JULY 22 ISAIAH 28-30

Isaiah 28-30

In today’s portion of the prophet Isaiah, the chickens come home to roost (and maybe even to roast!).

For some chapters (Isaiah 13-23) the Israelites could have read the prophet and felt pretty good about themselves. Isaiah was prophesying about other nations, foreign nations, not theirs. But today we read a prophecy that would have broken their hearts and frightened them thoroughly.

Isaiah 28 begins with a word against the “drunkards of Ephraim,” (and Ephraim was a part of Israel) and climaxes with “I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord God of hosts against the whole land!” (28:22). But even in this chapter of judgment, there are signs of hope:

“In that day, the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory…to the remnant of His people.” God’s people will survive through the believing remnant!

The Lord says that He “has laid, as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone.” (28:16) Peter says this cornerstone is Jesus (1 Peter 2:6).

Isaiah 29 wails for “Ariel.” Who’s she? Wasn’t she the title role in “The Little Mermaid?” In Scripture, Ariel is yet another name for Israel, along with Judah, Jacob, Ephraim, and others. As we read on, we realize that Isaiah is prophesying a siege of Jerusalem. He sees the City of David surrounded by the armies of many nations. And worse, he foresees a time when Israel has no prophets as all (29:10). But even here, there is hope:

“The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor…shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.” (29:19), and…


“Jacob will no longer be ashamed.” (29:22)

Isaiah 30 reveals why these judgments come: They are a rebellious people (30:9); they despise [God’s word; they trust in oppression and perverseness (30:12); and they are unwilling to repent (30:15). Nevertheless, yet again, there is hope. The last section (30:18-33) literally sings with hope!

The Lord waits to be gracious to [them]…He exalts himself to show mercy to [them]. (30:18)


Someday, the Lord will teach by saying: “This is the way, walk in it!” (30:21)

Someday, the Lord will bind up the brokenness of His people. (30:26)


They will have a song and gladness of heart. (30:29)

Even in the hardest of prophetic words, hope is never far away.                                                                                                                 



Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary