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Study No.12 : Oracles - Babylon : Isaiah 13:1-10

A. Find Out:    

1. What does Isaiah now speak about whom? v.1

2. God calls for someone to do what? v.2

3. Who does He then speak about? v.3

4. Who does he hear doing what, so achieve what? v.4,5

5. What is coming and with what effect? v.6-9

6. What will even happen in the sky? v.10

 

B. Think:

1. What people are NOT identified in this passage?

2. Yet who is?

3. Summarise it in your own words.

C. Comment:

The strange thing about this passage is that it is identified from the start as an oracle (v.1), or ‘message of concern to be declared', directed towards Babylon , yet thereafter, in this part at least, the people mentioned are not identified. It's as if the Lord is building up the suspense by making us speculate. It will become clear later.

In verse 2 there is a double reference to ‘them', presumably God's agents, possibly His angels, to go out and call to others to go to the place of the nobles or leaders. He then refers to a holy army (v.3), an army of angels or more likely of men, who He is calling out to bring judgement. He envisages their might (v.4), coming from afar (v.5).

It is ‘the day of the Lord', a day of judgement called by God (v.6). It will be a day of great fear (v.7,8), a day of destruction to cleanse the land of sinners (v.9). It will be a day when the sky will be darkened, (v.10) whether by smoke from the fires of destruction or from supernatural manifestation is not clear.

What is clear is that this is a prophecy of coming judgement. The origin is the Lord who is raising an army to bring judgement on a land because of the sin that is there. Who or where is not clear yet but the general intent and purpose is!

 

D. Application:

1. Sometimes revelation is only gradually rolled out.

2. God judges sin. It is as simple as that.

  

   

Study No.13 : It's Babylon! : Isaiah 13:11-22

A. Find Out:

1. What 4 things will the Lord do to whom? v.11

2. What will be the result? v.12

3. On that day what will happen in the heavens & on the earth? v.13-16

4. Who will rise up and do what? v.17,18

5. Who will be overthrown for how long? v.19,20

6. What will be all that remain? v.21,22

 

B. Think:

1. What indications are there that this applies to all the world?

2. Yet what indication is there it is for one nation?

3. What is basically being talked about?

C. Comment:

The suspense continues. The prophecy continues on about the Lord's intent to bring destructive judgement. Verse 11 speaks about “the world…the wicked…the haughty… the ruthless” and specifically their evil, their sins, their arrogance, and their pride. These ones the Lord will obviously remove in this judgement (v.12). People will be destroyed in large numbers in horrific warfare (v.15,16).

It is only when we come to verse 17 that we have any mention of specific agents bringing this about – the Medes and then finally in verse 19 it is revealed that it will be Babylon that is to be destroyed so thoroughly that no one will ever live there again, and the place will be just a haunt for wild animals (v.21,22).     

Now we would to well to consider who this applied to and when. First it seems to refer to a single location – the whole country, v.5 – the land, v.9 – Babylon v.19-22. But intermingled in this chapter seem far more general references – the world, v.11 – man, v.12 – own people, native land, v.14. Is it that Isaiah has a prophetic awareness of Babylon, but as he starts prophesying he steps out of local time into the bigger picture of history and speaks of that final time of judgement? In Revelation 18 John saw the downfall of ‘Babylon' which represented every godless economic institution in the world. Did Isaiah too?

 

D. Application:

1. There is coming a time of final judgement. Be ready for it.

2. Pride & arrogance are at the heart of godlessness. Beware.

  

  

Study No.14 : The Great Turnabouts : Isaiah 14:1-8

A. Find Out:

1. What will the Lord do for Israel & who will join them? v.1

2. What reversal will take place? v.2

3. What day is coming? v.3

4. Against whom will they taunt then and why? v.4

5. What will the Lord have done and with what result? v.5-7

6. How will even Lebanon join in? v.8

 

B. Think:

1. How will there be a turnabout in respect of Israel ? v.1,2

2. How will there be a turnabout in respect of Babylon ? v.3-

C. Comment:

Sometimes when a prophet starts receiving revelation from heaven, the ‘edges' of it become blurred or it overlaps so that there are more than one thing being referred to, or one thing refers to several fulfilments. This passage has a number of aspects that are not clear for these reasons.

First there is reference to Israel being returned to their own land, which is straight forward, but then it says that other nations will join them (v.1). Is this a prophetic reference to the work of Jesus so that people from all nations become part of God's true people? Are the servants (v.2) actually servants of the Lord, rather than servants of Israel, because otherwise this has never been fulfilled?

Next comes a change that focuses back on Babylon . When that other turnabout takes place, there will also be a deriding of the king of Babylon . Babylon , which had been used to bring judgement on Israel , is now brought low herself, so that peace comes to the whole area (v.7). Even Lebanon (v.8), that had known invading armies pouring through, chopping down the mighty pines and cedars, breathes a sigh of relief as all that comes to an end.

For Israel this is a time of relief from all the suffering and turmoil and bondage of war (v.3). This is clearly a time of peace brought by the Lord, a mighty work of God for His people!

 

D. Application:

1. Powerful nations are no problem for the Lord!

2. When the Lord decrees peace, it will come!

  

   

Study No.15 : The Fallen Star : Isaiah 14:9-17

A. Find Out:

1. Who does Isaiah envisage greeting the king of Babylon ? v.9-11

2. How is ‘he' referred to? v.12

3. What had ‘he' once aspired to? v.13,14

4. Yet what has happened? v.15

5. What do his onlookers ponder over? v.16,17

 

B. Think:

1. What point is being made in v.9-11,16,17?

2. What had been in his heart that caused the downfall?

C. Comment:

Once again we find ourselves with a prophecy that we are left wondering over. Prophecy is sometimes like that. It is not absolutely clear. Even prophecy today sometimes leaves you with this feeling, that you will only really understand it after it has been fulfilled.

At one level this prophecy is quite clear and obvious. We saw in verse 4 that it was directed against the king of Babylon , and then in verses 4 to 8 how he was told his end had come. In these verses now, that is spelled out very graphically. Isaiah envisages the underworld of death being stirred up to greet him, all the other ‘great' leaders of the past who have similarly been brought to nothing. This is yet another picture of hell, surely? When they look at this pitiful figure entering the courts of hell, they wonder and think, was this person who was the cause of so much death and carnage in his time on earth?

But there seems something else here. Verses 12 to 14 are very personal with five uses of “I” as Isaiah describes the aspirations of this one. It is at this point that theologians down through the ages have wondered about this being, is this a hidden description of Satan? A being from heaven (v.12a)? Morning star, or shining one (v.12b)? Is this an angelic being who thought too much of himself and has now been cast down to the earth from heaven (v.12c)? If it is, it tells us that it was pride that was at the heart of Lucifer's fall, and it warns us, to avoid pride which can be our downfall also.

 

D. Application:

1. Beware pride. It will be your downfall.

2. Never, in any shape or form, compete with God. He alone is Lord.

  

Study No.16 : The Judgement is Certain : Isaiah 14:18-27

A. Find Out:

   

1. How is Babylon 's king different from others who have died? v.18-20

2. What will happen to his family? v.21

3. What will the Lord do to Babylon ? v.22,23

4. Who also will the Lord deal with? v.24,25

5. How far will His judgement go? v.26

6. How certain is it? v.27

 

B. Think:

1. Why is Babylon 's king to be treated differently?

2. What is the fate decreed for Babylon ?

3. Who else is in the Lord's sights?

C. Comment:

The condemnation of the king of Babylon continues. Previously we saw that others in hell would marvel that such a dictator could be brought to nothing and now that ‘nothingness' is expanded upon. Other kings' bodies lie in state, honoured, but this king's body will be thrown out, that is how ignominious his death will be (v.19). Why? Because he was the cause of bodies being strewn all over the place and left without a grave, and so he too will be the same!

Even more than that, his name will not be continued, for his family will be included in this judgement and will all be killed (v.21). Even more than that, the place of his greatness, Babylon , (v.22,23) will be utterly destroyed so his name will not be carried on their either (implied).

Then it is as if the eyes of the Lord traverse the nations and He turns to Assyria (v.25). It's as if He says, and don't think you're going to get away with what you've done, just because I'm focusing on Babylon ! You too, who trampled on my people, on my land, will be trampled underfoot. Then it's as if He lifts His eyes to the whole world (v.26) and adds, and all of you too who have stood against my people, you'll all be held to account. I am going to include all nations who oppressed my people. You will all be held accountable!

 

D. Application:

1. Opposing God's people means opposing God. Beware!

2. God will hold all such nations accountable.

 

Study No.17 : Philistines Beware!  : Isaiah 14:28-32

A. Find Out:

1. When did this word come & who was told not to do what? v.28,29a

2. Why? v.29b

3. What will happen in Israel and Philistia respectively? v.30

4. What were the Philistine cities to do and why? v.31

5. What had the Lord decreed? v.32

 

B. Think:

1. Read 2 Kings 16:1-20 & 2 Chr 28:1-27

2. What sort of king had Ahaz been?

3. Why should the Philistines not rejoice that he is dead?

C. Comment:

The next word that comes to Isaiah comes after the death of Ahaz, which is significant. It is in fact a word to the Philistines who lived to the south west of Judah . They had always been a thorn in the side of Judah and Israel , and now that Ahaz is dead they were rejoicing that his reign has ended and Judah might now be weak. The fact was that Ahaz had been an ungodly king who had turned to other nations for help and had received help from them. His death is perhaps seen as God's judgment because he had been strong in his occult worship, which made him a fearful neighbour for Philistia.

The attitude of the Philistines was that Judah would now become weak but the Lord disabuses them of this idea and warns them that the next king will appear worse to the Philistines, not because he will be ungodly but simply because he will be stronger. There will be peace and security in Judah (.v30) but the curse of famine in Philistia . More than that, they will suffer an invader from the north (v.31), who is no identified. When that nation sends envoys the Philistines will not be able to answer and (implied) will become prey to them.

In the meantime Jerusalem will become secure because the Lord has decreed that and the people of God will find refuge in the strength that is there. All of the hopes of the Philistines against Judah are thus brought to nothing. The Lord has spoken!

 

D. Application:

1. Be careful how you interpret the activities of nations. It may be God! 2. Don't let your pride lead you into wrong assumptions.

 

Study No.18 : Destruction for Moab : Isaiah 15:1-9

A. Find Out:

1. What does Isaiah see happening where? v.1

2. What does he then see happening? v.2,3,8

3. Who does this even include? v.4

4. What signs are there of a nation devastated by war? v.5,6,9a

5. So what is happening to the wealth of the nation? v.7

6. What yet will happen? v.9b,c

 

B. Think:

1. If you have a map, look up and find Moab .

2. What would have made this so vivid for the readers/listeners?

3. What is the overall message conveyed?

C. Comment:

This is a chapter laden with geographical detail. It is a word against Moab which was a county to the east of the Dead Sea, an enemy of Israel. It is made so vivid by the reference to so many towns of Moab, some of which are unknown today, some of which can be identified.

The Arnon river (not mentioned) runs into the Dead Sea about half way down it from the east. Kir (v.1) was pro bably Kir Hareseth, which is about 15 miles south of the Arnon and was perhaps the capital of Moab. Dibon (v.2) is about 4 miles north of the Arnon. Mount Nebo (v.2) is about 8 miles east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea and Heshbon (v.4) is about a further 120 miles east.

Without working our way through the rest of the names, let's simply note what was happening. A destruction is coming to Moab very rapidly (v.1 in a night). The waters of the rivers are filled with blood, the towns are wasted and the countryside is flattened (v.6) by the invading army (implied). Their wealth has been taken (v.7), there are fugitives on the road, fleeing the country, and there is mourning by the survivors left (v.2,3,8). It is a picture of complete devastation, but this is not the end of it for the Lord warns (v.9) that He is yet going to bring more on this nation. The reason is not yet given, that will follow, just an awful picture of devastation at the Lord's hand.

 

D. Application:

1. There is nothing romantic about the judgement of the Lord.

2. When judgement comes it brings total destruction.

 

Study No.19 : Yet there will come peace : Isaiah 16:1-7

A. Find Out:

1. What were to be sent where? v.1 (see 2 Kings 3:4)

2. What were the women like, where? v.2

3. What were they asking Israel to do? v.3,4a

4. Yet what will happen? v.4b

5. And what will be the outcome? v.5

6. What is Moab known for, but what will happen? v.6,7

 

B. Think:

1. What is the ongoing picture conveyed?

2. Yet what hope is given?

3. But what will happen first and why?

C. Comment:

  The word against Moab continues through chapter 16. Moab had given tribute to Israel (2 Kings 3) and had rebelled. No, says the prophet, you need to come back under the shelter of God's people (v.1). When the invader from the north comes, your women will be seen fleeing south across the river Arnon (v.2), and they will come as refugees looking for help from Israel (v.3,4a).

  But then comes a word of hope: the oppressor will come to an end. This will not go on for ever. (v.4b) An end has been decreed by God. Then comes an enigmatic promise: there is going to come a ruler from the line of David (v.5), who it seems will be the salvation of this people. However as we consider verse 5 there seems far more here than the description of a king of Israel . Observe the descriptions: love, faithfulness, justice and righteousness. This has the feel of the Messiah. Is this yet another of those words that break through Isaiah about the Coming One from God?

  Nevertheless, in the present, the pride of Moab will be their downfall (v.6) and because of what is coming they will wail, lament and grieve (v.7). The word is clear: destruction is coming but salvation for Moab will be found in their relationship with Israel and, ultimately, through the Coming Messiah.

 

D. Application:

1. Even in judgement the Lord desires to bring blessing of salvation.

2. Yet repentance is still called for where there is the sin of pride.

Study No.20 : You've got three years! : Isaiah 16:8-14

A. Find Out:

1. What has happened to the vines? v.8

2. What has been taken away? v.9,10

3. What does the Lord feel about Moab ? v.11

4. What does Moab now do pointlessly? v.12

5. What has Isaiah been speaking? v.13

6. Now what will happen? v.14

 

B. Think:

1. What graphic picture is used to convey what will happen to Moab ?

2. How does the Lord feel about it all?

3. How long have they got before it happens?

C. Comment:

Sometimes in these prophecies through Isaiah the truth of what is about to happen is spoken very graphically as if it either was happening or had already happened. That is because the prophet seems to operate outside of time, catching the heart of God in eternity.

The prophet has already said that Moab will wail and grieve (v.7) and now he paints a picture as to why that will be. He sees the fields and the vineyards of Moab and he sees that they will be devastated, trampled down by the invading armies (v.8). Where once these vines had flourished, now they are gone. Yet the language that is used seems to suggest that he means Moab as a whole was a vine that had spread with its influence, which now is going to be utterly cut back.

Whether it is literal or figurative, the picture continues and the Lord expresses His anguish over what has to happen. It is not something that He brings about joyfully. In verses 9 to 11 His anguish is mixed with the anguish of Moab . He feels with them. Whereas there should have been joy over the grape harvest, there will only be anguish (v.9,10) and their efforts to pray are pointless, the judgement has been decreed (v.12). The word has been spoken (v.13) and within three years (v.14) it will have come about. This is a picture of what will be. The Lord gives them time to repent, but will they?

 

D. Application:

1. The Lord doesn't stand unfeeling even when He brings judgement.

2. The Lord would much rather judgment was avoided (2 Pet 3:9)

 

RECAP No.2  "Four Condemnations"  Isaiah 13-16

SUMMARY :  

         

In this second group of 9 studies we have seen :

 

Babylon Condemned	12. Oracles (1) Babylon : 13:1-10 13. It's Babylon !: 13:11-22 14. The Great Turnabouts: 14:1-8 15. The Fallen Star : 14:9-17 16. The Judgement is Certain : 14:18 -27
Assyria Condemned	See above
Philistines Condemned	17. Philistines beware!: 14:28-32
Moab Condemned	18. Destruction for Moab : 15:1-9 19. Yet there will come peace: 16:1-7 20. You've got three years!: 16:8-14

 

COMMENT :

 Babylon was condemned for its general sins (13:11a) and specifically for pride (13:11b, 14:13 ). Assyria was condemned for yoking Israel (14:25b), the Philistines for rejoicing over the death of Ahaz ( 14:29 ), and Moab for its pride and arrogance (16:6).

In the midst of this is a further promise that the Lord will restore Israel and bring them back from a future exile. Again there is hope in the midst of judgement.

 

LESSONS?

The judgement of these various nations is intertwined with their activities in respect of Israel .

God does hold nations accountable and the lessons are clear to see here, in respect of sin generally and pride specifically. That pride is linked to rebellion that thinks it can be equal to God and can thwart His purposes.

 

PRAY :

  Pray for your own nation that it will become humble, righteous and godly in respect of Israel .

 

PART 3: "Six (Seven) Condemnations"

  In this next Part we will see judgement on six peoples. Look again particularly for the reasons why the judgement comes.