We are a little over 1/3 of the way through “The Great Ones” chapters of the Bible to study, ponder, meditate, and ruminate (our office word of the day) upon. This challenge to dig deeper asks 3 simple questions that spark dialogue over 52 chapters of the Bible during the course of 2021. The highlight of the year? Perhaps! At any rate, I took on the personal challenge to do something extra with this plan; to read, study, and write, and share my thoughts and even a special verse with you. I hope that you’re challenged to dig a little deeper yourself this year. Like me, you can start by asking the same 3 questions about whatever scripture you are reading.
- What did God say?
Isaiah 14 can be viewed from the nearby words of prophecy and far or distant (in time) words. Overall the chapter, written by Isaiah, is telling of the coming judgment upon three of Israel’s enemies. Actually, if you back up for a broader view, in chapters 12-24 there are many prophetic warnings of judgment yet coming to the enemies of Israel. There is even a warning included to Israel itself to foretell what is in store for their punishment. Specifically in chapter 14, the judgment is aimed primarily toward Babylon, and its king who destroyed Jerusalem, and hauled off the king of Judah along with a myriad of sacred items used for worship in the Temple built by Solomon, etc, etc. etc. The final few verses deal with judgments yet to come upon Assyria, who captured and relocated the northern kingdom of Israel’s inhabitants, ect. and the Philistines who wreaked havoc on the nation from the early days of Joshua, through the period of Judges (remember Samson), and on into the kingdoms of Saul then David, etc. In my opinion, people groups, who definitely earned their punishment.
Beyond the nearby references of certain judgment upon the enemies of God’s chosen we can also see the distant references to both Babylon who will rise up again as a future leader, and beyond that the source of all of this evil, Satan.
What the passage said to me?
I read through the chapter several times and a few thoughts stuck with me.
1. God defends HIS own.
The enemies of Israel were righteously judged for their actions against God’s chosen. Israel was surrounded by enemies. Some who stole from them, some who killed their people, some who destroyed their property, all of whom disregarding their God. I can’t help but think about the nation of Israel even today and how they are physically surrounded by enemies, nations who want to destroy them and try to destroy them, yet the small and mighty people remain. I can’t help but think about the protection of God over His Church. It’s not to say that bad things don’t happen in the Church, evil doesn’t have its triumphs, but the Church over the globe has an immense amount of defense against all who seek to destroy it. The gospel message continues to spread in forbidden places, peoples’ lives continue to be transformed, God’s work never stops. I can’t help but think about how many times God has provided my defense. He is good, I have nothing to fear.
2. God destroys HIS enemies.
Here is a snapshot of an enemy of God, this is what they say in their heart…
“I will ascend to heaven…” “I will raise my throne – above the stars of God.” “I will sit enthroned”… in front of the assembly….on the utmost heights. “I will ascend above…” “I will make myself….” and God says “but you are brought down to the grave” In other words, the enemy of the day and the enemy of eternity will be destroyed. It’s only a matter of God’s timing. He has a plan. Isaiah wrote about it. All of the prophets wrote about it. It will come to pass.
3. What I say to you.
My God is my defender (Psalm 68:8)
My God is my deliverer (2 Samuel 22:2)
My God is the One who lifts me up (Ezekiel)
Those are the truths that I know. I can wait on the Lord, as David waited; for help, for refuge, for comfort, for wisdom, for position, for all of the things that both the King of Babylon and the Prince of Darkness have taken for themselves. The evil ones have exalted themselves above God, above all of His creation and His laws, and eternal punishment is all they have to look forward to. As a child of God I (and all of us kids) have something very different to look forward to. We will be standing behind the defender of righteousness and truth, and the destroyer of evil and sin and be a witness for HIM!
