What I Noticed Today (2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12)
2 Chronicles 27
Jotham’s reign in Judah.
In verses 1-8, Uzziah’s son, Jotham became king of Judah when he was 20-years old, and he reigned 16 years from Jerusalem.
Note: Jotham governed the people of the land while his father had leprosy, and became king after his father, Uzziah died.
- Jotham was a good king, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, even though the people still followed corrupt practices of idol worship.
- Jotham rebuilt the city gates and fortified cities in Judah.
- Jotham became powerful because he was faithful to God, and God was with him.
- Jotham reigned 16 years, and when he died his son, Ahaz reigned in his place.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Over and over again, we see the kings start out good, become strong and powerful because they are faithful to God, and God prospers them. Then, when they are secure in their power, they become prideful, turn away from God, and lose everything they gained.
- The distance of time allows us to see clearly the reason for their failure is tied to turning away from God. Yet, here we are today, with whole nations turning away from God, yet we wonder why God does not bless us as we would expect.
Isaiah 9
Isaiah 9 describes the birth of the Prince of Peace and God’s judgment against Israel.
In verses 1-7, the birth of the Prince of Peace is prophesied.
Note: The verbs in this section are “prophetic perfect,” meaning that they are speaking of events occurring in the future but presented as though they had already happened.
The child that is to be born is to be called Wonderful Counselor (exceedingly wise), Mighty God, Eternal Father (never-ending life), and Prince of Peace (he will bring peace).
Note: Jesus is identified in Matthew 1:1 and Matthew 1:22-23 as fulfilling this prophecy.
In verses 8-21, the northern kingdom of Israel (also referred to as Jacob) is judged because of their arrogant rejection of God. The judgment would be widely known, but their pride and arrogance kept the people of Israel from repenting and returning to God. Even the leaders and prophets were ungodly and wicked, leading the people astray. The coming judgment would come from surrounding nations, from inside the nation of Israel, and from God Himself.
God’s people had rejected Him, and in their pride and arrogance refused to accept the prophesied coming judgment. They refused to repent and return to God. When the judgment came, it came from all outside as well as inside the nation.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- I cannot help but wonder, given how the world has rejected God, calling good evil and evil good, what judgment from God is due us?
Isaiah 10
Isaiah 10 declares a woe on those who are oppressing the people of Israel, a woe announcing the coming judgment on Assyria, the return of a remnant to Jerusalem, and the Lord’s judgment on Assyria.
In verses 1-4, a woe is declared on those who oppress the needy, the poor, the widows, and the fatherless children of Israel.
In verses 5-34, the fall of the Assyrian empire is described as fulfilling God’s judgment.
In verse 5, a woe is declared on Assyria
Note: Some translations do not use “Woe” in verse 5, but the same Hebrew word is used there as in verse 1.
God used Assyria to bring judgment on Israel because Israel had rejected God. But Assyria’s motive was wrong; they wanted only to conquer Israel thinking their gods were stronger than the Lord.
In verses 12-19, because of their arrogance and pride, the Lord is now bringing judgment against Assyria.
Verses 20-27, describe the return of a remnant of Israel and Judah (in that day = the day of judgment).
Verses 28-34, describe the route of the Assyrian army preparing to invade Jerusalem. However, the Assyrians would not succeed in their plan to take Jerusalem because the Lord was protecting His people.
Isaiah 11
Isaiah 11 describes the rise of God’s kingdom from the Davidic line and the gathering of a remnant of Israel.
In verse 1, the reference to a shoot from the stump of Jesse means that the line of David had been cut down (to a stump), but that the line was still alive and could grow once more (the shoot will grow).
In verses 2-9, this shoot is described as having the Spirit of the Lord resting on him, a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength and knowledge of the Lord. This shoot will judge the poor righteously and execute justice for the oppressed.
Verses 6-9 describe various animals who would normally be enemies but will coexist in peace.
Isaiah 12
Isaiah 12 describes the rejoicing of the remnant of Israel when they return to the land.
Verses 1-2, begin with “In that day…” the people will give thanks to the Lord.
Verses 3-6, begin with “In that day” the people will give thanks to the Lord, make his deeds known among nations, and sing praises shouting for joy because of all the Lord has done for the nation of Israel.
Verses 10-16, begins with “in that day” or “on that day” (depending on the translation), referring to the day that the shoot of Jesse grows. Some translations refer to “a signal for the peoples.”
Note: A more accurate translation of that Hebrew word is “banner” thus reading “a banner for the people.” The reference to the “root of Jesse” is the same idea as the previous reference to the “shoot of Jesse.”
The Lord’s people of Israel and Judah are gathered together from all over the world. The people of Israel and Judah will not be jealous of each other. They will unite to conquer enemies in all directions because the Lord is with them, and the Lord will lead them back to the land (a picture of a second Exodus).
