Contributor: Ngozi Roberts

INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapter we discussed about how God detests the trusting of the arm of flesh instead of God. The Jews trusted in the Egyptians prowess which is a symbol of trusting the arm of flesh or man and God did not like it. He assured the Jews and ultimately you and I of God's care and protection. The study ended by the prophet calling all to repentance, and prophesied the destruction of those that do not trust God. Following these sequence, the prophet in the next two chapters 32 and 33 prophesies of the coming righteous king that will bring about a righteous government establishing the fact that the blessings that comes out of this righteous rule will only be experienced by the repentant children of God while the sinners will experience His judgement.

PART 1: CHAPTER 32
This chapter contains a prophecy of the Messiah which is, however applicable to Hezekiah, as a type of Christ as it only has its full accomplishment in him, and in his times. He is described as a righteous King, having Just princes ruling under him. The chapter is filled with metaphors and will require attentiveness to be able to understand these chapters. It is divided into 3 sections. The first section talks about the period of peace and happiness which will characterise the reign of the righteous king. The second section talks about the times of trouble which would be as a result of the existence of bad people and the third section reflects on the blessings that will be seen in the end.

CHAPTER 32, VERSES 1-8 - THE PERIOD OF PEACE AND HAPPINESS
The Prophet prophesies about the reign of a righteous King. This godly king is going to establish a godly government and will have many godly helpers within the society. It is evident this is about Christ our righteous King and His true disciples. Though during the time of Isaiah this king seems to reflect the local historical king – Hezekiah however, for us this ultimately talks about the messiah Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The metaphorical expressions seen in verses 2-8;
See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. 2 Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. 3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. 4 The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear
These expressions connotes that the this government will bring about stability and comfort in the society. This brings to remembrance, Psalm 47:5-9, which praises God as…the King over all the earth, who reigns with justice and equity.
Also in Isaiah 2:2-4, which foretells that the…nations will stream to Jerusalem to learn from the Lord, and that He will judge between the nations and make peace.
Similarly, in Rom 14:17 : 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

CHAPTER 32: VERSES 5-6 – FOOLS WILL NOT BE IN THE GOVERNMENT
Here again, the use of metaphorical expressions that indicates that during this righteous reign that fools will not be found in this helm of affairs. Why? Because the characteristics of fools as in verses 6-7 will not be found in this government.
"5 No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected. 6 For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil: They practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the LORD; the hungry they leave empty and from the thirsty they withhold water. Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just."

So Isaiah prophesies that even in this ideal society, there is going to be rogues and bad people but however, these bad people are going to be recognised and ostracized from leadership

CHAPTER 32 VERSE 8 - CHARACTERISTICS OF NOBLE MEN IN GOVERNMENT
8 But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.
Note that the government will be constituted by noble and princely men.

CHAPTER 32 VERSE 9-14 - CONSEQUENCES OF COMPLACENCY
These verses talks about the rich people of Isaiah days. Again the use of metaphor to express and reflect on the warning to those who are relaxed in their luxury and feel secure due to their own means. The prophet sounds a note of warning that if the ones that are bad continue to provoke God then there is going to befall them a time of hardship and series of anguish that will be coming to them. In reflection for us, we are being admonished to repent and be on the alert and not to rely on our own strength. Reminds us of 1Cor. 7:29-31 where we are admonished to live as if end is at hand. It says:
29What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

CHAPTER 32 VERSE 15 -18 - THE PEACE OF GOD’S REIGN
Vs15 talks about the out pouring of the Spirit of God. This brings to mind Joel 2:28-29 that said:
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Also in Isaiah 44:3, For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
So the prophets lists out the things that will be the outcome of the spirit outpouring.
The Sprit of God will pour out the power and presence of God for us to be able to act on God’s will. When the manifestation of the Spirit of God is on mankind there will be :
1. Abundance of justice,
2. Personalised life style of righteousness that will bring about -
a. peace, quietness,
b. confidence,
3. Undisturbed resting places ; undisturbed land, home,
4. Real security and peace
Again, this brings to mind the scripture Rom. 14:17- 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

CHAPTER 32: VERSE 19-20
Note that in the middle of blessing of pouring of spirit, Isaiah also prophesies judgement (Vs. 19). which seems odd and makes me to believe judgement refers to the destruction of Assyrian (Chapter 27). So putting this into context, while the Assyrians are being punished by God, the children of God are experiencing the out pouring of the spirit of God and its benefits. However, it is also true that in situations where the children of God are, evil exists. Remember, God treats His enemies differently as we learnt in our previous lessons and they usually end up being destroyed. That is why the scripture tells us that Job 22:29 29When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
So as believers, we should always understand that it is in allowing ourselves be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit that we can experience exemption from the judgement that will befall the evil ones. He says in Romans 8: 14 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
When believers are led by the Holy Spirit , they shall live in fertility, in so much abundance that no matter the poverty that grips the world around them, they shall not be affected.

PART 2: CHAPTER 33
In this chapter, Isaiah gives an account of God's judgments upon the enemies of his people, and of the peaceable, comfortable, and happy state of the church in the latter day. This chapter is divided in two sections. The first section refers to Gods judgment on His enemies while the second section refers to the happiness to be experienced as a result of the glorious reign of the Messiah.

CHAPTER 33 VERSES 1-14 - A PRAYER IN DEEP DISTRESS
In verse 1 the prophets reminds us of the Assyria who were a tool in the hand of God to punish the children of Israel in other to bring them back to repentance. These Assyrians did not go unpunished. They still had to experience the wrath of Gods anger. God still held them responsible for their godless action so they have to pay the price. The lesson here is that we as children of God will always be held responsible for any of our actions, even though God already knows from the beginning. If we do evil, without repentance, we will reap whatever we sow. Remember the story of Judas, though it has been prophesied that someone will betray Jesus, Judas stepped into the prophesy and without repentance he was destroyed. He was held responsible for his betrayal action. Same also was Pharoah, he was held responsible for his action when he was destroyed in the Nile pursuing the children of Israel. The righteous ruler often pays the sinner in their own coin. Those who by faith humbly wait for God shall find Him gracious to them.
In Vs. 2, Isaiah both prays and prophecy. He becomes emotional as he calls on God to have mercy. “LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. This reminds me of the Lord prayer where in Matthew 6:11 it say 11Give us this day our daily bread. Praying for the help of God for daily living. And true to the word, there is no way we can live the Christian life without trusting in Him to lead us daily. God wants us to trust him daily for our daily need. Day by day walk in fellowship with Him. This will bring about our genuine stability and security.
In Vs 3- 6 – The prophets takes us into a peep of his life and experience in God. He leads us to understand who God is. The fear of the Lord is the key to his treasure. When we live in the fear of the Lord we will experience Gods wisdom, salvation and knowledge. The greatest treasure is knowing God and it is a great blessing.

Vs 7 – 9 highlights to us the distress that Jerusalem was brought into.
The prophet reflects on what really happened to the negotiations between the representatives of Israel and Assyrians. The break down on the negotiations brought about the men crying and mourning on the streets of Jerusalem. Why? Because the treaty they had with Assyria had broken down. Everyone is afraid and runs into hiding. This is described in 2Kings 18:13-16. Even though Hezekiah gave the king of Assyrians a lot of treasure to stay away yet he came back anyways to fight.

CHAPTER 33 VERSES 10 – 15 - IMPENDING JUDGMENT ON ZION
It’s interesting to know that it is when all other helpers fail, that is the time for God to appear in our lives. Psalm 60:11 says 11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
The Prophet prophesies about the help of God. As God arises to help His people , the children God praise, and exalts Him on high.
The Prophet kind of blows the trumpet of God, letting those who have heard of what God has done to acknowledge that God can do all things. He also reiterates that those sinners that are still living in Jerusalem and outside will experience the wrath of God as He delivers His true children. Reminding us of Hebrew 12:29 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Also, Deuteronomy 2:24 tells us same. God’s wrath will burn those who make themselves fuel for it. So, He warns the jews that are far away and near to watch what God was going to do. When God arises, his enemies scatters!

Vs 15-16
Isaiah reflects on the characteristics of the people in this new day of righteousness. They reflect the character of God himself. In the Old Testament the goal of righteousness was to be like God. The word righteous connotes straightening - measuring reed and describes God himself. God’s characteristics manifested in humanity and in the New Testament is Christ. These characteristics of God’s righteous people are best explained in Psalm 15:
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
And psalm 24-3-6 also stipulates same as God’s righteous people characteristics.

CHAPTER 33, VERSES 17-24 - THE LAND OF THE MAJESTIC KING
From verse 17, the prophet makes reference to the righteous King that we talked about in verse 32. It is during the reign of this miraculous child and king that the children of God will start wondering why they revolted against God in the first place. They note that there is no longer the terror they used to experience. No more task masters. No more strangers with foreign language (Chapter 28:11- indicating that the Assyrians language was foreign to them). They will then appreciate the new government and the new land. Zion the city of Gods dwelling place. A land of peace with stability and no chaos. This is because the Lord God almighty will be the ruler. A land without sickness and there will be so much abundance that none will lack and none will be harmed.

CONCLUSION
As believers we are reminded to remember the conditional response from God. We should understand that our hope, our Jerusalem will not be destroyed if we as believers follow God and love Him and walk in His ways. He will keep us in Zion, our abode from all harm if we live righteously, however, if we don’t by living unrighteous, He will take His presence from us and we will fall. Note that all of man’s relationship with God is based on unconditional promise followed by man’s individual response which is conditional.
As true believers, we should watch out for all occasion to sin and avoid it. By faith we take Christ as our King and Saviour. Most importantly is that He will be our King in heaven where there will be no sickness or trouble, all our transgressions blotted out and souls healed.
Zephaniah 3:15 says The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel's King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm
Job 36:11-12 says 11 If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. 12 But if they do not obey, They shall perish by the sword, And they shall die [e]without knowledge.
Also, Matthew 24: 13 encourages us :13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Ultimately, we are all encouraged and admonished to endure to the end. As long as we trust in God and not man, He will bring us home safely. God is saying to you and I to trust Him and He will forgive us and bring us home to an everlasting life.
Parts of this study was culled from : Matthew Henry – Commentary on the whole Bible

Contributor: Ayomide Oladipo

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah 30 was an account of a situation the nation of Judah went through, how they handled it and the result of their actions. Judah was facing threat of invasion from Assyrian army, and out of fear and distrust in the Lord they sort help from Egypt. Though Judah knew rightly that it was sinful for them to seek help from Egypt and not from God, yet they did due to bad counsel. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Evil communication corrupts good manners”, God had encouraged Judah to trust in Him, but due to bad counsel, they disobeyed God and worshipped an idol “Egypt”. The result of their decision according to Isaiah 30:3-5 was shame, humiliation, and disgrace. Isaiah 30: 31 “For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.” Prophet Isaiah prophesied how Assyrians would be destroyed. Today’s study will look at God’s characterisation of the actions of Judah, His call for them to repent and the result of their repentance as it pertains to their current predicament.

The Lord will Defend (Isaiah 31: 1-9)
Verse 1: “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”

This is telling us the reason why Judah turned to Egypt for help. Egypt was a strong nation, they had chariots and horses with a great army, so when the invasion from Assyrian was imminent, the leaders of Judah weighed their options, did consultations, they knew they were at war and its obvious they needed war equipments. This led to their decision to go to Egypt.

Proverbs 3 :5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Looking at Judah’s antecedents, they are not unbelievers that we may say they did not know to trust in the Lord. In proverbs 3: 5-6, king Solomon gave us what we should and should not do when we are faced with decisions or challenges of life. First, trust in the Lord, second, don’t lean on your own understanding, third before you do anything, acknowledge the Lord and the result of that principle is direction from the Lord. Judah despised this principle by taking counsel from unbelievers, leaning on their own understanding of how to fight the war, which lead to their sinful decision.

Why do we call their act sinful? Luke 9: 42 says: “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

It was sinful because it is an act of rebellion, they knew the truth, Psalm 20:7 (Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.) but decided to go against the truth they already know.

Lesson: It is not just disobedient for us as believers to turn to other things for help and not God, it is a sin. And the Bible says we cannot be in sin and ask grace to abound. We despise the Lord when we allow fear to push us out of trusting in Him.

Verse 2-3: “2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. (3) Now the Egyptians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.”

Though the leaders of Judah had their obvious justification for seeking help from Egypt and not from the Lord prophet Isaiah here was calling them to remember the reasons why they should trust the Lord over the Egyptians.

Vs 3: Now the Egyptians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh, and not spirit.

God is superior to the chariots and horses of Egypt because He is not a man. (3b): “When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.”

All it takes is for God to stretch fort His hands and the helper (Egyptians) and those that sort for their help (Judah) will fall together. Prophet Isaiah here was telling them how futile their trust in the Egyptians army is.

Recall our study last week, Isaiah 30:3-5, the trust in Egypt shall end in shame, humiliation, and disgrace.

Lesson: Let us always remember that God is superior to all in every of our decisions. Putting trust in any other thing or man other than God is unreliable. If we can only think a little deeper that if God created all that were made by His word, what can He not unmake by His Word? This includes our challenges Isaiah 30:31 “For through the voice of the Lord, Assyria will be beaten down, as He strikes with the rod.”

Promise of God to Defend His People.
Verse 4-5: “For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. (5) As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it."

Though Judah made a sinful decision to seek help from Egypt rather than looking unto the help that is already available to them (The Lord), God here, according to prophet Isaiah stood by His commitment to defend mount Zion and Jerusalem which are the cities of His people.

Lesson: God is committed to His promise to defend His own people, if we seek His help or not, His help is always there to defend us, and come through for us if only we can trust in Him.

Call to Repentance.
Verse 6- 7: “Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. 7 For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.”

Prophet Isaiah here was admonishing the people to turn back to God. Vs 7: “For in that day” What day? The day people turn away from the idols they have built for themselves. Prophet Isaiah referred to the actions of Judah as idolatry because they put Egyptians in the place of God.

Verse 8-9: “Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mankind shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become forced labor. (9) He shall cross over to his stronghold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner, Says the Lord, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.”

In that day, when the people turn back to God, destroy their Idols, then will the Assyrians be destroyed. This will not happen by sword of any man, but by the great fire of the Lord as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35 God sent his angel and killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night. When the people woke up, there were 185,000 dead Assyrian soldiers. That is God defending His people when they turn to Him and turn away from Idols.

Lesson: Last week we were asked “What can represent idols in our lives today?”, anything we put in God's place in our lives is an idol.

Psalm 110: 1 “The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.””

The Lord is committed to defending us, but not when we have our eyes set on other source of help in place of God. God is committed to all those that have absolute trust in Him, according to the psalmist, God wants us to win without fighting and the only way to live this victorious life is to trust in the Lord.

CONCLUSION
Psalm 91 tells us about they that dwell in the secret place of the Most-High. The secret place of the Most-High, is the everlasting arm of God and in the everlasting arm of God, we have guaranteed everlasting protection, help and provision. Not on the arms of any man or thing. God wants us to honor men, psalm 115: 6 “The heaven, even the heavens, is the Lord’s, But the earth He has given to the children of men.” As long as we remain on earth, we will always need men because God himself gave the earth to men, but we despise God when we put our trust in men. Whatever you trust in, you will worship and the moment our trust is not God we become idol worshippers, and this will end in disgrace, humiliation, and defeat.

Isaiah 51:1-2 “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (2) But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

The Lord is always committed to His children, but idol worshipping will sabotage our victory as His children. Turn to the Lord today for help, turn away from idols and watch Him make your enemies your footstool while you hold your peace.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
Today’s study covers 4 Chapters. (27-30). Chapter 27, the 4th chapter of "Isaiah’s Apocalypse"
concludes the previous three chapters of Isaiah (24, 25 & 26) as it continues to focus on the End Time and on Christ’s divine battle. Chapter 24 showed us a picture of the devastation on the earth that will take place during the upcoming Tribulation period, Chapter 25 showed us what heaven will be like, Chapter 26 showed us how the nation of Israel would come through the Tribulation. Today, in the first part of the study, we will continue to look at the full restoration of the nation of Israel as it comes through the Tribulation in chapter 27, and then come back to more current times of Isaiah’s day in the second part, Chapters. (28-30).

PART 1: CHAPTER 27
Chapter 27, Verse 1: Satan Will Lose The Battle
In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing
serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea. See Rev 12:7- 13
Isaiah 27:1 and Rev 13, have many similarities. Here the prophet Isaiah speaks about the end time. The leviathan has similarities with the dragon in Rev 12:17 and the sea beast in Rev 13:14. The use of two symbols, the woman in labour (chapter 26:17–18) and leviathan (chapter 27) describes the pain and defeat of the Israelites by their enemies, on one hand and on the other hand, the leviathan’s destruction provides hope to the Israelites and focuses on God’s power to deliver His people.

Chapter 27, Verses 2-6 Restoration of Israel
These verses paint a picture of restoration; a vineyard of red wine is one that bears fruit unlike (Isa.5), God Himself is the one who keeps it. He will guard, watch over and water it every moment. (Hosea 14:5). He will do this, night and day. The One who keeps us does not slumber (Psa. 121:3- 4)
Verse 4 tells us that God is no longer angry at His vineyard. “My anger against Israel is gone. If I find thorns and briars bothering her, I will burn them up, unless these enemies of mine surrender and beg for peace and my protection. 6 The time will come when Israel will take root and bud and blossom and fill the whole earth with her fruit!”

Instead of being plucked up and carried off by every army that comes their way, Israel will be
settled permanently in the land. And as a vine that gets rooted firmly, there will be fruit. In the last fifty years, we see the nation of Israel has been re-established in the land, and there’s even been a physical fulfillment in that they are now one of the world’s largest exporters of fruit.

Chapter 27, Verses 7-13 Tables Turned
These verses tell us what was before, and how God turned the tables to the favour of His children. God doesn’t treat His people the same way as He treats those who are His enemies. Difficult times come to all kinds of people. For those who are God’s enemies, they could end up being destroyed. But for those that God loves, they are allowed to happen only to help us grow. God carefully measures how He disciplines His people. It’s all according to what we can handle. Heb. 12:6-11 tells us that to be chastened by God is a sign that we belong to Him and that He loves us! And that the result is a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

By this chastening of the Lord, the iniquity of Jacob is purged and all altars of stones dedicated to worshipping idols will be ground into fine dust as chalkstones.(Vs. 9). Finally, the cities that the enemies of God resided in, like Babylon, and all of their defences, (Rev. 17-18, Is. 25:2) will be brought to nothing. God will pull out His own His enemies, like a farmer separates the grain from the chaff in the wheat, and then picks up His own, one by one when the great trumpet is blown.

PART 2: CHAPTERS 28-30
In these chapters, Isaiah deals with more current times to his day; the coming destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel as well as the problems facing Isaiah’s own country, the nation of Judah

Chapter 28, Verses 1-4 Judgment for the Northern Kingdom
Ephraim is a name used to describe the very fertile Northern Kingdom of Israel; Isaiah, however, lives in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. God will send the nation of Assyria, to throw those of Ephraim to the ground. Because they are too proud to listen to the Lord, to have God tell them what to do. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, in particular the city of Samaria, would be destroyed by Assyria in 2 Kings 17:6.

Chapter 28, Verses 5-6 Promise for the Remnant
The promise to the remnant, the humble is that God Himself will be their "crown of glory" and He will grant the spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who battle at the gate. God wants us to get our sense of "importance" from the fact that we know Him. Our sense of "beauty" should come from our relationship with Him. 1 Pet 3:3-4 tells us that it’s not about how we appear in the exterior but the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Chapter 28, Verses 7-13 Problems With the "Remnant"
Though God has great things for those who will humble themselves, some of these people would miss out on what God had for them because of their own drunkenness. They will make bad decisions because of their drunkenness. A Japanese proverb says: "First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, and then the drink takes the man."

These rebellious, drunken leaders didn’t like Isaiah’s ministry. Verse 9-10 says: “Who does Isaiah think he is,” the people say, “to speak to us like this! Are we little children, barely old enough to talk? 10 He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words!”

God’s reply is, "If you’re having trouble understanding baby talk, then I’ll just speak to you through foreign oppressors (the Assyrians) who speak an unknown language when you are invaded.”

Chapter 28, Verses 14-22 Warning for Jerusalem’s Rulers
The warning shifts from Ephraim to Jerusalem and the leaders of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Because they have made a lie their refuge and falsehood their hiding place. They thought that by making a covenant with death, and an agreement with Sheol, that when the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to them. But God says that people who are trusting in falsehood and lies will find their stories swept away. (Vs. 17) and that He is cancelling their contract with the devil. The devil doesn’t have any authority to make a lasting deal with anyone. The only outcome will be death and hell, along with the devil. (Vs. 18-19)
These people by their actions were waging a war against God in futility. Akin to trying to sleep on a bed that is too short and with covers that aren’t big enough for a covering; exposing them to the anger of God. (Vs.20-22) The Lord will come suddenly and in anger, as at Mount Perazim and Gibeon, to do a strange, unusual thing—to destroy his own people! (Vs.21)

Chapter 28, Verses 23-29 Listen to the Teaching of God
The Lord of hosts, is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. So listen to His Words. Psalm 19:7–8 (NLT) says: 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Chapter 29, Verses 1-4 Coming Siege of Jerusalem
These verses tell us that it is not about sacrifices but obedience.We cannot buy a right standing with God by our many offerings (Vs.1) See 1 Sam 15:22-23, Psalms 51:16-17. God isn’t interested in you thinking that you have to do something to "butter Him up". He just wants you to get serious about following Him. Israel’s life of disobedience set God against them. (Vs. 2-4). The result was, heavy judgment, weeping and sorrow, God becoming their enemy, laying siege against them (Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem in 2 Kings 18:13–15; Isa. 36:1) and forts to destroy it.

Chapter 29, Verses 5-8 Deliverance for Jerusalem
Suddenly, by the Lord’s prerogative, the Nations fighting Jerusalem would vanish like a dream. (Is. 37:33-37). A picture of what would happen when Jesus comes back and He will fight to rescue Jerusalem. (Zech. 14:2-3). It will be so prompt, it will feel like they are just about to get their goal in conquering Jerusalem when they suddenly "wake up" and their victory has vanished.

Chapter 29, Verses 9-12 Ignorance as a Result of Hardened Hearts
Even with the disappearance of their enemies, they remain hard-hearted and so God gives them up to their own hardness of heart. "You want a hard heart? You’ve got a hard heart!" (Rom. 11:8)

Chapter 29, Verses 13-16 Rebellious Hearts
Just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ time, they only drew near to God with their mouths and honoured Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. (Matt. 15:1-11). They try to twist things like clay telling the potter “You know nothing” by their actions. God is not interested in "religion", but a "relationship" with you and I.

Chapter 29, Verses 17-24 Change is Coming
Verses 17-24 tell us of a change that is coming. One that brings fruitfulness and fertility (Vs. 17), spiritual restoration of hearing and sight (vs 18) “the deaf will hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the blind will see my plans.” The meek joyful, the poor exulting God, bullies vanishing and scoffers disappearing as well as those who plot evil. And those living in error will believe the truth, and complainers will be willing to be taught!

Chapter 30, Verses 1 -7 Following Bad Counsel
The backdrop to this chapter is that nation of Judah was facing the threat of the invading Assyrian army. They knew it was coming. God had encouraged the people to trust in Him, but there were some people who had a problem with that. So they went seeking help from Egypt. The first 7 verses of this chapter tell us how it grieves God when we choose to do things the world’s way instead of God’s way. When we seek counsel from the ungodly (Psa.1:1). The result according to verses 3-7 is disappointment, humiliation and disgrace. Because as a matter of fact, no help can come from the ungodly.

Chapter 30, Verses 8-17 Spiritual Stubbornness Brings Judgment
Verse 11 tells us that the people did not want to hear the truth. Instead they wanted to hear nice things. Just as in 2 Tim 4:3-4 KJV “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
The consequences of their perverse ways of life, we see in verses 13-14;

This perverse way of life will be like a towering, badly built wall that slowly, slowly tilts and shifts, and then one day, without warning, collapses— Smashed to bits like a piece of pottery, smashed beyond recognition or repair, Useless, a pile of debris to be swept up and thrown in the trash.”

Even when God tells them the secret of their salvation and strength, “Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength;” they refused to accept but chose to get help from the “world” Egypt.

Chapter 30, Verses 18-26 God’s Unfailing Love, Grace and Mercy Displayed
Verses 18-19 says: “Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them. 19 O my people in Jerusalem, you shall weep no more, for he will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. He will answer you."

Chapter 30, Verses 27-33 Destruction of the Enemy
Isaiah prophecies the destruction of the Assyrian army in Hezekiah’s day. Verse 31 says: “For through the voice of the Lord Assyria will be beaten down, As He strikes with the rod.”
The Assyrians suffered a great defeat in Isaiah 37:1-38 where God sent one Angel in verse 35 to destroy the entire army of the Assyrians made up of 185,000 soldiers.

CONCLUSION
Despite the pain and difficulties we face as believers, the leviathan’s destruction provides hope, and focuses on God’s power to deliver His children. God carefully measures how He disciplines His people. It’s all according to what we can handle. Heb. 12:6-11 tells us that to be chastened by God is a sign that we belong to Him and He loves us! And that the result is a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. And therefore restoration awaits us; here on earth and ultimately in heaven as long as we listen to the Lord’s wonderful counsel and excellent in guidance.
God’s blessings come to those who wait. Even when we don’t wait for Him, He waits for us. Verse 18 says: “Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love.” God is patient towards us and is waiting to give us a chance to repent. (2 Pet 3:9 KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But it is in returning and rest will we be saved; and our strength is in quietness and confidence.

Parts of this study was culled from https://www.calvaryfullerton.org/

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.

Contributor: Martins Olubiyi

INTRODUCTION
Last week, we examined the prophetic declaration of Isaiah on the last days, with particular emphasis on Babylon. We observed that Babylon being a province in Assyria was also a term used by the Lord to typify wickedness in the end times. Today, we shall continue to examine what Babylon represented in the end time agenda of God and the ultimate goal of establishing Christ’s kingdom on earth with the restoration of Israel.

A. The Fall of The King of Babylon.
1. (vs 1-2) Judgment on Babylon Indicates Mercy on Israel.
a. For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob. Isaiah 13 ended with desolation and gloom that would come upon Babylon. Since Babylon was Judah’s great enemy, any judgment on Babylon was an expression of mercy to Israel. So, Isaiah followed the pronouncement of judgment on Babylon with ‘for the Lord will …., and still choose Israel’. Sometimes we feel that God chose us, but if He had to choose again, God would change His choice. Here, the Lord reminds His children that He does still choose us and would choose us all over again.

b. And settle them in their own land: The promise of restoration to their own land was also important. The Babylonians had forcibly exiled most of the population of Judah, so the promise of return to their own land was precious.

c. The strangers will be joined with them: The invitation to Gentiles was precious. The regathered and restored Israel would invite Gentiles to receive the goodness of God with them.

d. They will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors: In inviting the strangers to come and be joined with them, Israel would eliminate their enemies. The ultimate way to conquer an enemy is to make them your friend.

2. (vs 3-8) The Joy of the Earth at the Fall of the King of Babylon.
a. In the day the Lord gives you rest from your sorrow, and from the fear and the hard bondage in which you were made to serve: The Lord announces a day when He will give real rest to believing Israel. They will have rest from sorrow, from fear, and from their hard bondage. This rest is the birth right of every believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mat 11:28). Do you have rest from sorrow? Do you have rest from fear? Do you have rest from hard bondage? b. That you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon: In the day of restoration, the defeat and weakness of the king of Babylon will be exposed, and Israel will rejoice.

As this prophecy continues from the context of Isaiah 13, it is important that we remember that Isaiah has two aspects of prophetic fulfilment in mind. First, there is the immediate and partial fulfilment regarding the empire of Babylon and its king. Second, there is the distant and ultimate fulfilment regarding the spiritual empire of Babylon – the world system – and its king, Satan. So, this proverb against the king of Babylon was, in a partial sense, in the mouth of the returning exiles when Babylon was finally conquered, and the people of Judah could return to the Promised Land. But in an ultimate sense, this proverb against the king of Babylon will be in the mouth of God’s people when the world system and her king, Satan, are each conquered and destroyed.

He who struck the people in wrath …who ruled the nation in anger: Both the king of literal Babylon and the king of spiritual Babylon were mighty, oppressive rulers over the people and the nations. But now, the one who once persecuted is himself persecuted and no one hinders, and as a result, the whole earth is at rest and quiet, and they even break forth into singing. Even the trees rejoice over the fall of the king of Babylon. This is true of the king of literal Babylon because the attacking kings cut down thousands of trees for both fuel and lumber, leaving Israel and Lebanon deforested

3. (vs 9-11) Hell Receives the Fallen King of Babylon.
Hell from beneath is excited about you: Hell, itself is excited to meet the king of Babylon because it can’t wait to be the place where the one who tortured so many is tortured himself. This was true both for the king of literal Babylon, and the king of spiritual Babylon.
God wants us to know now that Satan is destined for hell. He isn’t a winner, he is a loser, and he certainly isn’t the boss or lord of hell. Satan will go to hell as a victim, as the ultimate prisoner in the dungeon of darkness, and hell will be happy to receive him this way. Have you also become as weak as we? Have you become like us? When he went to hell, the king of literal Babylon was exposed as a mere man, though he thought of himself as greater than that. As well, when the king of spiritual Babylon goes to hell, all will be amazed to see that he was only a creature.

We often – to his great delight – exaggerate Satan’s status and importance. We think of him as the opposite of God; as if God were light and Satan were darkness, as if God were hot and Satan were cold. Satan wishes he was the opposite of God, but God wants us to know now what everyone will know someday – that Satan is a mere creature and is in no way the opposite of God. If Satan has an opposite, it is not God the Father or God the Son, it would be a high-ranking angelic being such as Michael.

Your pomp is brought down …. the maggot is spread under you, and worms cover you: In the end, it just won’t be a defeat for the king of Babylon. Both for the literal and spiritual kings of Babylon, their defeat in hell will be disgusting and degrading.
Knowing this now – how disgusting and degrading the end of Satan will be – why would any of us serve him or work for his cause, even for a minute? Who wants to end up with the maggots and the worms?

And the sound of your stringed instruments: Before his fall, Satan was associated with music in heaven Ezekiel 28: 13 says of Satan before his fall, the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. Apparently, the musical career of Satan did not end with his fall, because the sound of his stringed instruments is only brought down when he is imprisoned in hell.

4. (vs 12-15) The Fall of Lucifer
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning: Here, the prophet identified the king of Babylon as Lucifer, son of the morning. Some debate if Lucifer is a name or a title; the word means morning star or day star, referring to a brightly shining object in the heavens. Whether it is a title or a name makes little difference; this once brightly shining king of Babylon is now fallen from heaven.

In the prophetic habit of speaking to both a near and a distant fulfilment, the prophet will sometimes speak more to the near or more to the distant. Here is a good example of Isaiah speaking more to the distant, ultimate fulfilment. It is true that the king of literal Babylon shined brightly among the men of his day and fell as hard and as completely as if a man were to fall from heaven. But there
was a far more brightly shining being who inhabited heaven and fell even more dramatically – the king of spiritual Babylon, Satan.

Fallen from heaven: In fact, there are four falls of Satan, and this passage refers to his final, fourth fall.

• Satan fell from glorified to profane (Ezekiel 28:14-16). This is what Jesus spoke of in (Lk 10: 18) when He says He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. This is the only fall of Satan that has already happened.
• Satan will fall from having access to heaven (Job 1:12, 1Kgs 22:21, Zech. 3:1) to restriction on the earth (Rev. 12:9).
• Satan will fall from his place on the earth to bondage in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-3).
• Finally, as mentioned here in Isa. 14:12, Satan will fall from the bottomless pit to the lake of fire, which we commonly known as hell (Rev. 20:10).

This Son of the morning: This is a title of glory, beauty, and honour, which fit Lucifer well before his fall. The morning is glorious, and in Hebrew thinking, the son of “x” is characterized by “x.” So, before his fall, Lucifer was characterized by the glory of the morning.
Jesus Himself is called the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). Satan, though a created being, had some of these glorious qualities in himself. No wonder that Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), deceiving many with his apparent glory, beauty, and goodness.

How you are cut down to the ground: What a contrast! This being, once so high, once so shining, once so bright, is now cut down to the ground.

For you have said in your heart: Here, God tells us the reason behind the fall of both the literal and spiritual king of Babylon. The fall was prompted by something he said, even though he may have never said it with his lips – it was enough that he said it in his heart.

I will: The pride, the grasping selfish ambition, the self-will of the king of Babylon is powerfully expressed in five I will statements. This is the essence of the self-focused and self-obsessed life.

• I will ascend into heaven: It was as if Satan said, “Heaven will be my home and my place of honour”.
• I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: “I will be enthroned and will be exalted above all other angelic beings.”
• I will also sit on the mount of the congregation: “I will sit in the place of glory and honour and attention.”
• I will ascend above the heights: “I will continue to rise, even in heaven, until all see me in my bright shining glory.”
• I will be like the Most High: “I will be glorious, and be set equal to God, far above all other created beings.”

We see in these statements not so much a desire to exalt one’s self above God, but the desire to exalt one’s self above one’s peers. From this passage, it seems that Satan’s desire was not so much to be above God, but to be honoured and regarded as the highest angel, above the other stars of God, receiving the glory and attention one would receive being next to God, equal with God, like the Most High. We don’t have to want to be exalted higher than God to be like Satan. It is enough to want to be exalted above other people.

Lucifer was certainly a glorious angel (day star, son of the morning, and also called the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…the anointed cherub who covers in Ezekiel. 28: 12,14). Yet, there came a time when despite all his beauty and glory, he departed from the heart of God by wanting to exalt himself above his peers. Instead, the heart of Jesus says, “The status of equality with God is not something to hang on to. I will let it go. I will give up My reputation, be a servant, live humbly among men, and even die an excruciating and humiliating death.” (Phil. 2:5-8).When Lucifer departed from this heart, he fell from glory.

I will be like the Most High: What prompted Satan’s desire to exalt himself above all other creatures? What prompted these five I will statements?

Why Did Lucifer Rebel?
Perhaps because he rejected God’s plan to create an order of beings made in His image (Gen. 1:26) who would be beneath the angels in dignity (Heb. 2:6-7a; 2 Pet. 2:11) yet would be served by angels in the present (Heb. 1:14; 2:7-8; Psa. 91:11-12) and would one day be lifted in honour and status above the angels (1Cor. 6:3; 1 John 3:2) Satan wanted to be the highest among all creatures, equal to God in glory and honour, and the plan to create man would eventually put men above angels. He was apparently able to persuade one-third of the angelic beings to join him in his rebellion (Rev. 12:3-4, 7 and 9).

If this is the case, it explains well Satan’s present strategy against man: to obscure the image of God in man through encouraging sin and rebellion, to cause man to serve him, and to prevent the ultimate glorification of man.

Yet you shall be brought down: Despite Satan’s desire to exalt himself, he will not be exalted at all. Certainly, there is a sense in which he is exalted right now, but this is but an eye-blink in the scope of eternity. Satan, like all those who desire to exalt themselves, shall be brought down.
1Pet. 5:6 expresses the true path to being exalted: Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. In Mark 9:35, Jesus said If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.

5. (vs 16-17) The Nations are Amazed at the Fall of the King of Babylon
Those who see you will gaze at you …”Is this the man who made the earth tremble… who did not open the house of his prisoners?” When the king of literal Babylon fell, his weakness was exposed, and others were amazed that at one time he had so much power, and so many feared him. The same will happen when the king of spiritual Babylon falls. People will see him for what he really is and be amazed at how much power he actually had.

6. (vs 18-23) The Amazing and Bloody Destruction of Babylon
All the kings of the nations: In this brief section, Isaiah brings his focus back more upon the king of literal Babylon. He notes the comfort and ease the other kings of the earth enjoy, but not the fallen king of Babylon, who is instead cast out of your grave like an abominable branch.
I will sweep it with the broom of destruction: The destruction of Babylon – both literal and spiritual – will be complete. The Lord will cut off from Babylon the name and remnant. There will not even be a remnant of Babylon left.

CONCLUSION
It is important for us as believers to know that every prophetic word of the Lord will definitely come to pass. We should not be like “last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts and saying where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from beginning of creation”. 2 Pet 3:3-4. God wants us to know now that He has numbered the days of the king of spiritual Babylon – Satan. There will come a day when his oppression will cease, when the Lord will break the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. Therefore, we should not get so weary and discouraged from Satan’s attack and schemes in this present age. We should not think his day will last forever. Moreover, we should always remember that one reason Satan works so hard is because he knows his time is short. Today’s lesson should be view as an encouragement to us. We can remain steadfast; we can outlast him the devil.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In this Chapter, Isaiah had several prophetic declarations against Babylon. Babylon, apart from being a province in Assyria is also a term used by the Lord to typify wickedness in the end times. What Isaiah foresaw was a graphic destruction of Babylon, the degradation of its nobility, and the universal wickedness of its masses. Each era of the earth has known its own Babylon, but the Babylon of the latter days was seen by the prophets as being among the most wicked of any era and the object of destruction at the coming of the Lord. So when Isaiah speaks of Babylon he refers to both the empire of that time and spiritual Babylon of our present time.

Dual Fulfilment
Isaiah’s prophecies are broadly grouped into two, the near fulfillment and the far fulfillment. The prophecies were sort of like a two-edged sword in that they had an immediate connotation, but oftentimes there was also a future connotation. If we recall from chapter 7 and verse 14 when he said, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel". It had a near fulfilment, not of the virgin bearing a son, but if a child was born at that time, before he would be old enough to really know much, the kings would be destroyed from Samaria and from Syria. (Which did happen), as well as a far fulfilment of Jesus Christ, being born of the virgin Mary.
In this chapter, the prophesies were against Babylon. This particular cry against Babylon is the same as we see in Revelation 17:1-18, and Revelation 18:1-24. It talks about the Babylon of the last days. So this prophecy is carrying us out to these end times.

Judgment Upon Babylon - God Judges Nations Verse 1
At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was a significant nation, but they were definitely behind the Assyrian Empire in status. Yet, God who knows the end of all things spoke of the judgment on the pride of Babylon hundreds of years in advance.
We will all one day stand in judgement. Everyone that have been on the planet since Adam and Eve will stand at the judgement seat of God. It has been said that since Adam and Eve there have been over 77 billion people that have lived and died on earth. Judgement will come for everyone. Revelation 20 tells us that God judges the lost, 1 Corinthians 3 tells us that Christ judges His own. Revelations 2 tells us that churches are judged and here in this chapter, God judges nations.

God Raises An Army Against Babylon Verses 2-8 (Near Fulfillment)
Verse 5: “They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the Lord and the weapons of his wrath—to destroy the whole country.
This speaks of Media and Persia, coming from the north and the east to destroy Babylon.

Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai The spirit of a destroyer.

Jeremiah 51:11 “Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The Lord has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the Lord, vengeance for His temple.”

It was this destruction that Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream was all about. Media and Persia are the arms of silver. Daniel 5:32 “The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze”

History tells us that Babylon finally fell in 539 BCE to Cyrus and came under Persian control. The Bible in Ezra 1:1 says: “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom . . .”
The Terrors of judgment Upon Babylon. Verses 9-16 (Far Fulfillment)

Verse 9 - The day of the LORD comes: Isaiah now speaks in the “prophetic tense,” having in mind both a near fulfillment (the day of judgment against the Babylonian Empire), and an ultimate fulfillment (the final day of judgment at the return of Jesus).

Verse 10 - The stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened: Several prophetic passages describe the cosmic disturbances that will precede and surround the return of Jesus (Joel 2:10, Revelation 6:12-14, Isaiah 34:4). Here is what Jesus said in Matt. 24:29

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Verses 11-12 - “11 I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. 12 I will make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir.”

Once again, God not only tells us judgment is coming, but also gives the exact reason for it.

The Devastation of Babylon. Verses 17-22 (Near and Far Fulfillment)
In Verse 20 Isaiah prophesied that Babylon will never be inhabited or lived through all generations
“She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; there no nomads will pitch their tents, there no shepherds will rest their flocks.”

And over time, that is what happened; and to the present day, Babylon has remained uninhabited! Today, a Google search of the question: “is Babylon habitable” returns this result.
Isaiah 55:11 says of the Lord’s Words
“[11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Whatever it is the Lord has promised us, by His Word, hold on to it and don’t let it go because it shall not return to Him void!

CONCLUSION
Whenever we see the destruction of cities, the calamities of nations, and the overturning of kingdoms, as in the case of present day Babylon, that has become desolate. And when we realize that these were as a result of the Lord’s judgements prophesied years ago, we must allow them humble us that we may learn to gather wisdom from the affliction of others, and pray for divine intervention in our own circumstances and situations. Proverbs 28:26 MSG says:
“If you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.”