Bible Studies

MAKING SENSE OF THE BOOKOF ISAIAH Lesson 49 52

by Henry Jaegers
10/28/23
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MAKING SENSE OF THE BOOKOF ISAIAH

Lesson 49- 52

By Henry Jaegers

ISAIAH CHAPTER 12

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yyCNcsNRZoowgUxUxAmHIYqrn0MCDMg6/view?usp=sharing

THE PROMISE OF A GREATER DAY

And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: that is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

(Isaiah 12: 1-6)

As I contemplate these wonderful words, I cannot help but  sing this song:

It’s just like Jesus to roll the clouds away,

It’s just like Jesus to greet me day by day,

It’s just like Jesus all along the way,

It’s just like His great love.

Perhaps it was this chapter that caused me to give the book of Isaiah this title: “For the Love of My people.”

What a perfectly beautiful way to end this section of Isaiah, especially when their present circumstance are so Grim. There is no doubt that God’s people have brought all of these things upon themselves, and they must face the consequences because of them. And isn’t it a great thing that God has a promise of some greater thing down the road to help our faith and encourage our desire to press on with the promise and hope of a better day?

Before us is a message from our Eternal God, and that word extends to the end of time for all who call upon His name and who are his children.

Here is a word from God, that at the time of great sorrow, there is comfort. The promise is given at a time when things are  seemingly hopeless... This promise does not tell us that there will be no suffering or sorrow, but in the end, God will be there, and as the beatitude tells us, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. There is “The no-more cluster of promises found in Revelation 21, that is appropriate at this time to consider.

 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21: 3-5)

And we are just skimming the surface, because if you were to read the last part of Ezekiel and the final chapters of Revelation, you will see more, yet it is more than the human mind can fathom.

Perhaps the best way to close this section is with the words of the apostle paul to the Corinthians. “Eye hath not seen, neither ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of men, the things that God hath prepared for them who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)

This message concludes section 3 of the book of Isaiah. 

Section Four

A Message to the Nations

Chapter 13-39 

THE ADDRESS TO THE NATIONS

Lesson 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yilzIwzLeQ_A2IWakeQPjKS5oNK37xup/view?usp=sharing

Part One

Babylon

The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.  Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.  I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.  Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. (Isaiah 13: 1-6)

As we approach this section of Isaiah, a few words of explanation are necessary.

As we have progressed through this book, one prevailing theme is common to all sections, and refers to the term, “That Day. And although the Love of God still prevails as we consider the heart of God to all men, The Words, “That day,”” bring continuity to the whole book as we explore the many details that can cause us to become sidetracked, and miss the harmony intended for us to understand. Consider: In the first five chapters, we saw the application of “That Day,” as it pertained to the backslidden condition of Judah, just prior to the reign of Ahaz.

Then in chapters 7-12, we saw the application of “That Day as it applied to the northern Kingdom, during the period of time that Ahaz reigned. And the problem addressed was to the northern tribes of Israel (Ephraim specifically named) and the problem addressed was their hostilities toward their Jewish brethren in the south. God’s message to them was different from those of Judah. But the theme, “That Day” was still applicable to all.

Now as we come to this fourth section, “That Day” is still a prevailing theme, but this time, its Message is to the nations who were not part of the Israelite inheritance. God has a message for them as well. They cannot escape the fact, that the sovereign God is still in control, and there will be a time of accountability for all. “The wrath of God is still revealed against all men who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1: 18), and that also applies to those nations who were once His instruments of discipline against His fallen people.

Chapters 13-39, present a greater challenge to our understanding because it is the longest of the four that we are studying. Besides that, it deals with many nations who are to experience: That Day”. All are different culturally, and through their various associations with Israel, they also will be included in these judgments. It appears that all of these nations at some time were used by God to bring Israel into submission, and I think that these judgments are happening because they abused the authority given them by God, they went beyond the boundaries set by God and instead of being the instruments of His wrath, the wrath of God is now to be poured out upon them.

As we progress, I believe the picture will become clearer.

In this chapter our focus is upon Babylon. It is a picture of her beginning as God intended to use her and ends with her final end. (Even having reference in some manner, to Mystery Babylon, the final kingdom of Anti-Christ.

So, having introduced the section before us, what does God have to say to them?

Consider the verses before us by asking these questions.

The first question is: To whom is God speaking?

The second question is: To what period of time do these events occur?

Finally, What message is He giving to them?

1.  To whom is God speaking?

The message is clearly addressed to Babylon. It is a prophetic message. Although it is spoken in the present, it is a message that will not take place until  100 years later during the times of Jeremiah. It is a call for them to prepare for a battle that will take place.

And as I thought about this, the question came to mind, how is it possible for God to speak in the present tense when the event is yet future? To answer this question, I had to think of who God is and how He works. God is not restricted to time like we are. When He speaks, it is in “The Eternal Now." He is in control of time and not controlled by it as we are. So, when God tells us that something is close at hand, it is a call for us to be ready as He speaks. The timetable is not ours to try to figure out. That is why this matter of faith is so important. God speaks, and we trust. It's as simple as that, and yet, not so simple.

So, the message is to Babylon, as a call to arms, although we know from history, it took place 100 years later

2. the second question is,  To what period of time do these events occur? We have answered that it refers to a time later to happen during the prophetical times of Jeremiah.

1. And finally:

What message is He giving to them?

 And our answer is, that a Battle is on the horizon, and it will be fierce and devastating. I notice also, that God is not telling these oppressors what He is doing and why He is doing it. God is in charge and in control of everything. And if there is a message we are to receive, it is that trusting God in every circumstance that we may face is the only wise thing. Since we are His children, we have the hope that "All things work together for Good, to those who love God,  and are called according to His will. (Romans 8:28)

We will continue in chapter 13 in our next session

THE ADDRESS TO THE NATIONS

Lesson 51

Part Two

Babylon

In chapter 13, we find three movements taking place as part of His plan in dealing with His rebellious people. But we must first establish the fact, that this message is addressed to Babylon.  And the message to her continues in chapter fourteen.

But let us take a general and simplified look at what God is saying to Babylon in this chapter.

First, in verses 1-6, Babylon is being used as God’s instrument to discipline Israel.

Second, in verses 7-10, the devastation and fear that she causes are mentioned.

Finally, in verses 11- 22, the Day of the Lord in regard to Babylon is described. In this section, there are referenced, two judgments upon Babylon that will occur.

The first is close at hand when she shall be destroyed by the Medes. Then there is a second judgment that will take place at the time when Mystery Babylon will experience her final defeat at the coming of the Lord.

 When we come to chapter 14, we will discover the great source of her problems and how God is going to deal with her pride.

But these are addressed presently toward Babylon. God has an issue with the other nations who took the side of Satan against God’s people, and the rest of this section in 13-39, deals with all of these. None can escape the fact of God’s anger against sin.  For now, we have a simple presentation to help us to understand this beginning chapter, beginning with one of Israel’s greatest threats. That being “Babylon the Great.”

In our last study we dealt with the first part of this prophecy, but now, Let’s view the details that are given.

The first six verses are a “call to arms”, to the nations that God is using to exercise His judgment against His rebellious people. We arrive at this conclusion by referring to part of those opening words that say, “I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

But in verses 7-10, the devastation that will occur against God’s people is mentioned. Although it has not happened, it is still a prophecy that has been fulfilled during the times of Jeremiah.

Consider first, the words of Isaiah 7-10, then compare these with Jeremiah 50 to get the full extent of God’s message.

Therefore, shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.  Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. for the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. (Isaiah 13: 7-10)

These are what the Nation of Israel can expect to happen when “That Day” arrives for them.

But in Chapter 50 in the book of Jeremiah, consider these words to Babylon over these punishments inflicted.

For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.  And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 50: 9,10)

 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the Lord: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her. (Jeremiah 50: 15)

This is important to note, because in Jeremiah chapter 50, after Babylon has completed her work, God has other messages similar to the ones found in these verses. In Jeremiah, it is a message to Babylon stating that the judgment inflicted upon the Israelites be recompensed in like manner upon themselves. They will reap exactly what they have sown.  But we are not finished yet. Consider the remaining verses in chapter 13.

Without listing the verse, I will summarize each of these prophecies declared against Babylon, and compare them to those mentioned in Jeremiah.

To begin, I would like to stress, that although this chapter is addressed to Babylon, the same judgment will take place upon those nations who were once entrusted by God to enact His judgments upon God’s rebellious people, they are now facing a similar judgment to that of Babylon.

The question that arises then, is why God is punishing them for doing His will? Altho ugh it is not obvious as a statement of fact, there is something that these nations did which were similar.

First, they failed to acknowledge God as the one who was in control. They faTheyd to acknowledge God and “Became vain in their imaginations and fancied themselves as God. That is what pride does, it replaces God as supreme with the fantasy that their success was of their own doing. That is why pride is so dangerous. It makes man the enemy of God and places himself at a great disadvantage in his war against God and His people.

Having said that, the rest of the chapter starts to make sense.

As a reminder, we must not forget that the ongoing subject throughout the book of Isaiah is centered around those words, “That Day”

In Chapters 1-5, it was “That Day” in regard to Judah and Jerusalem.

Then in chapters 7- 12, It was “That Day” in regard to the Northern tribes in their hostilities to Judah. That Day would have reference to their captivity by the Assyrians, because they were being used by God to enact discipline at that period to the Tribes of Israel.

Now we are approaching this fourth section of the book, that speaks of “That Day” to the Heathen Nations (Israel’s enemies.) This section covers chapters 13-39.

And although we have thus far presented “That Day” in a negative sense, When we come to chapter 40, a new direction takes place and we see “That Day” as a time of hope and peace.

So in these remaining verses of chapter 13, what is God telling us? 

THE ADDRESS TO THE NATIONS

Lesson 52

Babylon

(Continued)

As I continue this section, I find the need to parse these verses. When I studied Greek, I was introduced to this method of teaching, and have found it helpful when presenting more difficult passages of scripture.

So we begin where we left off in our last lesson. because that is needed due to the amount of information n this remaining part of the chapter. What is God telling us in these verses? Consider:

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. (Verse 11)

The reference is to “That Day,” when God’s wrath will be poured out upon the wicked. In reference to that period of time, it has two parts. God’s wrath is never intended for those who are His faithful servants. He has only blessing and peace reserved for them.

At this point, I would like to share with you, a verse from Romans chapter 1, that helps to clarify why this particular attribute of God is exercised toward the wicked.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1: 18-23)

In these verses, two important facts are given. First, on whom this wrath is poured out, and second, for what reason?

When we mention God’s wrath being an attribute, it means that it is not reserved for a future time. God’s wrath is always triggered by man’s wickedness. Just as God’s mercy (Another attribute is exercised toward the repentant sinner.

An attribute can be defined as something that we can know about God. They are always present and are exercised by God when the occasion calls for them.

God’s attributes never change. They are always in place. When it may appear that God’s attribute changes, it is the activity of man that determines what attribute will be exercised toward him.

The study regarding the attributes of God are a doctrinal teaching too complex to deal with here. I hope that I have made it easier to digest by explaining it in this way. Controversy exists among many theologians, as to how many attributes there are. Charles Wesley in one of his hymns says that they are numberless. I think that I will go with Charles Wesley’s interpretation.

I thought this explanation to be helpful to understand that God’s wrath is never intended for the righteous. “That Day” for the wicked is a time for God’s wrath to be poured out, but for the righteous, it is a time of blessing. And in our verse, we are giving reference to “The Wicked.”

And although this chapter has application to Babylon, all nations who choose to align themselves as God’s enemies will suffer the same consequences as Babylon. Moving on, here is a verse that requires some consideration.

“I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.(Verse 12)

This verse tells us that somewhere in time, man has been devalued by other men. We see this happening very soon after the fall of man, when selfishness began to have a prominent place, leading up to the flood. Remember, that man was God’s crowning work of Creation. Everything was made in preparation for his arrival. The man was held in a very prominent position in the eyes of God. It was not God who caused his devaluation. It was sin, and what followed.

The promise from God is that in “That Day”, Men will be honored once again, and He will see himself honored by God himself. Whereas men were sold as slaves and bartered one for another for the price of gold, God will bring honor once again to that which sin has devalued. He will obtain forgiveness, and be restored to a place of usefulness in the Kingdom of God. And it will happen “In That Day”

Consider next these words:

“Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (Verse 13)

We must not be astonished by these words, because the history of Israel, at Mount Sinai, and in many other places in scripture, describing the presence of God, that even the forces of nature will contribute in describing the fearfulness of His presence. These words affirm the truth concerning the horror of sin in the presence of God. Even at the death and resurrection of Christ, these Heavenly phenomena were present. Why should we not take seriously what He is telling us here about the “Awesomeness of That Day which shall accompany His appearance?

You would think that this promise alone might bring about the restoration of God’s people and also change the world concerning their evil intentions. But consider next:

 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. Every one that is found shall be thrust through, and everyone that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished. (Isaiah 13: 14-16)

Is it possible that these Heathen nations thought that their devastations afflicted upon others, shall be overlooked by God? When we consider the words of Jeremiah concerning the judgment f Babylon, the same applies to these other nations. They shall likewise suffer the same afflictions that they passed upon others.  And before us lies the details of what they can expect to take place.

We have considered these matters as pertaining to the nations that added to the afflictions of others, but now in this remaining portion of chapter 13, the guns of eternity are focused once again on Babylon. Consider these words:

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces, and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13: 17-19)

Now, consider what Jeremiah has to say, which describes the judgment declared on Babylon.’’

 The word that the Lord spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet. Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in piece For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

(Jeremiah 50: 1-3)

Although we have touched on only a few verses from Jeremiah 50, Greater detail is given concerning her future.

But as we close this chapter I would like to focus upon, not only, what God intends to do, but what of significance this chapter tells us about God Himself (Something that can be easily overlooked)

As I have gone through this section of scripture, I have discovered something about God that helps us to understand (in a limited way) what we cannot discover logically. There are some things that require faith in order to understand. There are spiritual matters concerning God that must be understood spiritually. What do I mean by that?

Let me try to explain.

In Hebrews chapter 11, we are told, “Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3).

In other words, We cannot put God into a test tube and examine him under a microscope. He operates in a different realm than that, and because He is God, He owes no explanation as to how or why He does certain things. Taking Him at His word is all that is required.

As we grow in our relationship with Him, certain things take place that is not evident to those who are not related to Him. This is what we call “Spiritual understanding”. and I find that it is more evident as we meditate upon the Word of God.

God has given that method to those who seek to declare God’s truth. They are not evident to those who are casual in their reading of God’s word. The meditation contains substance upon which to meditate, patience as we seek to understand, and much prayer for God to open our eyes to understanding.

Having said all of that, what is the point that I am trying to make? Let me explain.

I notice first, that as God makes these prophecies, he speaks as they have already taken place. We know that they have not, because history and the written word are on our side. The people to whom He spoke did not know, that they would not take place until after the times of Jeremiah.

What I have discovered about God from this, is that God is not limited to the space we called “Time.” He lives in Eternity and speaks from that perspective. In sharing this we are introduced to other attributes. First the attribute called Omniscience speaks of His complete understanding of what is happening, Second, the attribute called Omnipresence speaks of his ability to be everywher at the same time. And finally we see His Omnipotence which speaks of His power over All (Past, present, and future.) And these are just a few of His many Attributes.

And as we view these prophecies, it may appear that God is speaking in the present tense. Someone says, “That God speaks in the Eternal Now.”

And as He speaks to us, our response should be immediate, for that is what He requires. Unbelief does not take God seriously and thus delays or ignores his admonitions. That is why “faith is so important. It is prompted by Trust and Love for Him. May this explanation help us to more clearly understand the "Ways and Purposes of God.

This concludes our study in Chapter 13.