Bible Study: Isaiah 18:1-7

Today's study covers the burden against Ethiopia.

Isaiah Chapter 18

Lessons from the text

Earthly Rulers and the King

Verse 3 displays an interesting, but common, characteristic about God; whenever He is about to say or do something important, He precedes it with an announcement or prophecy.  I think of when our president is going to give a speech; it is always announced before hand.  We are told that he is going to say something, the press is gathered, and then he gives the formal address.

God the Father is the same way.  As king of heaven, He announces to his prophets what He is going to do.  Sometimes, as was the case with the birth of Christ and even the prophet Daniel, the message is sent by an angel who speaks directly to humans (Lk 1:26-27; Dan 10:2-12:13).

Continuing the analogy, imagine an angel or a prophet as the forerunner who announces that God is about to something.  The believers are like the press who gather to hear or see the event, expecting God to perform it, and therefore telling others to tune in.  God then performs His work, and those who witness it proclaim abroad what He has done.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all tuned in to God's speech?  

He has given one long speech to us in the form of the Bible, and His voice can be heard in His constant presence in human history.  He's our sovereign King; let's give Him the respect He deserves.

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Verse by Verse Commentary

1-2  God describes Ethiopia as a great nation that has influence across the Red Sea and faraway people.  Sending ambassadors to people who have been peeled and spoiled raises the suspicion of them taking advantage of those in a weakened condition. This is, in fact, the case as is revealed in the following verses.

3  This proceeding proclamation is standard when God gives the decree.  Like any earthly king, the Lord announces that He is about to tell you something important. 

Geographical Note:
Modern day Ethiopia sits near the bottom west end of the Red Sea and stretches towards the Pacific Ocean. With a mountain range and several rivers, it is the second most populated country in Africa.  Ethiopia has a strong military history and was able to maintain its status as an independent country during the 19th century European conquest of Africa.

Areal view of a river valley in Ethiopia.

4  God is going to step back and assess the situation.  He never acts in haste.

5  Before evil has time to bear its full fruit, God will cut it down.  Ethiopia's intentions against other nations are not good, or God would have no cause to intervene.

6  Instead of taking advantage of others, the evil doer will become the victim.  Compare with Psalm 57:6.  Alternately, God is telling us that evil is self-destruction for the very thing of which one is partaking will one day feed on that person.

7  All the people that have been beaten up and taken advantage of by this world and other people are the very same people God considers to be a gift to Himself.  He is going to wrap them up bring them to a new home on Mount Zion.

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Please comment below to share what you learned from today's lesson.

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