Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
After spending a dozen chapters judging the nations of his day, the prophet Isaiah sees into the future and he beholds God’s judgement in the world’s final days. Isaiah chapters 24-27 are breath-taking chapters that parallel the events we find in the book of Revelations chapters 6 – 19. They also foresee the time the Bible refers to as the “Day of the Lord”. Today, as it were, is the day of man, man is having his way, getting his say. But the day of the Lord is coming when the Lord will have the final say in all human affairs. It will begin with the rapture of the church and the return of Jesus to rescue the Jews, the restoration of God’s Kingdom and ultimately, the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today’s study looks at two chapters of praise of the Almighty God!

I. CHAPTER 25 Verses 1-12

• Praising God For The Wonderful Things He’s Done (Verses 1-3)

In Isaiah 24, the prophet spoke of the judgment that was to come upon the world, especially in the Great Tribulation. During that time, those who have come to trust in the LORD will praise Him, even in the midst of His righteous judgment. Here in these verses, the prophet makes a decision to praise God (I will). Worship is never to be just a feeling, even if it is an intense feeling. We are to worship God with a decision. For the wonderful things He has done, for His counsels of old, faithfulness and truth and for His righteous judgment. (Vs. 2) The people of the LORD see His work and glorify Him. This is the first of two effects of the judgment of God. Second, the city of the terrible nations will fear You. The unrighteous fear God when they see His righteous judgment.

• Praising God for His Goodness to the Weak. (Verses 4-5)

God is worthy of our praise because He brings strength to the poor and needy. He is a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat: This is a wonderful reason to praise God, and even the strangers (aliens) are blessed by His goodness. God will even quiet the song of the terrible ones.

• Praising God for What He Will Do - A Glorious Feast For God’s People (Verse 6)

In several places, the Bible speaks of what is sometimes called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:9 says, blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! According to Isaiah 25:6, we might say that this great feast takes place on earth, not in heaven. For God’s people, this will be the “victory banquet” or the “awards banquet” when the final battle is over. What a feast that will be!

• The Destruction of Evil. (Verses 7-8)

The picture is that there is a veil that is spread over all nations that keeps them from seeing God, loving God, and obeying God. In this glorious day, the LORD will destroy that veil. In 2 Corinthians 3:15, the Apostle Paul speaks of Israel being blinded by a veil: But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. In Isaiah’s day, it was apparent that the nations were veiled, and in Paul’s day, it was apparent that Israel was veiled. But when people return to God, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:16).
The LORD will also destroy death in that day. Death was introduced by Adam’s rebellion (Genesis 2:16-17) and will one day be completely eliminated by God. 1 Corinthians 15:54. And He will wipe away tears from all faces: This is how glorious the tender mercy of God is. It isn’t just that He takes away the things that made us sad, or even that He gives us a handkerchief to dry our eyes. Instead, He will gently and lovingly wipe away tears from all faces and the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth

• The Testimony of God’s People. (Verses 9-12)

We will proclaim, unashamed and unafraid (Luke 12:8) “Behold, this is our God. We have waited for Him, and He will save us. We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.
The LORD will settle His hand of favour, power, and glory on Mount Zion (That is you and I today). After the Great Tribulation, when Jesus Christ reigns from Jerusalem, the whole creation will know that the hand of the LORD does rest on this mountain. Moab shall be trampled down: In that day, Jesus will rule the nations with all authority and righteousness (Psalm 2:8-12). God will reach out (As a swimmer reaches out to swim) and bring low every proud, rebelling heart. Those who oppose His rule He will bring to the ground, down to the dust.

II. CHAPTER 26 Verses 1-21
Chapter 26 is a song of praise to the Lord. If chapter 25 was the verse of the song, this chapter would be the chorus. Revelation 21: 2 says: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

• The Strength of God’s City (Verses 1-2)

The context from these verses point to the day of the Messiah’s ultimate triumph, the day when the Messiah reigns over Israel, and over all the world. In that day, there will be a lot of joyful singing, such as this song that will be sung in the land of Judah. “Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of his salvation!”
Since cities came into being after the fall of man in Genesis 3, mankind has never known a truly godly city, the City of God on earth. In that day, all will know the strength and glory of the city of God. Surrounded by the walls of His salvation!
Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter it: The city of God, with all its strength and salvation, is only for the righteous, and those who keep the truth. (Revelation 21:22-27).

• The Lord is Our Source of Strength and Peace. (Verses 3-4)

In Hebrew, the term perfect peace is actually shalom shalom. “You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You”.
To be kept in this perfect peace is a matter of our mind not so much a matter of our spirits, souls or our hearts. We are to love the LORD our God with all of our mind (Matthew 22:37). We are transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). We can have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16, Philippians 2:5). We are not to set our mind on earthly things (Philippians 3:19), but to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). The Christian life is not an unthinking life of just doing, or experiencing, but it is also about thinking, and where we set our mind is essential in our walk before the LORD.
It is not only having perfect peace, but being kept in perfect peace. So it is possible for someone to have “seasonal” or “temporary” perfect peace because they have not been kept there. It is also possible to be kept in peace, but peace that is not perfect peace, (John 14:27). But there is a perfect peace that the LORD will keep us in.
“Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You”: This is the place of perfect peace and the source of it. When we keep our minds stayed – settled upon, established upon – the Lord Himself, then we can be kept in this perfect peace. (Proverbs 3:5)

• The Destiny of the City of Man. (Verses 5-6)

The city of man, represents the world system that is all about power and prestige, built on the backs of the weak and the poor. But when God brings the city of man down to the dust, He will turn all that around, and the feet of the poor shall tread it down.

• The Upright Vs The Wicked (Verses 7-11)

7 But for good men the path is not uphill and rough! God does not give them a rough and treacherous path, but smooths the road before them. 8 O Lord, we love to do your will! Our hearts’ desire is to glorify your name. 9 All night long I search for you; earnestly I seek for God; for only when you come in judgment on the earth to punish it will people turn away from wickedness and do what is right. 10 Your kindness to the wicked doesn’t make them good; they keep on doing wrong and take no notice of your majesty. 11 They do not listen when you threaten; they will not look to see your upraised fist. Show them how much you love your people. Perhaps then they will be ashamed! Yes, let them be burned up by the fire reserved for your enemies. TLB

• The Prayer of a Humble Heart. (Verses 12-19)

2 Chronicles 7:14 says: “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
The humble heart repents of past idolatry, and rejoices in the present freedom in the Lord. The humble heart knows the futility of working apart from the direction and blessing of God. The humble heart knows the LORD is responsible for increase and blessing. The humble heart relies on the Lord in times of distress and futility. The humble heart looks unto the Lord for the promise of resurrection.

CONCLUSION: Refuge from the Coming Judgment. (Verses 20-21)
This call for refuge, away from the devastation that would happen could be in reference to the deliverance of the Jewish people from the fury of the Antichrist described in Revelation 12:6 and 12:13-16. But it is more likely that it speaks of the refuge, the safety, the security of you and I when we will be caught up together with the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and escape the horrific indignation of the Lord that He pours out upon the world in the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22, Revelation 9:15-21), which will immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:29-30).

Parts of this study was culled from The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik

Contributor: Joy Okpebri

INTRODUCTION
We have been looking at the book of Isaiah which constitutes prophecy sometimes called the "Isaiah Apocalypse". Last week, we looked at the five burdens, weighty revelations via prophecy which became a burden to Isaiah – The basic theme being the encroachment of Babylon on God’s people and the reliance of Jerusalem on the strength of the city walls rather than on God. Today, we will be looking at Chapter 24 which contains the prophecy on the devastation of the land and Judgement on the people.

We will be looking into 3 main segments:
1. Destruction of Judah for its defilements and transgressions (Isaiah 24:1–12).
2. A remnant that will hold on to God and praise Him (Isaiah 24:13–16a).
3. God, by His judgments on His people and their enemies, will advance His Kingdom (Isaiah 24:16b–23).

Some of these sections contains some subsets as we go through the verses…
It is pertinent to state here that prophesies are basically a revelation of an action and its consequences. They are God’s warnings which when taken seriously, and correction done, would save the recipients from the consequences but if ignored will manifest.
Also, prophesies as the word of God, can replicate and transcend time in its advantages to bring to light an ongoing action, mindset and attitude while portraying the effect or consequences thus laying out a choice to continue in that trajectory, or make amends and prevent pending doom.
What we are looking at in this chapter is a microcosm or a small segment representing a greater demography. Isaiah’s prophesy does not just relate to the Babylonian conquest of Judah but applies to the earth and the purpose of mankind.

SECTION 1:
Destruction of the Current Earth (Isaiah 24:1–12)
a. The LORD’s Devastation of the Earth (Vs1)
In Vs1, Isaiah invites us to see.
We should bear in mind as we see the picture painted by Isaiah, that it is a representation of God’s judgement upon the earth and not just on Judah.
This tells of great devastation and tribulation we see that if it is left to run its course, no man will be saved. Same if the full consequence of the actions and sins of mankind are allowed to manifest, no one will survive. For the consequence of sin is death. But then by our own might shall no man succeed.
However, the consequence of our sin was laid upon Christ our saviour who has redeemed us from the course of the law. So, a choice is paced before mankind…now choose …Christ or death.

b. Everyone Will Be Affected (Vs. 2-3).
Vs 2 list out several type of people that would be affected by the judgement.
In these comparisons, Isaiah shows that all will be affected no matter their status in life… (Master, Mistress, Low station, Religious, economically buoyant, derelict, whether you believe in God or otherwise; not one of these statuses will protect one from the judgments of the LORD. When the judgment of the Great Tribulation comes, it will be complete in its scope.
The same with the wages of sin…it is death irrespective of your status on earth. The laws of heaven do not have different interpretations or perspectives.
The end of Vs 3 says: The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The LORD has spoken this word.
God’s sovereignty is such that whatever He speaks will come to pass. Consider that He spoke creation into existence as seen in Genesis 1.

c. Destruction Came Up Because of The Actions of Mankind (4-6).
Vs 4-6 gives us the reason for the destruction and judgement.
The destruction is total. The earth dries up and wither while the heavens languish alongside.
Heaven also languishes because it is not the desire of God that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9) He rather wishes for all to come to repentance so that they would be delivered from destruction.

Vs 5 of Isaiah 24 answer the questions…Is it God’s fault? is it His desire? Does He no longer want the redemption of man?
The answer to all these questions is No. It is the blatant and repeated rejection of God’s Words, His will, His mercy, and love, is what will bring the ultimate judgment: The Great Tribulation.

d. The Scene of Judgment (7-12).
Vs 7-12 paints the picture of the scene of judgment.
The things that we seem to think are so precious on this earth and we cannot do without, those activities we engage in that prevents us from Seeking and obeying God; will all turn to nothing.
When the LORD brings the judgment of the Great Tribulation, there will be no more “partying as usual.” The days for eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage (Matthew 24:38) are for before the Great Tribulation. When the Great Tribulation comes, the noise of the jubilant ends, the joy of the harp ceases.
The judgment will be so complete that the cities will look like bare olive trees. No fruit nor flavour…just chaff.

SECTION 2:
A Remnant That Will Hold on to God and Praise Him (Isaiah 24:13–16a)
Vs 13-16b shows the glory of God and the woes of mankind.
Even in the midst of great judgment and desolation, God has His own who will praise Him.
These will be a remnant who have turned back to God at the late hour after judgement have been unleashed. Revelation 7:9-14 refers to them as… those who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
This shows God’s desire for as many as possible to be saved. In His mercy, His Word is still in action that he who calls unto Him, anywhere and at any time, will be saved. This is clear in Romans 10:13… for, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The godly can see the goodness, the greatness, and the glory of God even in judgment, even in the great tribulation. We the believers know that God is gloriously righteous and merciful even in the full glare of our unfaithfulness and that is why we crawl back after going astray.
The question now is … “Why would we wait for consequences before we run back to God?”; Before we obey his ordinances. Isaiah is warning us ahead and we should heed now before the trumpet sounds, and it becomes too late.

SECTION 3.
God, by His Judgments on His People and Their Enemies, Will Advance His Kingdom Isaiah 24:16b–23.

a. The Character of God’s Judgment (16b-18).
While some repented, turned back and glorified God in the midst of the tribulation, some did not repent and got caught up in their destruction.

Vs 16b-18 shows that the judgment of the LORD will always be completed as the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Vs 17 mirrors the writing in the book of Revelations of this time of Great Tribulation. This judgement is specifically for the people of the earth. We can liken this to a divide between those who has received the salvation and kept away from sin and those who had wallowed in their sins and now suffer the consequences.

Vs.18 shows that the judgment of the LORD is inescapable. If you escape the fear or terror, you will fall into the pit. If you escape the pit, you will fall into the snare. God’s judgment has enough back-up plans to catch everyone because the wages of sin is death.

b. The Intensity of the Judgment of the LORD Touches Everything Vs. 19-20).
The weight of the guilt of man’s sins is likened to lava from a volcano. It forces itself to the surface violently and splits the earth as it goes. It consumes everything in its part and turns it all to ash.
The final act of judgement is being cast into hell where sinners shall burn for ever with great and violent suffering for eternity.

c. The Judgment of the LORD Will Touch Everyone (Vs. 21-23).
One of the more frustrating aspects of life is to see the rich, powerful, and wicked escape the present consequences of their sin. But in His great judgment during the Great Tribulation, no one will be able to buy a high-priced lawyer to escape judgment or bribe a politician to come out without being hurt.
God is the impartial judge. That is why we are advised to hold on to our salvation with fear and trembling so that after going so far, one slips up and still end up in hell. It is not a function of how long or how loudly one holds on to the claim of being a believer but the holding on and not looking back in steadfast believe and obedience to the instructions of God.
Under God’s great and final judgment, the status of princes, priests, heads of government and all else on this earth will buy them nothing.
It is very important to note that God’s purpose in judgment isn’t simple vengeance or vindictiveness, it is to bring about a glorious new world.

CONCLUSION
The entrance of the Word of God, brings light. The Word of God never fails. It always performs the enterprise to which it is sent. Prophecy could be for a particular duration, a season or open ended such that whoever receives it and works in it, will be delivered. It is not debarred by geographical, time or race constraints. We need to heed the warnings and ensure we do not run fowl of God’s Words. The wages of sin is death. The gift of God is eternal life.
But he that harkens to the voice of the Lord through His Word of commandments and exaltations, and warnings, will be upheld by the everlasting arms of God. This is the only true way of escape from the devastation and judgement to come.

Remember Ecclesiastes 10:8b…’He that breaks the hedge, the snake will bite’. The snake is symbolic of the devil whose goal is to steal, kill and destroy. So, the disobedient one is exposed to the workings of destruction and death while his salvation, protection is stolen.

This will not be our portion in Jesus Name. Amen

Contributor: Alex Kokobili

INTRODUCTION

The previous study (Isaiah 17-20) reminded us about how Assyria came against Ashdod which is a Palestinian city and seized it and then further led captive of the Egyptians and Ethiopians (Isaiah 20). Isaiah had to take off the sackcloth worn by prophets walking around barefoot as he declared the humiliation of Egypt. This signified the shame of Egypt and Ethiopia and how they would be in captivity of the Assyrians. This was also a deterrent to Judah to depend on God or else they also will fall into the hands of the Assyrians.
The discussion today is on Isaiah’s burdens which is revealed in chapters 21, 22 and 23. The prophecies in chapter 21 were burdens against the desert of the sea also referred to as burden of Arabia which became the destruction and fall of Babylon, then Dumah the offspring of the Ishmaelite and also the Assyrians. The other burdens were the besiegement of Jerusalem (chapter 22), and later the destruction of Tyre in chapter 23.

Part A. Isaiah 21: 1-17. (The fall of Babylon)
This emphasizes on the wilderness of the sea refers to Babylon with different prophetic warnings which were also described in Jeremiah 50 warning the habitants of Babylon to flee the land that it will be captured. Burden of the desert of Arabia or desert of the sea (See Jeremiah 50 – 51:42 talks about the drowning of Babylon (destruction), The fall of Babylon, and Dumah (the descendant of Ishmael).

- Isaiah 21: 1-10

Explains the destruction of Babylon which was eminent as God was going to use the Elamites and the Persians to bring judgment on Babylon for using the Medes to besieged its people. Babylon was known to have dealt treacherously with other nations and captives but now it will also face treacherous judgement. Isaiah’s prophecy at this point links us to Daniel 5:1-4 which reminds us of the consequences of the actions King Belshazzar who used the holy utensils to host a feast which was looted by King Nebuchadnezzar from the temple in Jerusalem.We then noticed (Isaiah 21:4) that Isaiah was shocked and dismayed about the judgment that will come on the Babylonians which will make it loose its advantage as a powerful. Bible scholars believed that this great fall of Babylon was actualized about two hundred years from the time Isaiah’s prophesy was released. Isaiah doesn’t seem to be happy about this message, he then speaks in agony (Isaiah V3-6) but regardless in this vision he had to be set as a watchman on a watch tower to declare what he saw. In v 6, Isaiah stands on the watch tower as he saw the vision of that Babylon is falling. Two chariots of animals – one of donkeys and the other of camels which is applicable of the meddle Persian empire which will be responsible for the demise of the people of Babylon. Then V9, Isaiah exclaimed, Babylon is fallen. Isaiah cries at the fall of Babylon saying “Babylon is fallen and its carved images”. We noticed in the Old Testament, it was not called Babylon the great! However, see a slight difference in Revelations 18: 2 “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal”) This tells us the Babylon would eventually fall at the apex of his glory. Babylon was known for its worship of idolatry and political grip and such narrative meant oppression of God’s people. This great fall thus signified the end of a Gentile rule that had a religious and political grip over God’s people, and also an end to evil that will user reign of God’s righteousness.

- Isaiah 21: 11 -12

Focuses on the prophecy against Dumah which is Edom, the cousin of Israel the descendants of Esau. The bringing of night, when is it going to end? The message comes that morning will come, but however more night will also come again. More nights coming, so the Edom will still suffer more persecutions for its actions against Israel and Judah its brethren. We also see this situation as repercussion for the way Esau dealt with his brother (Obadiah 1: 10-11) “For violence against your brother Jacob, Shame shall cover you, And you shall be cut off forever”. This continued with further emphasis (Obadiah 1: 18-19, “the house of Jacob shall be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken.19 The South shall possess the mountains of Esau”. Eventually Dumah shall be taken over and but Zion referring to the house of Israel shall be elevated as that which spring forth salvation (Obadiah 1:21 Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion. To judge the mountains of Esau, And the kingdom shall be the LORD’s).

- Isaiah 21: 13-17

These verse puts our attention on fall of Arabia because it was centered on the Ishmaelite’s with a focus on Kedar which is the second son of Ishmael (Gen 25:13 “These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam”). Kedar was a trading pattern of the people of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:21) and they were also known for the worship of false gods. From Isaiah’s prophecy we understand that the people of Kedar were mighty, glorious and had skilled men that shot bow and arrow on target (Isaiah 21:16-17) but God’s judgment on them means that they will be diminished.

Part B. Isaiah 22: 1-15 (Declaration Against Jerusalem)
The besiegement of Jerusalem was the burden of the valley of vision. Despite the fact Jerusalem is on the mountain, it was called the valley of vision because it was surrounded by its enemies.

- Isaiah 22: 1-7

Shows us God’s judgement against Jerusalem (The valley of vision). Isaiah in this narrative is agonized by what will become of the city and how it will be invaded with its city wall levelled. The description of city of hill which signified glory and honour of Jerusalem was exchange for that of a valley with a similitude in Jeremiah 21:13 “Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the Lord; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?”.

- Isaiah 22: 8-14

Jerusalem is faulted here for focusing on fortifying itself from external intrusion instead of repentance before God. Despite warnings they partied and were confident in themselves. So therefore God held them accountable for their sins and they will be vulnerable to attacks from their enemies.

- Isaiah 22: 15-24

This section tells us about Shebna who was the head of the treasury in the reign of king Hezekiah (2Kings 18:26). He had influence in the economy of Babylon while Jews where in exile. He was prude and exalted himself like a king building himself expensive tombs. His punishment would be in captivity in a strange where he shall die in shame (Isaiah 18-19 “He will surely turn violently and toss you like a ball Into a large country; There you shall die, and there your glorious chariots Shall be the shame of your master’s house. 19 So I will drive you out of your office, And from your position he will pull you down”. Shebna would then be replaced by Eliakim (V20-21), “That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; 21 I will clothe him with your robe). We however noticed that Eliakim was described as a type of Christ that will emerge (V22) “a key to the household of David”.

Part C. Isaiah 23: 1-18 (The Proclamation Against Tyre)
This is the burden of the Lord against Tyre of the Phoenicia (todays Lebanon) which was an Island and they were known commerce and shipping.

- Isaiah 23:1-7

Tyre will be destroyed because of its pride which is due to its success in commerce and wealth from shipping (Ezra 3:7) “They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia”). Then we also notice that the people of Tyre at some point will join the Edomites’ against their brethren Israel. The ships of Tyre were used for slave trade (Isaiah 23:2-3) which brought them huge revenues, Ezekiel 27: 25 “The ships of Tarshish” here are deep-sea ships, great ships trading to the most distant coasts”. We then see the consequences of their pride here in Isaiah 23:4-5 that that Sidon will be ashamed and Tyre in anguish and will be a laughing stock.

- Isaiah 23:8-18

The people of Tyre were called the merchant princes and were proud of their success (V8-9). The destruction of Phoenicia (Lebanon) which includes Tyre and Sidon will be likened to Assyria and Babylon which means it will become deserted and even if they find refuge with their neighbor in Cyprus they will have no rest. The fortress of Tarshish will also be destroyed making it difficult for Tyre to find a safety for its ships and therefore described as a forgotten prostitute (V14-15). Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years and at the end of the seventy years God’s judgment will be manifested upon it. The prophet Ezekiel also explained the judgment of Tyre for their disregard for Israel “Ezekiel 26:3B Behold, I am against you, Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves”. The implication will be that Tyre will not benefit from its enterprise (shipping businesses) which is now likened
to prostitution because of how it turned them away from God into pride. Isaiah 23:17 tells us, although Tyre will return to her commerce, it will not be profitable but however, Tyre’s wealth will be restored through a life of concentration to God which is holiness (V18 “Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the LORD; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothes Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the LORD; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothes”).

CONCLUSION
The five burdens were prophecies were weighty revelations and were enough to be a burden (Isaiah 21-23). We noticed that the Babylonian kings crossed their boundaries by having no regard for God or his chosen people (Isaiah 21), then also how Jerusalem on its part relied on the strength of the walls instead on the salvation of God (Isaiah 22). The consequences of pride in the case of Tyre (Isaiah 23) due to its prosperity of commerce cannot be overemphasized as God will puts our complete adherence to holiness. Unfortunately, so many people including Christians trivialize prophecies without analyzing the consequences (Hebrews 10: 31 For it is a fearful thing to fall into the anger of the living God). We must act with action when we are being directed or redirected by God because it is better than we ending up in self-destruction which was the case of these nations which eventually in great repercussions. We can meditate on this with these scriptures; (Mathew 6: 33 Seek for the kingdom of God and His righteousness all other things shall be handed over to you), (2 Timothy 3: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works).

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION
We are studying chapter 17, 18, 19 and 20 today. We shall be reading from The New King James Version (NKJ), International Standard Version (ISV) and The Message Version (MSG) of the bible for our in-depth study today.

Chapter 17:1-14
1. A Rebuke to Damascus; Isa. 17:1-3
A message about Damascus: “Look! Damascus will cease to be a city. Instead, it will become a pile of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted— they will be devoted to herds that will lay at rest, and terrorism will be no more. 3 The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and royal authority from Damascus; the survivors from Aram will be like the glory of the Israelis,” declares the Lord of the Heavenly Armies.

This chapter contains a prophecy of the ruin of Syria and Israel, the ten tribes; who were in alliance against Judah. Damascus, the head city of Syria, must be destroyed; the houses, the walls, gates, and fortifications demolished, and the inhabitants carried away captive. It will be reduced not only to a village, but to a ruinous heap. Vs 2, the cities of Aroer (a province of Syria) will be forsaken so that the places which should be for men to live in are for flocks to lie down and none will disturb nor dislodge them. Vs 3, The fortress shall cease from Ephraim, that in Samaria, and all the rest. They had joined with Syria in invading Judah and now those that had been partakers in sin should be made partakers in ruin and judgement.

2. A Time of Weakness for Israel; Isa. 17:4-6
Vs 4, the glory of Jacob was their numbers, that they were as the sand of the sea for multitude; but this glory shall be made thin, when many are cut off, and few left. Then the fatness of their flesh, which was their pride and security, shall wax lean, and the body of the people shall become a perfect skeleton, nothing but skin and bones.

Vs 5, The corn is the glory of the fields (Psa 65:13); but, when it is reaped and gone, where is the glory? The people had by their sins made themselves ripe for ruin, and their glory was quickly taken away, as the corn is out of the field by the husbandman.

Vs 6, Mercy is here reserved in the midst of judgment, for a remnant that should escape the common ruin of the kingdom of the ten tribes. those that are left are but like the poor remains of an olive tree when it has been carefully shaken by the owner.

3. Repentance and Revival; Isa. 17:7-8

Vs 7-8, They shall be a sanctified remnant. These few that are preserved are such as, in the prospect of the judgment approaching, had repented of their sins and reformed their lives, and therefore were snatched as brands out of the burning judgement. They were awakened, partly by a sense of the distinguishing mercy of their deliverance, and partly by the distresses they were still in, to return to God. They shall look up to their Creator, shall enquire, where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, in such a night of affliction as this? Job 35:10, Job 35:1, Psa 123:2. We must remember that God is in covenant with us and the God of grace; particularly, when we are in affliction, our eyes must be towards the Lord, to deliver us (Psa 25:15).

4. Desolation to the Nations: Verses 9-14
Vs 9, Here the prophet returns to foretell the woeful desolations that should be made in the land of Israel by the army of the Assyrians.

Vs 10, the sin that had provoked God to bring so great a destruction upon that pleasant land. It was for the iniquity of those that dwelt therein. It is because you have forgotten the God of your salvation. The God of our salvation is the rock of our strength; and our forgetfulness and not mindful of him are at the bottom of all sin. The harvest used to be a time of joy, of singing and shouting (Isa 16:10), but it shall be a time of desperate sorrow, for they shall see not only this year's products carried off, but the property of the ground altered and their conquerors lords over them. The harvest shall be removed into the enemy's country (Deut. 28:33).

Vs 12-13, these verses read the doom of those that spoil and rob the people of God. If the Assyrians and Israelites invade and plunder Judah, if the Assyrian army take God's people captive and lay their country waste, let them know that ruin will be their lot and portion. God will make them like a wheel, or rolling thing, and then persecute them with his tempest and make them afraid with his storm, Ps. 83:13, Ps. 83:15. Note, God can dispirit the enemies of his church when they are most courageous and confident, and dissipate them when they seem most closely consolidated.

Vs 14, At evening-tide they are very troublesome, and threaten trouble to the people of God; but before the morning they are not. Like in Exo. 14:13-14 when Moses assured the children of Isreal
“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever”.

Summary of Chapter 18:1-7
This chapter is a prophecy of the desolation of a land or country, described by the wings with which it was shaded, and by the rivers by which it was situated.
1. The prophet addresses himself to the nation here described as a 'land shadowing with wings,' and as sending ambassadors, in a manner designed to call their attention to the great events soon to occur Isa 18:1-2.
2. He addresses all nations, calling upon them also to attend to the same subject Isa 18:3.
3. He says that God had revealed to him that destruction should come upon the enemies here referred to, and that the immense host should be left to the beasts of the earth, and to the fowls of the mountains Isa 18:4-6.
4. The consequence, he says, of such events would be, that a present would be brought to Yahweh from the distant nation 'scattered and peeled,' and whose land the rivers had spoiled Isa 18:7.

Summary of Chapter 19:1-25
This chapter contains prophecies of various calamities that should come upon Egypt in a short time, and of the conversion of many of them to Christ in Gospel times. The calamities are many; the Lord's coming unto them, which their gods cannot prevent, nor stand before, nor save them, and at which the hearts of the Egyptians are dispirited.

1. He sees Yahweh coming in a cloud to Egypt Isa 19:1.
2. The effect of this is to produce alarm among the idols of that nation Isa 19:2.
3. A state of internal commotion and discord is described as existing in Egypt; a state of calamity so great that they would seek relief from their idols and necromancers Isa 19:2-3.
4. The consequence of these dissensions and internal strife would be, that they would be subdued by a foreign and cruel prince Isa 19:4.
5. To these political calamities there would be added "physical" sufferings Isa 19:5-10 - the Nile would be dried up, and all that grew on its banks would wither Isa 19:5-7; those who had been accustomed to fish in the Nile would be thrown out of employment Isa 19:8; and those that were engaged in the manufacture of linen would, as a consequence, be driven from employment Isa 19:9-10.
6. All counsel and wisdom would fail from the nation, and the kings and priests be regarded as fools Isa 19:11-16.
7. The land of Judah would become a terror to them Isa 19:17.
8. This would be followed by the conversion of many of the Egyptians to the true religion Isa 19:18-20; Yahweh would become their protector, and would repair the breaches that had been made, and remove the evils which they had experienced Isa 19:21-22, and a strong alliance would be formed between the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Jews, which should secure the divine blessing and favour Isa 19:23-25.

Summary of Chapter 20:1-6 (NKJV)
In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it, 2 at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. 3 Then the Lord said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 5 Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory. 6 And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, ‘Surely such is our expectation, wherever we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape?’”

This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of the Egyptians and Ethiopians by the Assyrians, which had been prophesied of separately in the two preceding chapter of Isa 18:1.
In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it. This was describing an event in 2 Kings 18:9-12 The Assyrian empire had extended its conquests over Syria, Damascus, and Ephraim or Samaria.

Vs 2 go, and loose the sackcloth from off your loins; a token of mourning, and which the prophet wore because of the captivity of the ten tribes; and it may be also on account of the miseries that were coming upon the people of the Jews; though some think this was his common garb, and the same with the royal garment the prophets used to wear, Zac 13:4 and put off your shoe from your foot; as a sign of distress and mourning. Here we see the obedience of God’s prophet to His instruction as a sign of His judgement coming against Egypt and Ethiopia.

Vs 3-4, Like as Isaiah has gone stripped of his special garment as a prophet, so shall the Egyptians and Ethiopians be stripped of all that they value, and be carried captive into Assyria.'

Vs 5-6, And they shall be afraid; The Jews, or the party or faction among the Jews, that were expecting aid from allied Ethiopia and Egypt. When they shall see them vanquished, they shall apprehend a similar danger to themselves; and they shall be ashamed that they ever confided in a people so little able to aid them, instead of trusting in the arm of God.

CONCLUSION
God wants His people to know that they can’t put their trust and security in other nations except Him, the one with everlasting Arms.
They shall be alarmed for their own safety, for the very nation on which they had relied had been made captive. And when the "stronger" had been subdued, how could the feeble and dependent escape a similar overthrow and captivity? All this was designed to show them the folly of trusting in the aid of another nation, and to lead them to put confidence in the God of their fathers.

Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION
Unlike most of the other oracles against the nations, which gloat over their eventual downfall, this oracle about Moab is sympathetic. In v. 5 and 16:9–11, God Almighty laments over the misfortune of Moab. Still, the same sin of pride and arrogance requires judgment. Jeremiah offers a similar prophecy against Moab in Jer 48.

Summary on Isaiah 15:1–16:14

Chapter 15
15:1 Moab was Israel and Judah’s neighbour to the east across the Jordan River. Many of the northern Moabite cities described in this passage were once possessed by Israel. 
Several of them—such as Heshbon and Elealeh—were built by Israelites (Num 32:37).
When Israel and Judah were strong, they dominated and controlled this area of the Transjordan. During Isaiah’s day, Moab—along with all the other countries in the region—was subject to Assyrian invasion.
Ar is devastated in a night, Moab Locations throughout the territory of Moab are named, beginning with their main center of power in the south and moving northward. The northern cities of Moab are destroyed; the southern cities are depicted mourning over the
loss, while fugitives flee southward.

15:2 Dibon Located in disputed territory; Israel claimed the territory east of the Jordan for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Historically, those areas were predominantly controlled by Moab and Ammon. 
The high places The temple and high places indicate sites of worship for Chemosh, the god of Moab. He is mentioned in 1 Kgs 11:7, 33 as one of the foreign deities whose worship was promoted in Israel. The deity is mentioned outside the Bible in an inscription attributed to Mesha, king of Moab.
Every head is bald A sign of mourning (see Isa 22:12).

15:3 They gird themselves with sackcloth A symbol of despair, humiliation, and mourning, wails, going down in weeping.

15:4 Heshbon and Elealeh Cities in the northern part of Moab’s territory that may have been built by Israel (Num 32:37).

15:5 My heart cries out for Moab; we see God Himself empathizing with the Moabites. Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah are locations in the southern part of Moab. On the road of Horonaim The fugitives are fleeing from the destroyed northern cities and heading south. The exact location of Horonaim is unknown; but its connection here with the ascent of Luhith suggests a general location in south central Moab.

15:6 the waters of Nimrim Likely refers to a stream running along the southwest edge of the Moabite plateau and into the Dead Sea. There is no greenness, economic and ecological destruction brings down Moab, leaving its inhabitants with nothing.

15:7 they carry the abundance it has made and their store of goods The wealth and supplies of the kingdom are carried off as spoils of war. The devastation envisioned is likely connected to one of the Assyrian campaigns.

15:9 The waters are full of blood The blood is from those who fell during the Assyrian invasion. The Assyrians took pride in cruel and bloody tactics that kept their subjects living in fear. A lion for the survivors of Moab The few who escape the invaders will have to contend with an untamed wilderness, where even the beasts are under God’s command to destroy them in judgment. Other nations in this sequence of oracles have similarly been promised that they will have no remnant. See Isaiah 14:22, 30.

Chapter 16

16:1 Send a ram Moab, in distress, sends a gift to Judah along with a request for asylum. Referring to Judah as the “ruler of the land” acknowledges the Moabites’ past status as subjects of Israel. See 2 Kgs 3:4–8.
The mountain of daughter Zion Jerusalem.

16:2 Like a bird fleeing from a thrust away nest The refugees are weak and defenceless—they are women seeking shelter at the fords of Arnon. The Arnon River, the primary river in the region, formed a large canyon that created a natural boundary for Moab. It would have presented a difficult obstacle for fleeing refugees to bypass.

16:3 “Bring counsel The daughters of Moab appeal to standards of social justice in requesting protection in Zion. Their request is found in Isa 16:3–4a, Isa 16:4b begins God’s response.

16:4 Let my outcasts of Moab dwell as aliens among you.
Oppressor is no more, God later laments over their plight. Here, He simply defers their plea until the Messiah comes to hear it. The time when all the nations come to Zion has not yet arrived; they are too early (see Isa 2:2–4).

16:5 in the tent of David The Davidic Messiah.

16:6 the pride of Moab Pride is again the besetting sin of all peoples. See 2:11–12; 10:12; 14:10.

16:7 Kir-hareseth A city in south central Moab.

16:8 Heshbon withers the fields Focuses on the physical and economic ruin of the northern part of Moab. Heshbon was a city near the northern border of Moab.

16:9 I weep with the weeping of Jazer for God Almighty empathizes with Moab in vv. 9–11, even though He is responsible for bringing the destruction (v. 10).
Jazer A city north of Heshbon. Sibmah was in the same region. Both Jazer and Heshbon are part of the land allotted to the tribe of Gad in Josh 21:39.
Heshbon and Elealeh Cities in the northern part of Moab’s territory that may have been built by Israel (Num 32:37)

16:10 joy and gladness are taken away similar language appears in Jeremiah’s proclamation about Moab (Jer 48:33).
Make reference to a scenario or in the vineyards where no one triumphs Isa 5:1; Judges 9:27.

16:11 my heart the Hebrew term here refers to the belly, which is associated with emotions in Hebrew or “my stomach trembled.”

CONCLUSION
16:12 - 14 This is the word the Lord has already spoken concerning Moab. 14, But now the Lord says: “Within three years, as a servant bound by contract would count them, Moab’s splendour and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble.” Taking a cue from our study last week we can see how pride became the downfall of Satan, Moab and destruction became inevitable. Let us therefore come to God for mercy, with a heart full of gratitude for His sacrificial Love and change our ways to that which is pleasing to God. Pride is dangerous and a killer of destiny. Don’t pride rob you of your final destination. Eternity is not a few years but forever and ever lasting.