Day By Day - Isaiah 29
By Tom Mitchell
Personal Thoughts:
This chapter begins with yet another severe warning to us, “Woe to Ariel” or “Woe to Jerusalem”. This opening statement should make us stand up and listen to what Isaiah is saying. Contained within this chapter are three distinct areas: The Judgements on Jerusalem and on its enemies; the senselessness and hypocrisy of the Jews; and finally, we see the conversion of the Gentiles and future blessings for the Jews.
Point 1:
Ariel means either, “Lion of God” or “Altar of Burnt Offering” referring to the altar located within the temple in Jerusalem. Ariel was a symbolic name for Jerusalem. In the hour of judgement though once like a strong lion, she would be like the “altar of burnt offering”. Israel would be punished with the invasion of Assyria. Yet Assyria would gain nothing permanent by this conquest. She, in turn, would be torn apart by its internal strife and be finally conquered by Babylon which then, in turn, would suffer the same fate that is her destruction by God.
Isaiah condemns religious formality, pointing out that their empty religion will not stop the judgment of God. Are we living our lives in religious formality? If so, we too are susceptible to God’s judgement, or are we living a life full of humility and adoration for the one true God?
Point 2:
Verse 9 says;
“Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine, they stagger but not with intoxicating drink.”
Blind and drunk, Isaiah is referring here to the spiritual stupor characterising those in Judah who were rejecting the word of God. They were only paying lip service to their religion and in turn denying God’s sovereign role. As a result of the Jewish people rejecting God’s divine counsel, God will make His book of true wisdom a closed book.
The Bible is a sealed book to every man until we begin to study the Word with a simple heart and a teachable spirit, then the mysteries, truth and the will of God will become illuminated to us.
Point 3:
In the latter part of this chapter, we see the love of God begin to shine through: fruitfulness and increase in those who believe, deaf ears opened and able to hear the word of the Lord, blind eyes will see the truth out of obscurity and then, out of the darkness, the joy of the Lord will be increased in those who humble themselves.
This reminds me of verse 3 in Psalm 23:
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
The tables are beginning to turn and God is giving opportunity for those who have gone astray to return to Him.
Final Thoughts:
This chapter begins with a severe warning to the people of Jerusalem. In fact to us all, for the consequences of our sin and our lukewarmness towards God. It concludes with God making a way for us to repent and return to His word. That return will not and cannot be as before but with a renewed vigour, fruitfulness, understanding and desire to see the truth be preached and expanded throughout the world.
Today, take time to reflect on your own journey with Jesus. Are there areas in your life that need to be addressed and realigned to the purposes of God?
Personal Thoughts:
This chapter begins with yet another severe warning to us, “Woe to Ariel” or “Woe to Jerusalem”. This opening statement should make us stand up and listen to what Isaiah is saying. Contained within this chapter are three distinct areas: The Judgements on Jerusalem and on its enemies; the senselessness and hypocrisy of the Jews; and finally, we see the conversion of the Gentiles and future blessings for the Jews.
Point 1:
Ariel means either, “Lion of God” or “Altar of Burnt Offering” referring to the altar located within the temple in Jerusalem. Ariel was a symbolic name for Jerusalem. In the hour of judgement though once like a strong lion, she would be like the “altar of burnt offering”. Israel would be punished with the invasion of Assyria. Yet Assyria would gain nothing permanent by this conquest. She, in turn, would be torn apart by its internal strife and be finally conquered by Babylon which then, in turn, would suffer the same fate that is her destruction by God.
Isaiah condemns religious formality, pointing out that their empty religion will not stop the judgment of God. Are we living our lives in religious formality? If so, we too are susceptible to God’s judgement, or are we living a life full of humility and adoration for the one true God?
Point 2:
Verse 9 says;
“Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine, they stagger but not with intoxicating drink.”
Blind and drunk, Isaiah is referring here to the spiritual stupor characterising those in Judah who were rejecting the word of God. They were only paying lip service to their religion and in turn denying God’s sovereign role. As a result of the Jewish people rejecting God’s divine counsel, God will make His book of true wisdom a closed book.
The Bible is a sealed book to every man until we begin to study the Word with a simple heart and a teachable spirit, then the mysteries, truth and the will of God will become illuminated to us.
Point 3:
In the latter part of this chapter, we see the love of God begin to shine through: fruitfulness and increase in those who believe, deaf ears opened and able to hear the word of the Lord, blind eyes will see the truth out of obscurity and then, out of the darkness, the joy of the Lord will be increased in those who humble themselves.
This reminds me of verse 3 in Psalm 23:
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
The tables are beginning to turn and God is giving opportunity for those who have gone astray to return to Him.
Final Thoughts:
This chapter begins with a severe warning to the people of Jerusalem. In fact to us all, for the consequences of our sin and our lukewarmness towards God. It concludes with God making a way for us to repent and return to His word. That return will not and cannot be as before but with a renewed vigour, fruitfulness, understanding and desire to see the truth be preached and expanded throughout the world.
Today, take time to reflect on your own journey with Jesus. Are there areas in your life that need to be addressed and realigned to the purposes of God?
Posted in Isaiah