Isaiah 13 - 16

 Click HERE to read the passage.

Today, we get to look into the future! We not only learn lessons of how God uses other people or nations to punish His own when they sin, but we get to see the prophecy of Israel’s return to Jerusalem in 1948, as well as how Satan was cast out of Heaven, and why, and how he now wreaks havoc on the earth. It’s an incredibly interesting study today!

Let’s begin!

We all learn from the mistakes of others, or at least a few of us do.  Have you ever been acquainted with someone who always has to learn the hard way?  Well, that’s exactly what is happening to Judah.

There seems to be (to some people) a deliciously satisfying feeling when bad people get what they deserve. Have you ever felt a sense of victory when someone gets “their just desert” such as when the guy who speeds by you at 100 mph eventually gets pulled over by the cops, or your obnoxious co-worker is gets fired for the very obnoxious things you hate, or perhaps even when a corrupt politician finally lands in jail?

But wait! Smugness in the face of another’s calamity diminishes when you remember your own shortcomings and imperfections. Or at least it should. Judah felt smug about their relationship to God (or lack thereof). And, the surrounding nations are going to boast about their defeat soon. But God always returns the favor to those who hurt His own. And, that’s what we read about in today’s reading.

It’s interesting how God uses Judah enemies as “a weapon” to punish Judah for their sins?  God tells Isaiah, “They are the Lord’s weapons; they carry His anger with them and will destroy the whole land.” God can use anything and anyone as a tool for correcting us when we stray from Him…even our enemies.

In chapter 13, God goes into horrific detail as to just how bad it will get for Babylon after He uses them to punish His people. Judah will go into exile when the Assyrians come. But the Assyrians will be conquered by Babylon around 607 B.C.  Later, God will stir up the Medes and Persians (around 538 B.C) with such hostility against Babylon, and  describes the future events as such:

-          People will scream in terror – 13:6

-          Few people will survive – 13:12

-          Wives will be raped and children will be killed without an ounce of mercy – 13:16-18

-          Babylon will NEVER rise again – 13:20

The Millennial Reign of Christ

As God shares these future events with Isaiah, it seems as though He shares some of what will happen as Jesus comes back to reign on earth (13:9-13) as He talks about the “day of the Lord is coming”– how He will shake the heavens, how there will be no light from the moon or stars, and how His purpose is to punish the entire world for sin.

Then, He reverts back to future events relating to Babylon’s destruction which happened around 538 B.C. and just how bad it will get for Babylon.

Israel Becomes A Nation Again in 1948

As we begin chapter 14, God shares with Isaiah about how He will one day show His mercy on Judah and Israel and return them to their own land.  From history, we know that happened in 1948 during the 6-day war under the fearless leadership of David Ben-Gurion.

I find it interesting how God shares what the dead from Hell will do!  Notice 14:9. God says, “In the palace of the dead (or Hell) there is excitement over your arrival. World leaders and mighty kings long dead are there to see you.”  How horrible it must be to die and at that moment of death realize that God is real and His people Israel and all those who’ve put their trust in Jesus Christ were right all along, and they were dead wrong!  All those who preach death to Israel and death to Christians will come to a full revelation of how wrong they were and will actually show enthusiasm over God’s vengeance and His love for His people.

The Revealing of Satan

In fact, in 14:12-19 describes “who” Satan is and how the whole world will one day look upon him as he’s cast into the pit as the one who’s brought all the evil into the world. We also see “who” Satan was and “how” he sinned against God and “why” he was cast out of Heaven.

God describes him in 14:12 as “Oh shining star, son of the morning.”  In Ezekiel 28:11-19, we see more of how God describes Satan. But “how” he got kicked out of Heaven is important for us to understand.  In 14:13-14, God reveals what happened. Here are the 5 things Satan (once a Cherubim beneath the throne of God) said that God him into trouble:

-          I will ascend to Heaven

-          Set my throne above God’s stars (speaking of angels and the other heavenly host)

-          Will preside on the mountain of God (in other words, sit on God’s throne)

-          Climb to the highest Heaven (which is the place God occupies)

-          And be like the Most High (he wants to be God!)

Satan’s pride ruined him, just like it does with all of us.  And God’s answer for his sin is found in 14:19, “You will descend to the pit.”

As we move in chapter 15 & 16, we learn that within 3 years Moab will be overrun and destroyed. As we read these passages, even though the events are yet future, notice how God shares it will Isaiah as though it is happening now!  Only God can see the future as the present!  Think about that.

Jesus On The Throne In Jerusalem

One last point I want to show you is found in 16:4-5.  It says, “When oppression and destruction have ceased and the enemy raiders have disappeared, then David’s throne will be established by love. From that throne a faithful king (Jesus Christ) will reign, one who always does what is just and right.”

As you read the Bible, keep in mind that God has a purpose in it all. That one day He will set up His kingdom on earth and we’ll live as God intended everyone to live – in honor and glory to Him! It will happen.  Are you excited?