The following is a sample of my own notes to help me organize all that is going on. This is sometimes how I begin. I underline, circle critical words, phrases, etc.
Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah (Uzziah died when Isaiah began his ministry) -- two generations after.. Look at 2 Chronicles 26-28 Isaiah has been at this for about 30 years - Jotham ruled 16 years. He was a good king but the people were still evil. He died at the age of 41. Ahaz - started his reign at 20 years - reigned 16 years. He was a bad king. He worshipped Baal. He even sent for help from the King of Assyria which produced nothing. Hezekiah follows next - the famously good king, for the most part.
King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel -- tried to attack but could not overpower it -- king of Israel?
Isaiah had his son with him - Shear-Jashub -- cool. it's like father-son ministry. His name means "only a remnant will return" - Oswalt, 138
Isaiah to Judah: "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid." Do not lose heart. Even though these nations want to bring you down this is what the Sovereign LORD says: It won't happen - in 65 years Ephraim will be shattered too..
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." ** I like this verse.
Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign. This was basically Isaiah asking Ahaz to trust in God. "Just ask God for a sign and He will show you -- then you can believe in Him." But Ahaz refused to even try to trust God...
Isaiah: Therefore - because you won't ask for a sign God will give you a sign -- virgin birth - Immanuel
but before all of this (Jesus' coming?) - two kings (both kingdoms) will be laid to waste-- - the King of Assyria, the very king Ahaz is asking for help from, will come and destroy Judah
v. 20 shaving metaphor -- unholiness? since they're not supposed to cut their hair
v. 23 briers and thorns - picture of desolation, destruction
Here We Go! Stop Asking the King of Assyria to help!
King Ahaz has some issues. Through Isaiah, God is saying to Ahaz, "Trust me. I will protect you. I will keep you safe. I will take care of you." But, Ahaz is looking around for the most strategic friends (or allies) to have - the King of Assyria. He even bowed down to their gods and built altars to their idols inside Judah. As a leader, his rejection to trust God led his nation to its own downfall. Isaiah even tells him that this very King that you are seeking help from will destroy you... like completely - not like these little wars from the kings Rezin and Pekah.
Who can you trust in this world? It seems as if the very people you trust can sometimes let you down. Are there King of Assyria's in your life? The ones that seem so powerful, and so cool to follow - that seem to offer you the best benefits -- but really they're not there to protect you. They're only taking care of themselves. Sadly, this is our sinful world - we are selfish and some more than others. Only when we are filled with God's love can we truly learn to love one another in an unselfish way - that's why we have this community of God.
God is asking you - just ask me for a sign and I will show you that I'm here. If you need a sign so you can trust me - ask me. Don't reject this chance like Ahaz did and go asking the wrong people for help. Because one day - that person or persons might be the very ones that lead to your destruction. Trust in God. "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Lord, help me to trust in you. It's so easy to trust in the people around me and lean on them because they're right there. I guess it's just easier to see them. But, help me to see you in faith and trust you because you have the whole future in your hands. You truly are Sovereign. Amen.
this really helped me understand the chapter(:
ReplyDeleteit didn't make sense to me at firrst though.
so what this is saying, is that we need to trust in God, even though it might be hard.
But if we don't, it's going to be something we brought on to ourselves. It's not God who wants bad stuff to happen to us.