TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 5
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness. - Isaiah 5:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the Parable of the Tenants (Matt. 21:33-44), Jesus described a landowner who planted a vineyard and rented it out. At harvest time, he sent his servants to collect what was due, but the tenants refused to pay. Instead they beat, stoned, and killed the owner's messengers. When he finally sent his son, thinking they would at least respect him, they gave him the same violent treatment. Those foolish tenants would be severely judged for their wrong actions!

Clearly, Jesus based this parable on today's reading in Isaiah, which uses extended metaphors of a vineyard and a court case to summarize the history of God's relationship with Israel (v. 7; cf. John 15:1-8). God had lovingly cultivated and cared for the vineyard, but it had yielded only bad fruit and as a result would suffer destruction. The “good fruit” should have been justice and righteousness, but there was none to be found. To judge the case in favor of God is an easy decision.

After the judgment comes the sentence, which is delivered in the form of six “woes,” a word indicating both suffering and sorrow. Who deserved punishment? It's a lengthy list: first, the greedy super-rich who kept adding to their holdings at the expense of others; second, proud pleasure-seekers who had no respect for God (v. 12); third, brazen mockers who sarcastically called for God to act because they didn't really believe He could or would; fourth, those who lacked moral discernment, who were themselves deceived as well as deceiving others; fifth, conceited or proud people; and sixth, leaders who corrupted justice in favor of their own selfish desires and temporal pleasures.

The sentence's grievous punishment is to be executed by a foreign conqueror. God will sovereignly “whistle” for it to come (as one might call a dog) and allow it to swoop in for the kill. Yet He will remain in control and pledged to watch over and eventually deliver His vineyard (27:2-3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah 5 is a lament over Israel's coming exile and the sin that brought it on. A “lament” is a song or poem expressing grief, sorrow, or regret—they are found in Psalms and Lamentations, for example, as well as throughout world literature. If you're feeling creative today or need something different for your devotions, you might try using this scriptural expression to write your own lament over sin or tragedy in your personal or family life. Offer it to the Lord as an expression of your heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 6
Here am I. Send me! - Isaiah 6:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Inspired by today's reading, one of the classic hymns of the church proclaims: “Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, / Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea. / Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, / Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. . . . Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! / All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth, and sky, and sea. / Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! / God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!”

Chapters 1-5 have been like a preface for the book of Isaiah—now the prophet presents his credentials, so to speak. The year was 740 B.C., and the death of Uzziah, who had been for the most part a godly king for half a century, marked the end of an era (see 2 Chron. 26). In that year, Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord. He was seated on a throne, signifying kingship and sovereignty. The attendant angels testified to His holiness, while they covered their faces (because no one can gaze directly at God's glory) and their feet (because that's what should be done in the presence of holiness) (cf. Rev. 4:6-9).

Confronted with such a vision, Isaiah saw without delusion his own sinfulness and unworthiness. All pride and pretense were stripped away. “Woe to me!” he cried out. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (v. 5). Like many of God's servants, he identified with his people even though he brought them a message that included judgment.

The focus is on Isaiah's lips because they had a special association with his calling as a prophet. They needed purifying or cleansing by divine fire—only then could he respond in obedience to God's question. The Lord entrusted His prophet with a message of judgment and repentance, but also warned him that the people would be unresponsive, that is, that his ministry would be unproductive from a human perspective (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you no doubt know, the hymn that began today's devotion, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” is a classic. Especially if you've never considered memorizing a hymn before, this would be a good one to start with. If you don't have a hymnbook at home, the words and music (including a keyboard sound file) may be found at www.cyberhymnal.org. Knowing the words by heart and singing them throughout the day can help remind you of the awesome and loving greatness of our Father God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 7:1-9:7, Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. - Isaiah 9:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that causes people to feel depressed from lack of sunlight. During the long winter months, for example, moods may turn blue for reasons related to brain chemistry, especially a lack of serotonin. Doctors have found several ways to treat SAD. One is negative ionization therapy, that is, a device emits negatively-charged oxygen particles. Another is a “dawn machine” that imitates the rising of the sun and provides equivalent light while people sleep. A third approach is bright light therapy, in which a patient sits under a special lamp for at least thirty minutes per day.

For the spiritual SADness of sin, the cure is the Light that dawns in Isaiah 9:2. This story begins with the sign of Immanuel. Israel and Syria wanted Judah to join them in an alliance against Assyria, but through Isaiah, God promised that the nation would not be defeated at this time. Therefore, they should stand not by military strategy but by faith in Him (7:9). King Ahaz's faux-pious response showed weak faith, so God gave a sign. A baby would be born to a woman standing right there in the king's court—Isaiah's fiancée, a virgin at that time. She would have a baby, and before the boy was very old—12 or 13 years old, the Jewish age of accountability—the previous prophecy would be fulfilled (7:14-17; cf. 8:3-4, 18). Referring to the child as “Immanuel” or “God with us” signified divine presence and protection.

In the larger context of biblical history, this sign had messianic implications (Matt. 1:22-23). Isaiah's child foreshadowed the Incarnation, the coming of “God with us,” Jesus Christ. Like the prophet's unheeded message, He too would become “a stone that causes men to stumble” (8:14; Rom. 9:33). In the end, He will bring victory, freedom, and rejoicing, and be the fulfillment of all covenants (9:6-7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Given the focus in today's reading on the sign of Immanuel, as well as the fact that Isaiah is quoted more often than any other prophet in the New Testament, messianic prophecy in Isaiah would be a great topic for more in-depth Bible study. You could start by using the New Testament to identify passages regarded as being about Christ, then go back to Isaiah and study them in context. Such a study would take some time, but it would be well worth it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:8-10:34; Isaiah 10:12-19
Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? - Isaiah 10:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine your computer talking back to you. No, not just popping up with annoying dialogue boxes or mysterious system errors, but actually talking back to you. Telling you what to write in your word processing software. Redoing the numbers in your spreadsheet. Arguing with you about what Web sites to visit. How long would you endure such a computer before unplugging it and chucking it out with the trash? Not long!

A similar idea is part of the background for today's reading. Tools don't talk back to craftsmen, yet after the sovereign God used Assyria as an instrument of judgment, that nation would “talk back” and act as if they had accomplished everything by their own strength and ability. How long would God stand for such arrogance? Not long!

God chose Assyria as a tool with which to discipline and punish Israel. He was angry with His people because of the nation's faithlessness and idolatry. Despite various warnings, the people refused to return to the Lord, ignored their covenant obligations, and continued on in pride and self-sufficiency. Far from the stereotype that the God of the Old Testament was vengeful and spiteful, we read here of how many opportunities He gave them to change their ways, and of how blatantly and hardheartedly they rejected Him. His judgment of conquest by Assyria aimed to cleanse the nation of social injustice and oppression, of which the leaders and false prophets were particularly guilty.

Yet in time the Assyrians too would be ripe for judgment. They too would become proud, imagining that they had won their military victories and empire by their own power and wisdom. The Lord would correct that attitude, and the Assyrian army would be cut down like trees in the forest (10:33-34). During all of this, He would remain the same—sovereign and faithful. That's why a remnant of Israel would be preserved and would one day return to the land (10:20-21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you an Assyrian? That is, do you have an Assyrian attitude about your accomplishments and achievements? At one point in today's reading, we see the Assyrians congratulating themselves for what they thought they had done in their own strength and by their own abilities. “It was as easy as gathering eggs from a henhouse,” they gloated (10:13-14). How about you? Is this uncomfortably close to things you've said? Or do you give all the credit and glory to the Lord? If not, resolve to begin doing so today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 11:1-9; Isaiah 11-12
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. - Isaiah 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In The Magician's Nephew, one of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, the lion Aslan sent the children Digory and Polly to a garden on a mountain to get a branch and apple from a special tree. In their journey, they resisted the temptation to steal one of the apples, which gave long life, for Digory's mother, who was dying back in England. They returned to Aslan, who asked Digory to plant the apple by a river. The tree that grew from that fruit and branch protected Narnia for many years from a wicked witch, and Aslan gave Digory an apple for his mother as well. She was miraculously healed by eating it!

Today's reading also deals with a powerful and healing Branch—the Root and Branch of David. This is a continuation of the picture of trees getting chopped down, meaning the military defeat of nations. In the future, Israel and Judah will be reduced to a “stump” . . . but from that stump will grow a Branch. A remnant will remain. Conquest and exile won't mean the end of God's covenant with Israel. In the long run, this Branch from the line of David would be the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

What about the Messiah? Filled by the Spirit, He will delight in worshiping God. He will judge truthfully and righteously in favor of those society neglects. He will be powerful and clothed in covenant faithfulness. His reign will be characterized by universal peace (11:6-9). As the Final Word from God Himself, He will fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord. In these verses, the relatively near future of the nation's return from exile is juxtaposed with the far future of Messiah's comings.

Isaiah 12 has two brief psalms of praise in response to these prophecies. The first focuses on gratitude for God's mercy and salvation (12:1-3). The second moves from the restored relationship with God to proclaiming His name among the nations (12:4-6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Messiah's Millennial Kingdom will be a utopia. Utopia means “perfect place.” Throughout human history, people have longed for a perfect society and tried to imagine how it might be built. They've written about it in utopian literature, which often shows that unredeemed human nature isn't up to the task. If this sounds interesting, you could read a work of utopian literature. Classic possibilities include Utopia, by Thomas More; The Blithedale Romance, by Nathaniel Hawthorne; and Lost Horizon, by James Hilton.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 14:12-20; Isaiah 13:1-14:27
How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! - Isaiah 14:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In John's apocalyptic vision of the end times, “Babylon” is a name symbolizing pride and godlessness. For example, “Babylon the Great” is written on the forehead of the adulterous woman on the beast, who is “drunk with the blood of the saints.” It is also a city, either a literal city or a “city” symbolizing the entire world system, but in either interpretation it does not worship the Lord and pursues its own benefit and pleasure above all. Because of its pride and godlessness, Babylon is condemned: “Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!” (Rev. 17-18).

Today's reading begins a long section of Isaiah in which nations are judged for their pride, starting with the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires. A larger theme here is that God is sovereign over the destinies of nations. Furthermore, these judgments prove God's justice—though pagan nations may be used as tools, their own evilwill not go unpunished. These chapterswere also intended to comfort Israel on the eve of her own judgment, as well as to reveal the consistent and uncompromising holiness of God's character.

Though the empire might appear unassailable, God will muster an army and bring a “day of the Lord” which will be fearful and overwhelming. Arrogance will be laid low (13:11). In Isaiah 14:12-15, we see behind the pride of Babylon the archetypal pride of Satan. He desired to be like the Most High, and still does—to his inevitable doom. Though he was once “Lucifer,” a “morning star” exalted among the angels, he was cast down for his self-idolatrous pride. In a very real sense, Satan was the power behind the throne of Babylon.

Yet against the Lord such pride cannot stand. It must fall. “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” (14:27).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah 13-23 is essentially a series of woes or judgments upon the nations of Isaiah's day. It might be interesting to compare Jesus' seven woes upon the Pharisees in Matthew 23. What are some of the similarities and differences between the two sets of judgments? For instance, which sins are singled out for special condemnation? What similarities can be found among the metaphors and word-pictures used about evil and judgment? What lessons can be drawn from the two passages for those who seek righteousness?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 17:7-14; Isaiah 14:28-17:14
In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 17:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his poem, “The Ballad of the White Horse,” writer G. K. Chesterton penned these lines: “Pride flings frail palaces at the sky, / As a man flings up sand, / But the firm feet of humility / Take hold of heavy land. / Pride juggles with her toppling towers, / They strike the sun and cease, / But the firm feet of humility / They grip the ground like trees.”

We see once again in today's reading that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The roster of judgment in these chapters covers three of Israel's neighbor nations: Philistia (14:28-32), Moab (15-16), and Syria (17). The Philistines were proud of a successful revolt against Assyria, but Isaiah warned that this will prove temporary and they will yet be “bitten by the snake” of that empire's conquering army. Moab, including its capital city, Kir, will suffer the same fate—the land will be stripped and the people will flee in terror—for the same main reason, pride (16:6). In a similar way and for similar wrongs, possibly including a time when they took advantage of Israel or failed to come to her aid, Syria and its capital, Damascus, will be turned into a “heap of ruins.”

Since the Israelites were God's people, these judgments on foreigners were no big deal to the Lord, right? Isaiah enjoyed prophesying against his nation's enemies, right? Nothing could be further from the truth! God loves all peoples and has always had a plan for the nations. Sin and judgment grieve Him wherever they occur: “My heart cries out over Moab . . . My heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir Hareseth“ (15:5; 16:11). The Israelites were even urged to take in Moabite refugees in the Messiah's name (16:3-5).

The nations rage, events ebb and flow, but God remains in sovereign control of the unfolding of history (17:12-13). People should put away their idols and worship Him alone!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Did you know that many of Isaiah's prophecies of judgment have already been fulfilled? Even if you have a study Bible, though, it can be hard to keep track of what happened when. We encourage you to obtain an Old Testament handbook or Bible atlas that has historical charts and timelines. You might photocopy the relevant pages, then mark them up in color to keep track. Doing this will help you get a clearer sense of the big picture as well as strengthen your faith in the sovereignty of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 19:19-25; Isaiah 18-23
So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. - Isaiah 19:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the primary lessons of Isaiah is that God is sovereign over the fates of all peoples. In Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, theologian J. I. Packer explained: “The God of the Bible is both Lord and Lawgiver in His world; He is both man's King and man's Judge. . . . Man is indubitably responsible to God, for God is the Lawgiver who fixes his duty, and the Judge who takes account of him as to whether or not he has done it. And God is indubitably sovereign over man, for He controls and orders all human deeds, as He controls and orders all else in His universe. Man's responsibility for his actions, and God's sovereignty in relation to those same actions, are thus, as we saw, equally real and ultimate facts.”

Which nations are covered in the prophecies of judgment in today's reading? Ancient Ethiopia (Cush) and Egypt, linked here because Cush provided the rulers for one of the Egyptian dynasties (18-20); Babylon, Edom, and Arabia (21); and Tyre (23); with one chapter also aimed at Jerusalem itself (22). Isaiah used a variety of poetic and disturbing images to capture the power and inevitability of God's punishments. Harvests will be cut down early. Green land will become desert. Day will turn to night. Rivers, including the mighty Nile itself, will dry up and fail to support fishing or farming. Enemies will be fierce and internal conflict will make matters worse. Fear will spread like wildfire. All these pictures mean that these nations will be humiliated by military conquest, no matter how confident they are that they can defend themselves.

Despite His righteous judgments, God loves all these nations. There would come a day when He would send a Savior who would be for them as well. They will respond to Him in worship and become a “blessing on the earth,” and He will say: “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance” (19:19-25).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's reading, Tyre, a well-known commercial city, was condemned as a “prostitute” seeking material prosperity above all (23:15-18). In modern times, it's worth asking if profits have displaced right moral principles in our country too. How is it possible to swim against this greedy current of consumerism in our daily lives? Even harder, how is it possible to swim against it as a Christian businessperson? Prayerfully reflect and then act on these issues, whether in your personal budget, work priorities, or voting choices.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 25:1-9; Isaiah 24-25
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples. - Isaiah 25:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
A Chinese restaurant in London is now serving a bowl of soup that costs £108, or about $209. The soup is called Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and features seafood and vegetables, with the prize ingredient being shark's fin. This shark's fin soup must be ordered about a week ahead of time, and the restaurant owner claimed to sell two bowls per month. “It's worth the money,” he said. That would be a matter of opinion. No matter how tasty, it is, after all, just food. But when God prepares “a feast of rich food for all peoples” (25:6), it certainly won't be “just food.”

Isaiah 24 and 25 form a contrasting pair of chapters. Chapter 24 is about destruction. The earth will be ruined and devastated. These images are eschatological—Isaiah was placing “near history” events such as the judgments on Israel and Assyria into the context of “all history” and the larger historical working out of God's plan of salvation. The “everlasting covenant” that

has been broken by rebellious humanity points back to Adam and Noah (24:5). The basic issue is a sinful failure to worship the one true Creator God. Isaiah's harsh words, relieved only by a brief interlude of praise spoken by a redeemed remnant (24:14-16), serve as a warning to turn away from evil, a testament to the sovereignty and justice of God, and a reminder of divine accountability.

Chapter 25, on the other hand, is about re-creation. Despite the devastation of judgment, Isaiah recognized that God would deliver a remnant and be utterly faithful to His promises (25:1, 9). His strength would win honor from the nations. And while He silences the song of the ruthless, He is also a refuge for the poor and needy (25:4-5). Indeed, God will prepare a feast of worldwide fellowship and celebration. The grieving will be comforted, and death will be swallowed up forever (25:6-8; cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-57; Rev. 21:4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the spirit of the rich feast that God is preparing for His people, why not plan some hospitality soon? For example, since it's summer, you might invite your small group or a couple of other families over for a backyard barbecue. Spread a feast of grilled beef and chicken, fruit salad, corn-on-the-cob, ice cream, and other seasonal specialties. If the thought of cleaning up afterwards is stopping you, remember 1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 26:1-9; Isaiah 26-27
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine a pregnant woman going into labor. Her time has come: the contractions are increasing in frequency, and the pain is increasing in intensity. She and her husband rush to the hospital, hoping the labor will be short and the baby healthy. Phone calls are placed to family members; everyone is waiting. In due time, the woman gives birth to . . . wind? No baby? All that for nothing?

This was one of Isaiah's dramatic word-pictures for what humans can do compared to what God can do (26:18-19). God does many powerful things, including giving life; by comparison, humans can do nothing—all our labor and self-confidence are empty. Chapter 26 is mostly a psalm of praise centered around what it means to trust in God. The strength of a people is found in their understanding of His righteousness and faithfulness. If we truly understand that it is He who saves and not military power or human ability or something else, and if we stand steadfast in that faith, then our hearts are at peace. There's no need for anxiety or fear. Our “eternal Rock” is strong against the storms of life (26:1-4). Furthermore, trusting in God means relying on His justice, obeying His commands, spreading the glory of His name throughout the earth, and longing for a personal relationship and communion with Him.

Chapter 27 focuses more specifically on the deliverance of Israel. Talk of a monster being slain gives way to a picture of God once more carefully tending His vineyard (27:2-3; cf. Isaiah 5). Isaiah meditated here again on God's unshakeable love for His people. From root to bud to blossom to fruit, the nation would flourish again (27:6). Though a season of punishment for covenant-breaking and idolatry lay ahead, a season of restoration and blessing would follow. The exile-to-come will end, God will gather up His people, and they will return home and rightfully worship Him once again.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With Isaiah 26:1-2 in mind, pray for your country today. Pray that justice, righteousness, and integrity would be promoted in both public and private life. Ask God to empower His people to stand for Him and to share the good news of Jesus Christ more boldly. Pray that sound doctrine would prevail in the church, and that attacks from Satan and temptations from the world would be in vain. Pray that God's people would remain faithful to Him no matter what.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 28:1-6; Isaiah 28-29
Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder. - Isaiah 29:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Economist Richard Layard believes that although people are getting wealthier and living more comfortably, they're not getting happier. He argues in Happiness: Lessons From a New Science that a “zero-sum game of competition for money and status has gripped rich societies, and that this rat race is a big source of unhappiness.” Studies show that only about 30 percent of Americans identify themselves as “very happy,” a number that has remained constant since the 1950s despite the fact that incomes have doubled (even taking inflation into account).

To judge by actions, consumerism is a cherished value in contemporary American society. Yet trusting in more and better things to make us happy is misplaced trust. Only faith in God can bring meaning to our lives. This is conveyed in today's reading through a message of judgment. Isaiah 28-35 features six judgments in all, and in today's reading we find the first two, aimed at Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Jerusalem (the southern kingdom of Judah). The people of Samaria, Israel's capital, were proud, affluent, and pleasure-seeking. They trusted in their own “fading flower” rather than the “beautiful wreath” of God (28:3-5). The people of Jerusalem, similarly, offered insincere worship because of spiritual blindness. They thought their actions could be hidden from God and trusted in themselves rather than their Maker (29:13-15). Both cities stumbled over the spiritual necessities of faith and obedience (28:16; cf. 1 Peter 2:4-8).

Though it seemed “strange” (28:21) for the Lord to announce the defeat and exile of His people, Isaiah obeyed the command to prophesy. Assyria would sweep in like a destructive hailstorm. Israel would be plucked and swallowed like a ripe fig. Unfortunately, the Israelites responded to this warning by mocking Isaiah (28:9-10). Judgment was thus inevitable, but God also promised that later the axe would fall on the Assyrians as well and that days of rejoicing would return (29:18-24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Putting our trust in anything other than God is a losing proposition. Saving faith, on the other hand, promises eternal life in heaven. We say people are “saved” if they believe in the one true God and in the only One who is able to save us from sin—His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ died and rose again to open for us a way to God. If you haven't yet accepted His gift of salvation, make today the day. And welcome to the family!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 32:1-8; Isaiah 30-33
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. - Isaiah 32:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
America's best-selling board game for more than seventy years has been Monopoly. Since 1935, the game has sold more than 200 million editions around the world. Perhaps you've known the predatory satisfaction of building hotels on Park Place and the Boardwalk, or the dismay of “Go directly to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.” The game's Web site says the longest Monopoly game ever played lasted more than 70 days!

From one point of view, Monopoly is simply fun and entertaining. From another point of view, it teaches greed, materialism, and selfishness. As we saw yesterday, we dare not put our trust in such things. In today's reading, we find additional judgments on people whose faith was not in the Lord, but there is also an encouraging word about a “king of righteousness” and future blessings.

Who gets judged? First, people who rely on human wisdom rather than God's wisdom. “Woe to the obstinate children . . . who carry out plans that are not mine” (30:1). They wish for pleasant things and “prophesy illusions” (30:10). Second, people who rely on human strength rather than God's strength. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help . . . who trust in the multitude of their chariots” (31:1). Isaiah was talking mainly to Israel, urging the nation to stop trusting in straw and repent. A third “woe” was for Assyria—the destroyer would itself be destroyed.

Through all this, God was faithful and loving and had good things in store for His people. A king of righteousness, the Messiah, is described in chapter 32. He will be holy and just. Peace and truth will flourish under His reign. When His Spirit is poured out, a new age will begin (32:15). That's why the prophet can say: “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (33:6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you going through tough days? Do things seem dark, desperate, or hopeless? We encourage you to pray a prayer from today's reading that seems written especially for such times: “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress” (33:2). Then say to yourself what the psalmist said: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him” (Ps. 42:5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 35:1-10; Isaiah 34-35
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. - Isaiah 35:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The desert is turning green in Niger. Twenty years ago, farmers realized that things were getting out of hand. Land used for agriculture was becoming wasteland, its topsoil blown away by the wind. Drought was severe. The farmers decided not to plow saplings from their fields, but instead to plow around them, thus protecting them and allowing them to grow. This simple and inexpensive conservation measure has been a key in re-greening 7.4 million acres and reducing the poverty level of the farming villages in this African nation.

A garden blooming in the desert is one of Isaiah's metaphors for God's plan for Israel: Though a time of judgment is coming (the desert), redemption will follow (flowers blooming, water gushing) (35:1-7). The twin themes of judgment and joy, under the umbrella of divine sovereignty and throughout various future times, permeate today's reading in Isaiah. The judgment emphasis of chapter 34, filled as it is with bloody imagery typical of the literary devices of that day, gives way to the joy of the redeemed in chapter 35.

This transformation will bring glory to the name of the Lord. Though from a human perspective He will seem to have abandoned His people, He will return to them in triumph and splendor. The desert will blossom. The weak will become strong. Fear will turn to faith. The covenant relationship that was broken will be restored. Justice that had appeared thwarted will be done in full. And the power of God will be miraculously evident as the blind see and the lame walk.

In that day, the redeemed will walk a “Way of Holiness” (35:8 ). Those who travel on it must be holy, wise, and pure, but it is God who will make them so, not they themselves. These pilgrims will be “ransomed” people, rescued by God and living wholly for Him (35:10). The exiled will return, the mourners will sing, the grief-stricken will rejoice, and the temporary will give way before the eternal.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's suggested application is to do a creative or artistic project about the Highway of Holiness in Isaiah 35:8. Perhaps you'd like to write a poem or lyrics for a song about it. Or you could get out your camera, do some photography, and put together a collage of road pictures. Another option is to make this a family project by asking your children or grandchildren to color or paint pictures of this special highway. What do they think such a road might look like?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 37:14-20; Isaiah 36-37
Deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God. - Isaiah 37:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Psychological warfare tries to win battles without actually fighting. For example, one form of psychological warfare is to drop leaflets behind enemy lines promising amnesty to soldiers who surrender. Or perhaps the leaflets will say that the soldiers shouldn't fight because their leaders are untrustworthy and not worth giving their lives for. Another tactic is to spread rumors or publicize facts about how much more powerful one army is compared to the other, so that the weaker side will be too discouraged to put up a fight.

The Assyrian general tried to wage psychological warfare against Israel in today's narrative. Thanks to the Lord, it backfired badly. Isaiah 36-39 marks the midpoint of the book; these chapters, which we'll consider today and tomorrow, form an historical bridge between its two halves (cf. 2 Kings 18:13-20:19).

In 701 b.c., Assyria, which by then had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, thought it could swallow the southern kingdom of Judah as well. Sennacherib's message was a nice piece of psychological warfare. He gave a discouraging military assessment of Judah's chances of resisting his superior force, and he said it in Hebrew within hearing of defenders on the city walls. His fatal mistake, however, was including this arrogant boast: “Who of all the gods of these countries has been able to save his land from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (36:20).

King Hezekiah's reaction was godly. He didn't panic or send representatives seeking new alliances. Instead, he sought the Lord in repentant sorrow, and sought Isaiah for a word from the Lord. His prayer (37:14-20) summarized the main issues: Who is the real God? Not idols! What is Sennacherib's attitude? Mockery of the real God. What to do? Deliver us and show the world the real God. For the glory of His name, the Lord granted Hezekiah's prayer and divinely won the battle.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Almost any study Bible will tell you that sackcloth and ashes signified grief in Bible times (37:1-2). But why? And how did people decide when and where to show sorrow in this way? When and where did this custom originate? If you wish, research these questions in order to deepen your background knowledge of Scripture. You might also research or find out about modern parallels. That is, what traditions or customs do we have in various cultures today for showing extreme sorrow?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 38:1-8; Isaiah 38-39
Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully. - Isaiah 38:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Studies have concluded that a daily dose of honey directly raises levels of antioxidants in the blood, which helps fight disease and strengthen the body's immune system. The chemicals that have this effect, called polyphenols, are also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and olive oil. Americans consume about 150 pounds of sugar or artificial sweetener per person per year, so switching some of that to honey could make a healthy difference!

But no amount of honey would have helped King Hezekiah. Chronologically, today's narrative comes before the episode with Sennacherib studied yesterday. It's placed here because it's a good thematic introduction to the second part of Isaiah, and it deals with the coming Babylonian conquest of Judah. Chapters 38 and 39 form a contrast—Hezekiah asking for God's grace out of “wholehearted devotion” to Him versus Hezekiah showing off his treasures to the Babylonian envoys.

In chapter 38, Hezekiah received news that he would die soon, but he was worried about having no son to take the throne after him. So in a remarkable sequence of prophecy-prayer-grace, God granted the king fifteen additional years of life. This answered petition was confirmed by the miraculous sign of a shadow going in reverse. The king's subsequent psalm of praise acknowledged God's loving purpose and rejoiced in His forgiveness and faithfulness.

In chapter 39, Babylon had sent envoys seeking new allies, but Hezekiah would have had to be rather naive not to see the possibility that they were gathering information. When he showed off his treasures, the message to the Babylonians was, “Little kingdom, rich prizes!” In this context, Isaiah's prophecy of conquest addressed Hezekiah's pride. The king's puzzling response (39:8 ) indicates at worst insensitivity or at best a hope that God might later change His mind.

This reminds us that no one is perfect. We must remember to trust in the Lord and never rely on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's narrative, it appears that God had made up His mind to do one thing, but in response to Hezekiah's prayer He changed His mind and did something else. How does this relate to a text such as Psalm 33:11? Christians have long wrestled with this issue, and delving deeper can help us know and then trust and love God more deeply. It might be helpful to consult commentaries and theology books, to discuss it with a pastor or elder, and certainly to pray for wisdom.