Isaiah 34-39
More judgment. The Lord is angry with all nations. That's not good. Many images of blood and dismemberment throughout chapter 34. Edom seems to be taking the brunt of the assault. The place will be a wasteland after God gets through with it. Yet by 34:16, we see those in the Lord's favor are protected. Continuing through chpater 35, there is joy for those whom God saves. The ransomed of the Lord will return, singing as they come.
We return to narrative in chapter 36 with the story of Sennacherib's seige of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah has wisely thought ahead to keep his own citizens from getting into a shouting match with the Assyrians. The people on the wall heard the boastful threats of the commander, but said nothing, as per instructions.
The boast were based on Assyria's accumulated victories. If the other gods couldn't stop them, then why would Israel's God be able to? The commander taunts the people on the wall in Hebrew to be sure they understand. He tries to persuade them to turn against Hezekiah. It sounds like the captivity will be better than the current conditions, and perhaps it would have been.
The administrator, the secretary and the recorder report back to the king. Hezekiah sends them to Isaiah the prophet for instructions. The king asks God to avenge those who insulted the Living God. Isaiah's message for the king is to ignore the Assyrians. As prophecied, the Assyrian forces are to be called home to deal with the Cushites. But Sennacherib still tries to convince Hezekiah
to surrender.
Hezekiah prays sincerely and honestly. This is a great example of how we should approach the Living God. The king's answer is a favorable one because of this honest and humble prayer. The angel of the Lord kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight. Sennacherib broke camp and went home. Assumedly, the troops went as well. Sennacherib, as predicted, is cut down in another battle.
Chapter 38 deals with the king's severe illness -- an infected boil, it appears from 38:21. In any case, Hezekiah's death is imminent until he prays. Isaiah sends word that God has granted the king 15 more years. Hezekiah's prayer of thanksgiving is touching.
The good will party from Babylon is shown everything in the palace. Perhaps Hezekiah is showing off. In any case, Isaiah gives Hezekiah the bad news and the king takes it well -- after all, he thinks, "it's all going to happen after I'm dead." What a poor way to go out. It is not clear whether this punishment is because of Hezekiah's antics, although the way it is phrased, we are led to believe that the particulars of the exile are chosen because of the king's bragging.
We return to narrative in chapter 36 with the story of Sennacherib's seige of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah has wisely thought ahead to keep his own citizens from getting into a shouting match with the Assyrians. The people on the wall heard the boastful threats of the commander, but said nothing, as per instructions.
The boast were based on Assyria's accumulated victories. If the other gods couldn't stop them, then why would Israel's God be able to? The commander taunts the people on the wall in Hebrew to be sure they understand. He tries to persuade them to turn against Hezekiah. It sounds like the captivity will be better than the current conditions, and perhaps it would have been.
The administrator, the secretary and the recorder report back to the king. Hezekiah sends them to Isaiah the prophet for instructions. The king asks God to avenge those who insulted the Living God. Isaiah's message for the king is to ignore the Assyrians. As prophecied, the Assyrian forces are to be called home to deal with the Cushites. But Sennacherib still tries to convince Hezekiah
to surrender.
Hezekiah prays sincerely and honestly. This is a great example of how we should approach the Living God. The king's answer is a favorable one because of this honest and humble prayer. The angel of the Lord kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight. Sennacherib broke camp and went home. Assumedly, the troops went as well. Sennacherib, as predicted, is cut down in another battle.
Chapter 38 deals with the king's severe illness -- an infected boil, it appears from 38:21. In any case, Hezekiah's death is imminent until he prays. Isaiah sends word that God has granted the king 15 more years. Hezekiah's prayer of thanksgiving is touching.
I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.That is compelling. If only we would learn without all the anguish.
The good will party from Babylon is shown everything in the palace. Perhaps Hezekiah is showing off. In any case, Isaiah gives Hezekiah the bad news and the king takes it well -- after all, he thinks, "it's all going to happen after I'm dead." What a poor way to go out. It is not clear whether this punishment is because of Hezekiah's antics, although the way it is phrased, we are led to believe that the particulars of the exile are chosen because of the king's bragging.
posted by rev-ed @ 8:23 PM
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