Isaiah’s getting into his stride now, warming to his themes. Judgement, destruction, ultimate hope for Israel, and some surprising roles for the oppressors.
The sign to Egypt and Ethiopia
Isaiah 20:1-6
Judgement against Tyre
Isaiah 23:1-18
Assyria, the Lord’s instrument
Isaiah 10:5-19
Remnant of Israel to be saved
Isaiah 10:20-23
Judgement against Assyria
Isaiah 10:24-27
The invader attacks
Isaiah 10:28-34
The peaceful kingdom
Isaiah 11:1-9
The exiles will return
Isaiah 11:10-16
Hymn of thanksgiving
Isaiah 12:1-6
Isaiah gets into acted prophecy - going around stripped and barefoot to show what Assyria will do to Egypt and Cush. Then, he turns his attention to the Assyrians, the most terrifying nation of the time, and describes them in terms that make them into just a took in God’s hands - a blunt instrument that he used to flatten godless people. Having done it, God will cast aside the tool. The messages is clear - don;t fear the weapon, fear the one who wields it. All designed to make God appear larger in the eyes of those receiving this prophecy.
Then comes a memorable phrase - “a remnant will return.” This idea will be revisited time and time again, as the prophets and other Biblical writers struggle to understand what is happening to them. The conclusion they are coming to is that Israel will not die off completely, but a remnant will survive, that will be righteous and protected. The faithful few. This is an idea that starts here, and which will go on for generations. So a joyful day is coming, when a righteous leader will lead a small offshoot of God’s holy people into peace and freedom.
The sign to Egypt and Ethiopia
Isaiah 20:1-6
Judgement against Tyre
Isaiah 23:1-18
Assyria, the Lord’s instrument
Isaiah 10:5-19
Remnant of Israel to be saved
Isaiah 10:20-23
Judgement against Assyria
Isaiah 10:24-27
The invader attacks
Isaiah 10:28-34
The peaceful kingdom
Isaiah 11:1-9
The exiles will return
Isaiah 11:10-16
Hymn of thanksgiving
Isaiah 12:1-6
Isaiah gets into acted prophecy - going around stripped and barefoot to show what Assyria will do to Egypt and Cush. Then, he turns his attention to the Assyrians, the most terrifying nation of the time, and describes them in terms that make them into just a took in God’s hands - a blunt instrument that he used to flatten godless people. Having done it, God will cast aside the tool. The messages is clear - don;t fear the weapon, fear the one who wields it. All designed to make God appear larger in the eyes of those receiving this prophecy.
Then comes a memorable phrase - “a remnant will return.” This idea will be revisited time and time again, as the prophets and other Biblical writers struggle to understand what is happening to them. The conclusion they are coming to is that Israel will not die off completely, but a remnant will survive, that will be righteous and protected. The faithful few. This is an idea that starts here, and which will go on for generations. So a joyful day is coming, when a righteous leader will lead a small offshoot of God’s holy people into peace and freedom.
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