Scripture Reading – 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12
The contrast between the wicked kings of Israel and the kings of Judah continues with an observation that Jotham, the king of Judah, “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD” (27:1-2). God blessed Jotham and he secured the nation militarily and “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God” (27:6).
Isaiah 9 – The Coming Messiah
Isaiah’s prophecies against Israel, specifically the northern ten tribes, continues in Isaiah 9. The idolatry of the people and their rejection of the LORD, His Law and Commandments demanded a season of chastening that began “lightly,” but the LORD “did more grievously afflict” the nation (9:1). In the midst of Israel’s afflictions, Isaiah prophesied that God would send His Messiah, a son who would be born of a virgin.
Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful [Marvelous; Extraordinary], Counsellor [God of all wisdom], The mighty God [all powerful; Omnipotent], The everlasting Father [Father of all Eternity], The Prince of Peace [source, the fount of lasting peace].”
The birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled only the first phrase of Isaiah 9:6 and the Jews’ rejection of Christ, His crucifixion, death and resurrection leaves the balance of that prophecy yet to be fulfilled at Christ’s Second Coming (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Isaiah 9:8-10:4 pronounces God’s future judgment on Israel (in this passage described as “Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria,” the capitol city of the northern ten tribes (9:8-9).
Isaiah 10 – Prophecy of Israel’s Fall to Assyria
Isaiah prophesied and history testifies that Assyria would invade Israel, destroy cities, and take the people captive (10:5). God described the Assyrian nation as “the rod of mine anger,” and foretold He would send that heathen people against Israel whom Isaiah said was “an hypocritical nation…the people of my wrath” (10:6).
The Assyrians did not know they were a vessel, a tool in the LORD’S hand, to chasten His people for their sin (10:7). Nevertheless, Assyria’s harsh treatment of Israel and that nation’s boast of their conquests would provoke God’s judgment against them (10:8-19).
Isaiah prophesied the LORD would preserve Himself a remnant of His people (10:21), and unlike the other nations who were taken captive, assimilated, and forever lost to time, God would intervene just when Judah appeared to be on the brink of destruction, and “Lebanon (i.e. Assyria) shall fall” (10:34).
Isaiah 11 – A Messianic Prophecy
The coming Messiah was identified as “a rod out of the stem of Jesse” (11:1), Jesse being the father of King David. Making legitimate the Messiah’s claim to the throne of Israel, he would be born of the lineage of King David, and therefore a royal son and heir to the throne of Israel (Isaiah 11:1).
Isaiah 11:1-2 – “And there shall come forth a rod [shoot] out of the stem [stock] of Jesse (father of King David), and a Branch [descendant] shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;”
The Millennial Kingdom, over which the Messiah will reign, will be one of righteousness (11:2-5) and universal peace (11:6-9). Israel will be united to her homeland as one people and the Gentile nations will seek the LORD in His holy city, Jerusalem (11:10-13).
Isaiah 12 – A Song of Salvation
Two times we notice the phrase, “And in that day,” in Isaiah 12.
“That day” is yet future, but it is the day when God will gather His chosen people, Israel and Judah, who have been scattered to the “four corners of the earth” (11:11-12) and assemble them as one nation and one people.
“In that day” the people will worship the LORD and say, “I will praise thee…God is my salvation…the LORD Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation” (12:1-2).
This glorious day of restoration as God’s chosen people finds the inhabitants of Zion (Jerusalem) singing praises to the LORD for He, “the Holy One of Israel” dwells in the midst of His people (12:6).
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith