It is not certain which land Isaiah is referring to in these verses though it is generally assumed the African nations of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are intended. These nations occupied the land of Cush, named after Noah\u2019s grandson. The reference to vessels of bulrushes likely supports this theory. Boats of this structure were used on the river Nile and perhaps along the Red Sea coast. The inclusion of these nations shows the broad scope of the prophet\u2019s \u2018burdens\u2019 and \u2018woes\u2019.<\/p>\n
Scattered and peeled!<\/b><\/p>\n
Again, there is a question as to the identity of the people called \u2018a nation scattered and peeled\u2019. Some identify it as the Cushites, being descriptive of their tall height and shaved bodies. They have a \u2018terrible\u2019 reputation perhaps because they had terrorised neighbouring nations \u2018from their beginning\u2019. Interestingly, Nimrod, called \u2018a mighty one in the earth \u2026 a mighty hunter before the Lord\u2019, was a son of Cush. His reputation was as a warrior or hunter of men\u2019s souls.<\/p>\n
Under God\u2019s rod<\/b><\/p>\n
Other writers identify the Jews themselves as the \u2018nation scattered and peeled\u2019. This is the view we shall take. It may refer to when the cities of Judah, all but Jerusalem, were overrun by the Assyrian army, a tool in God\u2019s hand. Assyria came like a mighty river and scattered, then peeled the nation in the sense of spoiling and plundering. Terrible and wonderful things had been the portion of God\u2019s people, the Children of Israel, from their beginning.<\/p>\n
Touch not the apple of His eye<\/b><\/p>\n
Although Assyria was defeated by the Lord in a single night, other predators circled humbled and vulnerable Judah hoping to exploit their weakness. Isaiah sounds a warning to all people, to the nations of the world, concerning God\u2019s defence of His chosen people. He will raise an ensign on the mountain and sound a trumpet. He will move to cut off any nation who raises a hand against the people whom He cherishes.<\/p>\n
Perfect timing<\/b><\/p>\n
But when? When will the Lord rise to assist His troubled people? Note Christ\u2019s words in verse 4, for it is He who speaks to His prophet. The Lord may seem to be at rest; thoughtful and measured, but He is not unaware of His people\u2019s need. On the contrary, He is considering how best to bless His children and confound their enemies. Let this comfort you and me. Does the Lord appear to be tarrying when we pray for help? Does sought-for relief seem delayed? The Lord is fully aware of your need. He has the best plan to achieve His purpose of blessing His people and assailing their foes.<\/p>\n
\u2018I will come to you\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n
We may spiritualise this for the church of Christ and apply it to the experience of individual believers. We often feel our enemies in the world, and our own flesh, rise up against us and take advantage of us when we are down, when we feel weakest in spirit and are most humbled before the Lord. Do not think God fails to notice your need or appreciate your urgency. His love for you is greater than any mother\u2019s for her child and any husband\u2019s for his wife. Our Saviour knows exactly what is best for us. He will come and will not tarry.<\/p>\n
Christ and His gospel<\/b><\/p>\n
God will raise an ensign. He stated this in chapter 11:10, \u2018a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people\u2019. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Ensign and His gospel trumpet shall call to the nations to gather God\u2019s elect into His rest there to enjoy the blessings of sovereign grace and generous goodness. Do you cry, \u2018How long, Lord?\u2019 You shall discover His timing is perfect. It will come, \u2018afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower\u2019.<\/p>\n
A perfect present<\/b><\/p>\n
And what shall be the outcome? Hear the prophet again. \u2018In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts.\u2019 What present is this? The present of the scattered people, the peeled remnant, the Lord\u2019s tried, vexed, stretched and trodden-down elect shall come to their rest, they shall take up their blessings, they shall be presented to God.<\/p>\n
Perfect in Christ<\/b><\/p>\n
What a presentation it shall be! We shall be presented as a chaste virgin before Christ; \u2018holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight\u2019. We shall be \u2018presented faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy\u2019. Could there be a better prospect for a weary sinner? Could there be a greater comfort to hold fast, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord? May the Lord our God bless us with strength to endure and patience to wait for that glorious day when Christ shall present us \u2018to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but \u2026 holy and without blemish\u2019, \u2018perfect in Christ Jesus\u2019.<\/p>\n
Amen<\/p>\n