3/31/12

Over and past the rainbow




Remember Dorothy singing "somewhere over the rainbow" in the movie THE WIZARD OF OZ?  What if you just realized that you were about to encounter it NOW?  All your wishes, all your dreams and every desire you ever had were about to come true!!!  Paul realized this was soon to be true in his life and so he writes to his young disciple Timothy...
WEB: II Timothy Chapter 4

[1] I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: [2] preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. [3] For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; [4] and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables. [5] But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

[6] For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

The book of Second Timothy could be interpreted as a sad epistle; but it is NOT.  Paul is rejoicing over the fact that heaven will soon be before him and that he must "wrap up" the things of this world.  He is about to encounter the end of one life and the beginning of another and he wants things done "right"!!  What do you long for, what would you do, if you knew these things?  I don't know about you, but I would be thinking what was past that place Dorothy was singing about and I would be happy.  Its like the rainbow in the picture is just for me and that is just the beginning...

Mar. 31 Leviticus 17, 18


Mar. 31
Leviticus 17, 18

Lev 17:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,
Lev 17:2 "Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them: 'This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded,
Lev 17:3 Whatever man there is of the house of Israel, who kills a bull, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp,
Lev 17:4 and hasn't brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to offer it as an offering to Yahweh before the tabernacle of Yahweh: blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people.
Lev 17:5 This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh.
Lev 17:6 The priest shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
Lev 17:7 They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the prostitute. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.'
Lev 17:8 "You shall say to them, 'Any man there is of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice,
Lev 17:9 and doesn't bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to sacrifice it to Yahweh; that man shall be cut off from his people.
Lev 17:10 " 'Any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that soul who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life.
Lev 17:12 Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, "No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood."
Lev 17:13 " 'Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.
Lev 17:14 For as to the life of all flesh, its blood is with its life: therefore I said to the children of Israel, "You shall not eat the blood of any kind of flesh; for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off."
Lev 17:15 " 'Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean.
Lev 17:16 But if he doesn't wash them, or bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity.' "
Lev 18:1 Yahweh said to Moses,
Lev 18:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'I am Yahweh your God.
Lev 18:3 You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived: and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; neither shall you walk in their statutes.
Lev 18:4 You shall do my ordinances, and you shall keep my statutes, and walk in them: I am Yahweh your God.
Lev 18:5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances; which if a man does, he shall live in them: I am Yahweh.
Lev 18:6 " 'None of you shall approach anyone who are his close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.
Lev 18:7 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.
Lev 18:8 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife: it is your father's nakedness.
Lev 18:9 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home, or born abroad.
Lev 18:10 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter, or of your daughter's daughter, even their nakedness: for theirs is your own nakedness.
Lev 18:11 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister.
Lev 18:12 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister: she is your father's near kinswoman.
Lev 18:13 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister: for she is your mother's near kinswoman.
Lev 18:14 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, you shall not approach his wife: she is your aunt.
Lev 18:15 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law: she is your son's wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness.
Lev 18:16 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife: it is your brother's nakedness.
Lev 18:17 " 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
Lev 18:18 " 'You shall not take a wife to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is yet alive.
Lev 18:19 " 'You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is impure by her uncleanness.
Lev 18:20 " 'You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, and defile yourself with her.
Lev 18:21 " 'You shall not give any of your children to sacrifice to Molech; neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am Yahweh.
Lev 18:22 " 'You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman. That is detestable.
Lev 18:23 " 'You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it; neither shall any woman give herself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.
Lev 18:24 " 'Don't defile yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations which I am casting out before you were defiled.
Lev 18:25 The land was defiled: therefore I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out her inhabitants.
Lev 18:26 You therefore shall keep my statutes and my ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you;
Lev 18:27 (for all these abominations have the men of the land done, that were before you, and the land became defiled);
Lev 18:28 that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.
Lev 18:29 " 'For whoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people.
Lev 18:30 Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am Yahweh your God.' "

Mar. 31, Apr. 1 Luke 2


Mar. 31, Apr. 1
Luke 2

Luk 2:1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
Luk 2:2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Luk 2:3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
Luk 2:4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
Luk 2:5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
Luk 2:6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.
Luk 2:7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luk 2:8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
Luk 2:9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luk 2:10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Luk 2:11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."
Luk 2:13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luk 2:15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
Luk 2:16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
Luk 2:17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
Luk 2:18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
Luk 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Luk 2:21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luk 2:22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
Luk 2:23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),
Luk 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
Luk 2:25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Luk 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luk 2:27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
Luk 2:28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luk 2:29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
Luk 2:30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
Luk 2:31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
Luk 2:32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel."
Luk 2:33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,
Luk 2:34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
Luk 2:35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Luk 2:36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
Luk 2:37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day.
Luk 2:38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luk 2:39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
Luk 2:40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Luk 2:41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
Luk 2:42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,
Luk 2:43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn't know it,
Luk 2:44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Luk 2:45 When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.
Luk 2:46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.
Luk 2:47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
Luk 2:48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you."
Luk 2:49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Luk 2:50 They didn't understand the saying which he spoke to them.
Luk 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

"THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" The Source Of True Deliverance (28-35) by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

                 The Source Of True Deliverance (28-35)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To review the messages Isaiah delivered when Israel and Judah were
   being threatened by Assyria

2) To note the condemnation for seeking help from Egypt when the people
   should have looked to the Lord for deliverance

SUMMARY

The messages in this section (chs. 28-35) seem to relate mostly to the
approaching calamities involving the Assyrian invasion.  During the
reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, Shalmaneser king of Assyria
came against Israel to the north and took them away captive (cf. 2 Kin
17:1-18:12).  In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of
Assyria sought to do the same thing with Judah (cf. 2Ki 18:13-17).
What was Judah to do?  Surrender to the Assyrians?  Put their trust in
an alliance with Egypt to the south?  Isaiah's message was simple:  The
source of true deliverance was in the Lord!

Chapters 28-29 reveals the Lord's design for Ephraim (Israel) and Ariel
(Jerusalem). Ephraim's crown of pride would fade, while the Lord would
be a crown of glory for the remnant.  Led to error by intoxicating
drink, Israel's leaders had not been able to benefit from God's
instructions.  As for Ariel, her leaders (like Ahaz) had trusted in a
false confidence for deliverance.  God would instead lay in Zion a sure
foundation based on justice and righteousness (a shadow of Christ, cf. 1
Pe 2:4-8).  Removing their false and inadequate confidences, God would
have Ariel besieged but then her enemy mysteriously defeated.  The house
of Jacob would again fear the God of Israel, and those who erred and
complained would come to understand and learn the ways of God.

In chapters 30-31 we find the desire to create alliances with Egypt
denounced.  Confidence in Egypt was futile and those who trusted in her
would be judged.  On the other hand, God would be gracious and merciful
to those who trusted in Him.  As God would judge the nations, including
Assyria, it was folly to trust in Egypt with her chariots and horsemen.
God would deliver Jerusalem Himself, having Assyria fall by a sword not
of man, fleeing with fear (cf. 37:36-39).

Chapter 32 describes the coming of a new regime in which a king will
reign in righteousness and his princes in justice.  It will be preceded
by difficult times, but the work of righteousness will produce peace,
quietness and assurance.  Some think there may have been an initial
reference to Hezekiah, but virtually all believe its ultimate reference
is to the coming of the Messiah.

Chapter 33 depicts how the plunderer (Assyria) will be defeated while
the plundered (Judah) looks to the Lord for deliverance and salvation.
The Lord will indeed intervene with His might, and Zion (Jerusalem) will
be made a quiet and secure home.  Assyria's plunder will be divided,
while God's people will be healed and forgiven.

Chapters 34-35 contain a fitting conclusion to the prophecies delivered
by Isaiah during the Assyrian period.  It is a beautiful poem consisting
of two parts, both of which proclaim the sovereignty of God.  God's
sovereignty would be manifested in His judgment on the nations of the
world, with a focus on His judgment on Edom in particular.  His
sovereignty would then be manifested in His salvation for Zion, in which
the land will be transformed and the redeemed traveling to Zion with
singing and everlasting joy.  While some might see an initial
fulfillment with the deliverance from Assyrian or Babylonian oppression,
its ultimate fulfillment is likely Messianic:  "The prophecy before us I
regard as a kind of summing up, or recapitulation of all that he had
delivered; and the general idea is, that the people of God would be
delivered from all their foes, and that happier times under the Messiah
would succeed all their calamities. This he had expressed often in the
particular prophecies; he here expresses it in a summary and condensed
manner." (Barnes)

OUTLINE

I. TRUE DELIVERANCE FOUND NOT IN EGYPT (28:1-31:9)

   A. THE LORD'S DESIGN FOR EPHRAIM AND ARIEL...
      1. Regarding Ephraim (Israel) - 28:1-13
         a. Her crown of pride will fade - 28:1-4
         b. The Lord will be a crown of glory for the remnant - 28:5-6
         c. Intoxicating drink has led them to error - 28:7-8
         d. They are unable to benefit from God's instructions - 28:9-13
      2. Regarding Ariel (Jerusalem) - 28:14-29:27
         a. Her leaders have trusted in false confidences for
            deliverance - 28:14-15
         b. God will lay in Zion a sure foundation - 28:16; cf. 1Pe 2:
            4-8
         c. God will remove their false and inadequate confidences
            - 28:17-22
         d. Learn from the farmer; so God varies His judgments
            accordingly - 28:23-29
         e. Ariel will be besieged, but her enemy mysteriously defeated
            - 29:1-8; cf. 37:36
         f. Her blindness the result of disobedience and impiety
            - 29:9-13
         g. Judgment to come on those who try to hide their counsel from
            the Lord - 29:14-16
      3. The future restoration of the house of Jacob - 29:17-24
         a. Lebanon shall be a fruitful field, esteemed as a forest
            - 29:17
         b. The deaf shall hear, the blind shall see - 29:18
         c. The humble and poor shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
            - 29:19
         d. The wicked and scornful are brought to nothing, sinners are
            cut off - 29:20-21
         e. Jacob will not be ashamed, but fear the God of Israel
            - 29:22-23
         f. Those who erred and complained will come to understand and
            learn - 29:24

   B. ALLIANCE WITH EGYPT DENOUNCED...
      1. Woe to those seeking aid from Egypt - 30:1-17
         a. Trusting in Egypt is to be deceived, for her help is in vain
            - 30:1-7
         b. God will break those who reject Him for their rebellious
            attitudes - 30:8-14
         c. Their trust in God should be their strength; but no, they
            would not - 30:15-17
      2. God would yet be gracious and merciful to those who trust Him
         - 30:15-33
         a. People will dwell at Jerusalem after adversity and
            reformation - 30:15-22
         b. God would bless the land as He heals the bruise of His
            people - 30:23-26
      3. God will judge the nations, especially Assyria - 30:27-33
         a. With indignation toward the nations, while His people
            worship Him - 30:27-30
         b. Assyria will be beaten down, followed by rejoicing
            - 30:31-33

   C. FOLLY OF TRUSTING EGYPT AND NOT GOD...
      1. Woe to those who trust in Egypt - 31:1-3
         a. Trusting in her horses and chariots rather than in God
            - 31:1
         b. God will bring disaster on Egypt and those helped by her
            - 31:2-3
      2. The Lord will defend Jerusalem from the Assyrians - 31:4-9
         a. As a lion He will fight for Mount Zion - 31:4-5
         b. Return to Him against Whom they revolted with their idolatry
            - 31:6-7
         c. Assyria will fall by a sword not of man, fleeing with fear
            - 31:8-9; cf. 37:36-38

II. TRUE DELIVERANCE FOUND IN THE LORD (32:1-35:10)

   A. THE NEW REGIME TO COME...
      1. With a righteous King and spiritual illumination - 32:1-8
         a. The King and His princes will rule with righteousness and
            justice - 32:1
         b. A man (Messiah? Hezekiah?) will offer protection and
            provision - 32:2
         c. Spiritual blindness and deafness removed, knowledge
            understood - 32:3-4
         d. Moral distinctions made clearer - 32:5-8
      2. Preceded by painful judgment - 32:9-14
         a. Upon women at ease and complacent - 32:9-11
         b. People will mourn the devastation of the land - 32:12-14
      3. Inaugurated by the outpouring of God's Spirit - 32:15-20
         a. Producing a fruitful field and forest from the wilderness
            - 32:15
         b. In which justice and righteousness will produce peace
            - 32:16-17
         c. Peace and security, even in hard times - 32:18-20

   B. ASSYRIA'S DEFEAT AND JERUSALEM'S VICTORY...
      1. The plunderer (Assyria) will be defeated - 33:1-16
         a. The plunderer will himself be plundered - 33:1
         b. The plundered looks to the Lord for deliverance and
            salvation - 33:2-6
         c. The pitiful condition of the land before deliverance
            - 33:7-9
         d. The Lord to intervene with His might - 33:10-13
         e. The sinners in Zion will be fearful, the righteous secure
            - 33:14-16
      2. Jerusalem to be a quiet home, made secure by the Lord
         - 33:17-24
         a. They shall see the King (Messiah? Hezekiah?) in His beauty
            - 33:17
         b. The people will later wonder:  why all the worry? - 33:18-19
         c. Zion (Jerusalem) will be peaceful, secured by the Lord
            - 33:20-22
         d. Assyria's plunder will be divided; God's people healed and
            forgiven - 33:23-24

   C. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD...
      1. Manifested in His judgment on the nations - 34:1-17
         a. Judgment on the nations as a whole - 34:1-4
         b. Judgment on Edom in particular - 34:5-17
            1) A great slaughter in the land - 34:5-7
            2) The day of the Lord's vengeance, with total devastation
               - 34:8-15
            3) It's judgment inevitable - 34:16-17
      2. Manifested in His salvation for Zion - 35:1-10
         a. The transformation of the land - 35:1-2
         b. The weak and fearful reassured - 35:3-4
         c. The blind, deaf, and lame healed; the dry land filled with
            pools and springs - 35:5-7
         d. The Highway of Holiness, upon which the redeemed will travel
            to Zion with singing and everlasting joy - 35:8-10

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What is suggested as the theme of Isaiah chapters 28-35?
   - The Source Of True Deliverance

2) What are the two main divisions of this section?
   - True Deliverance Found Not In Egypt (28-31)
   - True Deliverance Found In The Lord (32-35)

3) Upon what and whom does Isaiah pronounce woe in chapter 28? (28:1)
   - Upon the crown of pride and the drunkards of Ephraim

4) For whom will the Lord be "a crown of glory" and "a diadem of
   beauty"? (28:5)
   - The remnant of His people

5) What had caused the people, including their religious leaders, to
   err? (28:7)
   - Wine and intoxicating drink

6) To whom does Isaiah begin to address his comments in verse 14?
   - Those who rule in Jerusalem

7) With whom had they made a covenant?  What were they hoping to escape?
   (28:15)
   - Sheol (death)
   - The overflowing scourge that would pass through

8) What would the Lord lay in Zion?  Who would therefore not act
   hastily? (28:16)
   - A stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone
   - Whoever believes

9) To whom is this applied in the New Testament? (cf. 1Pe 2:4-6)
   - Jesus Christ

10) What would God do to those who made their covenant with Sheol?
    (28:18)
   - Annul their covenant with death; trample them with the overflowing
     scourge

11) Whom does Isaiah use to illustrate how God varies His ways of
    judgment? (28:23-29)
   - The farmer

12) What will happen to Ariel (Jerusalem)? (29:1-3)
   - God will lay a siege around it

13) Yet what would happen to those nations who fight against it? (29:
    7-8; cf. 37:36)
   - They will be mysteriously defeated

14) What caused the blindness of so many at that time? (29:9-13)
   - God brought it upon them because of their disobedience and impiety

15) What would come upon those who try to hide their counsel from the
    Lord? (29:14-16)
   - A marvelous work and a wonder as judgment from the Lord

16) Yet what did the future hold for the house of Jacob? (29:17-24)
   - Restoration, in which they will hallow the Holy One of Jacob and
     fear the God of Israel

17) Upon whom were the rebellious children of Israel placing their
    trust? (30:1-7)
   - Egypt, whose help would be in vain

18) What would God yet do for those who trusted Him? (30:15-26)
   - He would be gracious and merciful, and allow them to dwell at
     Jerusalem after adversity and reformation

19) As God sifted the nations with "the sieve of futility", what nation
    in particular would be beaten down? (30:27-33)
   - Assyria

20) Why was it foolish for the people to trust in Egypt and her
    chariots? (31:1-3)
   - Because God would bring disaster on Egypt and those helped by her

21) Who would defend Jerusalem from the Assyrians? (31:4)
   - The Lord, fighting for Mount Zion as a lion

22) How would Assyria fall? (31:8)
   - By a sword not of man, fleeing with fear (cf. 37:36-38)

23) What is foretold that would give hope? (32:1)
   - A reign involving a righteous King and princes ruling with justice

24) What would precede this hopeful future? (32:9-14)
   - A painful judgment involving devastation upon the land


25) What would inaugurate the time of justice and righteousness? (32:
    15-16)
   - The pouring out of God's Spirit

26) What would be the result of this justice and righteousness? (32:
    17-19)
   - God's people would enjoy peace, quietness, and assurance, even in
     stormy times

27) What will happen to the one (Assyria) who has been plundering?
    (33:1)
   - He will be plundered

28) To Whom does the faithful look for deliverance and salvation? (33:
    2-5)
   - The Lord

29) What will provide stability and the strength of salvation? (33:6)
   - Wisdom and knowledge

30) When the Lord brings His judgment on Zion, who will be afraid, and
    who will be secure? (33:10-16)
   - The sinners will be fearful, the righteous secure

31) What will Jerusalem become? (33:20-22)
   - A quiet home, made secure by the Lord

32) What will happen to the prey of the plunderer?  To those in the
    city? (33:23-24)
   - The lame will take the prey, those in the city will be forgiven

33) How is the sovereignty of God depicted in chapter 34? (34:1-4)
   - By His judgment on the nations

34) What nation in particular is marked for judgment? (34:5-17)
   - Edom

35) How is the sovereignty of God depicted in chapter 35? (35:1-10)
   - By His salvation for Zion

36) How shall the ransomed of the Lord return to Zion? (35:10)
   - Singing with everlasting joy and gladness

3/30/12

Mar. 30 Leviticus 15, 16


Mar. 30
Leviticus 15, 16

Lev 15:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,
Lev 15:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When any man has a discharge from his body, because of his discharge he is unclean.
Lev 15:3 This shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body has stopped from his discharge, it is his uncleanness.
Lev 15:4 " 'Every bed whereon he who has the discharge lies shall be unclean; and everything he sits on shall be unclean.
Lev 15:5 Whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:6 He who sits on anything whereon the man who has the discharge sat shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:7 " 'He who touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:8 " 'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:9 " 'Whatever saddle he who has the discharge rides on shall be unclean.
Lev 15:10 Whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until the evening. He who carries those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:11 " 'Whoever he who has the discharge touches, without having rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:12 " 'The earthen vessel, which he who has the discharge touches, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
Lev 15:13 " 'When he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes; and he shall bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.
Lev 15:14 " 'On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest:
Lev 15:15 and the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh for his discharge.
Lev 15:16 " 'If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:17 Every garment, and every skin, whereon the semen is, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:18 If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:19 " 'If a woman has a discharge, and her discharge in her flesh is blood, she shall be in her impurity seven days: and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:20 " 'Everything that she lies on in her impurity shall be unclean. Everything also that she sits on shall be unclean.
Lev 15:21 Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:22 Whoever touches anything that she sits on shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:23 If it is on the bed, or on anything whereon she sits, when he touches it, he shall be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:24 " 'If any man lies with her, and her monthly flow is on him, he shall be unclean seven days; and every bed whereon he lies shall be unclean.
Lev 15:25 " 'If a woman has a discharge of her blood many days not in the time of her period, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her period; all the days of the discharge of her uncleanness shall be as in the days of her period: she is unclean.
Lev 15:26 Every bed whereon she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her period: and everything whereon she sits shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her period.
Lev 15:27 Whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Lev 15:28 " 'But if she is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall count to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.
Lev 15:29 On the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting.
Lev 15:30 The priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her before Yahweh for the uncleanness of her discharge.
Lev 15:31 " 'Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is in their midst.' "
Lev 15:32 This is the law of him who has a discharge, and of him who has an emission of semen, so that he is unclean thereby;
Lev 15:33 and of her who has her period, and of a man or woman who has a discharge, and of him who lies with her who is unclean.
Lev 16:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before Yahweh, and died;
Lev 16:2 and Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
Lev 16:3 "Herewith shall Aaron come into the sanctuary: with a young bull for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
Lev 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
Lev 16:5 He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
Lev 16:6 "Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house.
Lev 16:7 He shall take the two goats, and set them before Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting.
Lev 16:8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats; one lot for Yahweh, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
Lev 16:9 Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Yahweh, and offer him for a sin offering.
Lev 16:10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before Yahweh, to make atonement for him, to send him away for the scapegoat into the wilderness.
Lev 16:11 "Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull of the sin offering which is for himself.
Lev 16:12 He shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Yahweh, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil:
Lev 16:13 and he shall put the incense on the fire before Yahweh, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, so that he will not die.
Lev 16:14 He shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
Lev 16:15 "Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
Lev 16:16 and he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins; and so he shall do for the Tent of Meeting, that dwells with them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Lev 16:17 There shall be no one in the Tent of Meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement for himself and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel.
Lev 16:18 "He shall go out to the altar that is before Yahweh and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the bull's blood, and some of the goat's blood, and put it around on the horns of the altar.
Lev 16:19 He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
Lev 16:20 "When he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat.
Lev 16:21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, even all their sins; and he shall put them on the head of the goat, and shall send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness.
Lev 16:22 The goat shall carry all their iniquities on himself to a solitary land, and he shall let the goat go in the wilderness.
Lev 16:23 "Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there.
Lev 16:24 Then he shall bathe himself in water in a holy place, and put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.
Lev 16:25 The fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar.
Lev 16:26 "He who lets the goat go for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
Lev 16:27 The bull for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried forth outside the camp; and they shall burn their skins, their flesh, and their dung with fire.
Lev 16:28 He who burns them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
Lev 16:29 "It shall be a statute to you forever: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the native-born, or the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you:
Lev 16:30 for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins you shall be clean before Yahweh.
Lev 16:31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever.
Lev 16:32 The priest, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priest in his father's place, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments.
Lev 16:33 Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
Lev 16:34 "This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel once in the year because of all their sins." It was done as Yahweh commanded Moses.

"THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Prophecies Concerning The Nations (13-27) by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

               Prophecies Concerning The Nations (13-27)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To survey the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the nations surrounding
   Judah, related to the rise and fall of Babylon and restoration of
   Israel after her captivity

2) To glean the importance of an obedient trust in the Lord and waiting
   for His ultimate deliverance

SUMMARY

From prophetic utterances related to Judah and Jerusalem (chs. 1-12),
Isaiah expands his horizon to include prophecies concerning the
surrounding nations (chs. 13-27).  Nearly all are introduced as a
"burden" (e.g., 13:1; 15:1; 17:1).  Barnes says "...the term is applied
to those oracles or prophetic declarations which contain sentiments
especially weighty and solemn; which are employed chiefly in denouncing
wrath and calamity; and which, therefore, are represented as weighing
down, or oppressing the mind and heart of the prophet."  In pronouncing
God's judgments on the nations, Isaiah reveals the Lord not only as the
God of Israel, but the God who rules in all the nations of men (cf. Dan
5:18-21).

The first "burden" pertains to Babylon (13:1-14:23), upon whom "the day
of the Lord" is described in figurative terms depicting worldwide and
universal calamities (13:9-13).  The actual instrument of God's judgment
is identified as the Medes (13:17), who together with the Persians did
in fact conquer Babylon (cf. Dan 5:28-31).  The fall of Babylon will
result in Israel's restoration, prompting a proverb to be sung against
the king of Babylon (14:3-4) whose arrogance would lead him to the
depths of Sheol.

Judgment on Assyria is pronounced (14:24-27), the dominant empire in
the days of Isaiah about which much has already been said (cf. 10:5-19),
with a brief mention of how God would "break the Assyrian in My land",
the fulfillment of which is later described by Isaiah (cf. 37:36-38).

In the year that King Ahaz died, Isaiah received a burden against
Philistia, Israel's longtime nemesis.  They were not to rejoice over the
death of their enemy's king, for their destruction was coming while the
Lord would continue to uphold Zion, or Jerusalem (14:28-33).

The judgment on Moab is next foretold (15:1-16:14), her destruction
related to her pride (16:6-7).  Unlike other prophecies that were
general and indefinite, this one came with a definite time period in
which it was to be fulfilled.

The fall of Syria (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim) are described together
(17:1-14), appropriate in light of their  alliance against Judah (cf.
7:1-2).  The strongholds in the nations' capitals will become desolate.
While a remnant of Israel will be spared, and men will turn from their
idols back to God, trouble will be in store for those who sought to
plunder God's people.

Ethiopia, "the land shadowed with buzzing wings" will be chastised for
seeking an alliance with a nation "tall and smooth of skin".  Indeed,
the very nation they sought help from would send a present to the Lord
of Hosts (18:1-7).

The burden against Egypt (19:1-25) is introduced by the figure of the
Lord "riding on a swift cloud" as He comes in judgment.  The actual
nature of God's judgment is described as first civil war (19:2) and then
foreign occupation (19:4).  The Nile will turn foul, and the Lord will
confound the famed wisdom of Egypt.  But eventually Egypt would come to
fear the Lord and even be blessed along with Israel and Assyria
(19:24-25).

The prophecies against Egypt and Ethiopia were reinforced by Isaiah
being used by God to serve as a visible sign.  For three years Isaiah
had to walk barefoot and naked, depicting their future captivity by the
king of Assyria (20:1-7).

The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea comes next (21:1-10).
Mention of Elam (Persia) and Media (the Medes) along with proclamation
"Babylon is fallen, is fallen!" lead many commentators to suggest this
is a proclamation against Babylon.  It may describe the distress to be
felt by the captives in the land of Babylon.  A brief burden against
Dumah (Edom) is mentioned (21:11-12), depicting the perplexity to be
felt by them at that time.  Likewise a brief burden against Arabia
(21:13-17), in which  the fall of the glory of Kedar (Arabia in general)
is foretold.

The burden against the Valley Of Vision (22:1-25) evidently refers to
the city of Jerusalem.  A siege is depicted, in which efforts to defend
the city fail because they do not include God and heeding the calls to
repent.  The treasurer under King Hezekiah (Shebna) will be removed from
office and replaced by Eliakim, God's servant.

The last "burden" in this section pertains to the city of Tyre
(23:1-18).  Those who traded with her will be dismayed when they hear of
her fall, a destruction to come at the hands of the Chaldeans.  For
seventy years Tyre will be forgotten, but then restored.  The fruit of
her "labor" will be devoted to the Lord and His people.

This section ends with prophecies related to Judah in particular,
apparently designed to comfort the faithful for the days ahead
(24:1-27:13).  God's judgment upon the land is depicted in worldwide
terms, similar to those used to describe the judgment upon Babylon
(24:1,3-6; cf. 13:9-11).  While desolation will initially remove song
and drink in the land, the remnant will glorify the Lord in song
(24:1-16a).  The judgment of the wicked who afflict the righteous will
be inescapable and complete, and the Lord will reign on Mount Zion
(24:16b-23).  This leads the prophet to offer songs of praise for God's
judgments, in which an ungodly city (Babylon?) is made a ruin and
enemies (e.g., Moab) trampled down, while wonderful things will be done
for God's people in His mountain and holy city (25:1-26:6).  Isaiah
reflects on God's judgments, expressing his trust and hope in God,
pleading with his people to quietly wait for the Lord (26:7-21).  When
the Lord has slain the great serpent Leviathan (Babylon?), another song
of the vineyard will be song about flourishing Israel (27:1-6; cf.
5:1-7).  Whereas Israel received measured discipline, the enemies of
Israel were to receive no mercy, and God's people from Egypt to Assyria
would return to worship in the holy mount at Jerusalem (27:7-13).

OUTLINE

I. PROPHECIES CONCERNING VARIOUS NATIONS (13:1-23:18)

   A. JUDGMENT AGAINST BABYLON...
      1. The judgment announced - 13:1-16
         a. The summoning of the army for battle - 13:1-5
         b. The coming destruction of "the day of the Lord" - 13:6-16
      2. The instrument and extent of God's judgment - 13:17-22
         a. He will stir up the Medes against them - 13:17-18
         b. Babylon will be desolated like Sodom and Gomorrah - 13:19-22
      3. The Lord's mercy on Israel - 14:1-2
         a. The house of Jacob will be resettled in their own land
            - 14:1a
         b. Strangers will receive them and even serve them - 14:1b-2
      4. The proverb (song) against Babylon's king - 14:3-21
         a. To be sung when the Lord gives rest to Israel - 14:3-4a
         b. The oppressor's fall ends the cruelty of Babylon - 14:4b-6
         c. The earth and trees break out into song - 14:7-8
         d. Sheol is excited over its reception of the king - 14:9-11
         e. The extent of the fall of the king of Babylon (Lucifer)
            - 14:12-17
         f. The king will have a dishonorable burial, his children
            slaughtered - 14:18-21
      5. Summation of God's judgment and desolation on Babylon
         - 14:22-23

   B. JUDGMENT AGAINST ASSYRIA...
      1. God's purpose is to destroy Assyria - 14:24-25
      2. His purpose cannot be annulled - 14:26-27

   C. JUDGMENT AGAINST PHILISTIA...
      1. Despite the death of Ahaz, desolation will be total - 14:28-31
      2. While Zion shall provide refuge for God's people - 14:32

   D. JUDGMENT AGAINST MOAB...
      1. Desolation and wailing foretold for the cities of Moab - 15:1-4
      2. Even the Lord will cry for Moab, when drought and lions afflict
         the land - 15:5-9
      3. Moab encouraged to make peace with Israel, show kindness to her
         outcasts; for mercy, justice and righteousness will come from
         One in the tabernacle of David - 16:1-5
      4. Moab's notable pride and the coming desolation - 16:6-8
      5. The Lord will bewail the destruction of Moab - 16:9-12
      6. The time period set for Moab's judgment - 16:13-14

   E. JUDGMENT AGAINST SYRIA AND ISRAEL...
      1. The fall of Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (Israel) foretold
         - 17:1-3
      2. The glory of Jacob will wane, but a remnant will be spared
         - 17:4-6
      3. In that day a man will return to the Lord, not to idols
         - 17:7-8
      4. In that day the cities will be desolate, because Israel forgot
         her God - 17:9-11
      5. The unexpected collapse of the nations who plunder - 17:12-14

   F. JUDGMENT AGAINST ETHIOPIA...
      1. Woe for trusting in diplomacy and alliances - 18:1-2
      2. For the Lord will take care of the enemy in His own time f
         - 18:3-6
      3. And the dreaded enemy (or potential ally) will eventually bring
         homage to the Lord - 18:7

   G. JUDGMENT AGAINST EGYPT...
      1. The Lord will bring civil strife and tyranny upon the nation
         - 19:1-4
      2. The Nile will turn foul, devastating those who depend upon it
         - 19:5-10
      3. The Lord will confound the famed Egyptian wisdom - 19:11-15
      4. In that day Egypt will fear the Lord and the land of Judah
         - 19:16-17
      5. In that day Egypt will turn to the Lord and be blessed along
         with Assyria - 19:18-25

   H. ISAIAH - A SIGN AGAINST EGYPT AND ETHIOPIA...
      1. Isaiah serves as a sign when Assyria invaded Ashdod - 20:1-4
         a. By walking naked and barefoot for three years - 20:1-2
         b. To portend the captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia - 20:3-4
      2. To discourage placing hope in those nations for deliverance
         from Assyria - 20:5-6

   I. JUDGMENT AGAINST BABYLON, EDOM, AND ARABIA...
      1. The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea (Babylon)
         - 21:1-10
         a. Like a whirlwind, Elam and Media (Persia) to plunder the
            land - 21:1-2
         b. Isaiah distressed when he heard and saw that to come
            - 21:3-4
         c. A watchman appointed, who reports the fall of Babylon
            - 21:5-9
         d. To those (Judah?) who have experienced his threshing, Isaiah
            has declared what God has told him - 21:10
      2. The burden against Dumah (Edom) - 21:11-12
         a. Isaiah is inquired by those from Seir, "Watchman, what of
            the night?" - 21:11
         b. His reply suggests their inquiry was not sincere; he calls
            for them to return (to God?) - 21:12
      3. The burden against Arabia - 21:13-17
         a. Judgment to involve fleeing caravans - 21:13-15
         b. Within a year the glory of Kedar will fail - 21:16-17

   J. JUDGMENT AGAINST JERUSALEM...
      1. The city shall be under siege - 22:1-7
      2. Efforts to defend the city fail to include God - 22:8-11
      3. Judgment to come for their failure to heed calls for repentance
         - 22:12-14
      4. Shebna (treasurer under King Hezekiah) to be removed - 22:15-19
      5. The Lord to replace him with Eliakim, who will serve as a
         symbol of security - 22:20-24
      6. Yes, the day will come when the peg (Shebna) will be removed
         - 22:25

   K. JUDGMENT AGAINST TYRE...
      1. The dismay of those who traded with Tyre when they hear of her
         fall - 23:1-7
      2. Her destruction planned by the Lord, carried out by the
         Chaldeans - 23:8-14
      3. For seventy years Tyre will be forgotten - 23:15a
      4. Tyre will be restored, and her 'service' devoted to the Lord
         and His people - 23:15b-18

II. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JUDAH IN PARTICULAR (24:1-27:13)

   A. GOD'S JUDGMENT ON THE LAND...
      1. Administered by the Lord, it is thorough - 24:1-3
      2. Rendered to haughty people due to their disobedience - 24:4-6
      3. Desolation removes song and drink - 24:7-12
      4. The remnant will glorify the Lord in song - 24:13-16a
      5. The prophet bewails being afflicted by the wicked, but
         proclaims their judgment will be inescapable and complete - 24:
         16b-20
      6. Following the judgment of His rivals, the Lord will reign on
         Mount Zion - 24:21-23

   B. SONGS OF PRAISE FOR GOD'S JUDGMENT...
      1. For overthrowing the ungodly city that oppressed His people
         - 25:1-5
      2. For the wonderful things God will do for His people in His
         mountain - 25:6-9
      3. For overthrowing Moab, typifying God's judgment on His enemies
         - 25:10-12
      4. For the strong city of God in which the righteous will enter
         - 26:1-6

   C. PRAYERFUL REFLECTION ON GOD'S JUDGMENTS...
      1. The prophet's trust in God, while the wicked refuses - 26:7-11
      2. The prophet's hope in the Lord's peace and restoration of the
         nation - 26:12-15
      3. The prophet's confidence that all who trust in the Lord will
         rise from the dead - 26:16-19
      4. The prophet's plea for his people to quietly wait for the Lord
         - 26:20-21

   D. THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF ZION...
      1. In that day, Leviathan the great serpent will be destroyed
         - 27:1
      2. In that day, another "song of the vineyard":  Israel shall
         flourish - 27:2-6; cf. 5:1-7
      3. Israel's punishment is in measure, only for a time - 27:7-9
      4. Her enemies will receive no mercy - 27:10-11
      5. In that day, the Lord will gather His people from Egypt and
         Assyria to worship in the holy mount at Jerusalem - 27:12-13

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What is suggested as the theme of Isaiah chapters 13-27?
   - Prophecies Concerning The Nations

2) What are the two main divisions of this section?
   - Prophecies concerning various nations (13-23)
   - Prophecies concerning Judah in particular (24-27)

3) Against what nation does Isaiah prophecy first? (13:1)
   - Babylon

4) In announcing the judgment against Babylon, what does Isaiah say is
   "at hand"? (13:6)
   - The day of the Lord (cf. Isa 13:9)

5) In describing Babylon's judgment, how is it figuratively depicted?
   (13:9-13)
   - As a worldwide judgment, with universal calamities

6) Whom will God stir up against Babylon as part of this judgment?
   (13:17)
   - The Medes

7) What will be the end of the city of Babylon? (13:19-20)
   - It will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah; inhabited by wild
     beasts, and not man

8) What will  happen to Jacob or Israel during this time? (14:1)
   - The Lord will show mercy, and take their captors captive

9) When Babylon falls, against whom shall Israel take a proverb?
   (14:3-4)
   - The king of Babylon

10) How is the judgment of this individual described?  By what name is
    he called? (14:9-20)
   - Descending in shame to Sheol (hell); Lucifer, son of the morning

11) Against what nation does Isaiah prophecy next?  What will God do?
    (14:24-25)
   - Assyria; break the Assyrian in His land

12) What nation's judgment described in the year Ahaz died?  What will
    God do? (14:28-30)
   - Philistia; slay the remnant

13) Against what nation does Isaiah prophesy in chapters 15-16?
   - Moab

14) What was that nation's primary sin?  What would happen within
    three years? (16:6-7,14)
   - Pride; the glory of Moab will be despised, the remnant small and
     feeble

15) Against what two nations does Isaiah prophesy in chapter 17?
   - Syria and Israel

16) What will happen to these two nations? (17:3-4)
   - The fortress will cease from Ephraim (Israel) and the kingdom from
     Damascus (Syria)
   - The remnant of Syria will be like the waning glory of Jacob
     (Israel)

17) What would happen as a result of this judgment? (17:7-8)
   - They would no longer look to their idols, but have respect for the
     Holy One of Israel

18) Why were their efforts to sow and harvest becoming a heap of ruins?
    (17:10-11)
   - They had forgotten the God of their salvation, the Rock of their
     stronghold

19) Against what nation is judgment proclaimed in chapter 18?
   - Ethiopia, the land shadowed with buzzing wings

20) To whom would this nation send ambassadors for help? (18:2)
   - A nation tall and smooth of skin (scattered and peeled, KJV)

21) What would the Lord do?  Who would bring a present to Mount Zion?
    (18:5-7)
   - Destroy their crops, leave them for birds of prey and beasts of the
     earth
   - A people tall and smooth of skin

22) Against what nation is judgment proclaimed in chapter 19?
   - Egypt

23) How is the Lord depicted as coming in judgment upon this nation?
    (19:1)
   - Riding on a swift cloud

24) In what two forms would judgment against this nation take place?
    (19:2,4)
   - Civil war and foreign occupation

25) How are future blessings described for this and two other nations?
    (19:23-25)
   - A highway from Egypt to Assyria, with both nations blessed along
     with Israel

26) How did Isaiah serve as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia?  What did
    this symbolize? (20:2-4)
   - Walking barefoot and naked for three years; their captivity by the
     Assyrians

27) Against whom does Isaiah first prophesy in chapter 21? (21:1)
   - The Wilderness of the Sea

28) What two nations would be used to judge this nation? (21:2)
   - Elam (Persia) and Media (the Medes)

29) To which nation did this prophecy refer? (21:9)
   - Babylon ("Babylon is fallen, is fallen!")

30) Against what other two regions are judgments pronounced in chapter
    21? (21:11,13)
   - Dumah (Edom) and Arabia

31) Against whom does Isaiah first prophecy in chapter 22? (22:1)
   - The Valley of Vision (Jerusalem)

32) How would the city be defeated? (22:1-11)
   - Not by battle, for the rulers will have fled; instead by siege

33) Why would God not protect the city? (22:12-14)
   - When He called for weeping and sackcloth (repentance), they replied
     with joy and gladness "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"

34) Against what individual was judgment pronounced in chapter 22?
    (22:15-19)
   - Shebna the steward, who would be driven from office into exile

35) Who would replace this individual? (22:20-21)
   - Eliakim the son of Hilkiah (cf. Isa 36:3,11,22; 37:2)

36) Against what city does Isaiah prophesy in chapter 23?
   - Tyre

37) How would others react to the fall of this city? (23:1,4,5)
   - The ships of Tarshish (Spain) would wail
   - The city of Sidon would be ashamed
   - The country of Egypt would be in agony

38) What nation would bring this destruction to this city? (23:13)
   - The Chaldeans (Babylon)

39) How long would this city be forgotten? (23:15)
   - Seventy years

40) Concerning whom do the prophecies of chapters 24-27 refer? (24:23;
    25:6; 26:1; 27:13)
   - Judah, especially the faithful remnant; apparently written to
     comfort them during the coming invasions and difficult times to
     follow

41) What is first depicted in graphic terms? (24:1-6)
   - Calamities on the earth, in which few are left

42) When merriment ceases and the city destroyed, what shall the remnant
    do? (24:13-16)
   - Praise the majesty of the Lord from the ends of the earth

43) Shall those destined for judgment be able to escape? (24:17-18)
   - No, despite their efforts to flee

44) When the earth is shaken, the moon and sun disgraced, what will the
    Lord do? (24:19-23)
   - Reign gloriously on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem before His elders

45) What do we find Isaiah doing in chapter 25?  (25:1)
   - Offering a hymn of praise

46) What has the Lord done to cause Isaiah to respond in this way?
    (25:2-5)
   - Made a fortified city a ruin, while providing strength and refuge
     for the poor and needy

47) What will the Lord do in His mountain? (25:6-8)
   - Make for His people a feast
   - Remove the veil the covers all the nations
   - Swallow up death forever, wipe away tears, and remove the rebuke of
     His people

48) What will be said in that day? (25:9)
   - "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save
     us."
   - "This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and
      rejoice in His salvation."

49) Against whom in particular will judgment come? (25:10-12)
   - Moab with its pride

50) What will be sung in that day in the land of Judah? (26:1)
   - A song praising God for their strong city

51) What is said of those who trust in the Lord? (26:3-4)
   - The Lord will keep them in perfect peace; He will be their
     everlasting strength

52) What is the attitude of those who wait on the Lord? (26:8-9)
   - Their soul's desire is to seek the Lord

53) What is Isaiah's confidence in the Lord? (26:12,19)
   - The Lord will establish peace for His people; He will raise them
     from the dead

54) What does Isaiah counsel his people to do when the Lord begins His
    judgment? (26:20-21)
   - Hide themselves in their chambers until the indignation is past

55) Who would the Lord punish in that day? (27:1)
   - Leviathan the serpent (symbolizing Babylon?)

56) What will be sung in that day? (27:2-3)
   - "A vineyard of red wine!" (contrast this with Isa 5:1-7)

57) How was Israel's judgment different from nations that struck it?
    (27:7-9)
   - Israel's judgment was measured, with the purpose of removing its
     iniquity and idolatry

58) What would be the case of the 'fortified city' (Babylon)? (27:10-11)
   - It would be forsaken and desolate, with no mercy shown

59) What will the Lord do 'in that day'? (27:12-13)
   - Gather His people from Assyria and Egypt, and have them worship the
     Lord in Jerusalem (likely referring to the time of the restoration
     during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah)