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.

Song of Solomon 6 - The Shulamite

 

Song of Solomon 6 – The Shulamite

 

After the disagreement comes reconciliation. Upon his wife’s rejection, Solomon apparently headed to his spice gardens, perhaps to remind him of the fragrances she wore. Often others can tell we are out of fellowship with the Lord.

 

Having been convinced by the Shulamite that Solomon was worth fighting for, her friends asked where they should look for him. Because she understood him, she knew where to find him, because she loved him, she found the courage to look for him. We know where the Lord is and what we must do to be reconciled to Him. (I John 1:9). We know that we belong to Him and that He still loves us and sees beauty in us despite our lack of loving response to Him.

 

Solomon showed that he knew what his wife needed from him, choosing three different images to describe her beauty: Tirzah known for its simple, agricultural beauty, Jerusalem known for it majestic elegance; an army with banners, representing the exhilaration of a regal procession. The bride went where her beloved was that she might be forgiven and restored.

 

If we are to be reconciled to Him and enjoy His communion once more, we must go back to the place where we left Him (Gen 13:3). Instead of being beaten she is now in his glorious procession sitting regally in the lead chariot.

 

The Shulamite was his perfect and only one – the beauty without peer. Her friends begged her to remain so that they might enjoy her  beauty. As God’s people we need to impress the world with our beauty and Christlikeness. Perhaps we need to meet the Lord in the garden.

 

 

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 5 - The Shulamite's Troubled Evening

 

Song of Solomon 5 The Shulamite’s Troubled Evening

 

The realities of marriage set in as the lovers begin to quarrel, temporarily reject each other, then work through their regrets. Even the best marriages have their hard times.

 

There is no indication why Solomon delayed being with his wife or why she delayed in responding to him. Perhaps the Shulamite was half awake and thought she dreamed that Solomon was knocking. Or perhaps she was upset that his responsibilities took precedence over romance on this night.

 

Her self-questioning may indicate she was sensitive about her appearance: did she not want Solomon to see her upon waking? Or was she upset that he came in to late and she didn’t want to answer his knock.

 

The Shulamite states how she felt after opening the door, only to find Solomon had left. Now she wants to find her husband.

 

Her friends told her that Solomon was like other husbands, not worth the effort. The Shulamite responded with an affirmation of his identity, intelligence, and individuality, beginning with the statement that Solomon was dazzling among his peers. She also admired his scent and appearance. Most important, he was her friend. Every spouse should be able to say this is my husband and my friend.

 

No matter where you are or what you are doing, fix your heart on the Lord and keep alert to His voice.

When He comes, He will speak and knock, and you must respond to Him immediately.

A loving heart will seek the Lord, no matter what the cost. An affection heart is an alert heart, quick to respond to the Beloved’s call.

 

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 4 - The Beloved

Song of Solomon 4 – The Beloved

 

The differences between men and women are never so evident as they are with intimacy. Many of the plants and spices listed in verses 13, and 14 were expensive or imported, and some of them were considered aphrodisiacs.

Solomon used the term sister as a form of endearment, implying respect and companionship. He uses this term five times in the Song.

No loving expression of physical intimacy was out of bounds for them as they gave themselves completely to each other. Blow on my garden is an invitation to spread the kisses all over her. Neither of them hesitated to show their love.

 

Do you want to experience God’s Love?

 

1.    Listen to His words. He wants to tell you how fair you are in His sight because of His grace (Eph.1:6). If you listen to others, you may be led astray. If you listen to yourself, you may become discouraged. Believe His word and rest in His love. Let your heart listen for His words.

 

2.    Look to Him in Love. You cannot see Him physically, but you can still love Him (I Pet. 1:8). See Him in His word, in the world He has made, and in His providential care for you each day. Tell Him that you love Him!

 

 

3.    Live to please Him. A garden, spring, and fountain are not useful if they are shut up, so open your life to Him and let Him bring out of you all that will delight Him and help others. Sometimes He must send trials to bring out the best blessings. You are His unique garden and He is the loving Gardner (John 20:15), and He will cultivate your life and make it fruitful as you commune with Him (John 15:1-8).

 

When the Lord comes to your garden, let Him enjoy your love (John 20:11-18).

 

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.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.