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MAKING SENSE OF THE BOOKOF ISAIAH
Lesson 60-63
By Henry Jaegers
ISAIAH CHAPTER 17
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RtadbHzL5_gVGhjJqsLSqzIZssq_kpnN/view?usp=sharing
DAMASCUS:
The City of Destruction
The burden of Damascus. Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the Lord of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the Lord God of Israel. (Isaiah 17: 1-6)
In the past year, I have been carefully reading one of the great works of L. E. Maxwell called. “Crowded to Christ. Throughout the book, a recurring theme is emphasized “Being Shut up to Christ.
The word concerning Damascus appears to have a similar message. It is not any particular sin of which Damascus is guilty. It is more a message to Israel concerning her faith.
So, I would like to deal with this message by asking three questions. First, Who is Damascus? Second, what is the problem? And finally, what is the message that we are to glean from this?
Who is Damascus?
Damascus is an ancient heathen city, mentioned in the book of Genesis during the times of Abraham. So, we can establish by this that is an ancient city that has grown larger over the centuries, and it is now being addressed as one that has in many ways been an obstacle to Israel's progress to faith. But Damascus is not being blamed for being large or being great. She has a purpose, and a great one as most large cities do, by providing and making available things that you cannot purchase elsewhere without having to travel great distances to get what one needs. Just like cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angelos in our times, they serve a greater purpose.
So, we can safely conclude that Damascus is not being judged for any great sin she has committed against Israel.
What is the problem?
So, now, we come to the second question: What is the problem being addressed here?
As it has been the practice of Israel to trust in the kingdoms of Assyria and Egypt when they found themselves in trouble, Israel also trusted in Damascus. All of these things were used as substitutes for trusting in God.
As you can see, it is a message to Israel that God is now removing some final “sinking sand foundations” on which their faith rested. In mercy, God is removing these foundations to “shut them up to God”.
What is the Message?
But there is a message to us who live in different times, but face the same problems. That is going to the things and places to fill up that empty void in our life that forsaking God has caused, The Cities offer us an opportunity to fulfill all the empty dreams that satan offers to us so that we shall find true happiness in engaging ourselves in “the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, and it is in the cities where we find them all. This is the Wold that John tells us not to love. The lust of the flesh has to do with the desire for pleasure, the lust of the eyes has to do with the desire for possessions,, and the pride of life has to do with the desire for popularity and power. And before we can be effective servants of God, we must have these props removed.
That is the problem with Damascus. She offered a false prop upon which Israel placed their faith and now she faces destruction
So we close by asking this question: Is there a “Damascus in your life that is hindering your walk of faith? Do not be surprised if you discover that God is trying to remove them. Hopefully, you will find yourself with a sense of greater happiness because they are no longer a burden to you.
ISAIAH:
CHAPTERS SEVENTEEN AND EIGHTEEN
Lesson 61
Damascus “In That Day”
In our last lesson, I attempted to present some background concerning Damascus along with some practical applications for consideration as we begin to examine the “Bigger Picture” as found in chapters seventeen and eighteen.
As we continue, there are before us in these two chapters, some practical principles relating to the subject of revival.
In chapter seventeen, we shall consider what is needed. And following in chapter eighteen, we shall consider the desired outcome in relation to Damascus. Whereas she was once a great city, God has in store a far greater glory once she has experienced God’s discipline.
Once again, because of the number of important details, it is necessary to parse these verses.
1. What is Necessary? Abasement before Exaltation.
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. (Verse 1)
There is no doubt what God has in mind for Damascus. Her supposed greatness first must be dealt with and “A ruinous Heap will be necessary. And I see two reasons for this. First to remove Israel’s dependence upon her. Second, her pride concerning her former greatness must be removed in order for God’s greater purpose can take place.
And here we see the first great principle necessary in the life of God’s people in preparation for Revival to occur. Revival is not something that we can cause to happen, but there is an important part that we play when we submit to those inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. Revival is totally a work of God, as to when it will take place and the manner in which it will be revealed.
2. The extent of her humiliation
The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the Lord of hosts.
Imagine this great city, once teeming with merchants and busy activity, now becoming like an empty field, where flocks of sheep and goats may pasture without being disturbed. The defenced fortresses that Ephraim once provided will be no more, and their protection from invading enemies shall be removed.
It is a scene unimaginable to those who were once flourishing in prosperity, but all of that will be removed. But there seems to be a word of hope to her after the discipline is over.
This great city is part of Syria, and from here a small remnant shall share in the glory that the rest of Israel shall enjoy.
As we continue, it must not be forgotten that all of this has reference to “That Day” in regard to Damascus. But Damascus is accompanied by many cities and villages and incorporates much of those associated with Israel. That is why Syria and Ephraim are mentioned. They are an integral part of Damascus. In other words, what is true of Damascus is part of Israel as well. So what else is there to notice?
And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
Again, as we mentioned, Part of Israel shall be included in this humiliation. The abundance she once experienced shall becomelean. By that, we mean that the abundance that she was used to gathering, will become-like as in a time of drought. Not enough to sustain them shall be their time of harvest. What a contrast to what was available when Damascus was operating at full strength. This absence of food will cause them great hunger and their bodies shall lose their energy and strength.
For those living in disobedience, “That Day is not one that they would choose to face. And who knows, that because of Israel’s failure, that this also has some influence on Damascus's failure. Our disobedience to God always has some effect on others, and that is another reason that we should remain faithful to God. Next, consider:
3. The disappointment described.
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm, and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the Lord God of Israel.
Have you ever experienced a lean harvest from a fruit tree, and the only fruit worth having is too high to reach, and even shaking it loose does not help? At the present time I have a peachtree loaded with fruit,, and it has grown so High, that I don’t know how I will reach it. And I said to myself, suppose at harvest time, the best fruit will be at the top of the branches where it will be hard to reach. (I guess I might have to buy a higher ladder.) Perhaps. That is what our verse describes, the difficulty of getting the best that the tree provides.
That describes, somewhat what “That Day” will involve. Scarcity of food and difficulty to get what is available.
4. A Word of Hope
At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves or the images.
The word offers us some hope, that through this discipline inflicted, that men would have a change of heart and learn the lessons intended by Gog. Very often hardness of heart results from discipline, thus, a harsher discipline is necessary to break the stubborn will. The verse gives us hope that those chastened will turn back to the Lord and receive His blessing.
5. Continued Sorrow through neglect
In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation. Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.
In these verses notice the word “Because”. It is used twice to describe why all of this is taking place.
First, it is because of the disobedience of the nation of Israel. This confirms the previous statement that we made, concerning how our disobedience affects others.
The second “Because”, tells us that they have forgotten the God of their salvation. Now that tells us how easy it is through long periods of neglect, that forgetting is possible. Especially if the neglect has taken place over a long period of time. It is something that we should keep in mind if there is a tendency to forget important matters. So what is the outcome? More disappointment leads to further grief and sorrow.
6. A warning to the persecutors of God’s People.
Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. And behold at evening tide trouble, and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.
Our chapter ends with a description of the arrival of a fierce army that shall inflict destruction upon them. But their battle will be in vain, because the God of Israel will be on their side, and they shall experience greater destruction than what they inflicted upon others.
But there is good news ahead as we consider chapter 18.
ISAIAH: CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lesson 62
A Word to the Troubler’s of the People
Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled! All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. (Isaiah 8: 1-3)
This verse contains a pronouncement of Judgement to those taken up with their pride, thinking that their apparent victory has something to do with the "Arm of Flesh". What is apparent is not their strength, because if it were not for the Lord's purposes being accomplished. They have nothing of which to boast.
But besides a pronouncement of Judgement, a warning is sounded forth. Once again, this gives evidence that what is taking place is not unknown to God.
Then, consider the following words about what has been said.
For so the Lord said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches. They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.
This is the more difficult portion to understand because it is somewhat metaphorical in its interpretation, First, it is not saying that God will remove himself from the situation, as though He has lost interest or given up on them. With the insertion of the budded plants and the pruning of the branches, this refers to the timing of when this is to be done.
Putting all of this together, what is God saying? First by removing himself, means that he is not going to prevent their activities from taking place. Then the reference to the Budding plant and the pruning of the branches, this refers to the timing for these events to take place.
Although it may appear that God has absented himself He is in complete control while all of this is happening.
Then the final verses summarize the good news following all of this.
In that time shall the present be brought unto the Lord of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion.
In reference to the nation meted out and trodden down, it appears that this is a reference to Damascus, who has undergone these trials.
Then the final question is, why is this blessing referring to "That Day" and Mount Zion? This has reference to the positive aspect of that time. Why is Damascus given that promise?
Remember, we mentioned that because The northern tribes of Israel were part of Damascus, and because the judgment came upon them because of Israel's disobedience, Now they shall enjoy the blessing when Israel is finally restored. Israel and Damascus are intimately entwined because of their relationship to each other, so why not be part of the blessing when it comes..
In our next study, we will give attention to Egypt.
ISAIAH : CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lesson 63
Egypt: In “That Day”
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. (Isaiah 19:1)
We have before us a very surprising message intended for Egypt. The scene begins with the picture of God riding upon a swift cloud. He is not riding upon a white horse as earthly rulers do but on a swift cloud. He comes with the purpose of entering into battle with the intended outcome to be one of victory. It is an easy battle because it is a battle against the Gods of Egypt who have failed them. Things are about to change, but first Egypt must experience the failure caused by their dependence up[on whatever they once placed their trust.
I. The Burden caused By their False Gods.
In verses 1-17, The prophecy from God goes forth as “The Burden”. That is what it is as we consider the details at this time. The chapter naturally divides into two sections. The first describes the devastation that these false gods provide.
Summarising all that is taken place: First, there will be mass confusion. They will not recognize who the real enemy is and begin to fight one another. The person against the person, Kingdoms against Kingdoms, and cities against cities.
Then their sources of income will dry up and will no longer be depended upon to deliver what is needed for survival.
Then on top of that, all their wise men and spiritual leaders will no longer be able to offer their “Wise Counsel. (so to speak.)
All of this will be necessary to bring them to the end of themselves in preparation for the God who is in control. At the end of all of this, they will have a new name: “The City of Destruction, and with that, we are reminded once again who this god is whom they worship. He is the God whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:9) But having said that, as we come to verses 17- 25)
II.The Promised Blessing from The True God.
And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. (Isaiah 19: 22- 25)
Who would have ever considered that some day, the nations of Egypt and Assyria, the nations that Israel once depended upon to take the place of God, will now be a part of “That Glorious Day” when they will be on equal footing, enjoying the blessings of God.
Egypt and Assyria, will forsake their false Gods, and embrace “The True and Living God.
And what may we conclude from all of this” That God so loved the world, and that includes those who were once His enemies? And can He not do the same for our twisted confused society that we live in? To God be the Glory.
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