Chronological Bible Study – July 24
What I Noticed Today (Isaiah 35-36)
Isaiah 35
Isaiah 35 describes the return of the remnant during the millennial reign of Christ.
In verses 1-2, the land will become fruitful once again. The people will see the glory and majesty of God reflected in what He has done.
In verses 3-4, Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, encouraging them to stay strong and do not fear for God will come and save them.
In verses 5-7, Isaiah describes the time when God has saved them (vv. 3-4). The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will leap, and the mute will sing. The land itself will turn from a dry, barren area to a land where grass, reeds, and papyrus grow (all of which require a lot of water).
In verses 8-10, Isaiah describes a highway, known as the Way of Holiness, which will allow the remnant to travel back to Jerusalem. The unclean will not be allowed. Even a fool will be able to follow the path. Those people whom the Lord has ransomed will sing for joy and will not experience sorrow.
Isaiah 36-39
Isaiah 36-39 provide historical background important to understanding Isaiah’s ministry and the history of Judah. Isaiah 36-37 focus on God’s deliverance of the people from Assyria. Isaiah 38-39 focus on Hezekiah’s reliance on God and his prayer for deliverance.
Isaiah 36
Isaiah 36 describes Sennacherib, the king of Assyria’s, attempt to conquer Judah.
In verses 1-3, the timing of the attack is given as the fourteenth year of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:13, 701 B.C.). Sennacherib was only 30 miles from Jerusalem (Lachish) when he sent his messenger, the Rabshakeh, to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem.
In verses 4-10, the Rabshakeh met with Eliakim (Hilkiah’s son) Shebna the secretary, and Joah the recorder telling them that the people were foolish to think either Egypt or God would save them. The Rabshakeh even inferred that if God had not been on their side, why were they able to conquer all the northern kingdom and the cities of Judah down to Jerusalem?
In verses 11-20, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah asked the Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic because they hoped to avoid a panic since most of the people would not understand what was being said (Aramaic was the primary language of negotiations in that time). But the Rabshakeh continued to speak in front of the people in Hebrew warning them that the gods of other countries had not been able to save them from the Assyrians.
In verses 21-22, the people obeyed Hezekiah and did not respond to the Rabshakeh. Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah tore their clothes (a sign of mourning) and reported what the Rabshakeh had said to Hezekiah.