While I try not to repeat blog titles, I see that this one comes up from time to time, most recently back in September. Maybe because it’s one of the central themes of scripture.
We close out Isaiah 14 with God’s declaration against Assyria:
The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder.” (Isaiah 14.24, 25, ESV)
How can God issue all these judgments against the nations? (See the list in yesterday’s blog). It’s easy:
This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? (Isaiah 14.24 – 27, ESV)
This is one of the fun things about reading the prophets. In the midst of complex affairs of the ancient world, you never know when a timeless truth will pop out.
The other “fun” thing about reading the prophets is noting similarities in the world today, especially the Middle East. Fighting and destruction and struggles for power. Pride and arrogance all around. And the US certainly isn’t exempt from those labels. It’s comforting to remember who’s really in charge!! Even so, COME LORD JESUS!