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The Holy One Of Israel
Isaiah’s message was delivered seven hundred years before the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophecy’s principle purpose was to confirm Immanuel’s coming and supply details of what His incarnation would accomplish and provide. This series of ‘burdens’ served to reassure the Lord’s elect when their faith in God was tried. Distressing days were coming yet none of the national calamities Isaiah foresaw would hinder God’s covenant promise of grace and glory in Christ. A bigger bully The ancient city of Damascus was to be destroyed. Syria and Israel once bullied Judah, now Assyria, a bigger bully, tormented them all. Their respective capitals Damascus, Samaria and Jerusalem would all feel the pressure of Nineveh. The first two would be destroyed, Isaiah tells us, but…
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Mercy, Truth And Righteousness
We take chapters 15 and 16 together this week because they both contain ‘the burden of Moab’ given to Isaiah concerning the destruction of the Moabites. The Moabites were an ancient people with whom the Children of Israel had a long and uneasy history. They were sworn foes to God and His people. The founder of the Moabite nation was Moab, son of Lot by incest. The shameful legacy of righteous Lot reminds us of the sad and far-reaching consequences of sin. A devious neighbour When Israel came out of Egypt Moab refused passage through their land. Yet, for Lot’s sake, God warned Moses not to go to war with Moab, nor possess their land, nor distress them in battle. That did not stop Moab…
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Lucifer, Son Of The Morning
Isaiah re-affirms God’s plan of salvation for His chosen ones. Let us note the kindness and gentleness of the Lord toward His weak, weary people. He knows what we can bear. He is sensitive to our needs. Because the Lord knew what Judah must endure in captivity He upheld and sustained His bruised children with promises of mercy and, in due time, rest from sorrow, fear and bondage. The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, He will remember Israel. Purpose in pain Trials are necessary to mortify our flesh, humble our pride and shake our self-confidence. An easy life is an unproductive life, certainly in spiritual matters. In our need the Saviour proves His love for us and cultivates our growth in grace. It is…
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A Man More Precious Than Gold
Previously, in chapters 1-12, Isaiah has spoken of Messiah, His spiritual kingdom and the gospel of salvation by Him. Now begins a series of chapters in which ‘burdens’ or events are foretold concerning the ruin of the enemies of God’s people. These prophecies commence with Babylon into whose hands the people of Israel and Judah must be delivered captive for a period known as the Babylonian Exile or Babylonian Captivity. God gives Isaiah this vision to comfort the Jews during their exile and to confirm the remnant will be delivered from it. Tools in God’s hands Observe how God uses means to accomplish His purpose. He will destroy Babylon by means of the Medes and Persians, one empire will overthrow another. These nations acted freely…
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“Unto Us”
The Lord’s message to Isaiah combines prophecies foretelling punishment for the wicked with promises of mercy and comfort for God’s remnant people. Judah’s enemies were tools in God’s hands, enlisted to bring judgment on the nation that forgot the Lord. Yet even as Assyria assembled to do God’s will, a message of hope accompanied God’s warnings. Isaiah spoke of a coming child, the virgin’s child, whose kingdom and power will never end. The Lord was thoughtful to comfort His people despite the trouble and sorrow ahead. Isaiah’s gospel Soon Israel would be ravaged, Judah and Jerusalem would follow, but deliverance and salvation is the portion of all to whom the Lord shows grace. The gospel comforts all who rest upon God’s word and Isaiah preached…
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I And The Children
The writer to the Hebrews tells us the Lord spoke by the prophets in ‘divers ways’ and this diversity is highlighted in our verses today. Having spoken publicly and directly to the king concerning Judah’s deliverance from the Syria/Israel confederacy, Isaiah repeats the message of the previous chapter. The king would know, his court would know, the people would hear, and see with their own eyes, the glory and sovereignty of God. Ignorance is no excuse for unbelief. A broad message Careful reading of this whole chapter will prove helpful. Without directly naming who he is addressing Isaiah speaks to different groups, condemning some, encouraging and comforting others. He speaks to those who fear Syria/Israel and to some who want to submit and join them,…
Further Study
New Focus Magazine: New Issue (October 2025)
