremendous blessing for them, but they in turn will become “a blessing on the earth”:
19:1-15—The Punishment of Egypt
(1) What does riding on a swift cloud denote? (v. 1)
(2) While “the hearts of the Egyptians melt” is understandable, what does the trembling of the Egyptian idols point to? (v. 1)
a. Political turmoil (vv. 2-4)
- What kind of political turmoil will befall Egypt? (vv. 2 and 4; see Note below)
- To whom will they turn? What will be the results? (v. 3)
b. Economic disaster (vv. 5-10)
- What will be the impact on the life of the people when the Nile — the lifeline of their economy — dries up?
c. There is nothing Egypt can do (vv. 11-15)
- Who are the people being held responsible?
- Why?
19:16-22—The Role of Judah
(3) What are the Egyptians likened to at the day of their judgment? (v. 16) Why?
(4) Who will be used by the Lord to inflict them with terror? (v. 17)
(5) When was the last time the Lord used the people of Israel to terrorize them? (Exod. 12:33)
(6) This time, the terror will bring surprising results for Egypt:
a. What does it mean that five cities (out of 30,000 cities, as one commentator puts it) will "speak the language of Canaan (Hebrew) and swear allegiance to the Lord Almighty"? (Note: City of Destruction has lent itself to so many different interpretations; it is best not to speculate but confess that we do not know its meaning.) (v. 18)
b. What do the altar in the heart of Egypt and a monument at its border, both dedicated to the Lord, signify? (v. 19)
c. How will the Lord make Himself known to Egypt? (vv. 20, 22)
19:23-25—The Lord Will Be Worshipped by All
(7) What is that highway that links Egypt to Assyria for? How will it happen? (See Jn. 14:6; Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23)
(8) What might be the reason that Israel is named only as “the third” in this new covenant to worship the Lord? (v. 23)
(9) How will they become a blessing (to others) on the earth?
(10) What does the Lord call Egypt, Assyria and Israel respectively?
(11) How then should we look at the unbelieving world today, especially Egypt and Assyria (Iraq) which are Islamic countries?
(12) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
Note:
K&D offers the following understanding of the fulfillment of
this part of the prophecy in Egypt:
“the national revolution which broke out in Sais and resulted in the overthrow of the Ethiopian rule, and to the federal dodekarchy (government of twelve) to which the rising of the nation led ‘Kingdom against kingdom:’ this exactly suits those twelve small kingdoms into which Egypt was split up after the overthrow of the Ethiopian dynasty in the year 695 until Psammetichus, the dodekarch of Sais, succeeded in the year 670 in comprehending these twelve states once more under a single monarchy. This very Psammetichus…is the hard ruler, the reckless despot” (K&D, 232).
“The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance'.” (Isa. 19:25)
Egypt has much to be proud of. It is one of the oldest civilizations, with its amazing pyramids still standing tall today as a tribute to the most advanced architecture of ancient times. When it comes to biblical history, this is the land where many of the most miraculous deeds of God were performed and manifested (Exod. 7-14). What’s more, outside of the “Holy Land”, it was the only truly Gentile land that our Lord had set foot on, and it provided a safe haven for Him during His childhood (Matt. 2:13-18). And, in the early part of Christianity, many noted church fathers who contributed tremendously to the growth of Christianity came from Egypt, like St. Augustine.
Unfortunately, today’s Egypt is predominantly an Islamic nation, with constant persecutions of its Coptic Christians (about 10% of its population), not to mention Evangelical Christians. However, an even greater miracle is prophesied by Isaiah in that, one day, Egypt will not only worship the Lord (19:21), it will become “a blessing on the earth” (19:24). Even more amazingly, another Islamic nation, Assyria (which is modern-day Iraq) will worship the Lord together with them (19:23).
This offers us not only hope, but a proper perspective as we see the rapid rise of Islam and face the threat of its extremists. We should not live in fear because of their threat, because our Lord Jesus has exhorted us, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). Furthermore, we need to pray for Muslims, knowing that a greater miracle will happen and Islamic nations like Egypt and Iraq will come not only to worship Jesus Christ, but will become a blessing to other nations.
You might wonder, with all the harm and persecution that have been inflicted by some Muslims upon Christians throughout history, why would God choose to bless them? For one, Jesus Christ has also died for them, and in the words through Isaiah, the Lord regards “Egypt (as) my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my Inheritance” (19:25).
20:1-6—Vivid Prediction of the Fate of Egypt and Ethiopia
(1) What was the historical setting of this oracle?(Ashdod is the northernmost of the five major cities of the Philistines.)
(2) What does the Lord ask Isaiah to do in announcing the judgment of Egypt and Cush? (see Note below) Why?
(3) What lesson does the Lord expect Israel to learn from the demise of Egypt and Cush in the hands of Assyria?
21:1-10—Oracle Concerning Babylon: This oracle is meant for Babylon because it says so in v. 9 and the Euphrates was called a “sea” in the ancient time. It is important to note that while the prophecy was likely made in the late 700s, Babylon only became a world power in 605 and within a short time invaded and ruined Jerusalem, but it in turn was overpowered by the Medes and Persians in 539:
(4) How does the Lord depict Babylon in v. 1?
(5) How does the Lord depict the enemy of Babylon? (v. 2)
(6) How does seeing this particular oracle impact Isaiah? (Vv. 3-4)? Why?
(7) How does the vision of v. 5 correspond to the end of the Babylonian Empire in Daniel 5?
(8) In the vision, Isaiah is asked to post a watchman through whom the fall of Babylon is depicted: For whom is this vision meant? (v. 10) What is the message to them?
21:11-12—Oracle Concerning Edom: While scholars debate what “Dumah” refers to, the context is clear that the oracle is directed to Edom because of the reference to Seir, the mountainous country to the south of Palestine, where Esau resided (Gen. 36:8-9). It was taken over by Edom after the expulsion of the Horites (K&D, 250).
(9) Continuing the vision of the watchman, what does the question about what’s left of the night (for Edom) signify?
(10) What does the answer from the watchman signify?
21:13-17—Oracle Concerning Arabia: According to Oswalt, Dedan and Tema are located in the region known as Kedar in the northwestern part of the Arabian desert (see NICOT, Isaiah 1-39, 400).
(11) It appears that Arabia was an ally of Babylon (as Nabonidus, the father of Belshazzar of Daniel 5 adopted Tema as his self-imposed exile-capital in 552):
a. What will such an ally do to Arabia?
b. What is the importance of the specifying of one year?
(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note:
“Egypt and Ethiopia were at that time one kingdom.”
(K&D, 243)
“When Ethiopian Shabako was able to consolidate Upper and Lower Egypt in 714, he immediately began to foment rebellion against Sargon…The leading city of the revolt was Ashdod (of Philistine), over which Sargon had set up a regent favorable to himself (who)… was deposed and another man, Yamani, was made king, apparently in 713…the Assyrians report a swift victory, with Yamani fleeing to Egypt and Ashdod falling in 711. The Egyptians…meekly handed over a bound Yamani, undertaking to send him all the way to Assyria.”
(NICOT, Isaiah 1-39, 382-3)
“In that day the people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’.” (Isa. 20:6)
At the time of the ministry of Isaiah, Judah, the better of the two kingdoms of Israel, was wavering in her trust in the Lord.
As the Northern Kingdom under Pekah joined forces with Aram to threaten Judah, king Ahaz was seeking help from Assyria. In spite of the powerful prophetic words of Isaiah to him (chapters 1-12) which shine forth the glorious hope of the Messiah, we learn that Ahaz has completely ignored his words and sought help from Assyria (2 Ki. 16:4-9). Worse, he quickly built an altar after that of the temple of Aram (2 Ki. 16:10-17) and put his trust in idols.
The subsequent reign by Hezekiah did not really change the attitude of Judah. While Ahaz was pro-Assyrian, Hezekiah was clearly anti-Assyrian. However, the continuous threat of Assyria continued to cause Judah’s trust in the Lord to waver. Subsequently, Hezekiah leaned towards allying himself with Egypt and Cush (30:1-5).
It is with this mind that the Lord unleashes His prophecy against Egypt and Cush, using the capture of the strong Philistine city of Ashdod as an example to warn Judah not to trust in Egypt and Cush. Most commentators agree that this incident happened between 713-711 (see NICOT, 383); in other words, it was during the reign of Hezekiah. In order to help Hezekiah to trust the reality of this prophecy, the Lord even asked Isaiah to walk bare-footed and naked, presumably for three years. Unlike Ahaz, Hezekiah believed and listened to the words of the prophet, and eventually experienced the miraculous deliverance of the Lord from the hands of Assyria (2 Ki. 19:35-37).
Yes, as servants of the Lord, there are times when our words are not heard at all, but there are also times that, by the grace of God, they are heeded. However, as we remain faithful to the words entrusted to us, the Lord will be glorified, either through judgment or deliverance, because ultimately men cannot be trusted, and the words of the Lord will always come to pass.
The Oracle concerning Jerusalem—Jerusalem is no better than the nations:
22:1-4—The Way the City Will Fall
(1) In that day of destruction:
a. How did the people die and where were the leaders captured?
b. What kind of a scene is being depicted?
c. Why does the prophet refuse to be consoled?
22:5-11—The Powerful Assyrians (as represented by Elam and Kir)
(2) How does the Lord depict the powerful invasion of the enemies?
(3) What effort does Jerusalem put up to strengthen itself?
(4) What will be the outcome and why?
22:12-14—The People’s Response to Isaiah’s Warning
(5) What has Isaiah been calling to people to do?
(6) What is their response and why?
(7) What then will the result be? (v. 14)
22:15-25—The Sin of Shebna and His Replacement
(8) Now the Lord picks Shebna who is in charge of the palace as an example of the sin of the people, especially the leaders (see 2 Ki. 18:18)
a. What are the title and responsibilities of Shebna?
b. Why is it wrong for him to cut out a grave for himself?
c. What will happen to him and where will he die?
d. Why is he a disgrace to his master?
(9) Shebna
will be replaced by Eliakim, son of Hilkiah — the prophecy that follows
obviously speaks beyond the person of Eliakim, and into the future. Consider the following questions:
a. To whom will he be a father? What does it mean?
b. What will he shoulder? (see 9:6)
c. What is the key to be placed on him? (Rev. 3:7)
d. Like a peg, he will be driven into a firm place. What is that place?
e. What will be hung upon him?
f. Given the above, who could this “servant” be?
(10) But this person who is so firmly driven into a firm place will give way and be cut down:
a. How can it be?
b. Why? (see 53:8; Dan. 9:26)
(11) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“The Lord, the Lord Almighty, has a day of tumult and trampling and terror in the Valley of Vision, a day of battering down walls and of crying out to the mountains.” (Isa. 22:5)
The meaning of the “Valley of Vision” lends itself to many interpretations. The only agreement among commentators is that it refers to Jerusalem, because the contents of this oracle have made it plain. I tend to agree with those commentators who see a negative connotation to this term, because the oracle primarily is one of judgment, warning Judah that they are really no better than any of the nations before them.
The contents of the oracle clearly show that Jerusalem is a city void of a vision, and as Proverbs 29:18 clearly states, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” (NASB). This is clearly the case. Isaiah, through more than 20 chapters, has been calling the people to repentance, “But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine!” (22:13). On the other hand, the leaders, as represented by Shebna, are a “disgrace” to the master’s house (22:18), as each cares less about the affairs of the nation, and spends time and money in chiseling a lavished tomb for himself (22:16). This “Valley of Vision” where God has revealed Himself to them directly and through many prophets, is now a “Valley without Vision”. No wonder, the Lord Almighty in His wrath (and disappointment) reveals to Isaiah, “Till your dying day, this sin will not be atoned for” (22:14).
Fortunately, after their dying day — the fall of Jerusalem in B.C. 587 — the promise, using Eliakim who holds the key to the house of David as a sign for the Messiah (Rev. 3:7), is fulfilled in the death (the cutting down in v. 25) and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and atonement is made available, not only for Jerusalem, but for all nations.
This chapter concludes the section of oracles concerning the nations (beginning with Babylon from the east in chapter 13), and it is about Tyre, the very wealthy sea-port nation to the west of Israel:
23:1-14—The Overthrow of Tyre
(1) The trading partners of Tyre are mentioned in vv. 1-3 and they include Tarshish (most likely Spain), Cyprus in the Mediterranean, Sidon (its neighbor which later replaced her in dominion in the region) and Shihor (most likely referring to Egypt). Based on these three verses, together with vv. 6-8, what can you deduce about the prosperity and importance of Tyre?
(2) How will these trading partners respond to the news of the fall of Tyre? (v. 4)
(3) Based on the fact that Tyre was famous for its wealth based on her harbor, consider these questions:
a. What kind of change is predicted about her economy in v. 10?
b. With the destruction of the fortresses of this Phoenician city (v. 11), what impact will it have on her trading partners, Sidon and Cyprus in the same region?
(4) What should Tyre learn from the fate of Babylon? (see Note below)
23:15-18—Restoration of Tyre
(5) In what way is the fate of Tyre similar to that of Jerusalem? (see 2 Chr. 36:21)
(6) Why is Tyre still compared to a prostitute?
(7) But how will her profit be used after God has dealt with her? What might it mean?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note:
While Babylon eventually replaced Assyria as
the dominant world power after Isaiah’s time, during his time,
“The Assyrians had conquered the city (of Babylon) stripping its palaces and reducing it to a ruin. While Sargon’s attack in 710 may be the one referred to, it seems more likely that Sennacherib’s much more thorough overthrow of the city in 689 is the one in view” (NICOT, Isaiah 1-39, 434-5).
“The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.” (Isa. 23:9)
It is quite remarkable that a small nation like Tyre receives so much attention in Biblical prophecy. While we have no idea how large its “old city” was (23:7), the new, expanded city of Tyre today is only about two square miles in area and its metro-area is about 7 square miles. Yet, the Lord gives Isaiah a particular oracle concerning Tyre to use to wrap up the pronouncement of His judgment against the nations of the earth (chapters 12-23). In the words of the oracle, the nation of Tyre is selected because the Lord has planned to “bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth” (23:9).
Indeed, Tyre was prideful of her splendor and her renown in that many nations had become rich because of her (23:2). Her great harbor had enabled big ships to dock and transport goods all the way to Tarshish (most likely referring to Spain). Egypt (i.e. Shihor) depended on it to export her grains to other nations (23:3). The wealth of Tyre was so renown that she became the target of Nebuchadnezzar’s persistent attack that lasted 13 years (586-573 B.C.). While they abandoned their old city and moved to their present island-city about a mile west of the old site, their wealth continued to attract attention, and was ultimately besieged by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.
We read of these incidents simply as part of world history, but Isaiah reminds us that these historical incidents were not accidental; they have been planned by God to “bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth”. In other words, what happened to Tyre has happened and will continue to happen to all, not because splendor and renown are necessarily evil, but if they lead to pride that does not acknowledge the power and sovereignty of the Creator God, they will be punished; they will be humbled.
Fittingly, at the conclusion of his oracles concerning the nations, this section (from chapter 24-27) focuses on the triumph of God over all the earth and for His people. Chapter 24 addresses the combined fate of all the earth.
24:1-3—Devastation for All
(1) Which four verbs are used to describe the judgment coming upon the earth in v. 1?
(2) What is the sum of them? (v. 3)
(3) What is being emphasized in v. 2?
24:4-13—The Whole Earth is Dried Up
(4) V. 5 points out the reason for such a complete devastation. Reflect on them carefully:
a. What is meant by the earth being defiled? What was the earth like at its creation?
b. What are the law and statutes of the Lord meant for? How do people of the earth break and violate them?
c. What “covenants” has the Lord entered into with the people of the earth? (See Gen. 1:28-30 for the Adamic Covenant; Gen. 9:1-17 for the Noahic Covenant)? How did the people break the “everlasting” covenant?
(5) With the breach of the covenant, what consequences do the people of the earth have to suffer?
a. In particular, what is the emphasis of vv. 6-9?
b. What might be the cause for “the entrance of every house” being barred? (i.e. all doors and windows)
c. What is the imagery used in v. 13 to denote its utter devastation?
24:14-16—The Responses of the Whole Earth with Worship
(6) Where do these praises come from?
(7) What do they call the God of Israel? (v. 16) Why?
24:17-23—God Reigns
(8) Yet, the vision of the coming calamities (before the earth comes to praise God) is too horrific for Isaiah to join in at the moment:
a. What further calamity is depicted in vv. 16-17?
b. What additional devastation is depicted in vv. 18-20, 23?
c. Before the Lord can reign, what other powers need to be punished other than the kings of the earth below? (v. 21)
(9) What then was the message to the immediate audience of Isaiah (the kings and people of Judah)?
(10) What then is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.” (Isa. 24:5)
At the conclusion of the oracles directed to various nations of the earth, chapter 24 appears to be a summary charge against all the people of the earth, and the pronouncement of His judgment on them. The Lord lays down His charges against the people of the earth as follows:
- They have defiled the earth: As we know, when God created the heavens and the earth, the Bible says from the 3rd day of creation, “God saw that it was good” in each of the successive days of creation, and upon the creation of man and woman in His own image, He declares that “it was very good” (Gen. 1:18, 21, 25, 31). In other words, the earth that God created was beautiful, was glorious, and was sinless — all was created according to His will and for His glory. Alas, it was the sin of Adam that had marred this “good” creation, and we, as Adam’s descendants, have continued to perpetuate this defilement with our sins.
- They have disobeyed the laws and violated the statutes: The law and statutes that God has given Moses fully reflect the holy, just, righteous, compassionate and loving character of God, and their observance would guarantee prosperity and harmony on earth. While the laws and statutes were given to the people of Israel, our inner conscience is fully capable of knowing the spirit of God’s laws and statutes (Rom. 1:20; 2:14-15). But we have all chosen to disobey and violate them to our own detriment.
- They have broken the everlasting covenant: Ever since the creation of the heavens and the earth, God has entered into a covenant with men in that while He has given us all that we need, we are to manage His creation (Gen. 1:28-30). He remains the Creator and we are His servants in taking care of His creation. Alas, we have chosen to rebel against our Creator God, and have wanted to be “like God” (Gen. 3:5). While men had broken this covenant, God renewed His covenant with men after the flood. While He would continue to provide us with food, even including animals (Gen. 9:3), we have to obey His laws, especially His prohibition of eating meat with blood (Gen. 9:4). He further promised not to “destroy all life” with flood (Gen. 9:11). While God has kept His side of the bargain, the people of the world have not. In fact, the people of the world soon tried to usurp God’s glory and attempted to build the Tower of Babel to express their pride and their rejection of God as their master (Gen. 11).
Indeed, the people of the earth were guilty as charged, and still are, and thus await their day of judgment that Isaiah details in the chapter.