Day 186-187, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Isaiah 10:5–16:14 note: since this is a two-day Bible study, you can do the Bible reading on the first day and the Bible study the second) Fall from Greatness Most of us have witnessed the fall of a great financial empire, a profitable industry, a popular political figure, or even the fall of a talented athlete. What often brings about their destruction? Pride. “Pride goes before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, NIV). Why Do They Fall? God hates pride (Proverbs 6:16-17). Why? Those who are proud often forget their humble roots and believe all success comes from their efforts. They get overconfident, thinking they are invincible. They are stubborn, won't listen, and aren’t teachable. This is the point when they’re the most vulnerable to defeat. Such was the nation of Israel, and such were the nations which destroyed her. What happened to Israel? Although powerful and prosperous, the northern kingdom of Israel was evil. Chaos and the frequent assassinations of her infamous kings decimated her. Assyrian kings finally destroyed, plundered, and took her people into exile. The Destruction of Proud Nations In today’s Bible reading, the Assyrian armies conquer the nations around Israel. The Philistines in Ashdod are proud and think they are safe, having sought help from Damascus. However, Assyria destroyed Damascus. Moab, the nation east of Israel, also thinks she is safe, but God brings her pride low. She flees to the south and seeks refuge in Edom. Assyria is the great military power of the day, even conquering the city of Babylon in 689 B.C. For this reason, sometimes Assyria is referred to as Babylon (the context will determine its use; see Isaiah 14:4, 22, 24-25) Assyria, too, will soon fall from greatness. Assyria’s Fall Assyria is the arm of God’s judgment, but she is proud and has her own agenda. God says, Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations (Isaiah 10:5-7, NIV). Isaiah further prophesies, “When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, ‘I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes’” (Isaiah 10:12, NIV). God is Sovereign over the nations and their kings. He punished Israel for evil and idolatry; he had her people taken from the land. God’s Mercy and Grace God punishes Israel; however, he leaves a remnant. Therefore, this is what the Lord, the LORD Almighty, says: “O my people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians, who beat you with a rod and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did. Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction,” (Isaiah 10:24-25, NIV). Isaiah’s prophecy in 10:24-25 refers to 701 B.C. when God would destroy 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight. It could also refer to the ultimate destruction of Assyria under Babylon in 609 B.C. In today’s Bible reading, God is parenting his children. For their wickedness, rebellion and idolatry, they had to be punished, but still God leaves his children with some hope. This is a good general pattern for parents to follow. A Falling Star In Isaiah 14:12-15 there’s a star which falls from heaven. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, views himself as a star. Although the prophecy seems a veiled reference to Satan and his angels in their fall from heaven, its immediate context is probably referring to Sennacherib(Isaiah 13:1). Are we a star in our own eyes? We need to be careful; we may fall from the skies of God’s favor. A “Day of the LORD,” would come against this Assyrian king. (more…) “Day of the LORD” This is a phrase often used by the prophets. What characterizes it? Isaiah 13:6 and 9 (NIV) describe it this way: “Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty…. See, the day of the LORD is coming—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger — to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.” The “Day of the LORD,” is first a day of judgment. Where Can We Find Refuge? Innocent people often fall victim to the pride of their leaders. As stated earlier, Moab fell because of her pride. Isaiah weeps as he sees the families of Moab fleeing their homes. It’s a sad scene as they seek help from their man-made gods and find none. They lose their homes, their fortune and their lands, and they walk in sackcloth, weeping and wailing because of their destruction and loss. Moab goes south to Edom for their protection, but they find no refuge. When facing utter destruction, Judah would place her trust in God. The LORD would soon rescue Judah from Sennacherib, and God may rescue us, too, if we find our refuge in him (more...). A New King God would destroy the Assyrian King, but Isaiah prophesies of a new king. He will spring up from the stump of Jesse (a reference to King David, a son of Jesse. His most notable descendant is Jesus Christ). He will be the one whom the Spirit of the LORD will rest upon—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding (Isaiah 11:2; Luke 4:18-21). The Branch (Jesus Christ), also identified as the Holy One, will one day live in the land of Israel (Isaiah 12:6; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15). Israel and Judah, scattered across the world, will gather to Jerusalem and unite as one people. Jealousy and division will cease between the two nations. King Jesus will rule and judge with wisdom and righteousness. During this time, called the one-thousand year (millennial) reign of Christ, there will be world-wide peace, even in the animal kingdom. He will usher in a time of great joy after the destruction of Israel’s enemies. End Notes: This was before the nation of Babylon became strong (The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, pp.1061-1064). The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., p.1055. Take-Away Lessons Pride often leads to a downfall. God is Sovereign over nations and their kings. For their wickedness, rebellion and idolatry Israel had to be punished, but still God left his children with some hope. This is a good general pattern for parents to follow. Are we a star in our own eyes? We need to be careful; we may fall from the skies of God’s favor. Innocent people often fall victim to the pride of their leaders. God is our refuge. Only he can provide comfort and peace to our souls. (more...) Focus Verse Isaiah 12:1 (NIV) In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study: Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to me Looking Ahead: Israel and many other nations were destroyed by Assyria. Judah is one nation left in the area. How was she to stop the spreading cancer of sin in her nation so she would not be destroyed as they were? How do we stop it in our own lives? Join us for our next lesson. Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson re-edited 12-27-22 Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page

COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES