What I Noticed Today (Isaiah 1-4)
There is a short introduction available for the book of Isaiah. You can read it here.
Isaiah 1
In verse 1, Isaiah opens the book stating his vision is concerning Judah and Jerusalem, and specifically, events during the reigns of Judah’s kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
A courtroom scene is described in verses 2-15 as God levies His first charge against the people of Judah. The people are described as being rebellious toward God (vv. 2-4), and because of this rebellion, they had been punished by God (vv. 5-9). In fact, they had become like Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 10). Their worship of God had become nothing more than ritual (vv. 11-15).
In verses 16-20, God offered to cleanse and restore them if they would: 1) repent, 2) turn from their evil ways and 3) learn to do right (vv. 16-18). They would be prosperous if they obeyed God (v. 19), or the sword would devour them if they refused (v. 20).
In verses 21-31, Isaiah reminds the people that they had not always rebelled against God (v. 21), but they had become worthless over time (vv. 22-23). Isaiah proclaims God’s judgment on the people: He will judge those who reject Him, by purging them from Jerusalem, while He restores righteous leaders to serve the people (vv. 24-31).
Isaiah 2
In Isaiah 2, Isaiah describes the future kingdom and temple of God, Christ’s rule over the earth, God’s future judgment, and the restoration of Israel.
In verses 1-4, Isaiah describes God’s presence being established on earth in the last days (a reference to the Messiah’s future reign). His kingdom and temple will be exalted. Three purposes for Messiah’s reign: 1) to bring people to worship the Lord, 2) to cause people to heed God’s word, and 3) to bring peace to the world.
In verses 5-11, God’s judgment in the Day of the Lord will come because 1) the people follow the occult (v. 6), 2) they make alliances with unbelievers (v. 6), 3) they put their confidence in money, weapons, and the military (v. 7), 4) they engage in worship of false god’s (v. 8), and 5) they are stubborn and refuse to be humbled (v. 9). But when the day of judgment comes, they will hide in terror and be humbled (vv. 10-11).
In verses 12-18, Isaiah describes how the whole world will be humbled during the Day of the Lord. The people, the majestic trees, the majestic mountains, the military, the ships (businesses), and idols will all be humbled during the Day of the Lord.
Isaiah 3
In Isaiah 3, Isaiah describes the judgment coming specifically to Judah’s leaders; their security, bread, and water will be lost (v. 1), all types of leaders will be removed (vv. 2-3), inexperienced leaders will take their place (v. 4), these new leaders will oppress the people (v. 5), and the people will feel hopeless (vv. 6-7).
In verses 8-9, Isaiah restates why the judgment is coming; the people have rejected God and have been sinning against God openly.
In verses 10-12, Isaiah says it will go well for the true believers, but the believer should warn unbelievers that judgment was coming.
In verses 13-15, a courtroom scene is described with the Lord bringing charges against the leaders of Jerusalem and Judah because they have betrayed the trust the Lord placed in them and neglected their responsibility to God’s people.
In verses 3:16-4:1, Isaiah also notes God’s judgment will come against the women of Zion (Jerusalem). Like their male counterparts, they were hypocritical in their worship. They were immodest and full of pride.
Isaiah 4
In Isaiah 4, Isaiah’s vision shifts from judgment to the people’s future salvation.
In verses 2-6, Isaiah describes salvation that will come to a remnant after the judgment (Day of the Lord). God will provide for them, (v. 2), and set them apart to worship Him (v. 3). They will be cleansed and made holy. Then the Lord will let His presence be made known to them by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (see also Exodus 40:38).
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Following the judgment during the Day of the Lord, the Lord will maintain and restore a remnant of believers. He will cleanse them and make them holy. He will surround them day and night with His presence and will protect them.
- The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in our lives today, and Jesus is not only our Savior but our refuge in times of trouble.
