Thursday
Evening Bible Study
September
26, 2019
Introduction
The book of Isaiah is the first book in the section of the Old Testament
that we call the “prophets”.
It is the Old Testament book that has the clearest picture of the coming
Messiah.
The New Testament quotes from Isaiah more than from any other prophet.
John, the forerunner of Christ, began his ministry with a quote from Isaiah
(Mat. 3:3).
Jesus preached His first sermon in Nazareth from Isaiah (Luke 4:17-21).
Old Bible critics will say that the book of Isaiah is actually
two books written by different authors, with chapters 1-39 as the first
book, and chapters 40-66 as the second.
The two sections are indeed distinct, but they serve different purposes.
The first half is a book of judgment, the second half is one of comfort.
Better, recent scholarship, including the contribution of the Dead Sea
Scrolls affirms that it is a single book written by a single author.
This is not a book that was written all at once, in a single sitting. There
are various sections of the book, and it is the compiling of the writings of a
man over sixty years.
There will be times that the prophetic message is aimed close to Isaiah’s
time.
There will be times when the prophetic message is aimed far in the future.
There will be times when the message has a double effect with both a near and
far prophecy.
Isaiah has contemporaries.
His ministry overlaps the prophets Hosea and Micah.
His ministry lies roughly between 740-700 BC.
He prophesies during the reigns of the Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah –
all kings of the southern kingdom of Judah.
Keep in mind that in Isaiah’s lifetime, Israel has been split into two
different nations.
The northern ten tribes were called “Israel”, or “Ephraim”.
The southern two tribes were called “Judah”
Isaiah lived in the southern nation, and they are the main
focus of his prophecies.
We have seen that some prophecies have “double fulfillments” – they may be
fulfilled inside Isaiah’s day, and then again far in the future (like Is. 7:14
– the virgin).
We are also seeing that when it comes to prophecy, sometimes the prophecy
can skip hundreds or thousands of years between one phrase and the next. This
is called “prophetic telescoping”.
Whereas most of the prophecies to this point have been aimed at God’s
people, the shift now changes to other nations of Isaiah’s day.
Isaiah 13 – Against Babylon
I wish we knew just when Isaiah received this prophecy.
Babylon in Isaiah’s day was not a very large empire. It was just a single
city-state.
King Hezekiah would one day invite ambassadors from Babylon to see all his
palace and treasures, but that was the only interaction with them in Isaiah’s
day.
Babylon would one day become a huge world-conquering empire under King
Nebuchadnezzar – but over a hundred years after Isaiah’s day.
And yet here, before Babylon has reached its future greatness, Isaiah is
already telling us of its fall.
13:1-22 Babylon falls
read vs. 1-5
:1 against Babylon
The Hebrew word for Babylon is babel, the same as the city where the
“tower of Babel” was built, and where God confused the languages of those who
were trying to build something that reached into heaven.
Babel (and Babylon) is a picture of those who rebel against God.
On Sunday we will start 1Peter. At the end of his letter, Peter tells us
where he’s writing from:
(1 Peter 5:13 NKJV) She who is in Babylon, elect together with you,
greets you…
It may be that he’s actually in
the city of Babylon - which was still in existence, though greatly diminished
in Peter’s day.
It may be that he’s writing from Rome,
and calling it “Babylon”.
Or maybe he’s just using it as a term to say that he’s
writing from “the world”.
This chapter will talk about the fall of Babylon.
The city will one day be conquered.
There will be a last days “Babylon”, and it too will fall. (Rev. 17-18)
(Revelation
18:2 NKJV) …“Babylon the
great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons…”
The actual city itself was conquered by the Medes and Persians (539BC) , but continued in existence. It would die a slow death
until the time of the Muslim empires (~800AD) when it seemed to sink beneath
the sands of the desert.
It was rediscovered and excavated in the early 19th century by
British archaeologists.
Saddam Hussein tried to restore and rebuilt the city, but it has not been
occupied as a city.
Some of what we’ll read has been fulfilled, but some has not.
summarize vs. 6-10
There are aspects that fit better into the end times such as:
:6 the day of the LORD
Twice this phrase is used in this passage. (v.6,9)
Technically, it refers to a time of God’s judgment, no matter where in
history.
There is also a narrow, technical use of this phrase to describe the last
days.
:10 The sun will be darkened
This is a reference to the last days, showing us that this prophecy has its
feet in different time periods.
summarize vs. 11-16
This section talks about judgement on the world of unbelieving men.
summarize vs. 17-22
This section talks about the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian
empire – which happened in in 539 under King Cyrus.
It’s ironic that God is speaking of the power that will conquer Babylon
long before they would rise in power.
:20 It will never be inhabited
Currently true. But does this mean that this has been fulfilled?
Some suggest that it would be re-inhabited, only to be destroyed when Jesus
returns to defeat the Antichrist.
Isaiah 14 – Babylon’s Fall
14:1-2 Mercy on Jacob
In the midst of all this judgment, God reminds His
people that He won’t forget them.
read vs. 1-2
14:3-11 King of Babylon
Summarize vs. 3-11
God then speaks to the fall of the king of Babylon, and how he will be
brought down to the place of the dead, Sheol.
It’s an interesting picture that Ezekiel will also share in Ezekiel 32 –
where the prophet speaks of all great armies of the world that have died and
are now in hell.
Note:
(Isaiah
14:11 NKJV) Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, And the sound
of your stringed instruments; The maggot is spread under you, And worms cover
you.’
14:12-23 Lucifer’s Fall
Then Isaiah’s prophecy turns to speak to the power behind the king of
Babylon – Satan.
Ezekiel too will do the same thing when talking about the king of Tyre (Eze. 28), turning to
address Satan himself.
read vs. 12-15
:12 O Lucifer, son of the morning
Lucifer – the name is Latin for “morning star” (or, “light bearer”).
The Hebrew word used here is heylel – shining
one, morning star, Lucifer. This is the only place this specific Hebrew word is
found, and it comes from another Hebrew word, halal, meaning to shine;
to praise, boast, be boastful. The term “morning star” is used to describe
angels (Job 38:7), and Jesus (Rev. 22:16).
The morning star is actually
the planet Venus. It shines brightly for a short time in the early
morning, but soon fades with the rising of the sun.
:14 I will be like the Most High
Even though Isaiah has the king of Babylon saying this – we see this
prophetically as “Satan’s boast”.
Lesson
The “I” Exam
Verses 13-14 contain five statements beginning with “I will…”
This was Satan’s problem, and it’s usually ours as well.
I find that there are at least two kinds of people who have “I” problems.
The first kind are those who think that they are absolutely the best thing
since sliced bread. They are totally in love with themselves.
The second kind is the person who thinks they are worthless. They think
that God made some serious mistakes when they were born.
Both tend to think of themselves more then they
should.
In contrast, Jesus said,
(Matthew 16:24 NKJV)
—24 …“If anyone
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow Me.
“But my needs are really, really great!” you say. Are they
too big for Jesus to handle? Could you stop thinking about yourself just for a
day and think more about others?
Illustration
Years ago, Dr. Karl Menninger of the Menninger Clinic was
asked, “If someone felt a nervous breakdown coming on, what would you suggest
that he do?”
“If you feel a nervous breakdown coming on, I would urge
you to find somebody else with a problem—a serious one—and get involved with
that individual, helping him solve his problem.”
summarize vs. 16-23
Isaiah then returns to talk about the king of Babylon being in hell, and
the future destruction of Babylon.
14:24-27 Assyrian Destroyed
Summarize vs.24-27
The Lord then turns His attention to Assyria and it’s
destruction.
(Isaiah 14:26–27
NKJV) —26 This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole
earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the
nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts
has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will
turn it back?”
We mentioned this last week – the “hand stretched out” is speaking of God’s
judgment against a nation – here towards Assyria, just as it had been against
Judah (ch. 9-10)
14:28-32 Philistia Destroyed
Summarize vs. 28-32
God turns his attention to the Philistines.
This short prophecy was given the year that King Ahaz died (v.28, 715 BC)
The Philistines were warned not to get too excited about Ahaz’ death
because God would judge them.
Isaiah 15 – Moab
The Moabites were descendants of Abraham’s nephew, Lot.
They did not worship Yahweh, but worshipped the
god Chemosh.
The chapter speaks of the destruction of the Moabites, something that would
happen when the Assyrians would invade in three years (16:14).
The Assyrians would invade Moab in 711 BC.
The picture Isaiah paints is a very sad one.
God thinks so too.
(Isaiah 15:5 NKJV) “My heart
will cry out for Moab…
Today, the land of Moab lies in the modern country of Jordan. (see map –
you can see all the places mentioned in the chapter.)
We usually think of Israel as being the place where all the Bible stories
took place, but there are large chunks that take place in Jordan as well.
Isaiah 16 – Moab (cont’d)
From the destruction of Moab, an interesting prophecy emerges, a skip in
time…
You want to read these first five verses as if they are speaking about a
gift being sent from Moab to a great King in Jerusalem…
read vs. 1
:1 From Sela
This is a reference to what we know as the “rock city of Petra”.
It was a city easily guarded, entered in through the narrow pass of the “Siq”.
You know it from the Indiana Jones movie…
Video: Indiana Jones and our Petra
This is talking as if a letter is written to a people living in Sela to send a lamb to the ruler in Israel…
read vs. 2-4
:4 Let My outcasts dwell with you
During the Great Tribulation, the antichrist will unleash a flood of armies
trying to destroy the Jewish people.
This is an exhortation to Moab to hide the Jewish outcasts.
One of the places they will flee to is Petra, in the “wilderness”.
(Revelation
12:14 NKJV) But the woman was given two wings of a great
eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is
nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the
serpent.
Another place they will flee to is Bozrah (also
in Jordan), which is about 40 miles north of Petra. (Isa. 63)
read vs. 5
:5 the throne will be established
This is speaking of Jesus setting up His kingdom on earth with His capital
in Jerusalem.
The outcasts have been hidden in Petra, and He comes back to establish His
throne.
summarize vs.7-14
Then Isaiah gets back to talking about the destruction of Moab happening
within three years (vs. 14). It would be fulfilled in 711BC.
read v.6
:6 the pride of Moab
Lesson
Pride and Lying
Its pride that makes you think that you’re the best.
Illustration
A young woman went to her pastor and said, “Pastor, I have
a besetting sin, and I want your help. I come to church on Sunday and can’t
help thinking I’m the prettiest girl in the congregation. I know I ought not
think that, but I can’t help it. I want you to help me with it.” The pastor
replied, “Mary, don’t worry about it. In your case it’s not a sin. It’s just a
horrible mistake.”
-- Haddon Robinson, "Good Guys, Bad Guys, and Us Guys," Preaching Today, Tape No.
80.
Its pride that makes you think that you don’t need to ask for help or help
others. The Moabites didn’t think they needed help.
Its pride that fuels your anger at people when they don’t do things the way
you think they ought to.
Illustration
Executive consultant Richard Hagberg told this story: The
head of one large company recently told me about an incident that occurred as
he and his wife waited in line to get his driver's license renewed. He was
frustrated at how long it was taking and grumbled to his wife, "Don't they
know who I am?" She replied, "Yeah, you're a plumber's son who got
lucky."
-- Fortune (6/26/96).
Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker), from the editors of
Leadership.
Its pride that makes you lie to others to keep up the crumbling front that
says you’re the best.
Illustration
A mayor who was very proud of his city was asked how the
recession had affected it. He answered, “We don’t have a recession here, but I
will admit we are having the worst boom in many years.
I wonder just how much pride is linked to lying – maybe
all the time.
The answer is to learn to cultivate humility.
(Philippians 2:3–4
NLT) —3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking
of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look
out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Illustration
At a reception honoring musician Sir Robert Mayer on his 100th
birthday, elderly British socialite Lady Diana Cooper fell into conversation
with a friendly woman who seemed to know her well. Lady Diana’s failing
eyesight prevented her from recognizing her fellow guest, until she peered more
closely at the magnificent pearls and realized she was talking to Queen
Elizabeth! Overcome with embarrassment, Lady Diana curtsied and stammered,
“Ma’am, oh, ma’am, I’m sorry ma’am. I didn’t recognize you without your crown!”
“It was so much Sir Robert’s evening,” the queen replied, “that I decided to
leave it behind.”
Leave the crown behind.
Isaiah 17 – Syria and Israel
read vs. 1-3
:1 Damascus will cease
This may be talking about the coming Assyrian invasion – it will talk about
a decline in both Syria and Israel.
But the specific prophecy of Damascus being totally wiped out has not
happened.
Damascus is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of
the world.
Some think that this could be in our future.
:3 They will be as the glory of the children of Israel
This might seem like a positive thing, but if you read further you will see
that both Israel and Judah are in decline as well (vs.4)
Israel’s glory was growing dim, so Syria’s would as well.
Summarize vs. 4-6
God continues to elaborate on the decline in Syria and Israel.
Read vs. 7-8
:7 a man will look to his Maker
Lesson
Trouble can drive us to God
This is one of the reasons why God allows difficult things into our lives –
to turn us away from the wrong things and turn us to Himself.
(Hebrews
12:11 NLT) No discipline is enjoyable while it is
happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right
living for those who are trained in this way.
The question is, will I be “trained” by it?
In the old movie “The Robe”, the centurion Marcellus was going crazy
because of the guilt he had from being in charge of
Jesus’ crucifixion. He finally tracks
down the slave Demetrius who has the robe…
Video: The Robe – He died for your
shame
Summarize vs. 9-14
God reiterates that these judgments would come because the people were
looking to other gods or other nations for help rather than looking to God.
(Isaiah
17:14 NKJV) Then behold, at eventide, trouble! And before the
morning, he is no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, And the lot
of those who rob us.
Lesson
God’s enemies
Sometimes our problems can seem pretty big:
Illustration
There were some backwoods hillbillies living across the river from each
other, who feuded constantly. John hated Clarence with a passion and never
passed up a chance to throw rocks across the river at Clarence. This went on
for years until one day the Corps of Engineers came to build a bridge across
that river. John was elated; he told his wife that finally he was going to get
the chance to cross over and whip Clarence. He left the house and returned in a
matter of minutes. His wife asked what was wrong, didn't he intend to go over
the bridge and whip Clarence? He replied that he never had really seen Clarence
up close and didn't realize his size until he started over the bridge and saw
the sign: “CLEARENCE 8 FT 3 IN”
Sometimes our enemies only seem big, but in reality
they aren’t all that big. God is MUCH bigger.
One more idea – keep in mind how the world will be judged.
The world is the source of most of our troubles.
So … why do we tend to look to and find help in the ways of the world, when
one day it will be judged?
Isaiah 18 – Ethiopia
See map.
Ancient Ethiopia covered what is now southern Egypt, modern Sudan, and
modern Ethiopia.
Historical Background:
Around 714 BC, the king of
Ethiopia, Tirhakah, ascended to the throne in Egypt,
combining the Ethiopian and Egyptian kingdoms. Apparently now, a delegation
from Egypt/Ethiopia has arrived in Jerusalem to try and join forces with the
nation of Judah against Assyria.
The problem is – God doesn’t think Judah needs Ethiopia’s help.
When we get to the actual Assyrian invasion (Is. 36-37), we’ll see several
mentions of Ethiopia and Egypt – as if a treaty had been made.
When the Assyrian ambassadors would finally show up in Jerusalem to
threaten that they surrender, one of the things they would warn Judah against
was in trusting in Egypt (and Ethiopia):
(Isaiah 36:6 NKJV) Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on
which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is
Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
Later, when the Assyrians return to Jerusalem for a second time, word had
gotten around that Tirhakah was marching on the
Assyrians.
(Isaiah 37:8–9
NKJV) —8 Then the Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria
warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had
departed from Lachish. 9 And the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come out to make war
with you.” So when he heard it, he sent messengers
to Hezekiah
The king of Assyrian then warned Hezekiah not to make an alliance with
Ethiopia.
So we back up to when the Assyrians are beginning
to conquer the world and ambassadors from Ethiopia arrive in Jerusalem.
read vs. 1-4
:4 …I will take My rest…
This is God speaking.
He sees the invasion of the Assyrians on the horizon and He’s not worried.
God is just waiting for the right time to act.
Lesson
God isn’t worried
I often find myself worried about the future.
You give me a subject to think about and I’ll find a way to worry about it.
God has a better idea than worrying. (Trust)
(Isaiah 12:2 NKJV) Behold, God is
my salvation, I will trust
and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has
become my salvation.’ ”
God has an answer to my worry. (Prayer)
(Philippians 4:6–7
NKJV) —6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God knows how to “rest” in the middle of what I think is
trouble.
I need to put things into His hands and find that same
rest.
read vs. 5
:5 He will both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks …
This is speaking of God cutting down the Assyrians.
We know from Isaiah’s own record that God will wipe out 185,000 Assyrians
in a single night.
read vs. 6-7
:7 In that time a present will be brought …
This great nation of Ethiopia would end up being the one to honor Judah by
bringing presents.
The writer of Chronicles records what happened after the Assyrians were
defeated:
(2
Chronicles 32:23 NKJV) And many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem, and presents to
Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations
thereafter.
There may also be other fulfillments as well:
·
The Ethiopian Eunuch had come to Jerusalem to
worship (Acts 8:27). I imagine he brought gifts.
·
In 1974, the communists took over Ethiopia and
the Jews there began to be persecuted. From 1977 to 1985, Israel was able to
relocate more than 10,000 Jews through all sorts of secret airlifts. Some
suggest this too is a fulfillment of Isa 18:7
·
When Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom, the
Feast of Tabernacles will be celebrated, and Zechariah mentions that nations
will come to Jerusalem to worship – including Egypt (Zec.
14:16-19)
Isaiah 19 – Egypt
Summarize vs. 1-4
Judgment will be coming on Egypt. As with others, this will happen by the
coming Assyrian invasion. The Assyrians under Esarhaddon will invade Egypt in
671BC.
Summarize vs. 5-10
Part of the judgment on Egypt includes the drying up of the Nile River, and
lots of problems.
:5 the river will be wasted and dried up
Some have suggested that this was also fulfilled when Egypt completed the
Aswan High Dam in 1970. What was meant stop the annual floods ended up causing
all sorts of ecological problems. The fields used to be fertilized by the silt
from the annual flooding (and now aren’t), and the fishing industry took a big
hit in the delta.
Summarize vs. 11-15
There is condemnation for the leaders of Egypt who have misled the people.
Read vs. 16-17
:17 the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt
Israel has come a long way since becoming a nation in 1948, and all their
Arab neighbors attacked.
Egypt was the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979.
Read vs. 18-25
:23 a highway from Egypt to Assyria
This is all speaking of the time when Jesus returns.
Egypt will be following the Lord.
Assyria (Iraq) will be following the Lord.
And we’ll all worship in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 20 – The Naked Sign
read vs 1
:1 Tartan came to Ashdod
Tartan was a general under Sargon.
He captured Ashdod (on the coast of Israel) in 711 BC.
This was ten years before Assyria would attack Judah – so the people have
plenty of time to think about this…
read vs 2-6
:2 walking naked and barefoot
What an interesting thing that Isaiah is asked to do.
Some think he still had on his “loincloth” (underwear), but for three year
he didn’t wear his sandals nor his outer garment (sackcloth).
Lesson
Unashamed
The point isn’t about walking around naked.
The point is that Isaiah was unashamed to do what God asked him to do.
Illustration
When asked “When is it okay to kiss someone?”, 9 year old
Kelly replied,
When you love someone, it seems like the
sense of shame can just melt away.
Are there things that you’re ashamed of
when it comes to following the Lord?
I think sometimes we don’t want to speak up and do that most uncomfortable
of things – to tell others about Jesus.
(Romans
1:16 NKJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the
power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Lesson
Living Example
Isaiah didn’t just preach to the people, he lived what he preached.
You could get a message from Isaiah by just watching his life.
Paul told Timothy:
(1 Timothy
4:12 NLT) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you
are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way
you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
I’ve been sharing with my counseling students about the
importance of the spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible reading.
It’s a key to a healthy life – for the people you are
trying to help.
But you need to be setting the example.
example – tupos – the mark of a stroke or blow, print;
a figure formed by a blow or impression; an example
Paul is saying to Timothy that he is the stamp that is to
leave an impression on those around him.
As he presses against the people in his church, he will leave an
impression.
He’s supposed to “leave a mark” on those around him.
Video: Tripp and Tyler – That Will
Leave A Mark
We shouldn’t be hurting people with our “mark” though, but
setting an example for following Jesus.
:6 wherever we flee for help
Here’s the lesson Judah would have ten years to think about…
If powerful Egypt and Ethiopia would be humbled by Assyria, where would the
inhabitants of Judah be able to find help?
They would find their help in God.
Hezekiah learned the lesson.
When Hezekiah started his preparations to face the Assyrians, this is what
he told the people:
(2
Chronicles 32:7–8 NLT) —7 “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be
afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for
there is a power far greater on our side! 8 He may have
a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”
Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.
Next week:
Read chapters 21-27