I probably should have known that the Nile river flows north…but I didn’t until I researched this passage. That’s unique…most rivers flow south.
I didn’t know this until I read through this passage, but at one time Ethiopia was a power center. They were the dynasty that ruled the southern end of the middle east. So, when this passage talks about “sending messengers to a people smooth skinned, etc.” it’s referring to the Israelites calling out for help from their southern neighbors. Assyria is in the north oppressing them, and they are looking south for help.
Okay, why is that important? Two reasons. 1. God is revealing that Egypt (controlled by Ethiopia) will not be successful in their military campaigns to stop the advance of the Assyrians. They aren’t going to be any help to Israel. 2. Israel should have looked “up” instead of “south”.
If I learn one thing from today’s reading it’s that God is very angry because the people refuse to repent and seek His help even when confronted with their own death. Even as the army surrounds Jerusalem to begin the siege, the people are eating and drinking inside the city and content to live out their few remaining days in luxury, rather than to repent. Somehow I hadn’t grasped the idea that “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” was a statement of rebellion against God. What they should have done is “fast, don sackcloth and repent and cry out to God for help”
Another thing that I am reminded of today is the way that God uses natural events to express his favor or displeasure. A lack or rain, or too much rain can be a sign of God’s anger. Earthquakes and volcanoes, hailstorms and the like have all been used by God in the past. I am reminded as I read this passage that Isaiah is speaking to a people who are living in what appears to be good times. Because times are good at the moment, they aren’t willing to hear what Isaiah is speaking about the future. I suppose it would be hard to imagine what Isaiah is describing when all you see around you is plenty. I mean, you would hear this forecast of gloom and doom, but there isn’t an enemy on the horizon, and the walls of the city are tall and strong, and you have powerful allies in other countries….could such a thing really happen?
The short answer is “yes”, it could, and it did. Exactly as God said. I suppose one thing we learn from reading these historical accounts, and placing ourselves in their shoes…and trying to see things through their eyes, is that whatever God says He is going to do, He does.
Today I learn not to take comfort in the “strong tall walls” of financial stability, or job security, or knowing the right people in the community. If God sets his face against you, then nothing..and no one is going to be able to protect you. The Christian shouldn’t place their faith in their savings account, or in their social position; both of those are fractured sticks that will not support our weight. Instead, we should wholly lean on Jesus Christ to lead, guide and protect us.
At the same time, the size of the army opposing us means nothing. It doesn’t matter if the opposition is a terminal illness, a huge medical bill, or a stack of other bills. Maybe the army that is threatening your peace is of another making…family turmoil, past hurts or unfulfilled dreams. Be careful not to “look to Egypt” for your help. That’s what Israel did, and it cost them dearly. Also, don’t resign yourself to live in this unfulfilled or defeated state. Beware of the “eat, drink and be merry” mindset that denies the need for repentance and help from Almighty God.
The best thing that we can do is to recognize our need and turn our face toward heaven and make our need known to our heavenly Father. When we ask for help He is pleased. When we praise Him for what He has done in the past, it both reminds us and pleases Him as well.
When we thank God for what He has done, and what He is doing it counts as an acceptable sacrifice in His sight.
As Christians, many of the pitfalls that befell the Israelites can be avoided if we simply admit our human weaknesses, and acknowledge God’s power and authority. It sounds simple, but there is a part of our un-regenerated spirit that resists any admission of weakness or need for help.
The wise person will fight the urge to do spiritual battle with physical resources. (money, friends, self)
Faithfully,
PR