What I Noticed Today (Isaiah 28-30)
Isaiah 28
Isaiah 28 announces a “woe” on the Northern Kingdom because they trusted in their wealth instead of God.
In verses 1-4, the woe is proclaimed against Ephraim (the largest tribe in the Northern Kingdom). Ephraim is described as a proud crown (v. 3) that will be judged. Samaria, the capital of Ephraim, is described as a wreath or majestic crown (depending on the translation) that will fade and be trampled underfoot.
In verses 5-6, the Lord is described as a crown (or a beautiful wreath) of splendor bringing justice and strength to the remnant.
In verses 7-8, the Northern Kingdom is described as a drunkard with the leaders (priests and prophets) being so drunk they vomit and see false visions.
In verses 9-13, the priests and prophets Isaiah just referred to respond mocking Isaiah’s words, rejecting his prophecy. Isaiah responds saying if they reject him, others from foreign countries would deliver judgment on them (referring to the Assyrians who were advancing on Israel).
In verses 14-22, Isaiah’s oracle of woe shifts to the Southern Kingdom. Isaiah warns the people of the Southern Kingdom; they should not think they would not face judgment because they had made a covenant with death and Sheol (false gods). God affirms they will not be protected by these false gods, and they will face judgment. God even warned them to stop mocking Isaiah or their destruction would be more severe.
In verses 23-29, Isaiah provides some comfort, saying that the judgment will last a short time until the land is purged. Using a metaphor of God as the Master Farmer, God is portrayed as the farmer who plows, plants, and harvests in a season. Each type of plant is planted and harvested properly
Isaiah 29
Isaiah 29 announces the second of five woes, this one upon Jerusalem and Judah in an effort to get them to repent and return to God.
In verses 1-4, Isaiah refers to “Ariel.” This is a reference to Jerusalem (the city where David settled).
Note: Ariel means “altar hearth” (Ezekiel 43:15) referring to the place in the temple where the burnt offerings were made.
In verses 5-8, Isaiah shifts from describing the judgment on Jerusalem to describing the protection God would provide against their enemies.
In verses 9-12, Isaiah shifts back to God’s judgment on the people of Jerusalem. The people are described as blind, unable to see clearly what was happening to them, and unable to read the scroll giving them instructions.
In verses 13-14, the people’s worship is described as meaningless and legalistic, not from their hearts. As a result, they had no wisdom.
In verses 15-16, another woe is pronounced on those who thought they were hiding their actions from the Lord.
In verses 17-21, the situation changes in the future. The phrase “in a very short time” (or “a very little while”) is a reference to the Millennial kingdom. Lebanon will again be fertile, the deaf and blind will hear and see, the needy will rejoice because of what the Lord will do for them, and those who deprive the innocent of justice will be punished.
Isaiah 30
The oracle in Isaiah 30 and 31 is focused on the people of Judah who wanted to make an alliance with Egypt to protect them from the Assyrian invasion.
In verses 1-5, the woe is pronounced on the people of Judah who wanted to form an alliance with Egypt to protect them from the Assyrian invasion, rather than turning to God for protection.
In verses 6-7, Isaiah describes the people of Judah taking expensive gifts through dangerous territory to Egypt, but Egypt’s help will be worthless.
Note: The reference to Rahab is to Egypt, but Rahab is also known as a monster representing chaos (Job 26:12-13).
In verses 8-11, Isaiah describes the people refusing to listen to God, so God tells Isaiah to write down his instructions so they could never claim they hadn’t heard them.
In verses 12-17, the people of Judah who rejected God’s word and don’t want to listen to Isaiah now receive another word from God. Because they have relied on oppression and deceit, their judgment will come suddenly and severe. They think they will be able to escape, but their pursuers will be faster.
In verses 18-22, the Lord reassures the people of Judah that those who continue to trust in Him will be saved. They will heed God’s instructions (walk this way) and get rid of all unclean things (idols).
In verses 23-26, Isaiah describes life for those who believe in and live according to God’s word during the Millennial reign of Christ. God will send rain, crops will be plentiful, and the animals will have plenty of food.
Note: The phrase “in the great day of slaughter” may be a reference to the Battle of Armageddon, after which the Israelites will enjoy peace and God’s blessings.
In verses 27-33, Isaiah shifts back to the present time prophesying the Assyrian army who had surrounded Jerusalem would be defeated, and God would bring a flame of fire and hailstones against the Assyrians.
