DBG - August 2 - Isaiah 14-18

In this chapter the destruction of Babylon continues to be discussed as well as that of Philistia.

vs. 1-2 – The restoration of Israel is contrasted with the destruction of Babylon, which was discussed in the previous chapter.  The situation described where Israel rules over Babylon is in the Millennial Kingdom.  It is difficult to tell if this is speaking solely of Ancient Babylon or if there is at least an allusion if not a double fulfillment to spiritual Babylon in Revelation 17-18.

vs. 3-11 – These taunts of Israel against Babylon are in the Millennial Kingdom. 

vs. 12-20 – Here is a section that has a double fulfillment.  Historically, it applies to the exalted kings of Babylon.  Spiritually, it speaks of the pride and fall of Satan.  Do not lose sight of either as you read this.

vs. 21-23 – A description of the destruction of Babylon.

vs. 24-27 – As this prophecy was given it would have seemed strange to focus on the fall of Babylon.  The major world power that was threatening Israel was Assyria.  It was prophesied in Chapter 10 that Babylon would conquer Assyria.  God takes time here to remind the Jews that Assyria surely going to fall just as Babylon was going to fall.

vs. 28-32 – Our attention now turns to Philistia (Palestina), the old nemesis of the Jews.  The prophecy is dated to the death of Ahaz in 726 B.C. (II Kings 16:19-20, II Chronicles 28:26-27).  There are two possible explanations for whose death they are rejoicing in vs. 29.  First, it could be Ahaz of Judah.  Second, it could be Tiglath-pilesar III of Assyria.  Either of these may have given them hope for a brighter future, but their destruction is foretold instead.  The Assyrians effectively destroyed their power and then later Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians finished them the small remnant.

In this chapter we see the destruction of Moab

vs. 1-9 – Our attention now turns to Moab.  Many cities and locations are mentioned here in their territory east of the Dead Sea.  You do not need to understand the details of these to grasp the severity of the judgment against them.  The land is full of despair and weeping before it is left desolate.  This refers to their subjugation by the Assyrians.  Like Philistia and other nations, a remnant would be left that the Babylonians would later largely destroy. 

In this chapter the prophecy against Moab continues.

vs. 1-14 – The opening verses of this chapter call for Moab to put aside past hostilities and to ally with Judah.  They may find mercy if they would repent of their pride and do so.  But the pride of Moab in vs. 6 would not be humbled.  Therefore, judgment would come.  The prophet weeps over fallen Moab because they could have found refuge in the Lord by refused.  The last verse tells us the destruction would happen in three years, but even having a countdown to judgment in front of them the Moabites would not bend.

In this chapter we see the destruction of Damascus and Ephraim.

vs. 1-3 – Damascus was the capital of ancient Syria.  The Assyrians under Tiglath-pilesar III would destroy the city within a year, as recorded in II Kings 16:9.  Aroer is the territory east of the Sea of Galilee that marked the southern border between Syria and Israel.  It is then revealed that the Northern Kingdom of Israel would share the same fate as the Syrians. 

vs. 4-11 – The discussion shifts from Damascus to Ephraim.  Ephraim was the tribe of the younger son of Joseph and the royal tribe for much of the history of the Northern Kingdom.   When God singles them out it could be that He is referring to the leadership of that kingdom or to the kingdom itself.  The scope of the judgment leaves only a small remnant of the once mighty nation.  However, there is purpose in their chastisement.  In vs. 7-8 we see that this remnant will turn from idolatry to God.  The meaning of vs. 11 is that their prosperity would be spoiled by their attackers.

vs. 12-14 – Here is prophesied the defeat of the Assyrians under Sennacherib in II Kings 19:35-37.  The sudden victory of the Lord may also foreshadow the victory of Armageddon.

In this chapter we have prophecies concerning Ethiopia.

vs. 1 – The exact identity of this nation is not given, only descriptions.  It appears to be Ethiopia.  This nation south of Egypt was called Cush by Israel. 

vs. 2 – The Ethiopians (Cushites) send ambassadors to make alliances against Assyria.  The description of the nation here points to Egypt being their target.  At this time (~713 B.C.) Egypt was ruled by succession of Cushite pharaohs.  We see in II Kings 19:9 and Isaiah 37:9 an Ethiopian army under Tirhakah (Taharqa) moving against the Assyrians in 701 B.C.   He was acting as general then but later became pharaoh in 690 B.C. 

vs. 3-6 – When the army of was assembled it would be a sign.  God would be watching from Heaven as the hope brought by this army is lost.  The army would be defeated by the Assyrians.  With the references mentioned in the previous comment, I think we can read this as a warning to Judah to not place their trust in the intervention of a foreign army to deliver them from the Assyrians.

vs. 7 – The gift here is offered to form an alliance between Egypt and Judah.  This almost certainly refers to II Chronicles 32:23.

One of the facts that I believe proves the veracity of the Bible is that it deals with questions on an international scale.  Israel’s God was not just a local or regional deity.  No, He is Lord over all the universe.  We have thus far seen in the Old Testament His special dealings with Israel.  With the rise of Assyria and Babylon, God’s dealings with the Gentile nations becomes.  All of the nations we have been reading about had interacted with Israel and thus had received witness of the true God.  These nations would all be humbled before God, causing them to question their pagan ways.  The spread of Christianity was only possible because God had set everything in this world to be ready for it.  God is working through the fall of these mighty ancient nations to prepare the world to receive Christ as Savior and later as King.

Our hymn today is “God is Working His Purpose Out”, written in 1894 by Arthur Campbell Ainger.  It reminds us that God is in control of the world and to take courage from it.

God is working this purpose out,
as year succeeds to year;
God is working this purpose out,
and the time is drawing near;
nearer and nearer draws the time,
the time that shall surely be:
when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.

From utmost east to utmost west,
where human feet have trod,
by the mouth of many messengers
goes forth the voice of God:
“Give ear to me, ye continents,
ye isles, give ear to me,
that the earth may be filled with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.”

Let us go forth in the strength of God,
with the banner of Christ unfurled,
that the light of the glorious gospel of truth
may shine throughout the world.
Let us all fight with sorrow and sin
to set the captives free,
that the earth may be filled with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.

All we can do is nothing worth
unless God blesses the deed.
Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide
till God gives life to the seed.
Yet nearer and nearer draws the time,
the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.