JULY 19 & 20

Isaiah 21-23

“Fallen, fallen, is Babylon!” Isaiah cries (21:9).

This sounds familiar. It’s not the only time we read these words in the Bible. For prophecy buffs and Revelation addicts (like me) we remember the words John heard in his vision: “Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great!” (Revelation 18:2).

Though Babylon was a godless, arrogant empire, led by the most prideful of despots, Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon was used by God to discipline Israel and destroy Jerusalem. Still, God would hold her accountable; Babylon’s fall was a prophetic certainty. And fall they did; the deserted site of Babylon is in Iraq, a testimony to Biblical truth.

So, what is Revelation 18 talking about? By the time John wrote down his vision, Babylon had a larger, symbolic meaning, something like this: “Just as ancient Babylon was no threat to the God of Israel, so all modern Babylons, who set themselves up against the Lord, will fall!

In Isaiah 22, we read about Jerusalem’s humbling: their defeat, their tears, their despair and the dismantling of their great priesthood. Is there a glimmer of hope in Isaiah 22:22? Perhaps.

In Isaiah 23, we read of the fall of two coastal city-states: Tyre and Sidon. They, too, were subject to pride. They are the Phoenicians, who first developed ships for merchant trade. But God says, “Their merchandise and wages will be holy to the Lord!” (23:18) They thought they were hoarding for themselves, but God knew otherwise.  

Tough reading!  QUESTION:  When will we get back to some good news? ANSWER: Monday!

Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary