Isaiah 29 - Woes of Jerusalem

 

Isaiah 29– Woes of Jerusalem

 

This prophecy was given by Isaiah during the times of King Nebuchadnezzar and his destruction of the city. It was also during the beginning of the Gentiles.

 

The prophecy says that the final battle of Jerusalem will be the worst of all, but God will intervene at the last moment and deliver His people from extinction. All the dreams of the enemies of God who want to bring in their own kingdom will be frustrated, and God will put them down. God will build His own Kingdom and establish it Himself. Just as he said he will do. God gave His teachings to the Israelites of Jerusalem, but they kept rejecting it. So, God told them ‘Have it your way’ you will be as a blind man.

 

If we reject God’s teaching it will be as if we have become ignorant of God’s plans for our future. God promises to give us wisdom and understanding if we ask for it.

 

The temple was crowded with people making sacrifices. They could recite the Lord’s prayer and the laws. The problem was they didn’t believe what they were saying. It was a ritual for them.

 

If we come to Bible Class or communion without an open heart, it is just a ritual. It is one thing to say I am religious but not have a relationship with Christ. God wants us to give up our religion, our ritual activities and come to Him as a sinner who accepted Christ and are building a relationship with Him.

 

Jerusalem had two woes: One because they act as if God does not see and the 2^nd. They act as if they are getting by with it.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Isaiah 28 - Trust the Word of God, Study

 

Isaiah 28 – Trust the Word of God, Study

 

Isaiah addressed the northern tribe, Ephraim and accused them of drunkenness and an unteachable spirit. The religious leaders told Isaiah not to talk to them like children; after all, they knew the law! But God would talk to them through the Assyrians whose tongue Israel would not understand. If God’ people will not listen to His voice from the word, they may have to listen to foreign voices that speak no peace and show no love. The thing that caused Ephraim’s downfall was their crown of pride, but in the Millennium, they won’t have material riches but they will have spiritual riches and it will be a crown of glory.

 

It was a confident time in Israel, but their prosperity would fade like a trampled flower, be carried away in a storm and flood, and be swallowed like fruit. Judgment was at the gate. The Israelites were fed the word of God line upon line, precept upon precept and it was a daily grind for them to get into the word. Even though they learned the Word of God, they did not follow through with the teaching n their lives. They had backslidden just as some Christians do when they do not put every effort in staying in the Word daily.

 

Then Isiah denounced the sin of Judah, which was trusting false gods. Jesus Christ is God’s stone, and He alone is a sure refuge from the storm (Isa. 8:14). You have as much protection from lies as you do from a blanket that is too short! God is seeking a harvest and knows exactly how to handle the soil and the seed. God’s people may not enjoy the plowing and threshing, but the results are worth it. If you are hard and resist God, you are a hard grain and judgment will be severe for you. We ourselves determine our own judgment in the choices we make. If we study His word and follow His guidelines in the Word, He will spare us, and his judgment will be filled with His mercy and grace.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Isaiah 27 - "In That Day"

 

Isaiah 27 – “In That Day”

 

In the future, Christ will come with His sword. The sword being the word of God. The word of God spoke us into creation and the word of God will bring judgment against all nations. He won’t need anything else. The Leviathan is Satan. (Rev. 12:9). Satan probably thinks he can’t be judged. He probably thinks he is beyond the judgment of God. He has great pride in himself. There are many people today that follow the same thinking but they will be in for a rude awakening.

 

During the time of the 1000 years when Christ will reign there will be an abundance of fruit and Jesus is the vinedresser. He will guard it day and night so that no enemy may come upon it. He is talking of Israel and He has not given up on Israel. In that day it will flourish, and Jesus will protect it. Jesus will be the peace between Israel and all who may come against it.

 

Because Israel is God’s chosen people, they will be judged harsher than the other nations, but they will not be destroyed. God will allow many nations to be destroyed during the tribulation, but God will not destroy Israel. Because of His infinite mercy He will save out a remnant for Himself. He will restore them to the promised land.

 

Great cities will be destroyed that man has built but the nation of the Israelites will one day gather again in the promised land that Jesus watches over them. We can also be a part of that union if we but trust and obey the Lord and stay strong until the end.

From Israel blessings shall flow to the whole world.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Isaiah 26 - Peace, Perfect Peace

 

Isaiah 26 – Peace, Perfect Peace

 

This is a song that Isaiah says will be sung in the land of Judah. He is talking about the future, after the Tribulation. The song talks about peace. Anxiety happens to all of us. Jesus reminded His followers that “in the world you will have tribulation.” God gives peace despite conflict and turmoil.

Peace is so basic to God’s nature that it is part of His name. God the Father is the “God of peace.” God the son is the prince of peace. And God the Holy spirit produces peace in our lives.

To have “perfect peace,” we must focus our minds on God and trust in Him. The answer to human insecurities is to “trust in the Lord forever.” In Him we should find our security, peace and confidence.

We are surrounded by plenty of problems that fill our thoughts. Beset by fear and insecurity, we feel shaky, unstable, and unsafe.

Jesus told His followers on the eve of His death, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” With Christ’s peace in our hearts, we can be secure, knowing that He is in control. Isaiah speaks of our pain here on earth as being like the pain of childbirth. He says it is like the wind. Meaning the pain we bear does not bear any fruit. It is useless pain. When we say it is useless pain it is because we do not see our pain as something that works to the good for the glory of God.

We need to change our attitudes about our problems. We can either let it bring us down into a state of depression or we can allow our pain to work through us and bring us closer to God. We only need to trust that God knows what is best for us and the pain we bear now is only temporary to end on the day that we step foot into heaven.

Knowing that the future is secure in the Lord is an encouragement when you suffer. Rom. 8:18-25, 2 Cor. 5:1-8.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

 

 

isaiah 25 - The Kingdom Age

 

Isaiah 25 – The Kingdom Age

 

The tribulation period is over, and Christ is on His throne. This is a praise to God for deliverance. It is a song of sheer delight and worship. It totally comes from the heart because the worshiper has come into a new knowledge of who God is and what He has done. All of the past is gone now, they are delivered from their enemies, and they no longer need a wall around them to protect them. This is the Millennium where man will turn to God. This is the joy that comes in the morning. The Anti-Christ has been defeated. There will be a feast of fat things. There will be no worry of gaining weight on these fat things, it will be a spiritual feast.

 

Death is humanity’s enemy. People fear death and the sorrow it brings. This is the first prophecy of the destruction of death and grief. In Christ’s death, the curse and power of death were destroyed forever. Believers have the promise of new life now and eternal life with God. Isaiah writes that the “Lord will wipe away all tears from faces.” In Revelation, John describes the same picture. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” “There shall be no more pain.” For believers’ death is a gateway to eternal life. Who wouldn’t want to be happy throughout eternity? Christ is the real Messiah, the real ruler. Man will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. This is the time that the Meek will inherit the earth.

 

In heaven, there may not be a concept of time, I believe God will have something for each of us to do and there will be no boredom. We are all going to be so happy to be face to face with Jesus and all our loved ones, that we won’t care how long eternity is. We will be singing and praising God throughout eternity.. Praise His Holy Name.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah

 

Isaiah 23, 24 - Proclamation Against Tyre and the Whole Earth.

 

Isaiah 23 – Proclamation Against Tyre

 

Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician cities that brought great wealth to the nation by shipping and trading.

God said the old city of Tyre will not be rebuilt and still today it lays in ruin. It happened just as Isaiah warned. Sidon was the mother city of Tyre and was never destroyed, it is the main oil industry of that land. When Tyre was destroyed the main wealth of Egypt that came through the ports was ended. It literally destroyed the commerce of Egypt. Any commercial center is a place of fun and joy. Once destroyed, the joy left. It is no longer a crowing city, setting up governments and legislation. Even those who travel the Nile River can freely come and go as Tyre is no longer in charge.

It seems that people who rarely cry over anything else will weep when they have money problems.

Assyria put Tyre and Sidon out of business for seventy years, and then they were restored. In the latter days they will become a great merchant city again. They will enter the millennium and their merchandise will be for them that dwell before the Lord. All that they have will be dedicated to the Lord. It will be a gift from the people.

 

Isiah 24 – Burdens of the Whole Earth

 

The Lord made the earth and is King over all the earth (Psalm 47:2), so He has a right to do what He pleases. He will punish sinners because they have not respected His covenant or cared for the earth as faithful stewards of His gifts. They have disobeyed His will, claimed the earth for themselves, and abused it selfishly.

When that time of judgment comes, God will pay no attention to anyone’s economic or social status. The joyful feast will become a funeral, those who try to escape will be trapped, and proud leaders will become prisoners. The Lord will humble “the haughty people” and the “exalted ones”.

All the unrighteous  will stand before God and be judged for their evil deeds and lack of faith in Him (Re. 20:11-15)

But Isaiah ends on a note of triumph: the Lord will reign gloriously.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Isaiah 22 - The Burden of Jerusalem

 

Isaiah 22 – The Burden of Jerusalem

 

A valley symbolizes a place of sorrow, humbleness, and death. Because Isaiah’s vision is one of sorrow and coming battle, the valley is the proper place for this vision. Curiosity and fear sent God’s people to their rooftops to see the approaching danger. This vision is probably of the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem (chaps. 36-37).

When a crisis occurs, different people respond in different ways.

 

The prophet saw events from a spiritual viewpoint and was burdened. The city leaders depended on their defenses and did not call for fasting and prayer. The people fasted and expected the worst. They had no faith in God. (I Cor. 15:32).

 

Shebna was secretary of the treasury, a cheap politician under Hezekiah. Apparently he was misusing the funds in order to build a sepulcher to perpetuate his name. Instead of being of use to him, it only came to his shame. He was carried away captive and buried in a foreign land. It is said that Shebna was an example of the anti-Christ where as Eliakim was the example of Christ himself.

 

Eliakim was the statesman that proceeded Shebna. He was a very unselfish man and did good in the eyes of the Lord. He was a person who could be trusted with authority, and a strong peg on which the nation could put their burdens. He is the kind of leader we need today.

 

During the tribulation, the Anti-Christ will reign and people will trust him and even believe him to be the Christ. They will come to him for help but he is the nail that will fall. Only Christ is the nail in a sure place. We can put our faith in mankind but if they make a mistake, then that faith will fall down.

 

We can always trust Christ to take care of us in time of need and keep His promises to us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

Isaiah 20 & 21 - The Sign Against Ethiopia and Egypt

 

Isaiah 20 – The Sign Against Ethiopia and Egypt

 

Tartan was a general in the Assyrian Army who fought against Ashdod. Ashdod was one of the five major Philistine cities that revolted from 714 to 711 BC.

Isaiah became a walking parable to Israel as a warning not to join Egypt. He was to take off his outward tunic of mourning which would bring immediate attention to the prophet himself. He looked like a prisoner of war, which is what the Ethiopians and Egyptians eventually became.  He was to be a sign and wonder for the people. God’s people did not take it to heart, and eventually they were led off to Babylon.  Since Egypt could not protect itself. It would not be a reliable ally for Israel. Both Egypt and Ethiopia were invaded by Sargon and the shame which Isaiah predicted was fulfilled.

The one thing that we learn from history is that we do not learn from history. God uses things we see and hear to help us make the right decisions.

 

Isaiah 21 – Three Pictures in Faithful Ministry.

 

If you are faithful to your calling, your ministry will not be easy. Isaiah was distressed as he saw what God was doing in the world. He felt like a woman in travail. It was very painful for him to “give birth” to his message.

 

Isaiah had hope Babylon would stop the advances of Assyria and thus save the Jews from suffering. He saw them winnowed and crushed by the enemy. He longed for a calm evening of his life. Instead, he had to carry distressing burdens to the end.

 

While the prophet was anxiously watching so he could warn the people, the nation’s leaders were carelessly feasting and thinking only of themselves. The watchman sees both night trouble and morning blessing, and that is how it will be until Jesus comes. The most important thing is that the watchman be faithful to warn when danger is coming. (Ezek. 25:12-14).

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible and J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Isaiah 18 & 19 - The Burden of Ethiopia and Egypt

 

Isaiah 18 – The Burden of Ethiopia

 

The people of Ethiopia sent ambassadors to Israel, hoping to form a strong alliance against Assyria, but the venture was doomed to fail. God was not in it, because it was not God’s will.

The Assyrian invasion was God’s plan, and He would not intervene until He accomplished His divine purposes. He would hover over the scene like summer heat or the morning dew. When the time was right, He would reap the harvest and leave the corpses to the scavengers. It is not a pretty scene, but that is the way civilization is moving today (Matt 24:28; Rev. 19:17-21).

Those ambassadors should have gone to Jerusalem with a gift for the Lord. They should have been humble worshipers, not haughty negotiators, and trusted the God of Israel, not their armies or treaties (Psalm 20:7).

Isaiah 19 – The Burden of Egypt

It was in the land of Egypt that Israel was born. 70 people from the family of Jacob journeyed there, and 400 years later they left Egypt with over a million people. Later on, the children of Israel returned to the promised land, and two kings, Ahaz and Hezekiah made an alliance with Egypt and found her unreliable. Between the period of the Old testament and the New testament, Israel suffered greatly at the hands of the Egyptians.

Idolatry has become the chief target of God’s condemnation. No country other than Babylon was given over to idolatry more than Egypt. They worshipped birds, four footed beasts, creeping things, the bull, the frogs, the bug, the fish. When God sent the plagues he fought against every idol of Egypt. Nowadays idolatry in Egypt has long since disappeared but the people dwell in ignorance and superstition of the Moslem religion. The city has lost their great industry and commerce. Poverty and wretchedness have overtaken the nation. There was a failure of false religion, of material resources, of spiritual power. This prophecy of Isaiah’s was fulfilled, and Egypt is now a base kingdom.

In the Great tribulation Egypt will be afraid like women. It states that Egypt will have a glorious future and will enter the kingdom with Israel. God will heal them and we know that Only God can do this. There will be a freeway for those going to Jerusalem to serve Christ the King.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Isaiah 17 - Judgment on Damascus (Syria) and Israel

 

Isaiah 17 – Judgment on Damascus (Syria) and Israel.

 

The Northern Kingdom of Israel had allied with Syria, and both would fall to the Assyrians. If the people you trust do not trust the Lord, their judgment may become your judgment.

 

God’s judgment on Israel is pictured by a sunset and a heavy person losing weight, as well as a field that has no fruit for the gleaners. Israel had decayed beyond hope and all her efforts of recovery were wasted.

 

If only they had turned to God before the sun set or the disease wasted away the body or the blight destroyed the harvest! But they trusted their own idols and not the true God. It is easy to put confidence in the work of your own hands and not in the God who made those hands.

 

The judgment carried them off, like houses before a flood and tumbleweeds before the wind. Israel could have had the quiet waters of Shiloh, but they chose the turbulent waters of Assyria.

 

During the tribulation Syria will be destroyed once and for all and not rebuilt. The same will be for Israel since they made an alliance with Syria. Both Israel and Syria has been through many wars and will continue to do so until the end when they will be utterly defeated in the tribulation.

 

Part of Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled. The cedars of Lebanon have almost all been removed. When the Turks came in they literally removed all the greenery. After World War I England came in and began to plant trees and the present-day Israel had added more trees to where there are millions planted.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

 

Isaiah 15 - Proclamation Against Moab; 16 - Isaiah's Christian Heart

 

Isaiah 15 – Proclamation Against Moab

 

Moab was not as great a city as Babylon, but back in Isaiah’s day and even further back to David’s day it was an important city. Moab came through Lot and his daughter. The King Balak, hired the prophet Balaam, to curse Israel because he was afraid of what the Israelites could do to them. David himself was a Moabite because he was the son of Jesse, the descendant of Obed, who was the son of the Moabitess Ruth. When Saul was pursuing David, David took his parents to Moab for protection.

Today, Moab no longer exists because the Assyrians literally abolished the nation. Another prediction of Isaiah was fulfilled.

Back in Isaiah’s day they professed to know God but spent their time in heathen temples dedicated to pagan gods, saying they were worshiping the true and living God. It was a proud nation that would not honor God but trusted in its fortifications. Pride is a sin that God hates (Prov. 6:16-17), whether in nations or in individuals, and it leads to judgment.

When the Assyrians invaded, the Moabites turned from boasting to weeping and fleeing.

 

Isaiah 16 – Isaiah’s Christian Heart

 

Isaiah’s heart went out to the Moabites. He had great sympathy for the terror that came upon them. He asked the Moabites to offer a lamb to sacrifice to God for salvation. They did not offer the lamb, the Moabites wanted to be religious but did not want to acknowledge the fact that they were subject to a Higher will and that they were sinners in the sight of God. This was the Moabites’ great sin. God would have delivered them, but their pride got in the way of accepting God’s mercy. They trusted in their own righteousness.

God could do without Moab; but He had a covenant with David (2 Sam. 7), and He would be faithful to His promises. Judah was safe because the people trusted the Lord.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Isaiah 14 - Lucifer Has an "I" Problem

 

Isaiah 14 – Lucifer Has an “I” Problem

 

Lucifers goal is “I will be like the Most High.” He was behind the evil Babylonian system, the enemy of God.

It appears that Lucifer was an angel who rebelled against God and wanted to take to himself the worship that belonged only to God.

The world today worships creation, and not the Creator. (Rom. 1:25). Man is his own god; in worshiping and serving only himself, he plays right into the hands of Lucifer.

The Christians ambition is to be like Jesus Christ in all things. “Conformed to the image of His son” (Rom. 8:29).

Isaiah tells of the last days when Christ will return to the remnant of Israel and bring peace upon their land. This prophecy has not been fulfilled yet because we know that Israel is not at peace. There will come a time when Israel will no longer need the help of the United States or Russia, but God will restore them and will no longer have problems with other nations.

Instead of sorrow, there will be singing. There will be no more weeping.

The evil one, Satan, may have power on earth for a brief time but God’s judgment upon him is already determined.  Satan started out as a great angel (Ezekiel 28) He was the highest creature God ever created, but he fell from his lofty position in heaven because of his pride. He sought to be like God and turned against God. He set his will over God’s will. In Luke 10:18 it says, “I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven.” In Revelations 12:7-9 it says, “there was a war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought and prevailed not; neither was their place found no more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent, called the devil, and Satan which deceives the whole world was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.”

As we fight battles against evil, we must remember that the war has already been won.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Isaiah 12 - After the Tribulation, 13 - Prophecies Fulfilled

 

Isaiah 12- After the Tribulation

 

What happens after the Tribulation? Our sufferings will be over, and Jesus will come to reign on earth. Worshiping people will give thanks to the Lord for saving them and for bringing them home again. Witnessing people will tell all the nations of the greatness of God.

 

Isaiah 13 – Prophecies Fulfilled

 

King Nebuchadnezzar was the first king of Great Babylon. This city will go down by a great judgment during the tribulation of period. It was set apart by God to be used to punish Israel, just as He used the Assyrians. Babylon took the Southern Kingdom, while Assyria took captive the northern tribes of Israel.

 

Babylon was destroyed and never rebuilt. Cities like Jerusalem were destroyed and rebuilt. Someday Babylon will be rebuilt in a different location and will become a commercial center, a religious center, a political center, where the anti-Christ will make his home, a power center, and an educational center for the entire world.

 

 Today lions have made the ancient site of Babylon their dwelling place. No man will enter the ancient ruins. Only demons live in ancient Babylon. In the end God will bring judgment against the new Babylon as He did the old Babylon.

 

The world today seems so successful and invincible, but one day, the whole system will fall (Rev 17-18). That is why God calls His people to separate themselves from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-18).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

 

 

Isaiah 11 - The Spirit of the Lord

 

Isaiah 11 – The Spirit of the Lord

 

The Spirit of the Lord is sevenfold. It is of the Lord, of wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord.

 

When Jesus comes again, he will rule in the power of the spirit. We are to pray for the spirit of wisdom. When we do so, Christ will lead and guide us through this life.

 

Satan’s time will come in the day of tribulation when he will have his way with many people, many believers, and the help we want will not come from other nations or our earthly friend. It will come from above when Jesus will return and set up His kingdom.

 

It is up to us to repent of our sins, and ask for forgiveness to work toward perfection. Whatever is left when we stand before God will be exposed.

 

His kingdom will cover the entire earth which includes both the Jew and the Gentile.

 

Our Savior had a humble beginning at a time when David’s family was dishonored; but in the end, His kingdom will prevail over all earthly powers. He will bring peace on earth and the glory of God will cover the earth.

 

That will be the day when the meek shall inherit the earth.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Isaiah 10 Arrogant Assyria Judged

 

Isaiah 10- Arrogant Assyria Judged

 

In the last days it speaks of the king of the North, “the Assyrians” will come against God’s land, the land of Israel. They are spoken of as the enemy from the north to the Battle of Armageddon.

 

Assyria was God’s tool for punishing Israel, but the tool cannot boast about what it does. Assyria was proud of its conquests, so God had to humble its people and judge them for their evil deeds. The army would vanish like trees in a forest fire. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria was conquered by Babylon in 612 B.B. Nations may boast, but God has the last word.

 

In His grace, God saved a remnant and permitted the Israelites to return to the land. God also promised Judah that Assyria would not capture Jerusalem. The tall proud tree (Assyria) would be cut down to size! Even amid wrath, God give His people hope.

 

God uses other nations to punish nations just as a man uses an axe to cut down a tree. An axe cannot do this on its own, it needs the power of man behind it. God uses the Assyrians without their acknowledgment. Isaiah sees a day when God’s people will place their trust where it belongs, in God alone.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

Isaiah 9 - Isaiah's Predictions

 

Isaiah 9 – Isaiah’s Predictions

 

Isaiah predicts that the deliverance of the nation is coming through a man of Galilee who will establish the kingdom forever. He also predicts the captivity of the northern kingdom due to their faithlessness and continual refusal to turn to God.

 

During the time of King Ahaz the nation had been multiplied and the people were more religious but the joy was gone. They had religion but they did not have Christ. They had no revelation of the coming church, but today the church has been revealed. When Jesus comes, this will be the new birth of Israel.

 

In Isaiah’s day the people didn’t know it, but Jesus was Wonderful, and even today people don’t realize just how Wonderful He is. He is our Counselor whom all power is given. He is the Omnipotent God. The Everlasting Father of eternity. The Prince of Peace of which there will be no peace until Jesus returns and reigns over us.

 

What a difference it makes in our lives that Jesus Christ came and died for our sins! And what a difference it will make in this world when He comes to sit on David’s throne and rule righteously!

 

Jesus is the difference between light and darkness, life and death. He is also the difference between joy and sorrow, freedom, and bondage. As you wait for His return, be sure the government of your life is on His shoulders. Let Him be to you all that His name proclaims, for every name that He bears is a blessing that He shares.

 

The proud will be judged, as was Israel when Assyria took the nation captive. First God chastened them in Love; and when they would not submit, He judged them. They were led astray by the very people who should have led them the right way.

 

Our God is a God of grace and truth (John 1:17). If you acknowledge His truth, you can receive His grace (Ps.51:3-4); but if you reject His truth, His hand of judgment must be stretched out to you.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

Isaiah 8 - Assyria Will Invade the Land

 

Isaiah 8 – Assyria Will Invade the Land

 

Isaiah’s first son’s name means “a remnant will return”. His second son’s name means “swift is the booty, speedy is the prey”. In other words, God is against those who are against His people.

Because Ahaz is a godless man, God is trying to reach him. He tries to assure him that God will take care of the enemies of his people. The Assyrians will invade Syria and Samaria, but the enemy that was planning to attack Judah will be taken into captivity. God used Assyria to judge Israel for their rejection of Him and her trust in Syria.

Isaiah tells Ahaz that the people refused the waters of Shiloh, a gentle brook offering peace that God offered them. When they refused the waters God sent the Euphrates River to flood the land, bringing the judgment of God. God spoke to Ahaz saying, ‘I’ll spare you, only if you will turn to me.”

How one responds to the dangers and challenges of life proves whether they have faith in God’s promises.

If you fear God, you need not fear the threats of men. Make Jesus Lord in your life, and He will take care of your fears. (I Pet. 3:3-17). Christ is the stone of refuge for His people but a snare to those who reject Him.

The Word of God is the only authority for the believer, even if circumstances seem to challenge it. In Isaiah’s day, the leaders were even consulting mediums (Deut. 18:10-12). Let the Word be your light in the dark world. (Ps. 119:105)

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Isaiah 7 - Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz

 

Isaiah 7 – Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz

 

Ahaz was frightened because Syria and Israel united to overthrow him and crown a new king in Judah. Assyria and Egypt were also on the move, so it was not an encouraging time. When circumstances threaten you, what do you do? Ahaz trusted in his own wisdom and made a treaty with the king of Assyria, only to see him break it.

 

Isaiah’s word to the king was from God and could be trusted. Ahaz pretended to be spiritual when he refused to ask for a sign, but his rejection of the sign was a rejection of the Lord and His messenger. God’s word goes to work when we believe it and act on it. Ahaz only talked about it.

 

Both Syria and Israel were eventually out of the picture as Isaiah had promised, but Assyria became the new threat. Israel was invaded by Assyria and devastated Judah when Sennacherib invaded the nation. There it came to an end. The Assyrians invaded Judah in the days of King Hezekiah, but God defeated them. However, Assyria humbled Judah because God’s people would not trust God’s Word. It is faith in God, not faith in man’s treaties, that brings the victory. God would be with His people, both as deliverer and Judge.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Isaiah 6 - Isaiah Called to be a Prophet.

 

Isaiah 6 – Isaiah Called to be a Prophet.

 

Isaiah begins his ministry after King Uzziah died. He predicts that Israel will go into captivity. Isaiah realizes that even though Uzziah is dead, the one true King is still alive. God is on His throne. The earthly throne looks bad but behind the earthly throne is the heavenly throne.

We might say the world is in shambles today and the Lord said that it would be, but He also said the good seed will grow alongside the bad seed. Our job today is to sow the good seed and let God handle the harvest.

Isaiah had a life changing vision of Jesus Christ. The throne of Judah had changed occupants, but God is still in perfect control of everything. When we worship, we must focus on God’s holiness, sovereignty, and glory. We must strive to look at things from heaven’s point of view.

When Isaiah saw the vision he cried, “woe is me!” He admitted that he was a sinner, he confessed his sin, and the Lord cleansed him. Were it not for the sacrifice on the altar, we could never approach the Sovereign on the throne.

True worship leads to service. You hear God’s call, and you respond with obedience.

God did not send Isaiah to a receptive people or give him an easy message to preach. But when you have seen the Lord and felt His touch, you can obey His will without fear.

The light of the Gospel revealed that the Israelites were blind, and they rejected Christ. Christ didn’t make them blind, He only revealed their blindness. Isaiah was told to proclaim God’s word to the nation that will not hear it and repent. Isaiah is told to preach until they become captives, leaving only a remnant to survive.

God knows that everything we use to try to keep God out actually keeps us imprisoned within. Sometimes God uses a personal crisis or someone else’s troubles to get our attention. Occasionally, God uses a national crisis to prepare us for change.

Our willingness to serve God and others will be deeply influenced by the degree to which we have received God’s gracious work in our lives.

 

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Isaiah 5 - God's Disappointing Vineyard

 

Isaiah 5 – God’s Disappointing Vineyard

 

This is a song, a lament, and a judgment. The nation of Israel is the vineyard for which God did so much (Matt. 21:33-46). The people’s sin was ingratitude, taking their blessings for granted and using them selfishly. Instead of serving the Lord, they served themselves, and the result was a corrupt nation.

 

The lament names some specific sins that people still commit today. The rich stole from the poor, and people lived for sensual pleasure rather than godly enrichment. Confident of their own wisdom, they questioned God’s counsel and for a price changed His words. There was no justice in the land because evil leaders turned from the truth of God’s Word. God provided all their needs, yet their sins became very serious.

 

God was angry, His hand of judgment was stretched out against His people. Judgment comes like a prairie fire when the invading army conquers the land. First Syria, then Assyria, then Babylon poured into the land of Israel and laid it waste. God had put a wall around Israel, but because of their sins, He broke it down.

 

Today we are living in a world which is being depleted of its energy and resources. It is because men are covetous, and we are depleting the earth of its riches and God will judge us the same as He did the Israelites.

 

Today, He stretches out His hands in love, inviting sinners to repent (Isaiah 65:2; Rom. 10:21); but tomorrow, He will stretch them out in wrath.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Isaiah 4 - The Renewal of Zion

 

Isaiah 4 – The Renewal of Zion

 

The first verse in this chapter is the only verse that depicts the conditions of what it will be like during the times of the Great Tribulation. The remaining verses prepares us for what is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

 

After world war II and the Vietnam war the manpower population was reduced leaving something like a surplus of 80,000 women. It will be like that in the last days also when wars will claim more of our men’s lives, leaving so much as seven women to one man. The women will be willing to get their own jobs so that they can buy their own food and clothes, but they will want to be under a man for protection.

 

One day the Lord shall reign once again. He will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be excellent and good for those who escaped Israel during the Great Tribulation.

 

God speaks of those who had been sealed with His mark and lasted throughout the tribulation period (Mt. 24:13; Rev. 7:14-15).

 

God has His work cut out for those who survive the Great Tribulation. He will cleanse them of their sins and make them justifiable in His sight. If we were to leave this world today, would we be fit for heaven? Each of us must answer that for ourselves. I know I am not without sin and God is still working on making me fit for heaven. That is what life is all about, it is a school to prepare us for eternity. This life as we see it is not all there is. God is not finished with us, and He will continue to make changes.

 

The glory of God will be upon every household not just on the temple.

Security will come to the nation of Israel – finally- they have not had peace therefore this prophecy has not been fulfilled.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah

 

Isaiah 3 – Judgment on Judah

 

The leaders of Judah trusted substitutes that would not help them in the coming day of judgment; natural resources, material wealth, military might, political experience and even “religion”.  God would take away in His wrath everything that dethroned Him in the hearts of the people. He would remove bread and water, which represents all that is essential to the nation’s survival.

 

But that was not all. God would replace their proud leaders with weaklings, nobodies without ability, who would oppress the people. Why? Because the nation not only sinned but boasted about it openly! The objects of God’s judgment are as good as dead. (Psalm 11:6).

 

Isaiah was especially grieved because the women of the land had become addicted to wealth and fashion and were more interested in social status than spiritual character.   Because the haughty women delighted in immodest exposure, God would give them over to it, uncovering their secret parts. (Jer. 13:22). The day would come when their artificial glamour would be gone and they would be sitting in the dust. (1 Pet. 3:1-6). So many men would die in the coming war that the women would do anything to get a husband.

 

Even when a society is overrun by sinners, God encourages the righteous few who have remained faithful to Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

Isaiah 1 - Rebellious Children

 

Isaiah 1 – Rebellious Children                                                              

 

Isaiah, whose name means “salvation of the Lord” was the greatest of the prophets. He was the prophet of the southern kingdom of Judah and reigned during the period of 4 kings. The first king was Uzziah who did right in the sight of God until he burnt incense in the temple where only priests could go. God struck Uzziah with leprosy until the day he died. The second king was Jotham who also did right in the sight of God. Ahaz was the king after that but he was an evil king. He made molded images, and the people worshipped them. Hezekiah was the fourth king, and he was the one who became ill and pleaded with God to extend his life. It was extended 15 years. He did what was right in God’s eyes and repaired the temple and re-established the Levite priest. The four kings can be read about in 2 Chronicles 26-32.

 

God knows His children are rebellious. They were rebellious when they left Egypt and even today His children are rebellious.

 

The donkey and the ox have the reputation of not being very intelligent animals. Even some people today don’t have the intelligence enough to know God provides for their needs. They don’t know God feeds them.

 

If there hadn’t been a few faithful, God would have destroyed Israel just as He did Sodom and Gomorrah. They were known for their moral corruption and their annihilation. There are Christians scattered all over the world but only a few will enter heaven.

 

The Israelites were bringing sacrifices and going through rituals, but they used them to manipulate God, so God rejected their worship. The sacrifices were not made out of their Love for God.

 

God extended His mercy by telling them that there was a way out of their sin. Just follow His instructions and He will preserve their nation. If they don’t change their ways, He will send them into captivity.

Galatians 6:7 – “Be not deceived God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, he shall also reap.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J.Vernon McGee Thru the Bible.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Isaiah 2 - The Light of the World

 

Isaiah 2 – The Light of the World

 

In Isaiah 1, Isaiah looked within the heart of the nation. Now he looks ahead to the future kingdom God promised His people. Instead of being a place for corrupt worship, the temple will be a center of truth and blessing for Jews and Gentiles. Instead of international conflict, there will be peace. When world conditions distress you, remember that things will not always be like this.

 

Judah was borrowing new religious ideas from the gentile nations and not walking in God’s truth. Their faith was in material progress and not in the Lord. How they needed to get back to the light of God’s Word! In our own day, astrology and Eastern religion have replaced the Bible, and making money is more important than serving the Lord.

 

The day of the Lord is a time of judgment from the Lord that can apply locally, as with Judah, or worldwide, as in the end times. Man’s pride will be brought low, and all that man lives for will be destroyed. God patiently waits as people rebel against the truth, but in the end, sin will be judged and the Lord will be exalted. God will protect the believing remnant when that day of judgment comes (I Thess. 1:10, 5:9-10).

From the perspective of the NT, the latter days takes place at the second coming of Christ. This will mean salvation and blessing not only for Israel but for people from all the nations who will learn Gods ways and worship Him. (Micah 4:1).

 

On that day, idols will be treated like trash. Pride deceives people into assembling an idol-filled culture because idolatry gives people a feeling of control and power.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans for You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Song of Solomon 7 & 8 - Expressions of Praise

 

Song of Solomon 7 – Expressions of Praise

 

Once again, the Beloved tells his wife how attractive she is to him. This reminds us that husbands and wives need to express their love to each other often and find their joy freely in each other.

 

What incredible love that God should want to share His life with sinners such as we are (I John 3:1). This focuses on His desire for us and not just on our relationship with Him. There are times when He invites you, but He enjoys it when you invite Him.

 

Song of Solomon 8 – Imagining Love

 

When you love someone, you think about that person and imagine all kinds of wonderful experiences together. But true love cannot remain only in the mind; it must be fulfilled in life. An imaginary love for Christ is fatal to a vital Christian life.

Your love for Him must be a living and growing experience, not something you manufacture yourself. You can commune with Him in private worship, lean on Him in the wilderness, and enjoy Him in the field. Everywhere, He awaits your affection.

 

Solomon used three images to illustrate true love. The seal speaks of ownership, two lovers belonging to each other until separated by death. This is the permanence of love. The fire reminds us of the power of love, nothing can quench it. And wealth illustrates the preciousness of love.

 

The picture is that of a family, protecting a young daughter until she is old enough to marry.

 

The Savior listens for your voice and you must listen for His voice. He will speak to you through His Word and by His Holy Spirit, so be attentive.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.