July 17, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Isaiah 18 - Isaiah prophecies against Ethiopia, primarily for their pride and violent nature.  They will eventually be led to bring a gift to God's people in Zion to show their humility. 

Isaiah 19 - Though this chapter starts off with a rebuke against Egypt, it ends with an unusual alliance between Israel and Assyria.  This is a prophecy of the time when these three countries will actually be friends!  A highway will be built which will allow the Egyptians and the Assyrians to reach each other and that highway will go through Israel.  God will bless all three countries!

Isaiah 20 - A quick reminder that Egypt will be conquered by the Assyrians and the people will be led awake naked and ashamed.  And so God required Isaiah to strip naked and walk barefoot to illustrate what would happen to people who rebel against God's rule.

Isaiah 21 - God will call for the Medes, verse 2 to rise up against and destroy Babylon, verse 9.  God also warns Edom, called Dumah in verse 11, where watchmen will see the trouble coming day and night.  God also warns Arabia of a coming judgment when they will soon flee from the coming sword, verse 15.

Isaiah 22 - This is a cry against Jerusalem, called a "tumultuous city" in verse 2, and against all of Judah, verse 8.  Two men known for their service to Hezekiah, Shebna, in verse 15, and Eliakim, verse 20, will be mentioned later in 36:3.  God will use Eliakim as an encouragement to the people in their time of distress.