Isaiah 20:1-22:14
Dear RTB’ers,
Today’s chapter 20 is a follow-up, the climax to yesterday’s oracles against Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia) as they go off as captives, naked and shorn, to Assyria. Then in chapter 21 Isaiah speaks against Babylon, Edom and Arabia before finishing with Jerusalem in chapter 22.
One verse stands out in chapter 21, the watchman speaking: Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved images of her gods he has shattered to the ground. (v. 21:9b) Although defeated for a time, Babylon will rise again as the instrument the Lord uses against Israel when they go into exile.
Finally, Isaiah focuses on Jerusalem and its people, chastising them for their futility in trying to defend themselves instead of relying on the Lord: In that day you looked to the weapons … You collected the waters … and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir … But you did not look to Him who did it, or see Him who planned it long ago. (vv. 22:8b-11) Yet with all that, with defeat all but certain, the Jerusalem citizens partied instead of mourning their destruction: Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. (v. 22:13b) Does this verse sound familiar? It should. The apostle Paul quoted it, If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (I Corinthians 15:32b) If there is no afterlife, just enjoy the present life, live it up, folks!! … choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Blessings!
Fred