My Daily Bible study - Isaiah (2)

[Frances]

Isaiah 26+27

What does the text say? – In that day a song of Salvation will be sung proclaiming those faithful to the Lord will be kept in perfect peace, they those who do not allow their imagination to stray from Him because they trust Him. He is the Rock of Ages. He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant. For those who are righteous the way is not steep and rough, for He smoothes their path. The Lord’s people show their trust in Him by obeying Him. Even though the Lord is Gracious and Merciful some folk will always be opposed to Him. The Lord will grant His people Peace. All the good we accomplish is the Lord working through us. Others have ruled over us, but we worship the Lord who has made our nation great. Those who die trusting the Lord for Salvation will Live; they will rise again and sing for joy. When the Lord’s anger has passed He will come from Heaven to punish all people for their Sins. In that day the Lord will kill leviathan, the dragon, He will care for His ‘vineyard’, He will burn all ‘briars and thorns’ unless they return to Him and make peace with Him. Israel will fill the whole world with fruit. The Lord only exiled Israel to purge her wickedness regarding worshipping other gods. Yet a time will come when the Lord will gather His people one by one.

Application? – Do I ever doubt that God’s Way is best? Am I ever proud or arrogant? However difficult life may seem do I know the Lord makes it much easier than it would have been if He was not my Lord. Do I always obey the Lord? Does my life Glorify the Lord? Do I experience the Lord’s Peace? Do I allow the Lord to work through me? Do I worship Him in the way He wants? Does the Lord regard me as good fruit or a harmful weed? Do I turn to the Lord in repentance?

[Frances]

Isaiah 28

What does the text say? – Isaiah prophesied that sorrow awaited Samaria, the crown of the drunks of Israel, it’s beauty will fade like a flower, it will be destroyed by wine. An army will be sent by the Lord that will smash the city of drunks. Then the Lord will be worshipped by the remainder of His people, He will give courage to His appointed leaders and warriors. In the meantime the drunken priests and prophets wonder why the Lord speaks to them as though they were small children; one day He will speak through their conquerors because they will not heed what He says, so they will be injured, trapped and captured. Listen people of Jerusalem, you may think your lies and deception will protect you but the Lord says He will test you with the plumb-line of justice and righteousness. You will be trampled into the ground by a constant flood of warriors. The Lord will come and crush the whole land. Pay close attention, the Lord of Heaven’s armies will teach you wisdom, in the same way as He has taught farmers what to do and how to do it.

Application? – Do I drink too much alcohol? Do I apply the Lord’s Word to my life, or read His Word assuming it does not apply to me? Have I been injured, trapped, and captured by my Sins? Do I heed the still, small Voice of the Lord?

[Frances]

Isaiah 29

What does the text say? – Sorrow awaits the city of David for it will become an altar covered with blood; for I, God, will be your enemy and lay a siege and destroy it. Yet your ruthless physical enemy will be crushed. Don’t you believe Me? You are blind and stupid, not as a result of alcohol but because the Lord has poured on you a spirit of sleep – the prophets have no Vision of future events. The Lord says ‘these people honour Me with their mouths but their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote; because of this I will astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear. Sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the Lord, thinking He doesn’t know what they do. The Lord is the ‘Potter’ and much greater than the human ‘clay’ in His Hand. One day soon the deaf will hear and the blind will see, the humble will be filled with joy from the Lord and the poor will rejoice in Him, the scoffers and arrogant people will disappear and those who plot evil and give false testimony, perverting justice, will disappear. The Lord’s people will recognise the Holy One of Israel, stand in awe of Him and follow His Ways.

Application? – Do I do and say ‘Christian things’ so I appear to worship the Lord, but have no love for Him in my heart? Is my ‘worship’ no more than a litany learned by rote? Do I consult the Lord before making any plans and heed His advise? Am I willing to change my plans to please the Lord? Do I allow the Lord to mould me in the way He desires, or do I resist Him? Do I stand in awe of the Lord and follow His Ways?

[Frances]

Isaiah 30

What does the text say? – The Lord says that sorrow awaits His rebellious people who oppose His plans for them, and make alliances not directed by His Spirit, adding to their Sins. Because they trust Pharaoh they will be humbled and disgraced. Concerning the Negev – Egypt will give no protection even though you suffer hardship to pay them to protect you, Egypt’s promises are worthless. The Lord’s people refuse to pay attention to His Instructions, they will only listen to what they want to hear and not about God and His Ways. The Holy One of Israel says that because His people despise what He says calamity will come suddenly and they will be smashed, like a shattered pot. Only by returning to the Lord God, and resting in Him, will they be saved and gain strength in quietness and confidence in Him. Until then your enemies will chase you and you will be left like a dead tree on a hill. The Lord will only show His compassion, faithfulness and Love when you come to Him. Blessed are those who wait for His help. The people who live in Jerusalem will be helped by the Lord if they ask for His help, for though He allows them to suffer He wants to teach them His Way. When you return to Him He will hear His people and Heal the wounds He has given them, but His anger burns hot, like fire from a volcano, against His enemies.

Application? – Do I make plans not directed by God’s Spirit? Do I trust what money can buy for my protection? Do I pay attention to the Lord’s Instructions? Do I ignore His plans then wonder why I have troubles? Would I be wise to put all my confidence in the Lord and spend time quietly with Him each day? Do I ask the Lord for His help then endeavour to be faithful to Him until that help arrives?

Quote:- (Henry H. Halley) “ It came to pass 100 years later through Babylon, Very shortly the Assyrian army was routed and within a 100 years the Assyrian Empire destroyed.

[Frances]

Isaiah 31+32

What does the text say? – Arrows await those who rely on Egypt instead of the Holy One for help, for He will send disaster on them. The Lord of Heaven’s army will fight at Mount Zion and hover over Jerusalem to protect it, like a bird protecting it’s nest, He will save the city and rescue it. Return to the Lord and throw away your idols, when you do the Assyrians will fall against the Sword of the Lord God. A righteous king is coming and honest princes will rule under him. then everyone will recognise the truth and will be full of understanding. At that time ungodly fools will not be regarded as heroes or respected when they spread false teaching about the Lord. You lazy idle women will be troubled in a little over a year when the grape harvest fails and the land grow only thorns and thistles, your happy homes and towns will be gone, the palace and city will be deserted, wild donkeys and sheep will graze in the empty forts until the Holy Spirit is poured out on us again and the wilderness becomes fruitful field; then justice and righteousness will rule. The result of righteousness will be quietness, assurance and peace forever and the Lord’s people will be secure.

Application? – Do I rely on the Lord or other people to help and protect me? Do I ever disregard the Lord and His Word? Do I pray for an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit? Do I enjoy the assurance of security in the Lord?

[Frances]

Isaiah 33

What does the text say? – Sorrow awaits the Assyrians because they are treacherous with those who do not deal treacherously with them, one day they will be treated in the way they treat others. O Lord be Gracious to us and Save us, for You alone are able to. The Lord fills Zion with justice and righteousness. As we demonstrate out trust in Him He will give us wisdom, knowledge and stability. At the moment we have no security on the highways. The Assyrians have broken the Peace Treaty; Israel is in mourning, the land has been plundered, but the Lord will destroy them. The sinners in Zion are afraid of the Power of God, but those who are honest, who refuse to profit by fraud or bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who have nothing to do with any wrong-doing, have nothing to fear. They will see the King and the far land. They will see Jerusalem, where the Lord is. He will Save us. The people who dwell with Him will be forgiven sins.

Application? – Do I ever say one thing and do another? Does my life demonstrate trust in the Lord? Do I ever break a promise? Am I honest? Do I do anything under-handed? Am I afraid of the Power of God? Have I accepted His offer of Salvation?

Quote:- (Henry H. Halley)”Chapters 28-33 belong to the terrifying days of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, as told in 36 and 37. Sennacherib’s army was pillaging cities and ravaging the countryside (8+9) The people were panic-stricken (13+14). Through it all Isaiah goes about calmly assuring the people that God will smite the enemy with terror, and they shall flee leaving vast loot (3+4); God, Himself, protecting Jerusalem like an encircling stream on which the enemy’s disintegrating ships go down (21-13 See chapters 36,37).”

[Frances]

Isaiah 34+35

What does the text say? – The Lord is enraged against the nations and will show His fury by destroying their armies. The heavens will be rolled up like a scroll and the stars fall from the sky, just like withered leaves fall from the vines. The sword of the Lord will fall on Edom paying them back for all they have done to Israel, and that Judgement will never end; the land will be deserted for ever, except for wild animals, reptiles and birds. The desert will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon and Carmel, for there the Lord will show His Greatness. Strengthen your weak hands and feeble knees and don’t be fearful for your God is coming to destroy your enemies and Save you, and when He comes He will open blind eyes and deaf ears and the lame will leap like deer and the dumb will sing. Then springs will flow in the wilderness and streams in the desert so the parched ground will become a pool. There will be a Highway of Holiness only for those who are redeemed and obey God, there will be no danger there. The Redeemed of the Lord will come with singing to Zion, sorrow and mourning will flee away.

Application? – have I ever said or done anything against Israel and therefore incurred the God’s wrath? Have I accepted His offer of Redemption through Jesus Christ? The Lord is always willing to strengthen me and fill me with peace instead of fear. Do I travel on the Highway of Holiness?

[Frances]

Isaiah 36

What does the text say? – In the 14th year of Hezekiah’s reign king Sennacherib of Assyria attacked the fortified towns (cities)of Judah and conquered them, then he sent his chief of staff from Lachish to Jerusalem with a great army to persuade the people to surrender. When he arrived Hezekiah sent his court secretary, palace administrator and royal historian out to meet them. They begged the Assyrian to speak in Aramaic instead of Hebrew so the people on the wall wouldn’t know what they said; but he shouted instead, ensuring they heard him say that Hezekiah deceived them by saying the Lord would save them, because the Lord had sent the Assyrians to conquer and destroy the land, so He would certainly not save them. He said the king of Assyria offered peace if they would open the gates and surrender, then they would stay at home until they were taken to another land to live, he pointed out that no god had yet saved their people from Sennacherib’s power. The people on the wall were as silent as Hezekiah had told them to be.

Application? – do I trust anyone who says ‘the Lord said’ if what they say contradicts what I know of Him from His Word? Do I ensure I know what God’s Word says of Him, or only what other people have told me? Do I allow myself to be intimidated by physical strength or do I trust the infinitely greater Power of God? Do I obey Godly leaders?

[Frances]

Isaiah 37

What does the text say? – When king Hezekiah heard what the Assyrian said he tore his clothes, put on sack-cloth and went to the house of God, then sent messengers to Isaiah the prophet to ask him to pray for the people’s survival. Isaiah told them to tell Hezekiah not to be afraid of what the Assyrian had said against Him, for He would arrange for Sennacherib to hear a rumour and return to his own land and there be killed. The messenger the king of Assyria sent returned to the king and sent a letter to Hezekiah saying he must not let his God deceive him, as no god could stand against Assyrian might. Hezekiah laid the letter before the Lord and prayed, acknowledging that He, alone, was able to save them. Then Isaiah sent a message to Hezekiah that the Lord would allow a remnant in Judah to live and grow strong, for He would defend the city for His own, and David’s sake. Then the Angel of the Lord killed 85,000 of the Assyrian army overnight, so Sennacherib returned home to Nineveh; as he was worshipping his god Nisrock 2 of his sons killed him and escaped, then another of his sons, Esarhaddon became king.

Application? – Do I continue to trust God to save me, even though powerful people think my trust in Him is laughable?

[Frances]

Isaiah 38+39

What does the text say? – When Hezekiah was sick and near death Isaiah, the prophet, told him to put his affairs in order because he would soon die. Hezekiah was distressed, and prayed to God. Then Isaiah returned to say that God had added 15 years to Hezekiah’s life, and would prove it by making the shadow on the sun-dial go backwards 10 degrees. When Hezekiah had recovered he wrote his thoughts at the time of his illness down; he acknowledged that the Lord’s discipline is good as it leads to life and health that, as He had allowed Hezekiah to live and had Forgiven his sins, he would always praise Him. At that time the king of Babylon sent Hezekiah presents. He was so pleased with them that he showed the messengers all his treasures and possessions throughout his kingdom. When Isaiah discovered Hezekiah had shown the Babylonians all his possessions Isaiah said that after Hezekiah was dead the Babylonians would come and take everything, and some of his sons who they would make eunuchs, back to Babylon. Hezekiah was content that there would be peace in his lifetime.

Application? – are all my affairs in order if I was to die today? Eg. have I made a legal Will? Do I recognise the benefits of the Lord’s discipline? Have I fulfilled God’s conditions (to trust Jesus Christ death on my behalf, and His resurrection) for the Forgiveness of my Sins? Am I too open, or sensibly cautious, when telling others of my affairs? Am I only concerned with my own comfort?

[Frances]

Isaiah 40

What does the text say? – Jerusalem’s warfare is ended, her iniquity is pardoned, for the Lord has finished punishing her for her Sins. Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord, make a highway through the desert for our God. Fill in the valleys, level the mountains and hills, straighten the curves and smooth the rough places, then the Glory of the Lord will be revealed. People are like plants in the way their beauty fades and they wither beneath the Breath of the Lord, but His Word stands forever. He is coming in Power and will rule His people gently and tenderly. No one can compare with the Lord. Haven’t you heard? Haven’t you understood? The Lord God has no equal, He is the Holy One, the Creator of all things, He never grows tired or weary, no one can measure the depth of His understanding. The Lord gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength, they will soar like eagles, they will run and not get weary, they will walk and not faint.

Application? – Do I clear the way for the Lord in the minds of those who don’t yet know Him? Do I ensure they know the full Gospel – not a watered down version? Do I allow the Holy One to rule over my thoughts and actions? The Lord will give me the strength I need for every situation I will meet throughout my life.

Quote:- (Henry H. Halley) – “The advent of Christ is the subject of 1-11, verses 3-5 are quoted in all 4 Gospels as referring to His arrival on earth . . . mentions in this connection, of God’s Word as eternally impregnable(6-8) means that God’s prophetic Promises cannot fail; Christ and heaven are sure.“

[Frances]

Isaiah 41

What does the text say? – Isaiah said that in future the Lord will call a king from the east, who recognises His Power, to conquer the nations. Many idols will be made as people seek protection from him. Israel, the descendants of Jacob, are servants of the Lord so He says to them “ Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right Hand”. He said all those who fight against His people will perish, so they must not be afraid for He will redeem them. The Lord will make His people like a threshing sledge with sharp teeth, and they will rejoice in Him, the Holy One of Israel. When the poor and needy search for water in the desert the Lord will provide it, and plant trees in the barren wilderness. The Lord God has Called one from the north, to come from the east, to conquer those who worship idols.

Application? – Am I fully aware of the Lord’s Power? Have I created any idols for myself (anything that takes the place in my life that rightfully belongs to the Lord God). Is my faith in God stronger than my fear of what might (but probably won’t) happen? Do I allow the Lord to use me like a threshing sledge with sharp teeth? Do I rejoice in the Power of the Holy One of Israel?

Quote- (Henry H. Halley)”Cyrus is not named here, but is in 44:28 and 45:1, unmistakably is the one from the east, and the one from the north. (armies from the east always entered Israel from the north). Isaiah died 150 years before the days of Cyrus, yet here is given a vision of his rapid conquest of the world.”

[Frances]

Isaiah 42

What does the text say? – The Lord said His people must look at His Servant, His chosen One, whom He will strengthen with His Spirit. He will quietly bring justice to all people, He will not fail or lose heart, He will demonstrate God’s Justice. The Lord God will guard Him and give Him to His people, Israel; a symbol of His Covenant with them, and a light to guide the gentiles. He will open blind eyes, set captives free, and release those in despair. He will not give His Glory to anyone or anything else. So sing a new song to the Lord and Glorify Him, He will crush all His enemies, He will brighten the darkness for His people, and smooth the road they travel. The Lord God will not forsake them, but all who worship idols will be ashamed. You know what is right but don’t do it, so the Lord has allowed His people to be robbed and hurt because they don’t obey Him, nor have they learned their lesson.

Application? – Do I obey the Lord in every way? Have I learned that even what I consider the smallest possible Sin separates me from God, but Jesus Christ has made a way back to Him for me though repentance and faith?

[Frances]

Isaiah 43

What does the text say? – The Lord, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour wants those He has Redeemed to remember they belong to Him. They have nothing to fear and He will always be with them whatever happens, and one day He will bring His people back to the land He has given them. The Lord is the only Saviour, He was the only God before time began, and will still be when it is no more. The Lord will protect His obedient people from all who fight against them. What is past is past, now He will do a new thing – make a road in the wilderness and springs in the desert. But His people have not prayed to Him, they have neglected Him; although He has not wearied them with demands they don’t honour Him, but have wearied Him with all their faults and Sins. Yet He is willing to Forgive and Forget their Sins if they can prove their innocence; however they have Sinned from the beginning, so He has decreed their destruction and shame.

Application? – Do I always remember I have nothing to fear because I belong to Jesus Christ? Do I realise He will always be with me? Is my place in heaven with Him secure by my determination to obey Him? Am I willing to follow Him into each wilderness and desert that confronts me? Do I neglect the Lord? Does my life honour Him? Do my failings and sins weary Him? I will never be innocent but God offers to forgive and forget my Sins through my repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Quote :- (Henry H. Halley)”God had formed the nation for Himself. The nation had been increasingly disobedient. Still they were God’s nation, and through all their sins and sufferings God would work to demonstrate to all the world that He, and He alone, is God”.

[Frances]

Isaiah 44

What does the text say? – The Lord tells His people not to be afraid for He will quench their thirst and irrigate their ground, He will pour out His Spirit on their descendants and His Blessing on their children. The Lord of Hosts is Israel’s King and Redeemer, He is the First and the Last and the only God and there is no other rock. Idols are useless. How foolish are those who make or worship them; from one tree comes firewood for heating and baking, and also for making the god/idol they worship, expecting it to help them - they have no knowledge or understanding of their foolishness. Pay attention Jacob, the Lord will not forget Israel, He wants them to return to Him, for He has paid for their freedom. The Lord has Redeemed Israel and Glorified Himself. He made all things, the heavens and the earth, He exposes false prophets and causes them to give bad advise, but confirms the words of His prophets. Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and the Temple restored, by Cyrus.

Application? – Do I trust the Lord or am I fearful? Do I acknowledge the Lord of Host is my King? Do I worship any idols? The Lord Jesus Christ has paid for my Freedom from Sin and Satan – do I Glorify God by obeying Him?