A Fiery Flying Serpent

In Isaiah 14:28-31, the prophet Isaiah gave a prophecy concerning the Philistines. “This is the burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died. 29 “Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, Because the rod that struck you is broken; For out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper, And its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. 30 The firstborn of the poor will feed, And the needy will lie down in safety; I will kill your roots with famine, And it will slay your remnant. 31 Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! All you of Philistia are dissolved; For smoke will come from the north, And no one will be alone in his appointed times.”

Isaiah told the Philistines not to rejoice because the rod that struck them is broken.  Who was this rod? 

The Bible does not say anything about King Ahaz being a rod against the Philistines; however, 2 Chronicles 28:18-19 says that during King Ahaz’ time, the Philistines had “invaded the cities of the lowland and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Sochoh with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they dwelt there.”  Additionally, the Bible doesn’t say how Ahaz responded to these invasions.  He could have gone to war against them but if the Philistines dwelt there, whatever his response was, it wasn’t effective enough to keep the Philistines out of the land.  The Bible does say Ahaz did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord.  Because of this, the Lord could have made it impossible for Ahaz to keep the Philistines out of the land. 

As we look closely at Isaiah 14:29, the rod used against the Philistines seems to be related to the viper that will come out of the serpent’s roots.  At first glance, this viper appears to represent King Hezekiah.  According to 2 Kings 18:8, King Hezekiah “subdued the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.” This may have been because King Hezekiah was one who did right in the sight of the Lord.  Despite the Philistines being subdued during Hezekiah’s reign, the Bible does not mention the Philistines suffering from famine or their remnant being slain.  It’s also possible that King Sargon, the king of Assyria was the one being referred to here since Isaiah 20:1 says he gave orders for his army commander to capture the city of Ashdod which was a Philistine city. 

As we ponder this, we should also consider the possibility that Isaiah 14:29 also has the potential to refer to something else in the future because the imagery of a serpent [nachash] and a viper [tsepa’] is used.  Remember, a serpent is usually associated with Satan.  I think what we have here is another instance where truth concerning the future is being hidden within the history of the past just like we’ve seen with many of the Messianic prophecies.  This idea is a good possibility because famine is expected to take place during the plagues of Revelation.[i]

The Hebrew word tsepha’ has been translated as viper, asp, cockatrice, or basilisk.  The latter two are believed to be legendary creatures that may resemble a horned serpent.  Doesn’t that evoke images of the beasts of Daniel and Revelation?  Whether it is a poisonous snake or another reptile, it is certainly evil. As we’ve mentioned in earlier posts, the serpent is also known as Leviathan, the fleeing serpent, Satan, or the devil.  This is the same serpent that was in the Garden of Eden in the beginning and is also the dragon of Revelation which tells of the end.

The imagery of the viper that will come out of the serpent’s roots forms an opposing parallel with the Branch that came out of the root of Jesse.  This description underscores the importance and significance of this person.  Since King Hezekiah was a godly king, we should expect someone else to fulfill this prophecy in the future.  Previously, the Assyrian was the rod in the Lord’s hands.[ii]  Isaiah 10:6 says, “I will send him [Assyrian] against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.”  Be sure of this, the Assyrian [Antichrist] intends to destroy and cut off many nations in the future.  Just as Jesus was from the line of David (Jesse), the beast will come from the line of the viper; he will be a descendant of “the son of Satan.”  The Assyrian best fits the description of this fiery serpent.

Isaiah said the Lord will care for the poor and needy but that the roots of the Philistines would be destroyed.  This agrees with Revelation 12:6 which states that during the 42 months of tribulation, the woman (Jews) will be fed and sheltered in the wilderness.  Isaiah 14:31 warns Philistia that smoke will come from the north.  Normally, Israel’s enemies attacked from the north; when they approached, they came in a cloud of dust.  On the other hand, smoke was usually an indication of the coming of the Lord.  For example, Mount Sinai was covered in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire.[iii]  Solomon, who was a type of Jesus, was described as coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense while being accompanied by 60 valiant swordsmen in Song of Solomon 3:6.  Rest assured, the Lord will kill the roots of the Philistines with famine and slay their remnant.

As we close, it’s important to remember, Jesus originally left His throne in heaven and came to earth with the power and authority of the Father to proclaim and establish His kingdom.  In the future, the beast of Revelation will receive the throne, power, and authority of the dragon, who is Satan.  Despite this, Jesus will return; He will crush His enemies under His feet and rule with a rod of iron.  As Isaiah prophesied, the poor will take refuge in Zion.  Only then will there finally be peace and justice in the land.  This will happen at the appointed time.

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[i] Revelation 18:8.

[ii] Isaiah 10:5.

[iii] Exodus 19:18.

The Doom of Babylon

As we have seen so far, the book of Isaiah contains a mixture of prophecies.  Some prophecies concern various people groups as well as prophecies of the Messiah’s first and second coming.  They are often mixed together in such a way as to hide information so that the people could not see, hear, or understand the present or the future.  It is not unusual for the prophecies to apply to both Isaiah’s time and the future because according to Ecclesiastes 1:9, what has been done will be done again.

Isaiah 13 is no different.  It is the burden against Babylon which Isaiah, the son of Amoz saw.  The Hebrew word for burden is massa’.  It’s an oracle that was uttered concerning the doom of Babylon.  The Hebrew word for Babylon is Bavel.  It means confusion and comes from the Hebrew word balal which among other things means to mingle or mix.  Babylon has existed since the days of Nimrod prior to the Tower of Babel.  Let’s keep that in mind as we think of Babylon.

At the beginning of Isaiah 13, the Lord ordered His holy ones to hoist a banner, enter the gate of nobles, and execute His anger.  The Lord wanted His heroes to fight the army of kingdoms of the nations which came from distant lands.  Many assume this is a reference to the Medes who silently slipped into Babylon at night and took over the kingdom of Babylon.  This is not the case because there was no battle or resistance from Babylon at that time.[i]  This is a vision of the Day of the Lord which will take place in the future.  The Lord will come in fury at this appointed time to desolate the earth and destroy sinners.

Isaiah 13:10 says that on the day of the Lord, the sun, moon, and stars will no longer shine.  This is confirmed in many places in the Bible such as Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:10, 3:4, 4:15, and Matthew 24:29 to name a few.  This time did not take place in the past and is set for a future day because Acts 2:20 says, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” 

Shall we fear this day?  How will people escape it?  Acts 2:21 continues by saying, “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.”

When will this happen?  Revelation 6:12 indicates it will be when the sixth seal is opened.  At that time, the Lord will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity.  The heavens will tremble and the earth will be shaken from its place.  Revelation 6:12 confirms this by telling us that there will be a great earthquake when the sixth seal is opened.

In Isaiah 13:16, the Lord said anyone found will be killed with the sword, their babies will be dashed to pieces, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be raped.  After saying this, the Lord said He was sending the Medes who couldn’t be tempted by silver or bought off with gold to attack Babylon.  He also said the Medes will tear the young men to pieces and not even spare the children.  What’s going on here?  Is the Lord and His army of saints going to do this to the Lord’s people?  Absolutely not!  Isaiah 13:15-18 is a short chiastic structure, the center of which identifies who will be causing the destruction to the earth; the Lord will do this through the Medes.  Who is Babylon?  Isaiah 13:11 seems to imply it’s the world.  There’s obviously more to this prophecy than the Medes conquering ancient Babylon.

Note the similarity this passage has with Zechariah 14:1-7: “Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You. 6 It shall come to pass in that day That there will be no light; The lights will diminish. 7 It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord — Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light.”

Zechariah sheds light on Isaiah’s burden by giving us the basic order of events:

1. The nations will be gathered for battle.
2. Jerusalem will be taken by its enemies.
3. The houses will be looted.
4. The women will be raped.
5. Half of the city will go into captivity except for the remnant.
6. The Lord will come with His saints and fight against those nations.
7. During this time, there will be no light until the evening comes.

The Lord says the destruction of Babylon will be like Sodom and Gomorrah when it’s overthrown by God.  It continues by saying Babylon will never be inhabited again.  Since it’s still inhabited, this is a reference to the future.

After the worst part is over, the Lord will have compassion on Jacob.  He will once again choose Israel to be His bride.  He will resettle His people in their own land.  Foreigners will join them and attach themselves to the house of Jacob.  Israel’s oppressors will become slaves. 

Isaiah 14 says, the Lord’s people will sing a taunt against the arrogant king of Babylon (Bavel) who is referred to as the Oppressor.  Before this takes place, the vision Isaiah saw in Isaiah 14:12 must be fulfilled.  It says, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”  Many assume this has already taken place but Satan still comes and goes before the Lord to accuse man like we see in Job and Zechariah 3:1. 

John also saw Satan fall from heaven.  Revelation 12:7-9 says, “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”  After John saw the dragon was cast down to earth, he saw the dragon persecuting the woman who gave birth to the child, Jesus.  This woman represents the Jews.  In John’s vision, the woman escaped the dragon and fled into the wilderness, where she was nourished during the 3 1/2 years of tribulation.  Since the context of this passage is to occur in the future and because visions usually reveal future events, we should assume that Satan will be cast out of heaven in the future. 

According to Isaiah, the King of Babylon will be brought down to the depths of Sheol.  The king of Babylon is also known as Lucifer, the morning star, the son of the dawn, the dragon of Revelation, Leviathan (sea serpent), and Satan.  He intends to make himself like the Most High on God’s throne by giving his power to the beast before Revelation 20:1-3 is fulfilled:  “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.”

In Isaiah 14:25, Isaiah equates the Assyrian with the king of Babylon.  This was possible because the men of the tenth dynasty of Babylonian kings were Assyrians.[ii]  The Lord promised to break the Assyrian in His land and tread the Assyrian underfoot on His mountains. 

The Assyrian’s yoke will be removed from the shoulders of the Lord’s people.  Originally, the Lord used the Medes to do this. Certainly the Lord intends to do the same in the future. 

There are many ways we can look at yokes.  They can be physical or figurative.  They could represent the tributes that were paid to Assyria.  It could be the constant intense emotional state brought on by the aggravation, persecution, pain, and terror caused by the Assyrian.  It could also be something else. 

No matter what, Satan’s intention is to steal, kill, and destroy.  This is done in a variety of ways; we’ve already mentioned some of them.  As far as Christians go, it could also be related to the meaning of the word bavel. Remember, bavel comes from the word balal which means mix or mingle.  Jesus wanted the people to take on His yoke because it was easy and light; this yoke was the law of liberty.[iii]  Satan desired to enslave God’s people.  What better way than to corrupt the law of the Lord with numerous traditions and interpretations that were not based on the original intent of the law? 

The Jews did not do what Deuteronomy 4:2 said.  It says, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”  Doing this can cause confusion.  It results in a form of an unholy mixture of “wool and linen.”  A mixture of tradition and written law was a yoke that was too great for the people to bear.  This false religious system only leads to death.  Beware of any syncretism of paganism and Christianity OR the teachings of the Pharisees and the law of liberty! 

Remember, self-righteousness is the goal of a legalistic adherence to tradition and it is only a counterfeit of true righteousness.  True righteousness results from obedience to the written law because Deuteronomy 6:24-25 says, “And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. 25 Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.”  This is independent of our salvation which is a result of grace by faith in Christ.

Recall Jesus’ yoke was easy and His burden was light.  By Jesus’ day, people were in bondage to the oral traditions.  Jesus came to do something about this.  In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 

By reading Isaiah 61:1-2a, Jesus explained the purpose of His ministry.  At this time, He began to break off the oppressive yoke of Satan and set people free by teaching His interpretation of the law.  This did not end after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Paul told the Romans that the written law was not abolished because of faith; he upheld the law (Romans 3:31).  Jesus’ brother James said, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does (James 1:25).”  This is in harmony with Deuteronomy 30:14-17:  “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.  15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”  This shows us the continuity of Scripture.

Jesus’ ministry described in Isaiah 61:1-2a was only the beginning.  Unfortunately, people have gone back to their wicked ways. Since the Lord’s people refuse to accept His yoke, He will eventually bring an intense yoke upon them from the nations around them in order to bring them back to Himself.  It’s time to repent!  Return to the commands of the Lord!

Fortunately, Jesus will eventually returns; He will cast off the yoke of His people’s enemies by carrying out “the vengeance of our God” which is mentioned in Isaiah 61:2b. This brings us back Isaiah’s prophecy of the destruction of Babylon and the death of the King of Babylon as described in Isaiah 13 and 14.  While God’s people are waiting for this to happen, believers must demonstrate their faith in Christ by obeying the commands of God.[iv]

 

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[i] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Great

 

[ii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_kings_of_Babylon#Dynasty_X_of_Babylon_.28Assyrian.29

[iii] Matthew 11:29-30; James 1:25.

[iv] Revelation 12:17.

The Harbinger

Today, we’ll look at Isaiah 8-12.  In Isaiah 8, the Lord told Isaiah to write “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” on a large scroll; it was to be witnessed by Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah.  Later, Isaiah’s wife, the prophetess conceived and gave birth to a son.  The Lord told Isaiah to name him “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” which means “make haste to plunder! Hurry to the spoil!”  The Lord also said that before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria would be carried off by the king of Assyria.  This prophecy was fulfilled in 732 by Tiglath-pileser III. 

Because the people rejoiced in Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria) and Pekah, the king of Israel and rejected the waters of Shiloah, the Lord used the imagery of the rising Euphrates River to describe how the army of Assyria would sweep into the southern kingdom and cover the whole land of Judah.  According to 2 Kings 18:13, this was accomplished by Sennacherib in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah. 

What could be so special about the waters of Shiloah?  Shiloah was a fountain or pool in Jerusalem that shares similarities in spelling to Shiloh which is an epithet of the Messiah.  How interesting that Revelation 21:6 refers to Jesus as the Fountain of Life!  Jeremiah 2:13 agrees with Isaiah by saying, “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Why would people in Judah rejoice in their enemies, Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria) and Pekah, the king of Israel in addition to rejecting the Lord?  Obviously, they practiced idolatry.  Were these people foreigners or terrorists in the land and/or ordinary citizens’ whose thoughts and behavior were at war with their own people or government?  Could there be a parallel here to address what’s happening in America today?    

The Lord promised to bring the army of Assyria on these people.  As Isaiah speaks of Assyria filling the land of Judah, he says, “Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us.”

The Lord said to all those from distant lands to arm themselves and devise a plan.  No matter what they said, it would not come to pass because “Immanu El (God is with us).”  This must be a message not only for the past but the near future—perhaps it’s a message not only for Israel but America as well.

Just like Isaiah, we should not be afraid of those around us.  We are to fear the Lord of armies and consecrate Him!  He will be our sanctuary!  Lord, please be selective in judgment!

Both Israel and Judah have stumbled against the Rock of their salvation.  In other words, they rejected the Lord during the Old Testament period and rejected Jesus when He came to visit them as Immanu El.  They were greatly offended by Him.  By the time Jesus came, the religious leaders had added numerous and complicated teachings and traditions to the law that often nullified the law of God.  Their teachings and traditions were preventing the common people from entering the kingdom of heaven.  It was obvious to Jesus that the light of the Lord was not within them.  Jesus did not abide by their traditions but taught the Torah by His own authority. He drove out demons by the finger of God, healed the sick, and raised the dead to show He was the Living Water but they couldn’t see what He was showing them or hear what He was saying.  Apparently, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were more interested in their power and position, and their traditions and interpretations of the law than in living out the written law given to them by the Lord through Moses.  Aren’t we the same today?

The meaning of the precepts of the written law was to be bound and hidden but revealed only to those the Lord intended.  Jesus made it clear to His disciples that this was His reason for telling parables—so that only those God intended to see, ear, and understand could do so.  When Jesus came the first time from Galilee, He broke the burden of the oral law which had become so overwhelming and laid the easier yoke of the original written law on the people.

In Isaiah, prophecy is bound up by the way it was written.  It’s clearly a mixture of the past and the future.  It’s often hard to separate and some of it likely applies to both the past and the future.  It’s written in such a way that it can only be seen dimly.  In a similar way, Isaiah’s children were for signs and wonders in Israel because their names foretold the future.

God’s people were not to participate in the occult to know what would happen in the future.  The Lord has revealed the future from the beginning through His word.  He said there would be those who walk in the way of the Lord and others who won’t, and some who would bless Him while others cursed Him.

The first time Jesus came as Immanu El, He came from Galilee but the next time He comes as Immanu El, the government will be upon His shoulders and there will be peace forever.  Obviously, much prophecy must be fulfilled before that happens.

Isaiah 9:8-10 says, “The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. 9 All the people will know — Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria — Who say in pride and arrogance of heart: 10 ‘The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.”

Since Israel said this, the Lord raised up Retzin’s enemies against him; Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria) could no longer help Israel because he was killed by Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria (2 Kings 16:9).  Assyria carried the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity but the Lord said Syria and the Philistines would devour Israel with an open mouth.  Since Syria was an ally of the northern kingdom of Israel, this has to happen in the future.  Even now they are salivating at the chance while nipping here and there.

America is much like the house of Israel.  In Jonathan Cahn’s book, The Harbinger, he gives a detailed description of America as seen in Isaiah 9:8-10.  Even though it is in a fictional format, it is true down to the last detail.  If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.  It shows how America is under judgment, how leaders in America declared the words of Isaiah 9:9-10 in response to 9/11, and how the harbinger was fulfilled in amazing detail.  Woe to America, my homeland!  Oh, how you have fallen!  I can only grieve for my country because I know based on Isaiah that a horrible tragedy is coming.  Please repent, America!  Have mercy, Lord!  Please protect Your faithful!  Please be selective in judgment!  Praise the Lord, Immanu El!

Let us stand with fear and trembling because the Lord’s hand is still raised against us.  It should be clear that God is using the Syrians and Philistines to get our attention.  The northern kingdom didn’t get it in the past, we’re not getting it now, and I doubt Israel will get it in the future.  God wants people to repent and turn to Him.  He has His hand stretched out waiting for people to take it.

Look at this warning: Isaiah 9:15-16 says, “The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. 16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed.”  Surely this is true of America as much as it was/is of Israel.

Who will we follow after?  Who will we listen to?  Our political and spiritual leaders are causing us to error!  We must individually repent of our pride and arrogance and turn to the Lord evening if our churches and nation won’t join us corporately.  Pray for the Lord to have mercy on us and on Israel (Judah).  Don’t join those who stand against Israel.   Reject the teachings of men and embrace the commands of God before it’s too late!

Isaiah said woe to those who make unrighteous decrees.  This is a warning to leaders who take what belongs to the people and deny people of justice.  They will not escape punishment for what they are doing.

The Lord used Assyria as a rod in His hand against His people.  Assyria moved their boundaries, plundered their treasuries, and moved captives far away from home.  Isn’t this the goal of Israel’s enemies today?  Even though the Lord used Israel’s enemies to judge and turn His people back to Himself, His people ignored Him.  Wake up! Repent!

Eventually, the Lord judged and punished Assyria too.  In the future, Israel’s enemies won’t get away either.  Jesus, the Lord of heaven’s armies, will cut down those who are haughty and this rod (Israel’s enemies) will be burned with a consuming fire.  The people of the east will be plundered.  The remnant of Israel will return.  Jesus, the rod from the stem of Jesse will rise up and rule in righteousness.  That which was once wild will dwell in peace with that which is domesticated.  The Gentiles will seek the Lord.  The Lord will be praised in all the earth.

Isaiah 9:6-7 makes it clear:  “And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor [Pele-Yo’etz], Mighty God [El Gibbor], Everlasting Father [Avi –‘Ad], Prince of Peace [Sar- Shalom].  7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

A Remnant Will Return

Today, we will look at Isaiah 7.  Near the end of the reign of Jotham, the Lord began to send Ephraim (northern kingdom, Israel) and Syria to fight against Judah (southern kingdom).  The Lord was using Israel and Syria as a tool to cause Judah to repent of their idolatry.  During that time, Ahaz was co-regent with his father, Jotham. 

According to Isaiah 7, Pekah, the king of Ephraim and Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria) came against Jerusalem to make war. They intended to make a gap in the wall and set for themselves a different king in the midst of Judah– the son of Tabeel.  The name Tabeel means to please God; it’s also the name of a Syrian and a Persian.  

The hearts of the people of Judah were fearful of their enemies.  Since Ahaz’ heart was also troubled by what was happening, the Lord told Isaiah to take his son, Shear-Jashub and meet with Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool which was on the highway to the Fuller’s Field (also translated as Launderer’s Field).  The Lord instructed Isaiah to tell Ahaz to stay calm and not fear Rezin and Pekah.

Since the name of Isaiah’s son, Shear-Jashub means “a remnant will return,” Isaiah’s son was a visible message to Ahaz and the people of Judah that a remnant will return.  Depending on the actual chronology of events, this message may refer to all of the captives taken by Pekah which were returned to Jericho instead of being kept as slaves while those taken by Rezin were kept and taken to Damascus (2 Chronicles 28). 

During this meeting between Isaiah and Ahaz, Isaiah told Ahaz that Pekah and Rezin’s plan of dividing the land and setting up a new king would not come to pass.  In fact, within 65 years Ephraim, the house of Israel would no longer be a people.  At the same time, Isaiah warned Ahaz if he didn’t stand firm in his faith, he would not stand either.

To assure Ahaz that His word was true, the Lord offered to give Ahaz a sign.  Since Ahaz would not ask for one, the Lord gave him the sign of the virgin birth of “Immanu El” (“God with us”) and told him before the child knew enough to choose right and reject wrong, he would have to eat curdled milk and wild honey and the land Ahaz dreaded would be forsaken by her kings. Isaiah also told Ahaz that the Lord would bring the king of Assyria with his powerful Assyrian armies (bees) and numerous Egyptian armies (flies) down on him—meaning the kingdom of Judah.

Judah’s enemies would not have been a threat to Ahaz if he trusted in the Lord.  He refused to believe that Syria and Ephraim were smoking firebrands—that their power was fizzling out.  Ahaz refused to believe the prophecy of Immanu El — “God is with us.”  Ahaz rejected the Lord and wanted other gods to protect him so he continued his idolatrous ways and caused the nation of Judah to do the same.  The Lord knew what Ahaz’ choice would be.  This is why Isaiah warned him that the king of Assyria (fly) and the king of Egypt (bee) would be brought down on him and those days would be worse than any he had ever known since the time of the divided kingdom.

The sign of the virgin birth was fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus although some believe this was a reference to Ahaz’ son, Hezekiah who was a type of the Messiah.  Either way we look at it, the Lord assured Ahaz that the land of Syria and Ephraim would be forsaken before the promised child was a few years old.  History shows that Hezekiah was no longer a child but was already reigning in Jerusalem by the time of the last deportation of Ephraim to Assyria.  This confirms the prophecy of the virgin birth was not referring to Hezekiah. 

Once Ahaz ignored Isaiah’s prophecy, he became a vassal of Tiglath-Pileser, the Assyrian king instead of trusting in the Lord.  Tiglath-Pileser then captured Damascus, took captives to Kir, and killed Rezin (2 Kings 16:9).  

According to 2 Kings 15:30, Hoshea, the son of Elah attacked and assassinated Pekah; Hoshea succeeded Pekah as king in the 20th year of Jotham.  Since Pekah had come against both Jotham and Ahaz, it seems that the reigns of Jotham and Ahaz overlapped.  This practice was not uncommon in the Middle East.

In Hoshea’s ninth year, the king of Assyria took Samaria which was the capital of Ephraim and carried away the house of Israel into Assyria because of their lawlessness (2 Kings 17:1-18). Ahaz’ son, Hezekiah began to reign in Hoshea’s third year so he had reigned six years when the king of Assyria deported the last group of Israelites into Assyria.

Judah did not fight against the Egyptians (bees) until the end of Josiah’s reign when the Egyptians were on their way to aid the Assyrians who were fighting against the Babylonians.  As a result of confronting Pharaoh Necho, Josiah died at Megiddo.  On their way back, the Egyptians took control over Judah. King Jehoahaz, son of Josiah was deported to Egypt where he died (2 Kings 23) and Eliakim, son of Josiah reigned in his place.  Eliakim’s name was changed to Jehoiakim and he reigned in Jerusalem for eleven years.  He eventually became a vassal of the Babylonians.  After a period of rebellion against the Babylonians, Jehoiakim died and his son, Jehoiachin reigned in his place.  Eventually, what belonged to Egypt was taken over by the Babylonians and finally, the Jews were taken into captivity for seventy years in Babylon until a remnant returned in the first year that Cyrus reigned in Persia.

What happened in the past is a pattern for the future.

Much has happened to the land of Israel throughout history.  Many empires and peoples have claimed it for their own.  Samaria is located in what is now called the West Bank.  Israel refers to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria.  The West Bank was once controlled by Jordan but it is now claimed by the Palestinian Liberation Organization.  Damascus is still in Syria and is the home of several terrorist organizations who desire to destroy Israel. 

It’s no secret these groups have evil intentions for Israel.  Today, Israel’s enemies say they intend to divide the land of Israel and set up their own ruler just like Pekah and Rezin intended to do.  Perhaps they want a Syrian or Persian to be their leader.  Who knows for sure?  Will all of their plans for Israel come to pass?  Time will tell.

Many throughout the world think dividing the land will bring peace to the land.  Surely this plan for peace won’t bring lasting peace.  As the prophecies of the latter days unfold, the Jews must not be afraid but must stand firm in their faith in the Lord.  Believers around the world must fearlessly stand with them as well.

Ephraim also seems to parallel America today.  America was once united with the country of Israel against its enemies; however, the current administration has taken the side of Israel’s enemies.  Israel is being forced to stand alone.  Israelis needs to know who their Savior is.  Believers around the world should also stand with Israel.  Who can say what will happen to America in the future?  Will America soon cease to be a people like Ephraim did?  Again, only time will tell.

No matter what happens, remember, Immanu El!

Even more curious is Assyria.  Previously, once Ephraim and Syria were no longer a threat to Judah, Assyria and Egypt became a problem for Judah.  Assyria is not synonymous with Syria as many believe.  Even though the Assyrian empire faded away, ethnic Assyrians still exist throughout the world.  It may surprise you to know they are predominantly Christians and not Muslim. 

During the last 1260 days, the Lord will hide and nourish the 144,000 in the wilderness.  It’s possible that they may eat curdled milk and wild honey.  This will be during the last half of the final shavuah—the 70th week of Daniel.

Who is the future antichrist known as?  One of his many names is “the Assyrian.”  Could it be that he will be ethnically Assyrian?  Since he will not follow the god of his fathers, he will not be a true Christian.  He could be Muslim.  When he rises to power, everyone will be expected to submit to him and worship him in Jerusalem.  Our pattern suggests that Egypt will be his ally.  Once again, as the sixth millennium ends, a battle will be fought in the Valley of Jezreel at Har Megiddo –which is also known as Armageddon.  This time, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords will be leading the battle and not King Josiah.  He will not disguise Himself or die like King Josiah did.  Everyone will know who He is and He will be victorious.

In recent history, a remnant returned to Israel after the Holocaust of World War II.  In the future, shear-jashub — “a remnant will return” from the four corners of the earth when Christ returns to begin His millennial reign in Jerusalem.  Immanu El!

Blind Eyes and Deaf Ears

In Isaiah 6, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne.  In this vision, Isaiah had been ushered into the most holy place of the temple; it was not the earthly one but the heavenly one.  Isaiah realized that since he was in the Lord’s presence, he was at risk for being struck dead like Nadab and Abihu had been; after all, the Lord had once told Moses that a human being couldn’t look at His face and remain alive.[i]  Isaiah knew he was a sinful man and that he dwelled among others who were sinful.  Fortunately for Isaiah, the Lord showed mercy to Isaiah; a seraph flew to him with a live coal from the altar of incense and touched Isaiah’s mouth with it in order to take away his iniquity.

During this vision, Isaiah heard the Lord say he desired to “send someone” but initially we don’t know to whom, to where, or for what.  Without an answer to this mystery, Isaiah volunteered.  In Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah was instructed to, “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” NIV

We don’t know how long it was before Isaiah responded.  He could’ve stood there thinking about what the Lord had said for only a moment for a few minutes.  Isaiah must have been concerned by what he had heard and pondered the message he was supposed to deliver to his people because then Isaiah asked, “Lord, how long?”

In Isaiah 6:11-13, the Lord answered, “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged,12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken. 13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.” NIV

The book of Isaiah is evidence that Isaiah did as the Lord commanded.  His message was also passed on to future generations. 

Many may be quick to assume the description of the land being desolate lasted only until the end of the Babylonian captivity; however, whenever the Jews have been outside the land, it has been desolated by its inhabitants.  The period of blindness and deafness which was mentioned by Isaiah extended even into Jesus’ day.  We know this is the case because Jesus said this was the reason He spoke in parables; the people could see and listen to Jesus but they could not spiritually hear, see, understand, repent, and be healed.  Jesus told His disciples, “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;  17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”  Obviously, some would be able to see and hear where others would not be blessed to do so.

Over the millenniums, people have continued to be spiritually deaf and blind to the Lord.  The mysteries of the kingdom of God have not been given to everyone but only to the ones that have been chosen.  The gospel is in plain sight but spiritually, peoples’ eyes and ears are closed to truth. Their ears are closed to the truth that the wages of sin is death and their eyes are blind to the fact that Jesus was the Passover Lamb who died and rose from the dead to take away sin and guilt so that those who have faith in Jesus can have eternal life.

Only those who have eyes and ears to spiritually see and hear are supposed to spiritually see and hear. Many who we would expect to have such ability don’t and others we would never expect to have this ability do.  No matter who they are, they are also expected to choose life.  Unfortunately, most people are like many of the religious leaders and people of Jesus’ day who rejected the Lord when He was made flesh and lived among them.  They are choosing death.

Since the first part of this prophecy is still in effect, it seems the rest of the prophecy is for the future as well.  Although the land is productive now, the land will eventually become desolate once again.  Daniel 9:27 indicates “the prince of the people who will come” will make the land desolate until the very end.  Right now, only a small number of Jews believe Jesus is the Messiah but as the time of desolation approaches and the Antichrist rises to power, a remnant of the Jews will begin to spiritually see and hear.  At some point, the Lord will hide, protect, and nourish them for 1260 days and the land will be desolated.  The Lord will deal with Israel’s enemies when all hope is lost and He will bring His people from the four corners of the earth back to Israel in His time and not before. 

For now, I am convinced that man can not accomplish the gathering of the Lord’s people; it is an act of the Lord.  Many are making aliyah or ascent to Israel and encouraging others to do so.  It’s seen as a sign that the Lord is at work among His people.  Eventually, the holy seed (Jews) won’t be safe anywhere in the world and they will be targets for their enemies until the Lord hides them.  As it is, I pray daily for their protection where ever they are throughout the world.  I suppose at some point, it’s not going to be safe for Jews or Christians to live anywhere; the way technology is today, there’s nothing we can do about it except rely on the Lord and His plan for our lives.  Even now I try to prepare my children for what may come in the future by reminding them of Matthew 10:28:  “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  Anyway, for believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and this should give us peace in the midst of what is coming in the future.[ii]

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[i] Exodus 33:20.

[ii] 2 Corinthians 5:8.

The Lord’s Vineyard

In Isaiah 5, the prophet Isaiah sang a song about the one he loved and his loved one’s vineyard.  The one he loved is none other than the Lord. 

Isaiah explained that the Lord took care to dig up and clear away the stones for His vineyard.  He planted the choicest vines, built a watchtower in the middle of it, and carved out a winepress in its rock.  After all this careful work, He expected the vineyard to produce good grapes but it only produced sour, wild grapes which greatly disappointed the Lord.

Isaiah explained that the Lord’s vineyard was the house of Israel and the men of Judah.  He expected justice and righteousness but there was only bloodshed and cries of distress. He asked those in Jerusalem and Judah what He could’ve done to make His vineyard produce better grapes.

Because of the horrible fruit being produced, the Lord decided to remove its hedge of protection so that it could be burned.  He was not going to dig or prune it; He was going to allow the briers and thorns to grow up.  He was going to withhold rain too so that only a few crops would grow and told them the beautiful houses were going to become desolate and empty.  Isaiah was reminding the people that if they did not walk in obedience to the law, they would experience the curses of the law found in Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26.

The problem in Isaiah’s day was that the people were too busy feasting to consider the ways of the Lord.  Because of their lack of knowledge of how He works, they were going to go into captivity and be hungry and thirsty.  The Lord warned them that Sheol (hell) would be waiting for them. 

The goal of the Lord was to humble the arrogant, to be exalted in judgment, and to reveal His holiness.  Eliminating the wicked would “leave behind the sheep to graze in their own pasture.”  Isaiah was saying that once the unrighteous are removed, the Lord’s righteous people will be able to eat and thrive among the ruins of the rich.

Unfortunately, the wicked in Isaiah’s day didn’t seem to believe the warnings of the Lord.  They were just like people today who:

• Say, “Yeah, right. Let it happen.  I’ll believe God’s plan when I see it.” 
• Call evil good and good evil. 
• Are wise and clever in their own eyes; they didn’t realize how blind they really were.
• Drink alcohol all the time.
• Accept bribes and pervert justice.

Isaiah explained that their destiny is the lake of fire because they have rejected the law of the Lord.  Not only is the Lord’s hand ready to strike them down dead in the streets, He’s calling for other nations to come and destroy them!  What’s worse is that the righteous are at risk of suffering the curses brought on by the wicked.

As Isaiah 5 comes to an end, Isaiah speaks of “that day.”  This clearly signals that this passage was not only for the people of Isaiah’s time, it’s also for our time because “that day” is the day of the coming of the Lord.

Do you doubt and think this passage was only for the people in Isaiah’s time?  It’s not!  In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus gave a similar illustration or parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.  7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’  8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.  9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”

The parables of the kingdom of God are timeless!  What would it be like for this fig tree to be cut down?  It will be like the description of the day of the Lord given in Amos 5:18-19: “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness, and not light. 19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, Leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him!

Revelation 14:19-20 describes it like this:  “For the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.”

Do you know how to avoid being thrown in the this winepress?

Many people are of the opinion that the kind of fruit God is looking for is simply good deeds.  Certainly those are pleasing to the Lord but He really wants us to be obedient to the law.  This is true righteousness.

If you want to avoid being cut down by the Lord, turn to Him, let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream–love justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God!

In addition to these, Galatians 5:22-24 gives more detail of the kind of fruit that should be in our lives: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  These are a result of lawfulness.  This is where blessing come from. 

The Mountain of the Lord in the Last Days

Today, we’ll talk about Isaiah 2-4.  In Isaiah 2, Isaiah saw a time referred to as the acharit-hayamim or the last days.  He said that during this time, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established as the most important mountain in the whole world and all the Gentiles would go there. 

Certainly, we are in what we would consider the last days; however, the time Isaiah referred to isn’t here yet.  Isaiah said many people would want to come to the house of the God of Jacob to learn His ways and to walk in His paths.  Right now, the Gentiles are coming to Israel as if it were only a tourist attraction; they come primarily to see historical sites and ancient relics. 

Currently, the Gentiles are not coming to Israel to learn the ways of the Lord.  Most Christians believe the law has been fulfilled and therefore abolished; however, in Romans 3:31, the apostle Paul said, “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”  This verse means the law was not abolished.  It is an eternal covenant that has been renewed. 

The Gentiles will travel to Jerusalem in the future, not to see historical sites that are important to their faith but to learn the ways of the Lord which are found in the Torah.  Most likely, this will happen during the millennial reign of Christ because at this time, Jesus will use the Torah to judge between the nations and settle disputes between people. 

Many believe when Jesus returns to earth, He’ll take believers away to live in heaven but that’s not exactly what the Bible teaches.  First Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”  Just because we’re going to meet the Lord in the air doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to go to heaven.  It could be that Jesus is going to lead us to a place of safety until He deals with His enemies; it’s even possible that some of us will become part of His army.  Until that time comes, the spirits of deceased believers go to be with Lord in heaven.

First Corinthians 15:51-53 explains, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —  52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

How shall we change?  Isaiah 40:31 gives us a clue:  “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”   We often interpret this verse in a figurative sense instead of a literal sense; but, could it be true that on the day of the Lord, we will change and have wings so that we can fly up to meet the Lord in the air?  I think it’s a good possibility.  It makes sense to me.

After the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus will rule as King of kings and Lord of lords on earth for one thousand years prior to the final judgment.  During that time, Satan will be chained in the Abyss.  While Satan is confined, people on earth will occasionally disagree with one another and need someone to settle their disagreements.  Basically, Jesus will judge as Moses did for the people while they lived in the wilderness so peace could abound.

Right now, people are trying to force Israel to divide their land in order for peace to take place.  No matter what is said or done, there will never be genuine peace in Israel while man is in charge.  In the minds of Israel’s enemies, peace can’t take place as long as the Jews exist and live in Israel.  In the minds of Israelis, peace can’t exist if their enemies want to wipe them off the face of the earth.  Peace in Israel will never happen prior to Christ’s return no matter how hard mediators try to force Israel to divide the land for peace.  Once Jesus destroys Israel’s enemies, real peace will be achieved.  Nations will not train for war or go to war against one another during Christ’s millennial reign.  Instead, Isaiah said people will beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.

Isaiah urged the house of Jacob to walk in the light of the Lord instead of clasping hands with the pagans or practicing divination like the Philistines.  Isaiah said Israel was wealthy and full of idols and idolaters.  Because of these sins, the Lord will humble Israel “in that day.” 

“That day” is the day of the Lord’s return!  Mankind will be humbled and the Lord will be exalted.  Isaiah said arrogant men will flee and hide in the rocks from the terror of the Lord and glory of His majesty.  This will happen at the time of the sixth seal.  Revelation 6:15-17 describes it like this:  “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Mankind may not fear the Lord now but on that day they will.  May they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior as soon as possible because on the Day of the Lord, it will be too late.

Isaiah 3 says that no matter how many stockpiles of food and water exist, the Lord will take them away.  He will also remove all kinds of human support from the people.  Children will be put in charge.  Everyone will be against one another.  The Jews will parade their sin like the Sodomites.  This passage of Scripture makes me think of gay pride parades.  Even now, a large part of the world is already openly sinning with no regard for the possible consequences.  They demand that their lifestyles be accepted as normal although the Lord sees what they do as abominations.  The wicked don’t realize the destruction they are bringing down on themselves.

The Lord will judge the elders and leaders of Israel as well as those of America and other nations.  The poor are not treated properly.  In America, the Christians are divided among the Democrats and the Republicans.  Who is right?  Both groups think they are.  Men, who refuse to work, shouldn’t get entitlements and take what is not theirs.  The church should take care of its orphans and widows.  Everyone should help the poor.  After all, Jesus said the poor would always be with us.  Leaders should receive an average and fair hourly wage during their term of service.  They should not be paid after their term of service for life nor should they abuse the power given to them during their terms of service.  When Jesus returns, a real Jubilee will set things right for a new start.  Corruption will not be permitted.

Isaiah said women should not proudly flirt with men or behave seductively on the streets.  When the Lord returns, He will take away their beautiful clothing and accessories and leave them disgraced.  Their heads will be shaved and have sores on them.  The people will be branded, will stink, and be poorly clothed.  Their men will die in battle.  Many believed this prophecy was fulfilled during the Holocaust of World War II but this is a prophecy for “the last days.”  What has past is only a snapshot of what’s coming in the future.

Isaiah 4 says, Jesus, the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious.  By this time, Israel’s enemies will have been destroyed.  The fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.  These survivors will be called holy.  Their filth will be removed.

It will be similar to how it was in the days of the wilderness wanderings.  There will be a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night.  A canopy will be over all the glory.  This will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.

Satan, the Adversary will be cast into the Abyss and everything will be fine under Jesus’ rule for one thousand years.  After the one thousand years are over, Satan will be set free from the Abyss and be allowed to deceive the nations, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle against Jerusalem.  When that happens, the fire of the Lord that protects God’s people will consume the armies of Gog.

According to Revelation 20, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and the final judgment will take place.  Everyone whose name is not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.