Thursday, March 23, 2023

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

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Do Not Forsake Wisdom

  Do Not Forsake Wisdom Proverbs 4:6-9 (paraphrased) “Do not forsake wisdom, and wisdom will preserve you; Love wisdom and wisdom will kee...

In Touch Ministry, Turning Point