Monday, July 28, 2014

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 22


Isaiah 22

 

-The oracle concerning the valley of vision (Jerusalem of Judah). The question is asked, “What is the matter with you now (Isaiah 22:1)? The time for overthrow is approaching and Isaiah prophetically sees it. The rulers have fled together and have been captured without weapons. They are to turn away and weep bitterly in this time with no comfort in sight. “For the Lord God of hosts has a day of panic, subjugation, and confusion in the valley of vision, a breaking down of walls and a crying to the mountain (Isaiah 22:5).” Their defenses have been removed, breaches in the wall and siege is predicted. In all of this they did not turn back to the LORD their God to depend and take consideration of Him (Isaiah 22:6-11). Instead, when they were called by God to weeping, wailing, shaving the head, and wearing sackcloth in repentance, they made merry in their despair and feasted like there was no tomorrow. Because of this the LORD says, “Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you until you die (Isaiah 22:12-14).” *Application* The root problem is that sometimes we do not trust God’s power or His promises (Isaiah 56:12, 1 Corinthians 15:32). Instead of despairing or turning to self-indulgence in times of crisis, turn to God and realize that this life is not all that there is. We have the hope of the resurrection and a future in paradise with the King of Glory, Jesus Christ. Our proper response is to always believe whole-heartedly in God and His promise to include us in the new world that He will create, which is perfect, righteous, just, and holy.

-The LORD then tells Isaiah to go to a steward, Shebna, who was in charge of the royal household in Jerusalem. The message is harsh for this one who does not deserve to be there anymore because of his disobedience. The LORD is about to hurl him headlong in a firm grip and a tightly wound ball into a vast foreign country where he will die (Isaiah 22:15-18). His office will be deposed, and he will be brought down from his lofty station (Isaiah 22:19). The reason for this judgment can be assumed materialism along with the citizens of Jerusalem, or possibly his favoring of aligning with foreigners ignoring Isaiah’s advice to trust in the LORD alone. He was replaced by God’s servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah. He will get the clothes and sash, secure in authority to become the father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of Judah. The key of the house of David will be set on his shoulder. What he opens no one will shut, and what he shuts no one will open. He will be driven like a peg into a firm place and become a throne of glory to his father’s house with offspring and issue and all the vessels of worship from the bowls to the jars. But, then in that day the LORD declares that Eliakim too will falter and give way to be broken off and fall. He will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 22:20-25). *Application* God raises up leaders and tears them down according to His overarching-transcendent will (Romans 13:1). Since the kingdoms of this world are ultimately under His control, it is always our most secure position to rest in Him and not seek alliances with the world. Again this goes back to trust in the Almighty.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 22:5

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