Isaiah 17:1-14 & Isaiah 18:1-7
Q.1. What had God planned for the alliance of Damascus and Israel? Why was He offended by Ephraim? What was prophesied about Israel’s future? – (Isai.17:1-14 c.f. 2 Kgs.15:29; 17:6)
Consistent with God’s earlier messages, the alliance between Damascus (Aram) and Samaria (Israel) would not stand, and these nations would be taken captive by the Assyrians (c.f. Isa.8:1-8; 9:8-21). The reason given was that – you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge. Therefore, you plant delightful plants and set them with vine slips of a strange god (Isa.17:10). However, there would come a future time of renewal – In that day man will have regard for his Maker and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel (Isa.17:7). At that time, Israel – will not have regard for the altars, the work of his hands, nor will he look to that which his fingers have made, even the Asherim and incense stands (Isa.17.8 c.f. Mic.5:10-14). Israel will have a change of heart – 8 … Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; 9 Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; For they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,’ for all will know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more (Heb.8:8-12). How gracious is the Lord.
Q.2. What came of Ethiopia’s alliance with Judah? What had God planned for Assyria? What hope was offered to Ethiopia in future? – (Isa.18:1-7)
Ethiopia had sought the support of Judah against Assyria. However, Isaiah had told the delegation that Assyria’s days were numbered (Isa.18:1-6). The proud people of Ethiopia were feared by many nations. However, the Lord will look to these people for a home in their hearts – For thus the Lord has told me. At that time a GIFT OF HOMAGE will be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people tall and smooth … to the place of the Name of the Lord of hosts, even Mount Zion (Isa.18:7). How great and good is the Lord.