Isaiah
Lesson 4Isaiah Chapters 28-29
We continue our study of Isaiah this week with a look at Chapters 28 and 29. Upon reading this passage, you will quickly discover that Isaiah is prophesying about God’s coming judgment on Israel and the ultimate redemption that He promises for them, and the entire world, through Christ.
By way of background, we know that the immediate application of Isaiah’s writing was to warn the ten northern tribes, Israel, that if they did not repent; God would bring a great judgment on them from the North, meaning the Assyrian Empire. He then goes on in Chapter 29 to warn the two southern tribes, Judah, that the same fate awaits them if they also do not change, or repent.
As we know from history, Israel does not change and it is overrun by Assyria. The ten tribes are then carried off and dispersed throughout the Assyrian Empire in approximately 722 BC. Judah, however, repents for a time, but eventually backslides against God and is overrun by the Babylonians in approximately 585 BC.
However, a closer study of these two chapters also reveals prophesies about Christ and his Millennial reign; it also provides some very keen insights into God himself. By examining the specific things that brought judgment upon Judah, we can learn a lot about God, and about our responsibilities. Our study will also allow us to see, and avoid, the snares and traps that lead to God’s wrath.
For purposes of our study this week we will divide our time between studying what was wrong in Israel and Judah that caused God’s wrath, and what God will eventually do to, and for, the people of Israel.
What Was Wrong In Israel and Judah? (three primary things are cited)
- Read Isaiah 28:1-8. Can you identify what was wrong, what they were doing that displeased God?
- According to Isaiah 28:9-17, what else were they doing that God hated?
- And finally in Isaiah 29:9-13, what is the third indictment cited against them? (see especially verse 13)
What Will God Do? (two things are cited):
- What does God promise in Isaiah 28:16 and Matthew 21:40-44?
- Look up the following related verses, and briefly state how each relates to Christ:
- Luke 6:49
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
- Ephesians 2:19-22
- 1 Peter 2:4-8
- Read Isaiah 28:17-19. What else does God promise that he will do?
Read Isaiah 28:9 and Psalm 19:8.
- What do these two verses mean?
In this lesson, we see that our dependence on our own wisdom, our own strength, and/or our own principles for living implies that we are trusting in others or ourselves and not in God. Power, wealth, knowledge, wisdom, and allegiances are no substitutes for placing our faith and our lives completely in God’s hands. Without God we will fail, and judgment will overtake us. With God, through Christ, we will have peace and an assured victory.
Let’s use what we have learned in this lesson to alert us to the traps and snares that the world has to offer. Let us not fall prey to them, but rather let us trust only in the triune Godhead and His Holy Word – nothing else.
Furthermore, let us remember that we are "One Nation Under God", and that it was only through His divine providence that we have the independence that we celebrate today.
Finally, let’s pray this week for the safety of all our military men and women, in particular for our loved ones serving in the Middle East. Pray that God will bring a quick and lasting peace, and that all can return home safely.
Yours in Christ,
Wes
[2003]