Prophecies against Israel: Isaiah 7-12 (2)

Pray Psalm 46.1-3.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

Read Isaiah 8.

Reflect.
1. The birth of Isaiah’s son signals that the judgment of God is nigh. Similarly, the birth of Immanuel (v. 8; cf. Is. 7.14 and Matt. 1.22, 23) also came with the judgment of God. In what way?

2. In the face of judgment, the faithful in the Lord will trust in His Word. All His Word. Why is the Word of God more reliable than the words and worldviews of men?

Meditate.
God was giving Ahaz and the people of Jerusalem a sign through the birth of Isaiah’s son, whose name would be Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty. The threat posed by Israel and Syria would be removed by an even greater threat, that of Assyria. The Assyrians would subdue both Syria and Israel, then they would flood the land of Judah to the very gates of Jerusalem (vv. 4-8), before being shattered by the Lord (v. 9; cf. 2 Chron. 32).

No counsel of human wisdom or strategy can stand against the Lord (v. 10). He is God Who Is with Us – Immanuel (v. 8, cf. v. 10 and Is. 7.14). Although the people could not understand it in Isaiah’s day, the birth of Isaiah’s son is a sign also of another Son to be born, Whose Name will be called Immanuel, God with Us (Matt. 1.22, 23). We will receive more detail about this Child in Isaiah 9.

Isaiah’s message to the faithful in Jerusalem is that they should stand firm on the Word of God, looking to and worshiping God, fearing Him rather than any earthly foes, and taking refuge in Him (vv. 11-17). Isaiah then points to the birth of his son (v. 18), using words of enormous prophetic significance (cf. Heb. 2.10-13), as the sign that God’s Word will not fail.

We must not rely on the counsel of men, be they ever so charismatic or persuasive (v. 19). We must trust in the Word of God, for only there will we find the light of truth (v. 20). Those who trust in things and conditions will not trust in God, and they will dwell in the darkness of unbelief and judgment (vv. 21, 22).

This is not where we want to be found. Ever.

Prepare.
1. Explain the two ways the birth of Isaiah’s son would serve as a sign. Does God still use signs today?

2. The temptation, when troubles come, is to think that safety, security, and agreeable conditions are what we should be seeking. Are these what matter most? Can we still know safety, peace, and joy apart from agreeable conditions? Explain.

3. What can distract us from trusting exclusively in God’s Word? If we truly do trust His Word, what will be our practice of making use of that Word?

How was it, then, one may say, that his name was not called Emmanuel but Jesus Christ? Because he did not say “you shall call” but “they shall call,” that is, the multitude and the issue of events. For here he uses an event (i.e., God being “with us”) as a name; and this is customary in Scripture, to substitute the events that take place for names. Therefore, to say, “they shall call” him “Emmanuel” means nothing else than that they shall see God among humanity. For he has always been among them, but never so manifestly. John Chrysostom (344-407 AD), Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew 5.2

Lord, You have put the Name of Jesus on me – Christian! Help me to live so that Jesus…

Pray Psalm 46.
No matter the troubles and challenges you may be facing, God is your present Help and Strength. Drink from the fountain of His Word, and let His Spirit flow with grace within and through you (Jn. 7.37-39). Be still before Him; commit your day to Him; and live each moment in the power of His presence.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 46 (Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God is our refuge and our strength; He is our help in times of need. 
Thus though the earth beneath us should change, the sea consume the mountain range;
Waters may roar with raging speed; yet God will rescue us at length. 

God’s everlasting, joyous grace gladdens the city where He dwells. 
Safely in Him, we will not be moved; when morning dawns, His love will be proved.
Fears and distresses Jesus dispels for His beloved, chosen race. 

Kingdoms arise and rage and roar, threat’ning the earth with sore distress.
Nations may fall, earth melt away, His Word is yet our hope and stay. 
God is among us, ever to bless; He is our stronghold evermore. 

Come see the works of God’s Right Hand! He breaks the nations of the earth, 
shatters their foolish weapons and pride, sets all their sinful strength aside.
Them He will show His infinite worth as they before His judgment stand. 

Rest in the Lord and be at peace, all who are mired in sore travail. 
Lift up our God, praise Jesus our Lord; proclaim to all the earth His Word! 
God is our stronghold, never to fail: thus may our hope and joy increase!

T. M. Moore

Where do the prophets fit with the rest of Scripture? How can I be a better student of God’s Word? Our course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, can help you gain a better approach to and understanding of the Scriptures. Watch this brief preview video, then register at The Ailbe Seminary and enroll in this free online course.

Forward today’s lesson to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on Isaiah. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link for the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Isaiah’s important message.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).