Monday, June 29, 2009

Isaiah 33 - Destruction of the Destroyer

by Katrina

LINK:
Isaiah 33

BACKGROUND
The historical context of Isaiah 33 is in 2 Kings 18:9-37. Sennacherib king of Assyria sent a message to Hezekiah king of Judah reminding him that the surrounding nations had not been rescued by their gods and Hezekiah should not expect his God to be powerful enough to rescue his country from Assyria. Sennacherib invaded Judah, and Hezekiah prayed to the Lord for deliverance. Then the angel of the Lord attacked the Assyrian camp and struck 185,000 dead. Sennacherib returned home where he was assassinated in a temple while worshiping an idol.

Isaiah 33:1-16 tell of God's victory over Assyria and Sennacherib in the time of Hezekiah's reign. The rest of the chapter shifts to God's universal dominion that will never end, with its center at Jerusalem.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION
Reflect on verses 5-6: "The Lord is exalted for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He shall be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure."

No matter how tumultuous the times, the Lord is our stability. He is just and righteous. He is the source of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. If we fear the Lord, we have a great treasure!

PRAYER
Lord, you are the only one who provides stability in our unpredictable lives, because you never change. You are righteous, yet you love us and have provided a way for our salvation. You are the source of wisdom and knowledge for us. Teach us to fear you and seek you as a treasure. In the name of Jesus, amen.

1 comment:

Carol Ann Weaver said...

I have always loved verse 6. Our sure foundation in times of trouble. I remember quoting it over and over again when I moved so many times over a course of few years back in my 20's. He has been so faithful to me!!!!