Conclusion of "A Hard Vision"

Note: First, let me let my readers know that for some reason, I have had to jump through a lot of hoops to get to do my blogs since before yesterday afternoon and I am not a happy camper. I do not know how I even got in this time. I must have gotten lucky. So, just to let you know if there is not one of my spiritual blogs on tomorrow. It is not because I haven't tried to get in to do it.  For some reason. I keep getting locked out or something.   But I have not been able to get in the usual way. I am able to sign in, but for some reason. I have to fight tooth and nail with the devil and whoever else is blocking me from doing my blog.  I worship and serve Jehovah God and only Jehovah God.   Now for my blog. Thank you very much!

Note how Isaiah describes the effect of this vision upon him:  That is why my hips have become full of severe pains.  Convulsions themselves have grabbed hold of me, like the convulsions of a woman that is giving birth.  I have become disconcerted  so that I do not hear; I have become disturbed so that I do not see.  My heart has wandered about; a shuddering itself has terrified me.  The twilight for which I had an attachment has been made for me a trembling."  (Isaiah 21:3, 4)   The prophet, it seems enjoys the twilight hours, a lovely time for quiet contemplation.  But nightfall has not lost its charm, bringing instead only fear, pain, and trembling. He suffers  convulsions like those of a woman in labor, and his heart  "has wandered about."  On scholar renders this phrase "my heart beats wildly," noting that the expression refers to "a feverish and irregular beating of the pulse."  Why such distress?  Evidently, Isaiah's feelings are prophetic.  On the night of October 5/6, 539 B.C.E., the Babylonians will experience similar terror.

As darkness falls on that fateful night, terror is the last thing on the Babylonians' minds.  Some two centuries in advance, Isaiah foretells:  "Let there be a setting of  the table in order, an arranging of the location of seats, an eating a drinking!"  (Isaiah 21:5a) Yes, the arrogant King Belshazzar is hosting a feast.  Seats are arranged for a thousand of his grandees, as well as many wives and concubines.  (Daniel 5:1, 2)  The revelers know that there is an army outside the walls, but they believer  that their city is  impregnable.  Her massive walls and deep moat appear to make her capture impossible; her many gods make it unthinkable.  So let there be 'an eating, a drinking!"  Belshazzar gets drunk, and he probably is not alone. The besotted state of the high officials is suggested by the need to rouse them, as Isaiah's next words prophetically show.

"Get up, you princes, anoint the shield."  (Isaiah 21:5b)  Suddenly, the party is over.  The princes  have to rouse themselves! The aged prophet Daniel has been called to the scene, and he sees how Jehovah throws Babylonian King Belshazzar into a state  of terror similar to that described by Isaiah.   the king's grandees are plunged into a confusion as the combine forces of Medes, Persians, Elamites breach the city's defenses.  Babylon falls quickly! What, though, does it mean to "anoint the shield"?  The Bible sometimes refers to a nation's king as its shield because he is the defender and protector of the land."  (Psalm 89:18)  So this verse in Isaiah is likely foretelling the need for a new king.  Why?  Because Belshazzar is killed  that "very night."  Thus, there is a need to "anoint the shield,," or appoint a new king. -Daniel 5:1-9, 30.

All lovers of true worship draw comfort from this account.  Modern-day Babylon the Great, is as much a treacherous dealer and despoiler as was her ancient counterpart.  To this day religious leader conspire to have Jehovah's Witnesses banned, persecuted, or punitively taxed.  But as this prophecy reminds us, Jehovah sees all such treacherous dealing, and he will not let it go unpunished.  He will bring an end to all religions  that misrepresent him and mistreat his people.  (Revelation 18:8)  Is such a thing possible?  To build our faith, we have only to see  how his warnings regarding the fall of both ancient  Babylon and her modern-day counterpart have already been fulfilled.

Next time: "She Has Fallen!"

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

"A Hard Vision"

Isaiah chapter 21 opens on an ominous note:  "The pronouncement against the wilderness of the sea: Like storm winds in the south in moving onward, from the wilderness it is coming, from a fear-inspiring land."  (Isaiah 21:1)  Straddling the Euphrates Rive is Babylon, with its eastern half in the region  between the two great rivers  Euphrates and Tigris.  It is some distance from the actual sea.  Why, then, is it called "the wilderness of the sea"?  Because the region of Babylon used to flood annually, creating a vast, marshy "sea."  However, the Babylonians have controlled this water wilderness by creating a complex system of dikes, sluices, and canals.  They ingeniously use these waters as part of the city's  defense system. Still, no human works will save Babylon from divine judgment.  A wilderness she had been-a wilderness she will again become.  calamity is heading her way, brewing like one of the fierce storms  that sometimes blow in upon Israel from the fearsome wilderness to the south. -Compare Zechariah 9:14.

As we learned in Chapter 14 of this book, ancient Babylon has a modern counterpart-"Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion.  In Revelation, Babylon the Great is likewise portrayed in connection with  "a wilderness" and "waters."    The apostle John is carried away to a wilderness to be shown Babylon the Great.  He is told that she "sits on many waters" representing "peoples and crowds and nations and tongues."  (Revelation 17:1-3, 5, 15) Popular support has always been a key to the survival of false religion, but  such "waters" will not protect her in the end.  Like her ancient counterpart, she will end up empty, neglected, and desolate.

In Isaiah's day Babylon is not yet the dominant world power, but Jehovah already foresees that when her time comes, she will abuse her power.  Isaiah proceeds:  "There is a hard vision that has been told to me: The treacherous dealer is dealing treacherously, and the despoiler is despoiling." (Isaiah 21:2a)  Babylon will indeed despoil and deal treacherously with the nations she conquers, including Judah.  The Babylonians will sack Jerusalem, pillage its temple, and takes its people captive to Babylon.  There, these helpless captives will be treated treacherously, ridiculed for their faith, and offered no hope of return to their homeland. -2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Psalm 137:1-4.

Yes, Babylon richly deserves this "hard vision," which will mean hard times for her.  Isaiah continues:  "Go up, O Elam!  Lay siege, O Media! All sighing due to her I have caused to cease."  (Isaiah 21:2b)  Those oppressed by this treacherous empire will have relief. At last, an end to their sighing!  (Psalm 79:11, 12)  By what means will this relief come?  Isaiah names two nations that will attack Babylon: Elam and Media.  Two centuries later in 539 B.C.E., Cyrus the Persian will lead a combine force of Persians and Medes against Babylon. As for Elam, Persian Monarchs will possess at least part of that land prior to 539 B.C.E. The Persian forces will thus include Elamites.

Next time: Conclusion of "A Hard Vision"

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

"Babylon Has Fallen!"

THE Bible may be likened to a great piece of music with a dominant theme and with minor themes introduced to add to the distinctiveness of the whole.  In a similar way, the Bible has a major theme-the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty by means of the Messianic Kingdom government.  It also has other important, recurring themes.  One of these  is the fall of Babylon

That theme is introduced in Isaiah chapters 13 and 14.  It recurs in chapter 21 and again in chapters 44 and 45.  A century later, Jeremiah enlarges on the same theme, and the book of Revelation brings it to a thundering conclusion.  (Jeremiah 51:60-64; Revelation 18:1-19:4)  Every serious student of the Bible needs to be concerned about this  important subsidiary theme of God's Word. Isaiah  chapter 21 helps in this regard, for it supplies fascinating details about the prophesied  fall of that great world power.  Later, we will see that Isaiah chapter 21 stresses another important Bible theme-one that helps us assess our vigilance as Christian today.

Next time: "A Hard Vision"

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

Put Your Trust in Jehovah

The warning in Isaiah concerning the futility of trusting in Egypt and Ethiopia is not just dead history.  It has practical value for our day.  We are living in "critical times hard to deal with."  (2 Timothy 3:1) Financial disasters, widespread poverty, political uncertainty, civil unrest, and small-or large-scale wars have devastating effects-not only on those who spurn God's rulership but also on those who worship Jehovah.  The question facing each one of us is, 'To whom will I turn for help?"  (to God if you know what is good for you, that is what I did and I don't regret if for a minute.)

Some might be impressed by today's financial wizards, politicians, and scientists, who talk of solving man's problems using man's ingenuity and technology.   However, the Bible plainly states:  "It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in nobles."  (Psalm 118:9)  All man's schemes for peace and security will come to naught for the reason aptly stated by the prophet Jeremiah:  "I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.  It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." -Jeremiah 10:23.

It is imperative, therefore, that servants of God not be unduly impressed by any seeming strength or wisdom of this world.  (Psalm 33:10; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20)  The only  hope for distressed humankind rest with the Creator, Jehovah.  Those who put their trust in him will be saved.  As the inspired apostle John wrote, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." -1 John 2:17.  (so very, very true)

Next time: "Babylon Has Fallen!"

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

Hope Crumbles, Beauty Fades

Next, Jehovah prophetically describes the response of his people as they realize that Egypt and Ethiopia, their hoped-for refuge, has proved powerless before the Assyrians.  "They will certainly be terrified and be ashamed of Ethiopia their looked-for hope and of Egypt their beauty.  And the inhabitant of this coastland will be certain to say in that day, 'There is how our looked-for hope is, to which we fled for assistance, in order to be delivered because of the king of Assyria!  And how shall we ourselves escape?' " -Isaiah 20:5, 6.

Judah seems like a mere strip of coastland when compared  with the powers of Egypt and Ethiopia.  Perhaps some of the inhabitants of "this coastland" are enamored with Egypt's beauty-its impressive pyramids, its towering temples, and its spacious villas with their surrounding gardens, orchards, and ponds.   The magnificent architecture of Egypt seems to be evidence of stability and permanence.  Surely this land cannot be devastated!   Likely, the Jews are also impressed by the archers, chariots, and horsemen of Ethiopia.

In view of the acted-out warning of Isaiah and the prophetic words of Jehovah, any of God's professed people are inclined to trust Egypt and Ethiopia have some serious thinking to do.  How much better to put their trust in Jehovah rather that in earthling man! (Amen to that!)  (Psalm 25:2; 40:4) As things work out, Judah suffers terribly at the hand of the king of Assyria, and later, she sees her temple and capital city destroyed  by Babylon.  Yet,  "a tenth," "a holy seed," is left, like the stump of a massive tree.  (Isaiah 6:13) When the time comes, Isaiah's message will greatly strengthen the faith of that small group who continue to trust in Jehovah!

Next time: Put Your Trust in Jehovah

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

"Naked and Barefoot"

Jehovah tells Isaiah:  "Go and you must loosen the sackcloth from off your hips; and your sandals  you should draw from off your feet."  Isaiah complies  with Jehovah's command.  "He proceeded to do so, walking about naked and barefoot."  (Isaiah 20:2) Sackcloth is a coarse garment often worn by the prophets, sometimes  in conjunction with a warning message.  It is also worn in times of crisis or upon hearing calamitous news.  (2 Kings 19:2; Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3) Does Isaiah really walk around naked in the sense of being without any protective covering at all?  Not necessarily.  The Hebrew word translated "naked" can also refer to one's being partially or scantily clothed.  (1 Samuel  19:24) So Isaiah  may have merely taken off his outer garment, while retaining the short tunic that was commonly worn close to body.  Male captives are often represented in this manner in Assyrian sculptures. 

The meaning of Isaiah's unusual action is not left in doubt:  "Jehovah went on to say:  'Just as my servant Isaiah has walked about naked and barefoot three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and against Ethiopia, so the king of Assyria will lead the body of captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, boys and old men, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks stripped, the nakedness of Egypt.' " (Isaiah 20:3, 4 )  Yes, the Egyptians and Ethiopians  will soon be carried off captive.  No one will be spared.  Even "boys and old men"-the children and the elderly -will be stripped of all their possessions and taken into exile.  By means of this bleak imagery, Jehovah warns the inhabitants of Judah that it will be futile for them to put their trust in  Egypt and Ethiopia.  The downfall of these nations will lead to their  "nakedness"-their ultimate humiliation!

Next time: Hope Crumbles, Beauty Fades

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

The War Against Ashdod

In Isaiah's day the Assyrian Empire reached an unprecedented level of power under King Sargon.  For many years, critics doubted the existence of this ruler, as they knew of no mention of him in secular sources.  In time, however, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of Sargon's palace, and the Bible's account was vindicated.

Isaiah briefly describes one of Sargon's military campaigns:  "Tartan cam to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he proceeded to war against Ashdod and to capture it."  (Isaiah 20:1) Why does Sargon order an attack on the Philistine city of Ashdod?  For one thing, Philistia is an Ally of Egypt, and Ashdod , home to a temple of Dagon, is located on the road that runs along the coast from Egypt through Palestine. The city is thus in a strategic location.  Its capture can be viewed as a preliminary step to the conquest of Egypt.  In addition, Assyrian records report  that Azuri, Ashdod's king, was conspiring against Assyria.  Hence Sargon has the rebellious king removed  and puts the king's younger brother, Ahimiti, on the throne.  Still, that does  not settle matters.  Another revolt breaks out, and this time Sargon takes more forceful action.  He orders an attack on Ashdod, which is besieged and conquered.  Likely, Isaiah 20:1 is alluding to this event.

The fall of Ashdod casts a grim shadow over her neighbors, especially Judah.  Jehovah knows that his people are inclined to look to "an arm of flesh," such as Egypt or Ethiopia to the south.  Therefore, he commissions Isaiah to act out a dire warning. -2 Chronicles 32:7, 8.

Next time: "Naked and Barefoot"

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

A Land of Bloodshed

 The Assyrians were known for their military might.  The book Ancient Cities notes:  "They worshiped strength, and would say their prayers only to colossal idols of stone, lions and bulls whose ponderous  limbs, eagle wings, and human heads were symbols of strength, courage, and victory.  Fighting was the business of the nation, and the priests were incessant fomenters of war."  It is with good reason that the Bible prophet Nahum described  Nineveh, Assyria's capital as "the city of bloodshed." -Nahum 3:1.

The war tactics of the Assyrians were unusually cruel.  Carved reliefs from those days show Assyrian warriors leading off captives by means of hooks stuck through noses or the lips.  With spears they blinded some captives.  One inscription tells of a conquest in which the Assyrian army dismembered its captives and made two mounds outside the city-one of heads and the other of limbs.  The children of the conquered were burned in fire.  The fear inspired by such cruelty must have served the Assyrians well in military sense, discouraging resistance by those who stood in the way of their armies. 

Next time: The War Against Ashdod

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

Trust in Jehovah for Guidance and Protection, Chapter Sixteen

AS SEEN in earlier chapters of this book, God's people face a frightening threat in the eighth century B.C.E.  The bloodthirsty Assyrians are ravaging one land after another, and it is only a matter of time before they attack the southern kingdom of Judah.  To whom will the land's inhabitants turn for protection?  They are in a covenant relationship with Jehovah and should rely on him for help.  (Exodus 19:5, 6)  That is what King David did.  He acknowledged:  "Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the Provider of escape for me."  (2 Samuel 22:20 Evidently, though, many in the eighth century B.C.E. do not put trust in Jehovah as  their stronghold.  They are more inclined  to look to Egypt and Ethiopia, hoping that these two nations will provide against the threatened Assyrian invasion.  The are wrong.

Through his prophet Isaiah, Jehovah warns that seeking refuge in Egypt or in Ethiopia will be disastrous. The prophet's inspired  words provide a salutary lesson for his contemporaries and contain a valuable lesson for us about the importance of trusting in Jehovah.

Next time: A Land of Bloodshed

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

"Blessed Be My People"

The prophet then foresees a remarkable development:  "In that day there will come to be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will actually come into Egypt , and Egypt into Assyria; and they will certainly render service, Egypt with Assyria.  In that day Israel will come to be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, namely, a blessing in the midst of the earth, because Jehovah of armies will have blessed it, saying:  "Blessed be my people, Egypt, and the work of my hands, Assyria, and my inheritance, Israel.' " (Isaiah 19:23-25) Yes, one day friendly relations will exist between Egypt and Assyria. How?

When Jehovah rescued his people from the nations in times past, he made for them highways to freedom, so to speak.  (Isaiah 11:16; 35:8-10; 49:11-13; Jeremiah 31:21)  A limited fulfillment of this prophecy took place after the defeat of Babylon when exiles from Assyria and Egypt, as well as from Babylon, were brought back to the Promised Land.  (Isaiah 11:11) But what of modern times?

Today, the remnant of anointed spiritual Israelites is "a blessing in the midst of the earth."  They promote the worship and are declaring the Kingdom message to people in all the nations.  Some of these nations are like Assyria, heavenly militaristic. Other nations are more liberal, perhaps like Egypt-at one time "the king of the south" ion Daniel's prophecy.  (Daniel 11:5, 8)  Millions of  individuals from militaristic nations and the more liberal nations have taken up the way of true worship.  Thus, people from all nations are united in 'rendering service.'  There are no nationalistic divisions among these ones.  They love one another, and it can truly be said that 'Assyria comes into Egypt and Assyria.'  It is as if there were a highway from one to the other. -1 Peter 2:17.

How, though, does Israel "come to be the third with Egypt and with Assyria"?  Early in "the time of the end," most of those serving Jehovah on earth were members of "the Israel of God."  (Daniel 12:9; Galatians 6:16)  Since the  1930's, a great crowd of "other sheep," with an earthly hope, have appeared.   (John 10:16a; Revelation  7:9) Coming out of the nations-foreshadowed by Egypt and Assyria-they stream to Jehovah's house of worship and invite others to join them.  (Isaiah 2:2-4) They perform the same preaching work as their anointed brothers, endure similar tests, manifest the same faithfulness and integrity, and feed at the same spiritual table.  Truly, the anointed and the "other sheep" are "one flock, one shepherd."  (John 10:16b)  Can anyone doubt that Jehovah, viewing their zeal and endurance, is pleased with their activity?  Little wonder that he pronounces a benediction on them, saying:  "Blessed be my people"!

Next time:  Trust in Jehovah for Guidance and Protection, Chapter Sixteen

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