Egypt had a strong king at this time. He had united his country. So it seemed to the people in Judah that Egypt would support them against the *Assyrians. Judah stands between Egypt and Assyria. So the people in Judah hoped that Egypt’s powerful army would defend Judah.... [ Continue Reading ]
This king of Judah was Hezekiah (see 2 Kings Chapter s 18 to 20). • The towns called Zoan and Hanes were both in the northern part of Egypt, near the border with Judah. This is the only time that Hanes appears in the Bible. • Zoan was the capital of Egypt (see Psalms 78:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
The travellers will bravely meet many dangers and difficulties. But all their great efforts will be in vain.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rahab is another name for Leviathan (see my note on Isaiah 27:1). GOD’S PEOPLE REFUSE TO LISTEN V8 Then the *Lord told Isaiah to cut all the letters of this message on a flat stone. And he was to write the words in a book. Together, the stone and the book will be a permanent record of how wicked... [ Continue Reading ]
God has plainly warned the people about Egypt. Now he tells Isaiah to make a permanent record of what he has said. The people will not be able to pretend that they did not know. Verse 10-11 The people do not want to hear unpleasant truths about their behaviour. In fact they are trying to persuade... [ Continue Reading ]
God warns the people that their evil behaviour is ruining their own lives. They will suffer terrible troubles. And those troubles will happen as suddenly as a wall crashes to the ground.... [ Continue Reading ]
The result will be terribly total. TRUST GOD V15 Therefore, this is what God the *Lord, the Holy God of Israel, says: ‘If you quietly turn to me, you will know rescue. If you quietly put your trust in me, you will be strong. V16 But you refuse. You say that you will ride away on horses at great sp... [ Continue Reading ]
The people proudly declare that they can escape the enemy by their own efforts. But the enemy has fast horses too.... [ Continue Reading ]
The bold words of the people in Judah will be worth nothing, when the powerful *Assyrian army actually arrives. GOD WILL BE KIND TO HIS PEOPLE V18 But the *Lord wants to show you kindness. He greatly desires you to know that he pities you. The *Lord is the God who makes everything right again. So... [ Continue Reading ]
God offers his people words to encourage them. And to give them hope for the future.... [ Continue Reading ]
As their personal Teacher, the *Lord himself will give instruction to his people on the right way to live.... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse is referring to the images of *idols (that is, false gods). To order the images to go away does not mean that they are alive! The words are simply a forceful way to say that the people have now rejected (turned against) the images. The people will not continue to give honour to the images... [ Continue Reading ]
When the *Lord’s people change their minds, he can again be favourable to them. • Rain is the first gift that the *Lord will provide. In such a dry land, rain would be clear evidence of God’s new care for his people.... [ Continue Reading ]
The new situation will affect even nature itself. • God punishes. But he also cures (see Job 5:18; Hosea 6:1). GOD WILL PUNISH ASSYRIA V27 The *Lord himself is approaching from a distance. His anger is as powerful as a fire that burns. Thick smoke is rising. His words are very angry. His speech i... [ Continue Reading ]
To describe God as one who has ‘anger’ is to use a human word of emotion (see Deuteronomy 29:20). God is not angry in the same manner as a person would be. But this word helps us to understand the reason for God’s severe actions. • God is perfect. And he is completely holy. Therefore he cannot *tol... [ Continue Reading ]
God has used the *Assyrians to punish his people. But now his people have returned to him. God has therefore achieved his purpose. Now God can punish the *Assyrians for their proud attitudes and for their cruelty.... [ Continue Reading ]
Smoke and fire often show God’s terrible arrival to carry out his fierce judgement (see 2 Samuel 22:8-16; Isaiah 66:15-16). • God’s word brings life and health to those who accept it. But his word brings a sudden and terrible death to those who refuse it. Those who hurt God’s people, even as tools... [ Continue Reading ]
For the sudden and extraordinary end of the huge *Assyrian army, see Isaiah 37:33-36. WOE ~ a very sad cry because there is much pain to come. LORD ~ God’s name in the Bible. In the original language, it means ‘head over all’ and ‘God always’. MESSENGER ~ someone who delivers a message. ASS ~ A kin... [ Continue Reading ]