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MAKING SENSE OF THE BOOKOF ISAIH
Lesson 57-59
By HenryJaegers
CHAPTER 14
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10pV6U7UrlXkGEz8QKNz7o5gr9JpnxSWG/view?usp=sharing
The Year that King Ahaz Died
In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden. Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. (Isaiah 14: 28-32)
We have completed the message concerning the judgment of Babylon, but now before us, there is the beginning of a new section. And although its message is brief, it is important.
The first thing we are told is that it was a burden given after the death of Ahaz. It is given to a people addressed as Palestina(Later called Palestine) and we might properly conclude that that refers to all of the people in the northern kingdom who were causing Ahaz a lot of trouble during his reign. It appears that Ahaz was successful, with God's help, of course, to withstand their attacks and prevent them from taking over the kingdom. But here is something they did not anticipate.
Because Ahaz died, it did not mean that their troubles were over. Now something is happening that they did not anticipate. Perhaps if they could see properly, they might wish for Ahaz to return. But now they are about to face the worst enemy. And that enemy is Assyria. Note the words before us.
for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou,whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.
This is a reference to the kingdom of Assyria. In comparison to what Ahaz would have accomplished, it will be far greater.
There is a message here, in regard to human pride. Sin always has its consequences as well as all evil actions. Men who live in opposition to God may conclude that when a cease-fire exists things will get better. Instead, it is just an opportunity for the enemy to reload and begin a more severe attack. It is never a good thing to become God's enemy, and although it may appear that things are slowing down and getting better, judgment persists until the battle is over or men turn away from all their wickedness. And although God determines judgment, it is always mixed with mercy especially when a man is sorry and turns to God.
In these closing words, there is a positive one for the safety of the remnant once again. What is the message?
What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
As a closing note, I want to point out something that is probably obvious to most, but in case this is not, whenever the reference to “Zion” is made, it is always positive. And in any places it rfers to a place where God dwells.In this case it is the place promised to “the Remnant.”
ISAIAH CHAPTER 15
Lesson 58
Continued Judgement upon the Nations
This section began in chapter 13, as we began with the nation of Babylon. In the next four chapters, we will be considering four more nations that will face similar judgments to those of Babylon. Because of the many details involved in expressing their sin.
I would like to simplify matters and deal with the one sin that they all have in common, that of their pride. From there we will talk about the consequences.
Perhaps, the best way to deal with all of these is to present them in a “Before and After” format.
To begin, what is important to know about Moab, and why is she singled out?
In the book of Ezekiel, there are two other nations mentioned and the significance of these is that they all had some Israeitish beginning. These three nations addressed by Ezekiel were The Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Edomites. First, the Edomites were descended from Esau, Jacob’s Brother (Named as the eldest, although they were twins). Esau eventually became reconciled with Jacob, but Esau’s offspring became Israel's avowed Enemy.
But there are two others related to Israel, but their origins were of questionable descent. They were the nations of Ammon and Moab. Both of these were born out of the incestuous relationship between Lot and His Daughters. Moab was born to Lot’s oldest Daughter and Ammon to his youngest. All three of these were mentioned as facing God’s judgment because of the way that they treated Israel.
Of these three, Isaiah only mentions Moab. Why?
Moab stands out because, on two different occasions, she was responsible for the possible destruction of Israel. In Numbers 25, the narrative is given about what happened.
After failing to curse the Nation of Israel at the request of Balak king of Moab, Balaam the prophet helped Balak to defeat Israel in another way. Though he could not destroy Israel by pronouncing a curse upon them, He counseled Balak on how to destroy them another way. We are told that The beautiful woman of Moab invaded the armies of Israel, taking them by surprise through seduction, causing them to forsake the Lord and causing Israel to embrace the Heathen gods.
This same thing happened to Solomon as well as he married these many wive (Who also were of Moab, and caused Solomon to backslide and resulted in his kingdom being defiled.
Now, with this background, we cover the history of Moab. We know, for now, with all of this background, we add the sin of pride, which was the root cause of all her other problems.
There were some good things about Moab, related to what we are seeing. Although it was not a large area, it was rich in pasture land for the flocks and herds and was rich in the crops it produced. All of this comes into play as we consider her judgment. There was also a highway in Moab that led to Assyria, and that also was convenient.
Now we must consider what God has to say concerning what awaits her.
ISAIAH CHAPTER 15 and 16
Lesson 59
A Lamentation Over Moab
But now the Lord hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contempted, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. (Isaiah 16:14)
In continuing this judgment pronounced upon Moab, we notice it is in the form of a Lamentation, and it is distinctly different from the rest that follows. It is similar to that of Jeremiah over the fall of Jerusalem. And I think that the reason for this is that Moab along with Ammon and Edom are similarly a part of the covenant made to Abraham.
Though they have purposely determined in their hearts to be Israel's avowed enemy, they themselves, seem to be ignorant of the previous mercies shown to them in the past.
For instance, during the times when the nation of Israel was in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, God closed the door for Israel to conquer Moab, Ammon, and Edom. God protected them from Israel’s surge of victories as they journeyed to the “Promised Land.” They were unaware, that God was merciful to them at this time, and they still remained the enemies of Israel.
They grew to a great number and during the times of Jehoshaphat, they suffered a great defeat from the hand of God. But nothing seems to have caused them to discontinue their hostility toward Israel, but God’s mercy toward them has continued unnoticed.
Now in these chapters, Isaiah expresses Great sorrow over what is about to happen to them. And we must not forget behind the sorrow of the prophet is expressed the great sorrow of God toward them. Perhaps an expression of His mercy that still prevails.
But there are two things to be observed in chapter 16. First the reason for her judgment and the promise of a future blessing. These are not found n the remaining judgments of the nations.
First, consider the cause:
We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. (Isaiah 16:6)
As was mentioned previously, pride is the common factor for the cause of all of these judgments. And we must always remember pride is the same as idolatry when self is enthroned in our lives and God has to take a lesser place than on the throne. It is another example of “Crucifying the Son of God afresh by taking Him off the rightful place where only Hey deserves to be.
But God in His mercy has a word of comfort in the midst of this. Notice:
Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. (Isaiah 16: 4,5)
Again, we are given reference to a faithful remnant and a promise of future deliverance. At this point, there are two ways to interpret this promise. Is it a promise to Israel, despite the ways that their enemies have treated them, they will find deliverance? It is not clear to whom this promise is delivered. But suppose there were somewhere among the Moabites, there was the possibility of mercy for them as well. God’s promised blessing is offered to all who will turn from their wickedness and embrace Him as King. But as always, these promised blessings are limited to a few among so many.
Then we come to the final words to Moab as mentioned in our opening verse. The multitudes that once formed this great nation will be reduced to a smaller number.
We have concluded Isaiah’s proclamation con cerning Moab. To discover more, we must go to the book of Ezekiel.
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