Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Desolate4d Land

A Desolated Land

Isaiah now leaves his medical analogy and turns to the condition of Judah's terrain.  As if he is gazing down on a battle-scarred plain, he says:  "Your land is a desolation, your cities are burned with fire; your ground-right in front of you strangers are eating it up, and the desolation is like an overthrow by strangers."  (Isaiah 1:7)  Some scholars say that although these words are found early in Isaiah's book, they were probably uttered later in the prophet's career, perhaps during the reign of wicked King Ahaz.  They assert that Uzziah's reign was too prosperous to justify such a bleak description.  Granted, it cannot be stated with certainty whether Isaiah's  book is compiled in chronological order.  However, Isaiah's words about desolation are probably prophetic.  In uttering the above statement, most likely Isaiah is employing a technique found elsewhere in the Bible-that of describing a future event as if it has already taken place, thus emphasizing the certainty of a prophecy's fulfillment. -Compare Revelation 11:15.

In any event, the prophetic description of the desolation of Judah should not come as a surprise to this stubborn  an disobedient people.  Centuries earlier Jehovah warned them of what would happen if they rebelled.  He said:  "I, for my part, will lay the land desolate, and your enemies who are dwelling in it will simply stare in amazement over it. And you I shall scatter among the nations, and I will unsheathe a sword after you; and your land must become a desolation, and your cities will become a desolate ruin." -Leviticus 26:32, 33; 1 Kings 9:6-8.

The words at Isaiah 1:7, 8 are apparently fulfilled during the invasions by Assyria that result in the destruction of Israel and widespread destruction and suffering in Judah.  (2 Kings 17:5, 18; 18:11, 13; 2 Chronicles 29:8, 9)  However, Judah is totally wiped out. Isaiah says:  "The daughter of Zion has been left remaining like a booth in a vineyard, like a lookout hut in a field of cucumbers, like a blockaded city." -Isaiah 1:8.

Next time: Continue with A Desolated Land

From the Book  Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind