Highlights:
God deals out "tough love" to Israel (Is. 27:11) and Judah (30:1-17). It is futile to rely on Egypt: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (31:1-3).
The magnificent northern kingdom of Israel was enjoying great prosperity when the Lord led Isaiah to prophesy its coming captivity by Assyria. He proclaimed disaster for the nation: Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower. . . . The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet (Is. 28:1-3).
The people of Samaria, the capital of the large and powerful northern kingdom, were enjoying the luxury of both summer and winter homes, ivory palaces, and a wealth of gardens. They were content in their affluence and unwilling to hear the Lord's prophet. With a heavy heart, Isaiah warned that all would soon be destroyed because for many years they had rejected the Word of God and turned to idols. Samaria's beauty was likened to a fading flower that would soon disappear. The prophet foretold a horrible future: Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet — and, without God, the nation would be helpless to withstand the fierce Assyrian army. Like most worldly-minded people today, they did not believe judgment would or could happen to them. The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not (II Cor. 4:4).
Isaiah also warned Judah that, since they had refused to live in obedience to the Covenant of God, they had made a covenant with death and would suffer Assyria's attack and eventually be destroyed by the Babylonians. They would pay the same price for their sins as the northern kingdom. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).
Times and circumstances change; but all who have not received Christ as their Savior have made an eternal covenant with death (i.e. eternal separation from God) (28:15,18), whether knowingly or unknowingly. For all who have not heard the Gospel and don't possess a Bible, it is our responsibility to share the Good News and let them know what God has said.
We can praise the Lord that while there is life, there is still hope. The Lord is not slack (slow) concerning His promise, as some men count slackness (slowness); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9). Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity (unrighteousness, sin) (II Tim. 2:19).
Thought for Today:
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about (Ps. 32:10).
Christ Revealed:
As the precious (Chief) Corner Stone, a sure foundation (Is. 28:16; Eph. 2:20-21; Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:10-12; Rom. 9:33; I Pet. 2:6-8).
Word Studies:
27:1 piercing =swift; 28:21 strange =awesome, unusual; 28:22 bands be made strong =punishment be made greater; 30:1 cover with a covering =give an offering; 30:3 confusion =humiliation, your undoing; 30:24 ear =low.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Parker Griffith (LA) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC) • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).
Optional Reading: James 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:11
