"Like a Carcass Trodden Down"

Isaiah continues the proverbial saying: "O how you have fallen from heaven, you shining one, son of the dawn! How you have been cut down to the earth, you who are disabling  the nations!"  (Isaiah 14:12) Selfish pride prompts Babylon's kings to elevate themselves above those around them.  Like a star shining brightly in the early morning sky, they arrogantly wield power and authority.  A particular source of pride is Nebuchadnezzar's  conquest of Jerusalem, a feat that Assyria failed to accomplish.  The proverbial utterance portrays the proud dynasty of Babylon as saying:  "To the heavens I shall go up.  Above the stars of God I shall lift up my throne, and I shall sit down upon  the mountain of meeting, in the remotest parts  of the north.  I shall go up above the high places of the clouds; I shall make myself resemble the Most High."  (Isaiah 14:13, 14)  Could there be anything more outrageous?

In the Bible the kings of the royal line of David are likened to stars.  (Numbers 24:17)  From David  on, those "stars" ruled from Mount Zion.  After Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, the name Zion came to apply to the whole city.  Under the Law covenant, all male Israelites  were obliged to travel to Zion three times a year.  Thus, it became "the mountain of meeting." By determining to subjugate the Judean kings and then remove them from  that mountain,   Nebuchadnezzar is declaring his intention to put himself above those "stars."  He does not give Jehovah credit for his victory over them.  Rather, in effect, he arrogantly puts himself in Jehovah's place.

What a reversal is in store for the proud Babylonian dynasty!  Babylon is far from being elevated above the stars of God. Rather, Jehovah says:  "Down to Sheol you will be brought, to the remotest parts of the pit.  Those seeing you will gaze even at you; they will give close examination even to you, saying, 'Is this the man that was agitating the earth, that was making kingdoms rock, that made the productive land like the wilderness and that overthrew its very cities, that did not open the way homeward even for his prisoners?' " (Isaiah 14:15-17) The Ambitious  dynasty will come down to Hades (Sheol),  just like any human.

Where, then, will be the power that conquered kingdoms, destroyed productive land, and overthrew  cities without number?  where will be the world power that took captives and never allowed them to go back home?  Why, the Babylonian dynasty will not even have a decent burial!  Jehovah says:  "All other kings of the nations, yes, all of them, have lain down in glory, each on in his own house.  But as for you, you have been thrown away with out a burial place for you, like a detested sprout, clothed with killed men stabbed with the sword that are going down to the stones of a pit, like a carcass trodden down .  You will not become united  with them in a grave, because you brought your own land to ruin, you killed your own people .  To time indefinite the offspring of evildoers will not be named." (Isaiah 14:18-20)  In the ancient world, it was considered a disgrace for a king to be deprived of an honorable burial.  So, what about Babylon's royal dynasty?  It is true that individual kings are probably interred with honor, but the imperial dynasty is discarded "like a detested sprout."  It is as if the dynasty were thrown into an unmarked grave-like a mere foot soldier slain in battle.  What a humiliation!

The proverbial saying ends with final orders to the conquering Medes and Persians:  "Make ready, you men, a slaughtering block for his own sons because of the error of their forefathers, that  they may nor rise up and actually take possession of the earth and fill the face of the productive land with cities."  (Isaiah 14:21)  The fall of Babylon will be permanent.  The Babylonian dynasty will be rooted out.  There will be no renaissance.  Future generations of Babylonians will suffer because of "the error of their forefathers." 

Next time: Conclusion of "Like a Carcass Trodden Down"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

A "Proverbial Saying" Against Babylon

Note: To my readers and followers, if you still enjoy reading my spiritual blogs  you will  need to go to www.marye.blogspot.com now.  I had a web person to set up the BlogSpot.com; but for good reasons of my own. I had to go back to the above site. Thank you for your patience and for reading my blogs. It makes me feel so good that you do.  God Bless.



More than 1oo years before  Babylon's rise as the preeminent world power, Isaiah foretells the world's reaction to her fall. Prophetically, he commands Israelites who have been freed from captivity to her:  "You must raise up this proverbial saying against the king of Babylon and say: 'How has the one driving others to work come to a stop,  the oppression come to a stop! Jehovah has broken the rod of the wicked ones, the staff of the ruling ones, the one striking peoples in fury with  a stroke incessantly, the one subduing nations in sheer anger with a persecution without restraint.' "  (Isaiah 14:4-6)  Babylon has built up quite  a reputation as a conqueror, an oppressor who turns free people into slaves.  How fitting that her fall be celebrated with a "proverbial saying" directed primarily at the Babylonian dynasty-starting with Nebuchadnezzar and ending with Nabonidus and Belshazzar-that presided over the glory days of the great city!

What a difference her fall will make! "The whole earth has come to rest, has become free of disturbance. People have become cheerful with joyful cries. Even the juniper trees have also rejoiced at you, the cedars of Lebanon, saying, 'Ever since you have lain down, no woodcutter comes up against us.' " (Isaiah 14:7, 8) The kings of the nations round about were, to Babylon's rulers, like trees to be cut down and used for their own purposes.  Well, all of that is finished! The Babylonian woodcutter has cut his last tree!

So astonishing is the fall of Babylon that the grave itself reacts:  "Even Sheol underneath has become agitated at you in order to meet you on coming in. At you it has awakened those impotent in death, all the goatlike leaders of the earth. It has made all the kings of the nations get up from their thrones. All of them speak up  and say to you, 'Have you yourself also been made weak like us?  Is it to us that you have been  made comparable?  Down to Sheol your price has been brought, the din of your stringed instruments.  Beneath you, maggots are spread out as a couch; and worms are your covering.' " (Isaiah 14:9-11)  What a powerful poetic image!  It is as if the common grave of mankind were to wake up all those kings who preceded the Babylonian dynasty into death so that they can greet the newcomer.  They mock the Babylonian ruling power, which is now helpless, lying on a bed of maggots instead of a costly divan, covered with worms instead of expensive linens. 

Next time:  "Like a Carcass Trodden Down"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

"Rest From Your Pain"

Babylon's fall will be a relief for Israel.  It will mean release from captivity and the opportunity to return to the Promised Land.  Hence, Isaiah now says: "Jehovah will show mercy to Jacob, and he is yet certain to choose Israel; and he will actually give them rest upon their soil and the alien resident must be joined to them, and they must attach themselves  to the house of Jacob.  And peoples will actually take them  and bring them to their own place, and the house of Israel must take them to themselves as a possession upon the soil of Jehovah as menservants and as maidservants; and they must become the captors of those holding them  captive, and they must have in subjection those who were driving them to work."  (Isaiah 14:1, 2)   "Jacob" here refers to Israel as a whole-all 12 tribes .  Jehovah will show mercy to "Jacob" by allowing the nation to return home.  They will be accompanied by thousands of foreigners, many of whom will serve the Israelites as temple servants. Some Israelites will even come to have authority over their former captors.

Gone will be the anguish of living in exile.  Instead, Jehovah will give his people "rest from [their] pan and from [their] agitation and from the hard slavery in which [they] were made a slave."  (Isaiah 14:3)  Having been freed from the physical burdens of slavery, Israel will no longer suffer the pain and agitation of living among worshipers of false gods.  (Ezra 3:1; Isaiah 32:18) commenting on this, the book Lands and Peoples of the Bible says: "To the Babylonian his gods altogether such as himself, in all the worst aspects of his character.  They were cowards, drunkards and imbeciles."  What a relief to escape such a degraded religious environment! 

Nevertheless, Jehovah's mercy is not unconditional.  His people must express remorse for their wickedness, which moved God to punish them so severely.  (Jeremiah 3:25)  Open, heartfelt  confessions will bring Jehovah's forgiveness.  (See Nehemiah 9:6-37; Daniel 9:5) This same principle holds true today. Since "there is no man that does not sin," all of need Jehovah's mercy.  (2 Chronicles 6:36) Jehovah the merciful God. lovingly invites us to confess our sins to him, to repent, and to cease any wrong course, in order that we may get healed.  (Deuteronomy 4:31; Isaiah 1:18; James 5:16) This not only helps to restore us to his favor but also brings us comfort. -Psalm 51:1; Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 2:7.

Next time: A "Proverbial Saying" Against Babylon

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Conclusion of God's Instrument of Destruction

Cyrus, leader of the Medo-Persian armies is undeterred by Babylon's fortification.  On the night of October 5/6 539 B.C.E., he orders the delivering of the waters of the Euphrates River. As the water level falls, the invaders stealthily make their way into the city, walking along the riverbed through thigh-deep water.  Babylon's inhabitants are caught unaware, and Babylon falls.  (Daniel 5:30)  Jehovah God inspires Isaiah to prophecy these events, leaving no doubt that  He is directing matters.

How complete will the destruction of Babylon be?  Listen to Jehovah's pronouncement:  "She will never be inhabited ,  nor will she reside for generation after generation. And there the Arab will not pitch his tent, and no shepherds will let their flocks lie down there. And there the haunters of waterless regions will certainly lie down, and their houses must be filled with eagle owls.  And there the ostriches must reside, and goat-shaped demons themselves will go skipping about there.  And jackals must howl in her dwelling towers, and the big snake will be in the palaces of exquisite delight. And the season for her is near to come, and her days themselves will not be postponed." (Isaiah 13:20-22) Utter desolation will be the city's fate.

This did not happen immediately in 539 B.C.E. Still, today it is very clear that everything Isaiah foretold regarding  Babylon has come true.  Babylon "is now, and has been for centuries, a scene of wide desolation, and is  a heap of ruins," says one Bible commentator.  Then he adds:  "It is impossible to behold this scene and not be reminded how exactly the predictions  of Isaiah and Jeremiah have been fulfilled."  Clearly, no man in Isaiah's day could have foretold Babylon's fall and her eventual desolation. After all, Babylon's fall to the Medes and the Persians occurred some 200 years after Isaiah wrote his book! And her final desolation came centuries later.  Does this not strengthen our faith in the Bible as the inspired Word of God?  (2 Timothy 3:16)  Moreover, since Jehovah fulfilled prophecies in times past, we can have absolute confidence that Bible prophecies  yet unfulfilled will be realized in God's due time.

Next time: "Rest From Your Pain"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

God's Instrument of Destruction

Which power will Jehovah use to bring about the fall of Babylon?    Some 200 years ahead of time, Jehovah reveals the answer:  "Here I am arousing against them the Medes, who account silver itself as nothing and who, as respects gold, take no delight in it. And their bows will dash even young men to pieces.  And the fruitage of the belly they will not pity; for sons their eye will not feel sorry. And Babylon, the decoration of kingdoms, the beauty of the pride of the Chaldeans, must become as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah."  (Isaiah 13:17-19)  Magnificent Babylon will fall, and Jehovah's instrument for bringing this about will be armies from the distant,  mountain country of Media. Eventually, Babylon will be as desolate as the grossly immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. -Genesis 13:13; 19:13, 24.

In Isaiah's day, both Media and Babylon are under the Assyrian yoke.  About a century later, in 632 B.C.E., Media  and Babylon join forces and overthrow Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.  This opens the way for Babylon to become the predominant world power.  Little does she realize that about 100 years after that, Media will destroy her!  Who but Jehovah God could make such a bold prediction?

When identifying his chosen instrument of destruction, Jehovah says that Media's armies 'account silver as nothing and . . .as respects gold, taken  no delight in it."  What an unusual trait for battle-hardened soldiers!  Bible scholar Albert Barnes says:  "Few, indeed, have been the invading armies which are not influenced  by the hope of spoil."  Do the Median armies prove Jehovah true in this regard?  Yes, consider  this comment found in The Bible Work, prepared by J. Glentworth Butler:  "Unlike most nations that have ever waged war, the Medes, and especially the Persians, thought less of gold than of conquest and glory." In view of this, it is not surprising that when he releases the Israelites from Babylonian exile, the Persian ruler Cyrus restores to them thousands of gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar looted from Jerusalem's temple. -Ezra 1:7-11.

While the Median and the Persian warriors have little passion for spoil, they are nevertheless ambitious.  They do not intend to remain second to any nation on the world stage.  Moreover, Jehovah puts "despoiling" into  their hearts.  (Isaiah 13:6)  Hence, with their metal bows-which can be used only to shoot arrows but also to strike and crush enemy soldiers, the offspring of Babylonian mothers-they are determined to conquer Babylon.

Next time: Conclusion of God's Instrument of Destruction

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Conclusion of 'Haughtiness I Shall Abase'

However, appearances can be deceptive.  Isaiah says:  "That is why all hands themselves will drop down, and the whole heart itself of mortal man will melt. And people have become disturbed.  Convulsions and birth pains themselves grab hold; like a woman that is giving birth they have labor pains.  They look at each other in amazement.  Their faces are inflamed faces."  (Isaiah 13:7, 8)  When the conquering armies invade the city, the ease of its inhabitants will be replaced by pain as sudden and intense as that of a woman giving birth.  Their hearts will melt with fear. Paralyzed, their hands will drop down, unable to make a defense;. Their faces will be "inflamed" with fear and anguish.  In amazement they will look at one another, wondering how their great city could fall.

Nevertheless, fall it will.  Babylon is to face  a day of reckoning, a "day of Jehovah," that will be painful indeed. The supreme Judge will express his anger and bring well-deserved judgment upon Babylon's sinful inhabitants.  The prophecy says: "Look!  The day of Jehovah itself is coming, cruel both with fury and with burning anger, in order  to make the land an object of astonishment, and that it may annihilate the land's sinners out of it. "  (Isaiah 13:9)  Babylon's prospects are gloomy.  It is as though the sun, moon, and stars all cease to give light.  "For the very stars of the heavens and their constellations of Kesil will not flash forth their light; the sun will actually grow dark at its going forth, and the moon itself will not cause its light to shine." -Isaiah 13:10.

Why such a fate for this proud city?  Jehovah says: "I shall certainly bring home its own badness upon the productive land, and their own error upon the wicked themselves. And I shall actually cause the pride of the presumptuous ones to cease, and the haughtiness of the tyrants I shall abase."  (Isaiah 13:11)  The outpouring of Jehovah's wrath will be punishment for Babylon's cruelty to God's people.  The whole land will suffer because of the badness of the Babylonians.  No longer will these proud tyrants openly defy Jehovah!

Jehovah says: "I shall make mortal man rarer than refined gold, and earthling man rarer than the gold of Ophir."  (Isaiah 13:12)  Yes, the city will come to be depopulated, waste. Jehovah continues:  "That is why I shall cause heaven itself to become agitated, and the earth will rock out of its place at the fury of Jehovah of armies  and at the day of his burning anger."  (Isaiah 13:13)  Babylon's  "heaven," her multitude of gods and goddesses, will be agitated, unable to help the city in its time of need.  "The earth," The Babylonian Empire, will rocked out of place, passing into history as just another dead empire. "It must occur that, like a gazelle chased away and like flock without anyone to collect them together, they will turn, each one to his own people; and they will flee, each one to his own land." (Isaiah 13:14)   All of Babylon's  foreign supporters will forsake her and flee,  hoping to set up new relationships with the conquering world power.  Babylon will finally experience the agony of a conquered city, an agony that she inflicted  on so many others in the days of her glory:  "Every one that is found will be pierced through, and every one that is caught in the sweep will fall by the sword; and their very children will be dashed to pieces before their eyes.  Their houses will be pillaged, and their own wives will be raped." -Isaiah 13:15, 15.

Next time: God's Instrument of Destruction

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

'Haughtiness I Shall Abase'

Judah becomes involved with Babylon during Isaiah's lifetime. King Hezekiah falls seriously ill and then recovers. Ambassadors from Babylon come to congratulate him on his recovery, likely with the secret purpose of enlisting  Hezekiah as an ally in their war against Assyria.  Unwisely, King Hezekiah shows them all his treasures. As a result, Isaiah tells Hezekiah that after the king's death, all that wealth will be carried off to Babylon.  (Isaiah 39:1-7)  This is fulfilled  in 607  B.C.E. when Jerusalem is destroyed and the nation is taken into exile.  However, God's chosen people will not stay in Babylon forever.  Jehovah foretells how he will open the way for their return home.  He begins:  "Upon a mountain of bare rocks raise up a signal, you men. Lift up the voice to them, wave the hand, that they may come into the entrances of the nobles."  (Isaiah 13:2) The "signal" is a rising world power that will dislodge Babylon from its place of eminence.  It will be raised "upon a mountain of bare rocks" -in plain view from a great distance.  Summoned to assault Babylon, that  new world power will force its way through "the entrances of the nobles,"  the gates of that great city, and will conquer it.

Jehovah now says:  "I myself have issued the command to my sanctified ones.  I have also called my mighty ones for expressing anger, my eminently exalted ones.  Listen! A crowd in the mountains, something like  a numerous people!  Listen! The uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathered together! Jehovah of armies is mustering the army of war."  (Isaiah 13:3, 4)  Who are these "sanctified ones" appointed to bring down haughty Babylon? They are combined national armies, "nations gathered together."  They descend against Babylon from a distant mountainous region. "They are coming from the land far away, from the extremity of the heavens."  (Isaiah 13:5)  In what sense are they sanctified?  Certainly not in the sense of being holy.  They are pagan armies with no interest in serving  Jehovah.  However, in the Hebrew Scriptures, "sanctified" means "set apart for use by God."  Jehovah can sanctify the armies of the nations and use their selfish ambitions in order to express his anger.  He used Assyrian in this way. He will use Babylon similarly.  (Isaiah 10:5; Jeremiah 25:9)  And he will use other nations to punish Babylon. 

Babylon is not yet the dominant world power. Yet, issuing a proclamation through Isaiah, Jehovah looks  to the time when she will occupy that position, and he foretells her fall.  He says:  "Howl, you people, for the day of Jehovah is near!   As a despoiling from the Almighty it will come."  (Isaiah 13:6)  Yes, Babylon's boasting will be replaced by grief-filled howling.  Why? Because of "the day of Jehovah," the day when Jehovah executes judgment against her.

How, though, will it be possible for Babylon to be despoiled?  When Jehovah's time for this comes, the city will appear to be secure.  Invading  armies will first have to deal with the natural defenses provide by the Euphrates River, which runs through the center of the city and is tapped  to fill a protective moat and  to supply the city with drinking water.  Then there will be Babylon's massive double walls, which are seemingly impregnable.  Moreover, the city will be well stocked with food.  The book Daily Bible Illustrations says  that Nabonidus-the last king of Babylon-"had taken immense pains to store the town with provisions and it was reckoned  to contain enough [food] to sustain the inhabitants for twenty years."

Next time: Conclusion of 'Haughtiness I Shall Abase'

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Jehovah Humbles an Arrogant City- Chapter Fourteen

THE prophetic book of Isaiah was written in the eighth century B.C.E. against the background of the Assyrian invasion of the Promised Land. As has been seen in previous chapters of this book, Isaiah foretells with remarkable accuracy the course that events will take.  However, the book looks beyond the time of Assyrian ascendancy.  It foretells the  return of Jehovah's covenant people from exile in many lands including Shinar, the location of Babylon.  (Isaiah 11:11) In Isaiah chapter 13, we find a remarkable prophecy that upon fulfillment will open the way for such a return.  This prophecy is introduced with these words: "The pronouncement against Babylon that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw in vision." -Isaiah 13:1.

Next time: 'Haughtiness I Shall Abase'

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Look to the Future With Confidence

Today millions have flocked tot he "signal for the peoples"-Jesus Christ enthroned in God's Kingdom.  They rejoice to be subject to that Kingdom and are thrilled to know Jehovah God and his Son.  (John 17:3)  They find great happiness in their united Christian fellowship and strive hard to preserve the peace that is the mark of Jehovah's true servants.  (Isaiah 54:13)  Convinced that Jah Jehovah is a God who fulfills  his promises, they are confident in their hope and find  great delight in sharing it with others.  May each worshiper of Jehovah continue to use all his strength to serve God and to help others do likewise.  Let all take Isaiah's words to heart and rejoice in salvation through Jehovah's Messiah!

Next time: Jehovah Humbles an Arrogant City, Chapter Fourteen

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Endles Rejoicing for the Subjects of the Messiah

In joyful language Isaiah now describes the exultation of Jehovah's people over the fulfillment of his word:  "I shall thank you, O Jehovah, for although you got incensed at me, your anger gradually turned back, and you proceeded to comfort me.' "  (Isaiah 12:1)  Jehovah's discipline of his wayward people is severe.  But it accomplishes its purpose of healing the nation's relationship with him and of restoring pure worship.  Jehovah assures his faithful worshipers that ultimately he will save them.  No wonder they express appreciation!

the restored Israelites have their confidence in Jehovah completely confirmed, and they cry out: "Look! God is my salvation. I shall trust and be in no dread; for Jah Jehovah is my strength and my might, and he came to be the salvation of me.'  With exultation you people will be certain to draw water out of the springs of salvation."  (Isaiah 12:2, 3) The Hebrew word translated "might" in verse 2 appears as "praise" in the Septuagint version.  Worshipers break out in songs of praise over salvation from "Jah Jehovah."  As an abbreviated form of the name Jehovah,  "Jah" is used in the Bible to convey heightened feelings of praise and gratitude.  Using the expression "Jah Jehovah" -doubling the divine name-raises  the intensity of praise to God to an even higher level.

Genuine worshiper of Jehovah cannot keep their joy to themselves.  Isaiah foretells:  "In that day you will certainly say:  'Give thanks to Jehovah, you people!  Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings.  Make mention that his name is put on high. Make melody to Jehovah, for he has done surpassingly.  This is made known in all the earth.' "  (Isaiah 12:4, 5)   Since 1919, anointed Christians -later with the help of their "other sheep" compani9ons-have 'declared abroad the excellencies of the one that called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.'   They are "a chose race, . . .a holy nation" set apart for this purpose.  (John 10:16; 1 Peter 2:9)  Anointed ones declare that Jehovah's holy name is put on high and share in making it known  in all the earth.  They lead all of Jehovah's worshipers in rejoicing in his provision for their salvation. It is just as Isaiah  exclaims:  "Cry out shrilly and shout for joy, O you inhabitress of Zion, for great in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel!" (Isaiah 12:6)  The Holy One of Israel is Jehovah God himself.

Next time: Look to the Future With Confidence!

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Barriers Will Be Overcome

There are many barriers, both literal and figurative, to hinder the Israelites' return from exile.  How will they be overcome?  Isaiah says:  "Jehovah will certainly cut off the tongue of the Egyptian sea, and wave his hand at the River in the glow of his spirit.  And he must strike in its seven torrents, and he will actually cause people to walk in their sandals."  (Isaiah 11:15)  It is Jehovah who will remove all impediments to his people's return. Even a barrier as formidable as a tongue of the Red Sea (such as the Gulf of Suez) or as impassable as the mighty Euphrates River will be dried up, as it were, so that a person can cross without having to take off his sandals!

In Moses' day, Jehovah prepared a way for Israel to escape from Egypt and march to the Promised Land.  He will do something similar now:  "There must come to be a highway out of Assyria for the remnant of his people who will  remain over, just as there came to be one for Israel in the day of his coming up out of the land of Egypt."  (Isaiah 11:16) Jehovah will lead returning exiles as if they were walking along a highway from their place of exile to their homeland.  Opposers will attempt to stop them, but their God, Jehovah will be with them.  Anointed Christians and their companions today likewise  come under vicious attack, but they go forward courageously! They have come out of modern Assyria, Satan's world, and they will help others to do the same.  They know that pure worship will succeed and flourish.  It is not man's work, but God's.

Next time: Endless Rejoicing for the Subjects of the Messiah!

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

A United People Serve Jehovah

Isaiah next reminds the Israelites that Jehovah once before provided salvation for them when the nation faced oppression by a powerful enemy.  That part of Israel's history-Jehovah's liberation of the nation from captivity in Egypt-is dear to the hearts of all faithful Jews. Isaiah writes:  "It must occur in that day that Jehovah will again offer his hand, a second time, to acquire the remnant of his people who will remain over from Assyria and from Egypt and from Pathros and from Cush and from Elam and from Shinar and from Hamath and from the islands of the sea.  And he will certainly raise up a signal for the nations and gather the dispersed ones of Israel; and the scattered ones of Judah he will collect together from the four extremities of the earth."  (Isaiah 11:11, 12)  As if taking them by the hand, Jehovah will lead a faithful remnant  of both Israel and Judah out from the nations to which they have been scattered and will bring them safely home. In a minor way, this happens in 537 B.C.E. How much more glorious, though, is the major fulfillment!  In 1914, Jehovah raised the enthroned Jesus Christ as  "a signal for the nations."  Starting  in 1919 the remaining ones of   "the Israel of God" began to flock to this signal, eager to share in pure worship under God's Kingdom.  This unique spiritual nation comes "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." -Revelation 5:9.

Isaiah now describes the unity of the restored nation. Referring to the northern kingdom as Ephraim and to the southern kingdom Judah, he says:  "The jealousy of Ephraim must depart, and even those showing hostility to Judah will be cut off. Ephraim itself will not be jealousy of Judah, nor will Judah show hostility toward Ephraim. And they must fly at the shoulder of the Philistines to the west; together they will plunder the sons of the East.  Edom and Moab will be those upon whom they will thrust out their hand, and the sons of Ammon will be their subjects."  (Isaiah 11:13, 14)  When the Jews return from Babylon, they will no longer be divided into two nations.  Members from all tribes of Israel  will return unitedly to their land.  (Ezra 6:17)  No longer will they show resentment and hostility toward one another. As a united people, they will take a triumphant stand against their enemies in the surrounding nations.

Still more impressive is the unity of "the Israel of God." The 12 symbolic tribes of Spiritual Israel have for almost 2,000 years enjoyed a unity based on love for God and for their spiritual brothers and sisters. (Colossians 3:14; Revelation 7:4-8) Today, Jehovah's people-both spiritual Israelites and those with an earthly hope-enjoy peace and worldwide unity under the Messiah's rule, conditions unknown  in the churches of Christendom.  Jehovah's Witnesses present a united spiritual  front against Satan's efforts to interfere in their worship. As one people, they carry out Jesus' commission to preach and teach the good news of the Messiah's Kingdom in all the nations. -Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Barriers Will Be Overcome

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind,  2000

Pure Worship Restored Through the Messiah

Pure worship first came under attack in Eden when Satan successfully influenced  Adam and Eve to disobey Jehovah.  To this day, Satan has not given up his goal of turning as many as possible away from God.  But Jehovah will never permit pure worship to vanish from the earth.  His name is involved, and he cares about those who serve him.  Hence, through Isaiah he makes a striking promise:  "It must occur in that day that there will be the root of Jesse that will be standing up as a signal for the peoples.  To him even the nations will turn inquiringly, and his resting-place must become glorious."  (Isaiah 11:10) Back in 537 B.C.E., Jerusalem, the city that David had made the national capital, served as a signal, calling a faithful remnant of the dispersed Jewish people to return and rebuild the temple.

However, the prophecy points to more than that. As already seen, it points to the rule of the Messiah, the one true leader for people of all nations.  The apostle Paul quoted Isaiah 11:10 to show that in his day people of the nations would have a place in the Christian congregation. Quoting the Septuagint rendering of this verse, he wrote: "Isaiah says: 'There will be the root of Jesse, and there will be one arising to rule the nations; on him nations will rest their hope.' "  (Romans 15:12) Moreover, the prophecy reaches even further-down to our day when people of the nations show their love for Jehovah by supporting the anointed brothers of the Messiah. -Isaiah 61:5-9; Matthew 25:31-40.
In the modern-day fulfillment, "that day" referred to by Isaiah began when the Messiah was enthroned as King of God's heavenly Kingdom in 1914.  (Luke 21:10; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 12:10)  Since then, Jesus Christ has been a clear signal, a rallying point, for spiritual Israel and for people of all nations who long for righteous government. Under the Messiah's direction, the good news has a powerful effect.  "A great crowd, which no man [is] able to number, out of all nations" is submitting  to the Messiah by joining the anointed remnant in pure worship.  (Revelation 7:9)  As many new ones continue to come into association with the remnant in Jehovah's spiritual "house of prayer,"  they add to the glory of the Messiah's   "resting place," God's great spiritual temple. -Isaiah 56:7; Haggai 2:7.

Next time: A United People Serve Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Changed Conditions on Earth

Picture the Israelite who has just learned of Cyrus' decree that the Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Will he leave the security of Babylon to make the long trip home?  During Israel's 70-year absence, the deserted fields have become overgrown with weeds. Wolves, leopards, lions, and bears now freely prowl those fields.  Cobras too make their home there.  The returning Jews will have to depend on domestic animals for survival-flocks and herds will provide milk, wool, and meat, and oxen will pull the plow. Will these fall victim to predators? Will small children be bitten by snakes? What about the danger of being ambushed on the journey?

Isaiah now paints a heartwarming picture of the conditions that God will bring about in the land.  He says:  The wolf will actually reside for a while with the  male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the  maned  young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them.  And the cow and the bear themselves will feed; together their young ones will lie down.  And even the lion will eat straw just like the bull. And the sucking child will certainly play upon the hole of the cobra; and upon the light aperture of a poisonous snake will a weaned child actually put his own hand.  They will not do any harm  or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea."  (Isaiah 11:6-9)   Do these words not touch the heart?   Notice that the peace described  here results from the knowledge of Jehovah.  Hence, more is involved than mere safety from wild animals.  the knowledge of Jehovah will not change the animals, but it will affect the people.  Neither on the  way home nor in their restored land will the Israelites need to fear wild beasts nor beastlike men. -Ezra 8:21, 22; Isaiah 35:8-10; 65:25.

This prophecy, however, has a larger fulfillment.  In 1914, Jesus, the Messiah, was enthroned on heavenly Mount Zion. In 1919 the remaining ones of "the Israel of God" experienced release from Babylonish captivity and shared in the restoration of true worship.  (Galatians 6:16)  As a result, the way was opened for a modern-day fulfillment of Isaiah's Paradise prophecy.  "Accurate knowledge,"  the knowledge of Jehovah, has changed personalities.  (Colossians 3:9, 10)  Formerly, violent people have become peaceable.  (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-24)  These developments have now affected millions because Isaiah's prophecy  has come to include  a rapidly increasing number of Christian with an earthly hope.  (Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 60:22)  These have learned to look to the time when the whole earth will be restored as a secure, peaceful paradise, according to God's original purpose. -Matthew 6:9, 10; 2 Peter 3:13. 

In that restored Paradise, will Isaiah's prophecy have a further, perhaps more literal, fulfillment?  It seems reasonable to think so.  The prophecy gives to all who will  live under the Messiah's rule the same assurance that it gave to the returning Israelites; they and their children will not feel threatened by harm from any  source-human or animal.  Under the Messiah's Kingdom rule, all earth's inhabitants will enjoy peaceful conditions like those that Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden. Of course, the Scriptures do not reveal every detail of what life was like in Eden-or of what it will be like in Paradise. We can be confident, though, that under the wise and loving rule of the King Jesus Christ, everything will be just as it should be.

Next time: Pure Worship Restored Through the Messiah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy  Light for all Mankind, 2000

A Righteous and Merciful Judge

Isaiah foretells more of the Messiah's characteristics:  "He  will not judge by any mere appearance to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to the thing heard by his ears."  (Isaiah 11:3b)   If you had to stand before a court of law, would you not be grateful for a judge like that?  In is capacity as judge of all mankind, the Messiah is not swayed by false arguments, clever courtroom tactics, rumors, or superficial factors, such as wealth.  He sees through deception and looks beyond unflattering  outward appearances, discerning "the secret person of the heart,"  "the hidden man."  (1 Peter 3:4)  Jesus' superlative example serves as the model for all who are called upon to judge matters in the Christian congregation.-1 Corinthians 6:1-4.

How will the Messiah's superlative qualities influence his judicial decision?  Isaiah explains:  "With righteousness he must judge the lowly ones, and with uprightness he must give reproof in behalf  of the meek ones of the earth. And he must  strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the spirit of his lips he will put the wicked one to death.  And righteousness must prove to be  the belt of his hips, and faithfulness the belt of his loins." -Isaiah 11:4, 5.

When his followers need correction, Jesus delivers it in the way that benefits them most-an excellent example for Christian elders.  On the other hand, those who practice wickedness can expect judgment  of a severe sort.  When God calls  this system of things to account, the Messiah will "strike the earth" with is authoritative  voice, issuing a judgment of destruction for all the wicked.  (Psalm 2:9; compare Revelation 19:15) Eventually, there will be no wicked people left to disturb the peace of mankind.  (Psalm 37:10, 11)  Jesus, with his hips and loins girded with righteousness and faithfulness, has the power to accomplish this. -Psalm 45:3-7.

Next time:  Changed Conditions on Earth

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Messiah - Capable Leader

Centuries before Isaiah's time, other Hebrew Bible writers pointed to the coming of the Messiah, the true Leader, whom Jehovah would send to Israel.  (Genesis 49:10; Deuteronomy 18:18; Psalm 118:22, 26)  Now through Isaiah, Jehovah adds further details.  Isaiah writes: "There must go forth a twig out of the stump of Jesse; and out of his roots a sprout will be fruitful." (Isaiah 11:1; Compare Psalm132:11) "Twig" and "sprout"  both indicate that the Messiah will be the descendant of Jesse through his son David, who was anointed with oil as king of Israel.  (1 Samuel 16:13; Jeremiah 23:5; Revelation 22:16)  When the true Messiah arrives, this "sprout," from the house of David, is to produce good fruit.

The promised Messiah is Jesus.  The gospel writer Matthew alluded to the words of Isaiah 11:1 when he said that Jesus' being called "a Nazarene" fulfilled the words of the prophets.  Because he was brought up  in the town of Nazareth, Jesus was called  a Nazarene, a name apparently related to the Hebrew word used in Isaiah 11:1 for "sprout." -Matthew 2:23; footnote; Luke 2:39, 40. 

 What kind of ruler will the Messiah be?  Will he be like the cruel, self-willed Assyrian who destroys the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel?  Of course not.  Of the Messiah, Isaiah says:  "Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah; and there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:2, 3a)  The Messiah is anointed, not with oil, but with God's holy spirit.  This happens at Jesus' baptism, when John the Baptizer sees God's holy spirit descending  on Jesus in the form of a dove.  (Luke 3:22) Jehovah's spirit 'settles down upon' Jesus, and he gives evidence of this when he acts with wisdom, understanding, counsel, mightiness, and knowledge.  What excellent qualities for a ruler!  

Jesus' followers too can receive holy spirit.  In one of his discourses, Jesus declared: "If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!"  (Luke 11:13) Hence, we should never hesitate to ask God for holy spirit, nor should we cease to cultivate  its wholesome fruitage-"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control."  (Galatians 5:22, 23)  Jehovah promises to answer the request of Jesus' followers for "wisdom from above" to help them deal successfully with the challenges of life. -James 1:5; 3:17.

What is the fear of Jehovah that the Messiah displays? Jesus certainly is not terrified by God, fearful of his condemnation.  Rather, the Messiah has a respectful awe of God, loving reverence for him.  A God-fearing person desires always to "do the things pleasing to him," as Jesus does.  (John 8:29)  By word and example, Jesus teaches that there is no greater joy than walking every day in the wholesome fear of Jehovah.

Next time: A Righteous and Merciful Judge

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Salvation and Rejoicing Under the Messiah's Reign

IN THE days of Isaiah, the spiritual condition of God's covenant people was bad.  Even under the rule of faithful kings, such as Uzziah and Jotham, many of the people worshiped at the high places.  (2 Kings 15:1-4, 34, 25;  2 Chronicles 26:1, 4)  When Hezekiah became king, he had to remove the appendages of Baal worship from the land.  (2 Chronicles 31:1) No wonder that Jehovah urged his people to return to him and warned of discipline to come!

Still, not all were out-and-out rebels.  Jehovah had faithful prophets, and likely there were some Jews who listened to them.  Jehovah had comforting words for these ones.  After describing the terrible depredations that Judah would experience during the Assyrian invasion, the prophet Isaiah was inspired  to pen one of the most beautiful passages in the whole Bible, a description o the blessings to come under the reign of the Messiah.  Some aspects of these blessing turned out to have a small-scale fulfillment when the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon.  But the prophecy as a whole has a major fulfillment today.  True, Isaiah and other faithful Jews of his time did not live to see these blessing.  But they looked forward to them in faith and will see a fulfillment of Isaiah's  words after the resurrection. -Hebrews 11:35.

Jehovah's modern-day people also need encouragement.  Rapidly decaying moral values in the world, vicious opposition to the Kingdom message, and personal weaknesses challenge them.  Isaiah's wonderful words about the Messiah and his reign can strengthen and help God's people to meet these challenges.

Next time: Messiah-A Capable Leader

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Isaiah Looks Further Ahead

The 10th chapter of Isaiah focuses primarily on the way that Jehovah will use the Assyrian invasion to execute judgment upon Israel and on his promise to defend Jerusalem.  Since verses 20 to 23 are located in the middle of this prophecy, they can be viewed as having a general fulfillment during the same period.  (Compare Isaiah 1:7-9) However, the wording indicates that these verses apply more specifically to later periods when Jerusalem too would have to answer for the sins of her inhabitants.

King Ahaz tries to gain security by turning to Assyria for help. The prophet Isaiah foretells that at a future time, the survivors of the house of Israel will never again pursue such a senseless course.  Isaiah 10:20 says that they will  "support themselves upon Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, in trueness"  Verse 21 shows, however, that only a small number will do so: "A mere remnant will return."  This reminds us of Isaiah's son Shear-jashub, who is a sign in Israel and whose name means "A Mere Remnant Will Return."  (Isaiah 7:3)  Verse 22 of chapter 10 warns of a coming "extermination" that has been decided on.  Such an extermination will be righteous because it is just a punishment on a rebellious people.  As a result, from a thickly populated  nation that is "like the grains of sand  of the sea," only a remnant will return.  Verse 23 warns that this coming extermination will affect the whole land. Jerusalem will not be spared this time.

These verses well describe what happened in 607 B.C.E. when Jehovah used the Babylonian Empire as his "rod."  the whole land, including Jerusalem, fell to the invader.  The Jews were taken captive to Babylon after 70 years. After that, though, some-even if only "a mere remnant"-returned to reestablish true worship in Jerusalem.

The prophecy at Isaiah 10:20-23 had a further fulfillment in the first century, as shown at Romans 9:27, 28.  (Compare Isaiah 1:9; Romans 9:29)  Paul explains that in a spiritual sense, a "remnant" of Jews 'returned' to Jehovah in the first century C.E., inasmuch as a small number of faithful Jews became followers of Jesus Christ and began worshiping Jehovah "with spirit and truth."  (John 4:24) These were later joined by believing Gentiles, making up a spiritual nation, "the Israel of God."  (Galatians 6:16)  On this occasion the words of Isaiah 10:20 were fulfilled: "Never again" did a nation dedicated to Jehovah turn away from him to human sources for support.

Next time: Salvation and Rejoicing Under the Messiah's Reign, Chapter Thirteen

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Conclusion of On to Judahy and Jerusalem!

Whom will Jehovah use to discipline rebellious Christendom? We find answers  in the 17th chapter of Revelation.  There we are introduced to a harlot," Babylon the Great," representing all the world's false religions, including Christendom.  The harlot is riding a scarlet-colored wild beast that has seven heads and ten horns.  (Revelation 17:3, 5, 7-12)  the wild beast represents  the United Nations organization.  Just as the ancient Assyrian destroyed Samaria, the scarlet-colored wild beast  'will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshly parts and will completely burn her with fire."  (Revelation 17:16)  Thus the modern-day Assyrian (nations associated with the UN ) will deal Christendom a mighty blow and will crush her out of existence.

Will Jehovah's faithful Witnesses perish along with Babylon the Great?  No. God is not displeased  with them. Pure worship will survive.  However, the wild beast that destroys Babylon the Great also casts a greedy eye in the direction of Jehovah's people.  In doing so, the beast carries out, not God's thought, but the thought of someone else. Who? Satan the Devil.

Jehovah exposes Satan's prideful scheme:  "It must occur in that day that things will come up  into your [Satan's] heart, you will certainly think up and injurious scheme, and you must say:  "I shall . . . come in upon those having no disturbance, dwelling in security, all of them dwelling without [a protective] wall . . .'It will be to get a big spoil and to do much plundering."  (Ezekiel 38:10-12)  Satan will reason, 'Yes, why not incite the nations to attack Jehovah's Witnesses?  they are vulnerable, unprotected, without political influence.  They will offer no resistance.  How easy it will be to pluck them like eggs from an unprotected nest!'

But watch out, nations!  Be advised that if you touch Jehovah's people, you will have to reckon with God himself! Jehovah loves his people, and he will fight for them just as surely as he fought for Jerusalem in the days of Hezekiah.  When the modern-day Assyrian tries to annihilate Jehovah's servants, he will really be battling Jehovah God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  That is a battle that he Assyrian cannot win.  "The lamb will conquer them," the Bible says, "because he is Lord of lords and King of kings."  (Revelation 17:14; compare Matthew 25:40) Like the Assyrian of old, the scarlet-colored wild beast will 'go off into destruction.'  It will be feared no more. -Revelation 17:11.

True Christians can face the future without fear if they keep their relationship with Jehovah strong and if they make the doing of his will their primary concern in life.  (Matthew 6:33)  then they need "fear nothing bad." (Psalm  23:4) With their eyes of faith, they will see God's mighty arm raised high, not to punish them, but to shield them from his enemies.  And their ears will hear these reassuring words:  "Do not be afraid." -Isaiah 10:24. 

Next time: Isaiah Looks Further Ahead

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Continue on with On to Judah and Jerusalem

Faith-that is what will carry King Hezekiah through this crisis.  Faith is 'the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld."  (Hebrews 11:1) It involves looking beyond the obvious.  But faith is based on knowledge.  Hezekiah likely remembers that ahead of time Jehovah spoke these comforting words:  "Do not be afraid, O my people who are dwelling in Zion, because of the Assyrian . . . For yet a little while-and the denunciation will have come to an end, and my anger, in their wearing away.  And Jehovah of armies will certainly brandish against him a whip as at the defeat of Midian by the rock Oreb; and his staff will be upon the sea, and he will certainly lift it up in a way that he did in Egypt."  (Isaiah 10:24-26) Yes, God's people have been in difficult situations before Hezekiah's ancestors seemed hopelessly outclassed by the Egyptian  army at the Red Sea.  His forefather Gideon faced staggering odds when Midian and Amalek invaded Israel. Yet, Jehovah delivered his people on those two occasions. -Exodus 14:7-9, 13; Judges 6:33; 7:21, 22.

Will Jehovah do again what he did on those previous occasions?  Yes. Jehovah promises: "It must occur in that day that his load will depart from upon your shoulder, and his yoke from upon your neck, and the yoke will certainly be wrecked because of the oil."  (Isaiah 10:27)  The Assyrian yoke will be lifted from the shoulder  and the neck of God's covenant people.  Indeed, the yoke will be "wrecked"-and wrecked it is! In one night, the angel of Jehovah kills 185,000 of the Assyrians.  The threat is removed, and the Assyrians leave the soil of Judah forever.  (2 Kings 19:35, 36)  Why?  "Because of the oil."  This may refer to the oil  used to anoint Hezekiah as king in the line of David.  Thus, Jehovah fulfills his promise:  "I shall certainly defend this city to save it for my own sake and for the sake of David my servant." -2 Kings 19:34.

The account of Isaiah discussed in this chapter has to do with events in Judah more than 2,700 years ago.  But those events have the utmost relevance today.  (Romans 15:4) Doe this mean that the major players in this thrilling narrative-the inhabitants of Samaria and Jerusalem as well as the Assyrians-have modern-day counterparts?  Yes, it does. Like idolatrous Samaria, Christendom claims to worship Jehovah, but she is apostate to the core.  In An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, Roman Catholic John Henry Cardinal Newman admits that items  Christendom has used for centuries, such as incense, candles, holy water, priestly garb, and images,  "are all of pagan origin." (which for your information is not Christian) Jehovah is no more please with Christendom's paganized worship than he was with Samaria's idolatry. 

For years, Jehovah's Witnesses have warned Christendom of Jehovah's displeasure.   In 1955, for example, the public discourse entitled "Christendom or Christianity-Which One Is 'the Light of the World'?" Was delivered worldwide.  The talk graphically explained the way that Christendom had strayed from genuine Christian doctrine and practice.  Thereafter, copies of this powerful lecture were mailed to clergymen in many countries.  As an organization, Christendom has failed to heed the warning.  She leaves Jehovah with no choice but to discipline her with "a rod."

Next time: Conclusion of On to Judah and Jerusalem

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

On to Judah and Jerusalem!

Eight years after the northern kingdom fell in 740 B.C.E., a new Assyrian monarch, Sennacherib, marches against Jerusalem. Isaiah poetically describes Sennacherib's prideful plan: "I shall remove the boundaries of peoples, and their things stored up I shall certainly pillage, and I shall bring down the inhabitants just like a powerful one. And just as if a nest, my hand will reach the resources of the peoples; and just as when one gathers eggs that have been left, I myself will gather up even all the earth, and there will certainly be no one fluttering his wings or opening his mouth or chirping."  (Isaiah 10:13, 14)  Sennacherib reasons that other cities have fallen and Samaria  is no more, so Jerusalem will be easy prey!  The city might put up a halfhearted fight, but with hardly a chirp, its inhabitants will be quickly subdued, their resources plucked up like eggs from an abandoned nest.

However, Sennacherib is forgetting something Apostate Samaria deserved the punishment that it received.  Under King Hezekiah, however, Jerusalem has once again become a bastion of pure worship.  Anyone wanting to touch Jerusalem will have Jehovah to reckon with!  Indignantly, Isaiah asks:  'Will the ax enhance itself over the one chopping with it, or the saw magnify itself over the one moving it back and forth, as though the staff moved back and forth the ones raising it on high, as though the rod raised on high the one who is not wood?" (Isaiah 10:15)  The Assyrian Empire is a mere tool in Jehovah's hand, much as an ax, a saw, a staff, or a rod might be used  by a woodsman, a sawyer, or a shepherd.  How dare the rod now magnify itself over the one who uses it!

What will happen to the Assyrian?  "The true Lord, Jehovah of armies, will keep sending upon his fat ones a wasting disease, and under his glory a burning will keep burning away like the burning of a fire. And Israel's Light must become a fire, and his Holy One a flame; and it must blaze up and eat up his weeds and his thornbushes in one day. And  the glory of his forest and of his orchard  He will bring to an end, even from the soul clear to the flesh, and it must become like  the melting away of one that is ailing. And the rest of the trees of his forest-they will become such a number  that a mere boy will be able to write them down."  (Isaiah 10:16-19) Yes, Jehovah will whittle that Assyrian  "rod" down to size!  The "fat ones' of the Assyrian's army, his stout soldiers, will be stuck with "a wasting disease."  They will  no look so strong!  Like so many weeds and thornbushes, his ground troops will be burned by the Light of Israel, Jehovah God.  And "the glory of  his forest," his military officers, will come to their end.  After Jehovah finishes with the Assyrian, so few officers will remain that a mere boy will be able to number them on his fingers! -See also Isaiah 10:33, 34.

Still, the Jews living in Jerusalem in 732 B.C.E. must find it hard to believe that the Assyrian will be defeated.  The vast Assyrian is advancing relentlessly.  Listen to the list of cities in Judah that have fallen:  "He has come upon Aliath . . .Migron . . . Michmash . . . Geba . . .Ramah . . . Gibeah of Saul . . . Gallim . . . Laishah . . .Ahathoth . . . Madmenah . . . Gebim . . .Nob."  (Isaiah 10:28-32b)  What can stop the Assyrian?

In his palace in the city, King Hezekiah grows anxious.  He rips his garments apart and covers himself  with sackcloth.  (Isaiah 37:1)  He sends men to the prophet Isaiah to inquire of Jehovah on Judah's behalf.  They soon return with Jehovah's answer: "Do not be afraid . . .I shall certainly defend this city."  (Isaiah 37:6, 35)  Still, the Assyrians are menacing and supremely confident.

Next time: Continue with On to Judah and Jerusalem!

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Conclusion of Jehovah Takes Up "the Rod"

Many of the non-Israelite cities conquered by the Assyrians were previously ruled by kings.  These former kings now have to submit to the king of Assyria as vassal princes, so he can truly boast:  "Are not my princes at the same time kings?" (Isaiah 10:8)  These false gods of prominent cities of the nations could not save their worshipers from destruction.  The gods worshiped by the inhabitants of Samaria, such as Baal, Molech, and the golden calves, will not protect that city.  Having forsaken Jehovah, Samaria has no right to expect  him to intervene.  Let any today who forsake Jehovah take notice of  Samaria's fate!  The Assyrian can well boast regarding Samaria and the other cities he has conquered:  "Is not Calno  just like Carchemish? Is not Hamath just like Arpad?  Is not Samaria just like Damascus?"  (Isaiah 10:9)  They are all the same to the Assyrian-spoil for him to take.

However, the Assyrian goes too far in his boasting. He says: "Whenever my hand has reached the kingdoms of the valueless god whose graven images are more than those at Jerusalem and at Samaria, will it not be that just as I shall have done to Samaria and to her valueless gods, even so I shall do to Jerusalem and to her idols?"  (Isaiah 10:10, 11)  The kingdoms already defeated by the Assyrian possessed far more idols than do Jerusalem or even Samaria.  'What,' he reasons, 'is to prevent me from doing to Jerusalem what I did to Samaria?'

The braggart!  Jehovah will not allow  him to take Jerusalem.  True, Judah does not have a spotless record of supporting true worship.  (2 Kings 16:7-9; 2 Chronicles 28:24)  Jehovah has warned that because of her unfaithfulness, Judah will suffer much during the Assyrian invasion. But Jerusalem will survive.  (Isaiah 1:7, 8) When the Assyrian invasion occurs, Hezekiah is king in Jerusalem.  Hezekiah is not like his father Ahaz.  Why, in the very first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopens the temple doors and restores pure worship! -2 Chronicles 29:3-5.

So Assyrian's proposed attack on Jerusalem does not have Jehovah's approval. Jehovah promises an accounting with that insolent world power: "It must occur that when Jehovah terminates all his work in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, I shall make an accounting for the fruitage of the insolence of the heart of the king of Assyria and for the self-importance of his loftiness eyes." -Isaiah 10:12.

Next time: On to Judah and Jerusalem!

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Jehovah Takes Up "the Rod"

Do the Israelites, to whom Jonah also preached, respond?  (2 Kings 14:25) No.  They turn their backs on pure worship.  Indeed, they go so far as "to bow down to all the army of the heavens and to serve Baal."  What is more, "they continued to make their sons and daughters  pass through the fire and to practice divination and to look for omens, and they kept selling themselves to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, to offend him."  (2 Kings 17:16, 17)  Unlike the Ninevites, Israel does not  respond when Jehovah sends prophets to warn them.  So Jehovah determines to take stronger measures. 

For some time after Jonah's visit to Nineveh, there is  a decline in Assyrian aggression.  However, at the beginning of the eighth century B.C.E., Assyria reasserts itself as a  military power, and Jehovah uses it in a astonishing way. The prophet Isaiah conveys a warning from Jehovah to the northern kingdom of Israel:  "Aha, the Assyrian, the rod for my anger, and the stick that is in their hand for my denunciation!  Against an apostate nation I shall send him, and against the people of my fury I shall issue a command to him, to take much spoil and to take much plunder and to make it a trampling place like the clay of the streets." -Isaiah 10:5, 6.

What a humiliation for the Israelites!  God uses a pagan nation-"the Assyrian"-as a "rod" to punish them.  In 742  B.C.E., Assyrian King Shalmaneser V lays siege to Samaria, capital of the apostate nation of Israel.  From its strategic location on a hill some 300 feet high, Samaria wards of the enemy for almost three years.  But no human strategy can block God's purpose.   In 740 B.C.E., Samaria falls, trampled under Assyrian feet. -2 Kings 18:10.

Although used by Jehovah to teach his people a lesson, the Assyrians themselves do not recognize Jehovah.  That is why he goes on to say:  "Though [the Assyrian] nay not be that way, he will feel inclined; though his heart may not be that way, he will scheme, because to annihilate is in his heart, and to cut off nations not a few."  (Isaiah 10:7)   Jehovah means the Assyrian to be an instrument in the divine hand.  But the Assyrian feels inclined to be something else . His heart urges him to scheme for something grander.-conquest of the then-known world!

Next time: Conclusion of Jehovah Takes Up "the Rod"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Do Not Be Afraid of the Assyrian, Chapter Twelve

IN THE middle of the ninth century B.C.E., the Hebrew prophet Jonah, son of Amittai, ventured into Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.  He had a weighty message to deliver.  Jehovah had told him: "Get up, go to Nineveh the great city, and proclaim against her that their badness has come up before me." -Jonah 1:2, 3.

When he first received his commission, Jonah ran off in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish.  From a human standpoint, Jonah had reason to be reluctant.  The Assyrians were cruel people.  Notice how one Assyrian monarch dealt with his enemies:  "I cut off the limbs of the officers . . .Many captives from among them I burned with fire, and many I took as living captives.  From some I cut off their hands and their fingers, and from others I cut off their noses." Still, when Jonah finally delivered Jehovah's message, the Ninevites repented of their sins and Jehovah spared the city at that time. -Jonah 3:3-10; Matthew 12:41.

Next time: Jehovah Takes Up "the Rod"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Never Fall Prey to Falsehood and Self-Interest

Jehovah's word through Isaiah fell heavily upon Israel and 'did not return to him without results.'  (Isaiah 55:10, 11)  History records the tragic end of the northern kingdom of Israel, and we can only imagine the suffering that its inhabitants  had to endure.  Just as surely, God's word will be fulfilled on the present system of thing, especially on apostate Christendom.  How important, then, that Christians give no ear to lying, anti-God propaganda!  Thanks to God's Word, Satan's clever strategies have long been exposed, so that we need not be overreached by them as were the people of ancient Israel.  (2 Corinthians  2:11)  May all of us never cease  to worship Jehovah "with spirit and truth."  (John 4:24)  In that case, his outstretched hand will not strike his worshipers as it did rebellious  Ephraim; his arms will warmly embrace them, and he will help them along the road to everlasting life on a paradise earth. -James 4:8.

Next time: Do Not Be Afraid of the Assyrian, Chapter Twelve

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Corrupt Judges Meet Their Judge

Jehovah next focuses his judicial eye on Israel's corrupt judges and other officials.  These abuse their power by plundering the lowly and afflicted ones who come to them seeking justice.  Isaiah says:  "Woe to those who are exacting harmful regulations and those who, constantly writing, have written out sheer trouble, in  order  to push away the lowly ones from a legal case and to wrest away justice from the afflicted ones of my people,  for the widows  to become their spoil, and that they may plunder even the fatherless boys!" -Isaiah 10:1, 2.

Jehovah's law forbids all forms of injustice: "You people must not do injustice in the judgment.  You must not treat the lowly with partiality, and you must not prefer the person of a great one."  (Leviticus 19:15)  Disregarding that law, these officials draw up their own "harmful regulations" so as to legitimize what amounts to outright theft of the cruelest kind-taking the scanty possessions of widows and fatherless boys.  Israel's false gods are, of course, blind to this injustice, but Jehovah is not.  Through Isaiah, Jehovah now focuses his attention  on these wicked judges.

"What will you men do at the day of being given attention and at the ruin, when it comes from far away?  toward whom will you flee for assistance, and where will you leave your glory, except it be that one must bow down under the prisoners and that people keep falling under those who have been killed?"  (Isaiah 10:3, 4a)  The widows and the fatherless boys have no honest judges to whom to appeal.  How appropriate, then, that Jehovah now asks those corrupt  Israelite  judges whom they will turn to now that Jehovah is holding them to account.  Yes, they are about to lean that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." -Hebrews 10:31.

The "glory" of these wicked judges-the worldly prestige, honor, and power  that come with their wealthy and position-will be short-lived.  Some will become prisoners of war, 'bowing down,' or crouching, among other prisoners , while the rest will be slain, their corpses covered with the war dead.  Their "glory" also includes all the ill-gotten riches, which will be plundered by the enemy. 

Isaiah concludes this final strophe with a grim warning:  "In view of all this [all the woe that the nation has so far suffered] his anger has not turned back, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Isaiah 10:4b) Yes, Jehovah has more to say to Israel. Jehovah's outstretched hand will  not be drawn back until he delivers a final, devastating blow to the rebellious northern kingdom. 

Next time: Never Fall Prey to Falsehood and Self-Interest

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

False Worship Breeds Violence

False worship is, in effect, the worship of demons.  ( 1 Corinthians 10:20) As demonstrated before the Flood, demon influence leads to violence.  (Genesis 6:11, 12)  It is no surprise, then, that when Israel turns apostate and begins worshiping the demons, violence and wickedness fill the land. -Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:35-38.

In vivid word pictures, Isaiah describes  the spread of wickedness and violence in Israel:  "Wickedness has become aflame just like a fire; thornbushes and weeds it will eat up.  And it will catch fire in the thickets of the forest, and they will be borne aloft as the billowing of smoke.  In the fury of Jehovah of armies the land has been set afire, and the people will become as food for the fire.  No one will show compassion even on his brother. And one will cut down on the right and will certainly not be satisfied.  They will each one eat the flesh of his own arm, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh.  Together they will be against Judah. In view of  this his anger has not turned back, but his hand is stretched out still." -Isaiah 9:18-20.

Like  a flame that spreads from thornbush to thornbush, violence races out of control and quickly reaches "the thickets of the forest," creating a full-blown forest fire of violence.  Bible commentators Keil and Delitzsch describe the level of violence  as being "the most inhuman  self-destruction during the anarchical civil war.  Destitute of any tender emotions, they devour one another without being satisfied."  Likely, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are singled out here because they are  the main representatives of the northern kingdom and, as descendants of Joseph's  two sons, they are the most closely related of the ten tribes. Despite this, however, they interrupt their fratricidal violence only when they wage war against Judah to the south. -2 Chronicles 28:1-8.

Next time: Corrupt Judges Meet Their Judge

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Even 'Widows and Fatherless Boys' Are Rebels

Jehovah is the Champion of widows and fatherless boys.  (Exodus 22:22, 23) Yet, hear what Isaiah now says:  "Jehovah will not rejoice even over their young men, and upon their fatherless boys and upon their widows he will have no mercy; because all of them are apostates and evildoers and every mouth is speaking senselessness.  In view of all this his anger has not turned back, but his hand is out still."  (Isaiah 9:17)  Apostasy has corrupted all levels of society, including the widows and fatherless boys!  Jehovah patiently sends his prophets, hoping that the people will change their ways.  For example, "Do come back, O Israel, to Jehovah your God, for you have stumbled in your error," pleads Hosea.  (Hosea 14:1)  How it must pain the Champion of widows and fatherless boys to have to execute judgment against even them!

Like Isaiah, we are living in critical times prior to Jehovah's day of judgment against the wicked.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) How important, then, that true Christians, regardless of their situation in life, remain spiritually, morally, and mentally clean in order to retain God's favor.  Let each one jealously guard his relationship  with Jehovah. Let none who have escaped from "Babylon the Great" ever again  "share with her in her sins." -Revelation 18:2, 4.

Next time: False Worship Breeds Violence

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

From 'Head to Tail' - A Nation of Rebels

In spite of all its suffering-and despite the strong pronouncements of Jehovah's prophets-the northern kingdom persists  in rebellion against Jehovah. "The people themselves have not returned to the One striking them, and Jehovah of armies they have not sought."  (Isaiah 9:13)  Consequently, the prophet says:  "Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, shoot and rush, in one day.  The aged and highly respected one is the head, and the prophet giving false instructions  is the tail. And those who are leading this people on prove to be the ones causing them to wander ; and those of them who are being led on, the ones who are being confused." -Isaiah 9:14-16.

The "the head" and the "shoot" represent" the aged and highly respected one" -the leaders of the nation.  The "tail" and the "rush" refer to false prophets who utter words pleasing their leaders.  A Bible scholar writes:  "The false Prophets are called the tail, because they were morally the basest of the people and because they  were the servile adherents and supporters of wicked rulers."  Professor Edward J. Young says of these false prophets:  "No leaders were they but, following where the leaders led, they simply flattered  and fawned, a wagging tail on a dog." -Compare 2 Timothy 4:3.

Next time: Even 'Widows and Fatherless Boys' are Rebels

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000

Conclusion of Haughtiness and Insolence Earn God's Wrath

The dissolving of this alliance begins when Assyria attacks Syria.  "The king of Assyria went up to Damascus [the capital of Syria] and captured it and led its people into exile at Kir, and Rezin he put to death."  (2 Kings 16:9)  Having lost his powerful ally, Pekah finds that his designs on Judah are thwarted.  In fact, shortly after Rezin's death, Pekah himself is assassinated by Hoshea, who thereafter usurps the throne of Samaria. -2 Kings 15:23-25, 30.

Syria, Israel's former ally, is now a vassal of Assyrian, the dominant power in the region.  Isaiah prophesies about how Jehovah will use this new political alignment:  "The enemies of that one [Israel] he [Jehovah] will goad on, Syria from the east and the Philistines from behind, and they will eat up Israel with open mouth. In view of all this his anger has not turned back,  but his hand is stretched out still." (Isaiah 9:11b, 12)  Yes, Syria is now Israel's enemy, and Israel must prepare for attack from Assyria and Syria.  The invasion succeeds. Assyria makes the usurper Hoshea his servant, exacting a hefty tribute.  ( a few decades earlier, Assyrian received a large sum from King Menahem of Israel)  How true the prophet Hoshea words:  "Strangers have eaten up his [Ephraim's ] power"! -Hoshea 7:9; 2 Kings 15:19, 20; 17:1-3.

Does not Isaiah also say that the Philistines will invade "from behind?" Yes. Prior to the days of magnetic compasses, the Hebrews indicated direction from the viewpoint of a person facing the sunrising. Thus, "the east" was the front , while the west, the coastal home of the Philistines, was "behind." The "Israel" mentioned  at Isaiah 9:12 may include Judah at this instance because  the Philistines invaded  Judah during the reign of Pekah's contemporary, Ahaz, capturing and occupying a number of Judean cities and strongholds. Like Ephraim to the north, Judah deserves the discipline from Jehovah,  for she too is riddled with apostasy. -2 Chronicles 28:1-4, 18, 10.

Next time: From 'Head to Tail'-A Nation of Rebels

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000