Day 203 & 204—We are in the seventh month of Bible reading, continuing in Israel’s history and Isaiah’s prophecies.

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 203 – Isaiah 28 – 30. (Isaiah preaches judgment and shows God’s mercy and another glimpse of the messiah)

Both Ephraim and Judah are indicted here by Isaiah for their drunkenness. (They stagger and reel, and their tables are full of vomit. Yuck.)

Here is a familiar passage about the messiah that Peter quotes in 1 Peter 2:4-6. ‘Behold I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation.”

There are three “woes” in these chapters. They begin with the word “Ah,”  28:1 suggests impending disaster for Ephraim.  29:1 suggests distress and moaning for Ariel (Lion of God), pointing to the supposed “strength of Jerusalem.”  And 30:1 shows things turned upside down for Judah for their plans to seek help from Egypt instead of the LORD their God.

“For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’  But you were unwilling, and you said, ‘No! We will flee away;”

And to such as these (and to Us), the LORD will be gracious.  “He will be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you.”    “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.'”

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    Day 204 – Isaiah 31 – 34. (Isaiah continues with words from the Lord to various peoples, both in judgment and hope)

The “Woe” in chapter 31 is actually toward Judah for going to Egypt for help against the Assyrians, when their God is so much more powerful.  “The Egyptians are man and not GOD, and their horses are flesh, and not SPIRIT. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper (Egypt) will stumble, and he who is helped (Judah) will fall, and they will all perish together.”

Turn to Him…O children of Israel.  And the Assyrian shall fall by a sword, NOT OF MAN; and a sword, NOT OF MAN, shall devour him.

Chapter 32 again speaks of the KING WHO WILL REIGN IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (the Messiah).

Then condemnation and judgment on FOOLS and SCOUNDRELS and COMPLACENT WOMEN.

Chapter 33 begins with another “Ah” woe  to the “destroyer.” It’s probably Assyria, but it could also refer to any power that sets itself against Israel.

“The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” 33:5-6

Chapter 34 is full of judgment on all nations and peoples and then, particularly on Edom. Its ground will be saturated with their blood, and wild animals of every kind will make their homes there.