03 August

Bible In 365 Days 

Isaiah 28-30 

Isaiah 28

Here begins the third and last circle of the first division of the book. It consists of a series of prophecies concerning the chosen people and the world.

In this chapter we have a graphic revelation of the difficulties with which Isaiah had to contend, and of his unswerving loyalty to truth. It falls into four parts. In the first (Isaiah 28:1-6), the prophet announces the judgment on Ephraim. His glorious beauty is to be consumed before the oncoming scourge. This judgment, however, is to move toward the ultimate victory of Jehovah. The second part (Isaiah 28:7-13), reveals how the message of the prophet was received. It opens with a vivid picture of an unhallowed carousal, in which priest and prophet alike are overcome by strong drink. Then their taunting of the prophet is recorded, " To whom will he teach knowledge?" To this he answers by declaring that there is another method of speech, and moreover, that there was purpose in the halting method he had adopted. He then warns the scorners of their folly (Isaiah 28:14-22), describing their false covenant with death, declaring Jehovah's word that it shall be disannuled, and urging them to cease their scorning. Finally (Isaiah 28:23-29), by a series of remarkable illustrations drawn from agriculture the prophet declares that the judgments of God are methodical and move perpetually to purpose.

Isaiah 29

This is the first of a series of declamations concerning the chosen people, and sets forth the purpose of Jehovah in judgment. The message opens with a description of the judgment (Isaiah 29:1-4), and declares how suddenly all the foes of Jerusalem shall be discomfited (Isaiah 29:5-8). The prophet then breaks out into a mourning description of the condition of the people. They are blind, and unable to understand the messages delivered (Isaiah 29:9-12). This blindness he declares to be the result of their infidelity to God.

In the remaining part of the prophecy he continues his declaration of the purpose of Jehovah concerning them. After denouncing the conspirators who were attempting to mislead the people, and warning them that they cannot be hidden from Jehovah, he breaks out into a fine description of the coming deliverance. This deliverance is to be characterized by a restoration of sensibility to the people who have been blind and stupid. This is to be followed by a restoration of order in which all the oppressed will obtain the justice which so long has been lacking. And, finally, there will be the restoration of the true order in sanctification of the holy name and establishment of right relationship with Jehovah.

Isaiah 30

This chapter contains two distinct messages. In the first, the prophet denounces an alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-26), and in the second foretells the destruction of Assyria (Isaiah 30:27-33).

In the matter of the Egyptian alliance the prophet denounces the secret treaty, declares the shame and uselessness of it. He is instructed to write what shall be a testimony against the people. This he does by first describing the rebellious attitude which they have adopted, then by declaring how Jehovah will break in pieces the things in which they trust, and, finally, by indicating what their true attitude should have been, and declaring their refusal to adopt it and their consequent discomfiture. Yet the intention of Jehovah is gracious, and He waits for them until they are restored to the spirit of willingness, and are ready to sweep out idolatry. In answer to this, they are brought back to prosperity, which is described in its relation to the new glory of the land.

The destruction of Assyria is announced by a description of Jehovah coming in judgment. This will be the occasion for His people to sing a song of rejoicing and deliverance, which will result in completely and relentlessly sweeping away the oppressing nation. This prophecy of the destruction of Assyria at this point was intended to show the people of God how unnecessary it was for them to turn to Egypt for help.