We are diving into some difficult chapters now, the oracles against the nations. There are days that I have to remind myself, why exactly am I studying Isaiah?
If I believe that all scripture is inspired by God, I have to believe that ALL scripture is inspired by God. That means Isaiah too including all the chapters on judgment and coming destruction.
With that settled, how do I approach these chapters? I offer two suggestions that helped me not be discouraged by chapter 13. Go back and reread chapter 12. In fact, reread chapter 12 after each of the next 10 chapters at least.
I'm using three primary resources while studying Isaiah, besides different Bible translations. This book has been the most valuable of the three. I stumbled over it in a box of books someone gave me to donate for them. What a gift from God just for me! The second is Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah found free online. It's a lot to wade through but provides good insights. The third is Walvoord's Bible Knowledge Commentary which fills in a lot of the unfamiliar historical information. I guess a fourth would be my Strong's Concordance app.
I'm also asking the same question I have been: what does this teach me/reveal to me about the heart of God? Even chapters that dwell on what God hates reveal to me in the process the things God loves. Additionally, I can ask what the passage reveals to me about people.
A fast reading through chapter 13 in the Message reminds me:
Judgement belongs to the Lord.
God's power is greater than I could ever grasp.
God WILL take care of things in the end. He has a plan and He has it under control.
I should never take God lightly. Fear of the Lord is a real thing. (Maybe I need to reflect more on that.)
Things God does not tolerate: sin, evil, pride.
This oracle against Babylon is directed at the most important city in the Assyrian empire as well and the capital of the empire that will conquer Assyria. Babylon is also a symbol of world empires opposed to the Lord. (Rev. 17-18)
The Lord of hosts is mustering a host for battle. The description that follows is either thrilling or terrifying depending on your point of view. I don't want to be on the wrong end of the Lord's weapons of indignation! But if our Defender strikes such fear in those who oppose us, what do we EVER have to be afraid of! I see this theme of who we should fear being repeated in Isaiah. Do you fear the Assyrians? The Philistines? Do I fear a certain presidential candidate? My boss? Terrorists? Disease?
God's wrath is not indiscriminate. He is slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and gives countless opportunities for repentance. Yet His holiness demands justice for sinners, punishment for evil and wickedness, and an end to arrogance. We who live under the New Covenant need not fear his wrath. Yet we should not make the mistake of thinking God has relaxed his standards of holiness. His holiness is the same; His justice demands that sin be punished. The description of wrath we read in chapter 13 is the full wrath Jesus took for us. Maybe that will help us consider that sacrifice a little differently.
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