In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 17:7
We see once again in today's reading that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The roster of judgment in these chapters covers three of Israel's neighbor nations: Philistia (14:28-32), Moab (15-16), and Syria (17). The Philistines were proud of a successful revolt against Assyria, but Isaiah warned that this will prove temporary and they will yet be “bitten by the snake” of that empire's conquering army. Moab, including its capital city, Kir, will suffer the same fate—the land will be stripped and the people will flee in terror—for the same main reason, pride (16:6). In a similar way and for similar wrongs, possibly including a time when they took advantage of Israel or failed to come to her aid, Syria and its capital, Damascus, will be turned into a “heap of ruins.”
Since the Israelites were God's people, these judgments on foreigners were no big deal to the Lord, right? Isaiah enjoyed prophesying against his nation's enemies, right? Nothing could be further from the truth! God loves all peoples and has always had a plan for the nations. Sin and judgment grieve Him wherever they occur: “My heart cries out over Moab . . . My heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir Hareseth“ (15:5; 16:11). The Israelites were even urged to take in Moabite refugees in the Messiah's name (16:3-5).
The nations rage, events ebb and flow, but God remains in sovereign control of the unfolding of history (17:12-13). People should put away their idols and worship Him alone!
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Saturday, June 09, 2007
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