Introduction
A prophecy that Israel will be restored and their enemies defeated.
Questions
1. Which nation is Isaiah prophesying the end of, in verses 4 to 23?
v 4 ... take up this parable against the king of Babylon, ...
and v 22 “I will rise up against them,” says the LORD of Armies, “and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and son and son’s son,” says the LORD.
2. What other two nations, does Isaiah say, will be destroyed?
v 25 ... I will break the Assyrian in my land ...
and v 31 ... You are melted away, Philistia, all of you ...
3. What does the LORD of Armies want us to know about his plan?
v 24 to 27 The LORD of Armies has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so shall it happen; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: ... This is the plan that is determined for the whole earth. This is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of Armies has planned, and who can stop it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
Summary Points
- v 1 and 2 One day Israel will be restored to their own land. Those who were oppressing them will be their servants
- v 3 to 11 Isaiah predicts the fall of Babylon, a nation that isn’t even a threat yet, but their king will think himself invincible
- v 12 to 23 A poetic description of the pride and arrogance of the king of Babylon and his coming downfall
- v 24 to 32 God threatens judgements on two other enemies