BK FORM 3: TERM ONE – THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

A. The Bible as the Inspired Word of God

• Key Verses:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Affirms that all scripture is inspired by God.

  • 2 Peter 1:21: States that individuals spoke God’s message under the Holy Spirit’s influence.

• Significance:

  • God worked through the authors of the Bible and those who compiled the books.

• Canonization: The process of collecting authoritative books to form the Bible.

B. Uses of the Bible

• The Bible is utilized for various occasions:

  1. Preaching: Reading scripture and providing commentary.

  2. Teaching:

     • Scripture is useful for teaching truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

     • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes teaching God’s commandments at all times.

  3. Worship and Prayer:

     • Guides how to worship God (Joshua 1:8).

     • Encourages praise (Psalm 103:1-3).

  4. Healing: Used by pastors to pray for the sick.

  5. Meditation: Reflecting on personal life and scripture.

  6. Academics: Serves as a resource for teaching spiritual matters.

  7. Guidance and Counseling:

     • Advises on alcohol (Proverbs 20:1) and parental wisdom (Proverbs 4:20-22).

  8. Administration of Justice:

     • Used in court cases and oaths.

  9. Singing: Scriptures inspire songs.

  10. Wedding Ceremonies: Scripture is read and blessings given.

  11. Funeral Rights: Provides comfort and encouragement.

C. Definitions

1. Prophet: A person appointed by God to speak on His behalf.

2. Prophecy: A proclamation made by a prophet, often introduced by “The Lord says.”

3. Prophetic Vision: Perception of God’s words or truth through dreams or thoughts.

D. Types of Prophecies

1. Weal Prophecy: Announces blessings.

2. Woe Prophecy: Denounces evil and predicts punishment.

E. Duties of a True Prophet

• Speak on God’s behalf and reveal truth.

• Condemn sins and warn of punishment.

• Remind people to maintain faith in God’s promises.

• Comfort people in times of danger.

F. Tasks/Missions of Isaiah

1. Warn Judah about impending attack and exile.

2. Rebuke Judah for sins.

3. Advise Judah’s kings.

G. Challenges of Isaiah’s Mission

1. Proclaiming messages of doom.

2. Potential failure of his mission.

3. Kings’ resistance to his advice.

4. Rejection of his message by the people.

H. Kings of Judah During First Isaiah

1. Uzziah: 783-742 BC

2. Jotham: 742-735 BC

3. Ahaz: 735-715 BC

4. Hezekiah: 715-687 BC

I. Meanings of Key Names

1. Isaiah: Yahweh is salvation (God saves).

2. Uzziah: My strength is Yahweh.

3. Jotham: Yahweh is perfect.

4. Ahaz: Yahweh grabs the land.

5. Hezekiah: Yahweh is my strength.

FIRST ISAIAH (CHAPTERS 1-39)

The Indictment (Isaiah 1:1-31)

1. Renegade Israel (Isaiah 1:1-4)

• Israel has forsaken God.

• God calls heaven and earth as witnesses.

• Highlights God’s intolerance of sin.

2. Israel’s Sickness and Dereliction (Isaiah 1:5-9)

• Punished due to rebellion against God.

• Possible references to invasions by Sennacherib and Israel/Syria.

• Israel characterized as a doomed nation due to sin.

3. Description of Israel’s Condition

• Affected physically and spiritually.

• Political leaders (head), religious leaders (heart/mind), and ordinary people (foot) personified.

4. Consequences of Punishment

• Devastated cities.

• Jerusalem under siege, with survival attributed to God’s mercy.

Condemnation of Religious Hypocrisy (Isaiah 1:10-20)

1. Reasons for God’s Hatred of Judah’s Practices

• Sinful actions despite religious practices.

• Exploitation of the poor and innocent.

• Stains of violence and injustice.

1. Requirements for Accepted Sacrifices

1. Promote justice.

2. Cease evil and do good.

3. Help the oppressed.

4. Uphold the rights of orphans and widows.

5. Cleanse themselves.

1. Condemned Jewish Ceremonies

1. New Moon Festivals: Sacrifices at the start of each month.

2. Sabbath: A day of rest and prayers.

3. Religious Gatherings: Various annual events.

1. Reasons for Offering Sacrifices

1. Homage to God.

2. Seeking forgiveness.

3. Thanksgiving.

4. Spiritual union through meals.

5. Seeking merit for petitions.

1. Oracles in God’s Court Summons (1:18-20)

1. Weal Prophecy: Forgiveness if they confess; they will be purified.

2. Woe Prophecy: Doom for those who refuse to confess.

The Once Faithful City: Lamentation for Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:21-31)

1. Personification of Jerusalem

1. Whore/Harlot: Mixed sin with Yahweh worship.

2. Dross: Once valuable, now worthless due to sin.

3. Wine Mixed with Water: Diminished value due to corruption.

1. Accusations Against Leaders

1. Murderous actions.

2. Alliances with thieves.

3. Acceptance of bribes.

4. Oppression of the vulnerable.

5. Cruelty.

1. God’s Punishment and Restoration Plans

• Purification through suffering.

• Replacement of corrupt leaders.

• Separation of the righteous from the wicked.

• Destruction of the wicked.

• Salvation for repentant individuals.

Characteristics of Yahweh

1. King of Israel: Yahweh is recognized as the sovereign ruler of Israel.

2. Almighty in Heaven and Earth: He possesses supreme power over all creation.

3. Holy God of Israel: Yahweh is morally perfect and incompatible with sin.

The Messianic World Kingdom in Latter Days

Everlasting Peace in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-5)

• Meaning of “In Days to Come”:

  • Refers to a future when all nations will acknowledge God.

  • Envisions universal peace founded on justice and love.

• Isaiah’s Predictions:

  • The Temple mountain will become the highest.

  • Nations will flock to it in large numbers.

• Reasons for People Streaming to Mount Zion:

  • To receive instruction on God’s Law.

  • To follow the path chosen by God.

  • To recognize Yahweh as the true God.

• What People Will Say:

  • Invitation to ascend to the Lord’s hill and temple.

  • Desire to learn God’s commands and teachings from Jerusalem.

• Description of Universal Peace:

  • God will resolve disputes among nations.

  • Weapons will be repurposed for peaceful agriculture.

  • Warfare will cease entirely.

Chaos in Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:1-4:1)

• God’s Promise to Remove:

  • Essential resources (food and water).

  • Leaders and dependables of Judah.

• Types of Leaders Removed:

  • Military and civil leaders, including heroes and prophets.

• Consequences of Yahweh’s Actions:

  • Governance by immature and inexperienced individuals.

  • Increased exploitation and lack of respect among citizens.

• Reasons for Chaos in Jerusalem and Judah:

  • Actions and words against God.

  • Open sinfulness reminiscent of Sodom.

  • Oppression of the poor by moneylenders.

• Fates of Different Groups:

  • Righteous: They will experience joy and prosperity.

  • Evil: They will face the consequences of their actions.

• Accusations Against Leaders and Elders:

  • Exploitation of the poor.

  • Accumulation of wealth through unjust means.

Daughters (Fine Ladies) of Zion (Isaiah 3:16-4:1)

• Accusations Against Women of Jerusalem:

  • Pride and haughtiness, leading to disdain for the poor.

  • Seductive behavior and excessive adornment.

• Punishments for These Women:

  • Physical ailments leading to loss of beauty.

  • Removal of luxuries and shame in place of dignity.

• Things Taken from Jerusalem’s Women:

  • Jewelry, garments, and various adornments.

• Necessity of Punishing Wrongdoers:

  • To uphold justice and morality within society.

The New Jerusalem: The Purified, Purged, and Restored

• God’s Restoration of Jerusalem (Isaiah 4:2-6):

  • Recreating the land and beautifying it.

  • Holiness for the survivors.

  • God’s protective glory over the city.

• Expression of Hope:

  • A reminder of renewal after destruction.

  • Cleansing leading to purity.

Parable/Song of the Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7)

• Definition of ‘Parable’:

  • A simple story that conveys moral or spiritual lessons.

• Characters in the Parable:

  • God (the vineyard owner).

  • Judah (the vineyard).

  • The people of Judah (the vines).

• Preparation of the Vineyard:

  • Digging, clearing, planting, and protecting it.

  • Expectation of good yield that ultimately fails.

• Consequences for Bad Yield:

  • Removal of protection, leading to destruction.

• Relevance of the Parable to Judah:

  • A metaphor for God’s care and expectations.

  • Disobedience leads to punishment.

• Privileges of God’s Chosen People:

  • Knowledge of God, fertile land, laws, prophets, and guidance.

• God’s Demonstration of Love:

  • Liberation from Egypt, granting of the Promised Land, and covenant.

• Punishment for Disobedience:

  • Loss of protection, invasion by foreign nations, and drought.

• Lessons for Children:

  • Importance of obedience and responsibility.

• Purpose of Using a Parable:

  • To engage the audience, encourage critical thinking, and enhance understanding.

The Call and Vision of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13)

• Facts About Isaiah:

  • Lived in Jerusalem and was politically aware.

  • Called during a crisis after King Uzziah’s death.

• Crisis Following Uzziah’s Death:

  • Loss of stability and strong leadership.

  • Fear of Assyrian attacks.

• Isaiah’s Vision in the Temple:

  • A glimpse of God’s majesty and holiness, with angels worshiping Him.

• Interaction with the Flaming Creature:

  • A burning coal touching Isaiah’s lips, symbolizing forgiveness.

• Proofs of Isaiah’s Presence in the Temple:

  • Observations of smoke, shaking foundations, and the altar.

• God’s Revelation:

  • Through visual and auditory manifestations in the temple.

• Isaiah’s Response:

  • Feeling of doom due to his sinful nature and the sinfulness of his people.

Isaiah’s Vision and Commission

• Reaction of Isaiah:

  • Felt guilty for being a sinner unfit to see God.

  • Realized God’s holiness and the sinful nature of humanity.

• Isaiah’s Call:

  • The Lord asked, “Who shall I send?”

  • Isaiah responded, “Send me!”

• Message to the People:

  • The people would listen without understanding and look without seeing.

• Meaning of the Message:

  • The people’s sins hardened their hearts.

  • They would continue to hear and see without comprehension because of their unwillingness to change.

• God’s Command:

  • God instructed Isaiah to dull the people’s minds and senses so they would not hear, see, or understand, preventing their repentance and healing.

• God’s Response to Isaiah’s Inquiry:

  • The desolation of cities and houses until a remnant remained, symbolized by the stump of an oak tree, representing both destruction and hope for survivors.

• Isaiah’s Mission:

  • To preach repentance to the Jews and guide them back to the worship of the Lord.

• Qualities of God from Isaiah’s Vision:

  • Majestic king, enthroned.

  • Glorious, filling the temple with His robe.

  • Holy, as proclaimed by heavenly beings.

  • Merciful and forgiving.

  • Recognition of humanity’s sinfulness, prompting Isaiah’s repentance.

  • Hope for a remnant.

• Ceremony in the Temple:

  • Celebration of God’s kingship and the enthronement of Jotham.

• Hope for Judah:

  • Through the spared remnant, God would fulfill promises to Abraham, David, and the coming Messiah.

Syro-Ephraimite/Israel War (Isaiah 7:1-8:11)

• Outbreak of War:

  1. Tiglath Pileser III’s rise as Assyrian king led to a power struggle.

  2. Rezin (Syria) and Pekah (Israel) formed an alliance and attempted to force Judah to join.

• Tiglath Pileser’s Goals:

  1. To expand Assyria’s influence by conquering Egypt and controlling trade routes.

• Ahaz’s Refusal:

  1. Pro-Assyrian stance, believing Judah was safe from attack.

• Isaiah’s Warning to Ahaz:

  1. Delivered through his son Shear-Jashub, assuring Ahaz of God’s protection and the powerlessness of the enemy.

• Ahaz’s Reaction:

  1. Terrified and resorted to pagan practices, ultimately allying with Assyria.

• Isaiah’s Opposition to the Alliance:

  1. Lack of faith in Yahweh.

  2. No need for panic; enemies were weak.

  3. Yahweh controls history.

  4. Risk of idol worship through alliances.

Lord’s Messages to Ahaz (Isaiah 7:3-9)

• God’s Instructions to Isaiah:

  • Meet Ahaz and reassure him not to fear the alliance of Israel and Syria.

• Message of Encouragement:

  • Assured Ahaz of Judah’s safety and that the enemy’s plot would fail.

• God’s Assurance:

  • Syria was weak; Israel would fall within sixty-five years.

• Isaiah’s Warning:

  • Implicit in Shear-Jashub’s name, indicating a remnant would survive after destruction.

• Ahaz’s Refusal to Ask for a Sign:

  • Declined God’s offer of a sign, preferring to rely on Assyrian protection.

• Isaiah’s Response:

  • Condemned Ahaz for testing God, declaring a sign of a young woman bearing a son named Immanuel (meaning “God is with us”).

Consequences of Ahaz’s Policies

• Oracles Given to Ahaz:

  1. Invasion by Egypt and Assyria would disturb Judah.

  2. Assyria would metaphorically shave Judah’s people, symbolizing captivity.

  3. Famine would ensue due to war.

  4. The land would be overrun by wild animals.

• Consequences of Ahaz’s Alliance with Assyria:

  1. Loss of independence; Judah became a vassal state.

  2. Forced worship of Assyrian gods.

  3. Rise in pagan practices and corruption.

  4. Judah became a battleground for Assyrian and Egyptian forces.

Historical Fulfillment of Prophecies (Isaiah 7:10-25)

• Fulfillment of Assyrian Domination:

  • Judah paid tribute to Assyria; Israel fell in stages (734 BC, 721 BC), and Syria was destroyed in 732 BC.

  • Judah faced severe devastation under Assyrian king Sennacherib (701 BC) and later Babylonian conquest (586 BC).

Second Sign of Destruction (Isaiah 8:1-4)

• God’s Instructions to Isaiah:

  • Write “Quick-Loot-Fast-Plunder” as a prophetic warning.

• Message with Second Son’s Birth:

  • Named to symbolize imminent plunder of Damascus and Samaria.

 

ü  THE MESSIANIC PROPHECIES (Isaiah chapters 9-11)

ü  PRINCE OF PEACE (Isaiah 9:1-7)

ü  During the Syro-Ephraimite crisis, God used Assyria to defeat Syria and Israel on Judah‟s behalf.

ü  Thus the tribes of Zebulon and Naphtali (Israel) that were once in darkness (resorted to idolatry) would see the light in the time of the prince of peace (would be liberated)

ü  How were these tribes disgraced?

ü  They were conquered by the Assyrian Emperor, Tiglath Pileser III

ü  The Israelites were dispersed

ü  The Assyrians settled in their land

ü  Their wealthy were taken away

ü  They were exploited and oppressed

 

ü  What would happen to these tribes when new king comes to the throne?

o   They would see great light after walking in darkness for long

o   God would give them joy and happiness which is compared to the joy and happiness the people have when they harvest their corn or when they divide captured wealth

ü  How would God bring them joy and happiness? How would God end the Assyrian captivity and oppression?

o   He would break the yoke that burdened them

o   He would break the rod that beat their shoulder

o   Remains of the battle equipment will be burnt (end of warfare)

o   He would defeat the nation that oppressed and exploited his people

o   A certain child would be born who would be their just and righteous king

ü  Describe the titles of the child who was about to be born

ü  Wonderful counselor

o   The new king would be as wise as king Solomon

o   He would make right plans and decisions according to Gods will

ü  Mighty God

o   The new king will be a godlike hero, a great worrier who cannot be defeated

o   He will have divine power

ü  Eternal father

o   His reign shall be forever and ever.

o   He will love and care his people just as Yahweh does.

ü  Prince of peace

o   Under his kingship there shall be peace and harmony.

o   Enemies shall lay down together.

ü  What would characterize the leadership of this new king?

o   His royal power will continue to grow

o   His kingdom will always be at peace

o   He will rule as king David successor, basing his power on right and justice

ü  Difference between Ahaz and the future Ideal King

o   Ahaz failed to trust God during Syro-Ephramite war, the ideal king will find pleasure in obeying God

o   King Ahaz made the land a vassal state of Assyria, the ideal king will never subject his land to any foreign rule

o   King Ahaz introduced Assyrian religions alongside the worship of Yahweh, the ideal king will honor God alone.

ü  Ahaz was one of the bad kings of Judah

o   he could not take advice from God through prophet Isaiah

o   the worshipping of idols during his time was common among the Jews

o   he was relying on other country for help rather than God

 

 

ü  PEACEFUL KINGDOM: VIRTUOUS/IDEAL KING: ROOT AND BRANCH (Isaiah 11:1-9)

 

ü  What would be the characteristics of the future and ideal king

o   One of David‟s descendants

o   One inspired by the Spirit of God

o   One who is wise and knowledgeable

o   One to rule with justice and integrity

o   One who bring universal peace

ü  The king will be special in the following ways

o   His power will continue to grow

o   His kingdom will always be at peace

o   He will rule as kind David‟s successor

o   He will base his power on right and justice

ü  Mention two group of people which would benefit from the future kings justice

o   The poor and the helpless

ü  What was the significance of each of the following thing in the Jewish society

ü  Land: A sign of God covenant with his people

ü  Temple: A sign of God presence among his people

ü  King

o   They believed that God blessing on people passed on through their king

o   The king represented the people before God

o   The king was a symbol of unity & a protector of the poor

o   Through the king there was the continuation of David dynasty

o   The king kept the Messianic expectation alive

ü  Why was the royal line of David compared to the tree that had been cut down?

o   Just like a new branch sprouts from the stump, a new king would rise from David‟s descendants

o   A new king would have a humble beginning

ü  Describe the gifts that the ideal king would have

ü  Intellectual gifts: Wisdom and understanding

o   Wisdom: The ability to discern and understand between falsehood and truth

o   Understanding: Ability to listen and make out good sense to whatever is said

ü  Practical gifts: Counsel and mighty

o   Counsel: The ability to give wise advice and make right decisions

o   Mighty: He will have power to protect the oppressed and resist evil.

ü  Religious gifts: Knowledge and fear of the Lord

o   Knowledge: Ability to know God‟s will and teach others the way of God

o   Fear of God: He shall have deep respect for God. He will always worship and respect God and live a life approved by God.

ü  How would the new king judge and rule his people?

o   He will not judge by appearances or hearsays

o   He will judge the poor fairly

o   He will defend the rights of the helpless

o   At his command, people will be punished and evil people will die

o   He will rule his people with justice and integrity

ü  Describe peace and harmony to be established in the animal world

 

o   Wolves and sheep will live together in peace

o   Leopards will lie down with young goats

o   Calves and lion cubs (young lions) will feed together

o   Little children will take care of them

o   Cows and cubs will lie down in peace

o   Lions will eat straw as cattle do

o   A baby would play near poisonous snake without being harmed

 

 

ü  ASSYRIANS THREATEN TO ATTACK JUDAH (Isaiah 36-37)

ü  SENACHERIB SENDS RABSHAKEH TO GO FROM LACHISH TO JERUSALEM (Isaiah 36)

o   Egypt, Palestine and other nations revolted against Assyria.

o   Hezekiah took advantage to assert Judah‟s independence by doing the following:

• He stopped paying tribute to Assyria

• He re-established Yahweh worship in Jerusalem temple

• He destroyed all the Assyrians altars of idols in Jerusalem

• He constructed the Siloam tunnel for defence

• He joined Egyptian and Babylon to ally against Assyria

ü  How Hezekiah differed from his father on ideas about politics and reloigion?

o   He was a god fearing person than his father who never feared God

o   He introduced religious reforms: He destroyed all the Assyrians altars of idols in Jerusalem

o   He hated the idea of paying tribute to Asyria

ü  Why Hezekiah got tempted to get involved in Egypt-Babylon anti-Assyrian alliance despite

ü  Isaiah’s denial?

o   A strong pro-Egyptian party in Jerusalem persuaded him

o   He hated being subjected to Assyria (paying tributes and worshipping their gods)

o   He thought the alliance would be successful as Assyria was already weakened by Babylonian‟s

o   revolt

ü  What was the historical background to the Assyrian official visit to Jerusalem

o   Sennacherib defeated Babylon, Phoenicia, Philistia and the 46 cities of Judah

o   Jerusalem was free but defenseless

o   He thereafter defeated Egypt and decided to occupy Jerusalem as soon as possible

o   However, he could not occupy Jerusalem as he was still involved in another battle at Lachish against Tirhakah, the king of Egypt.

o   He therefore, sent Rabshakeh to persuade Jerusalem city to surrender beforehand.

ü  Why Sennacherib sent his official to Jerusalem?

o   To demand that king Hezekiah should surrender

o   To undermine the morale of the people

ü  What were the aims of Rabshakeh?

o   He wanted to weaken people‟s morale in Hezekiah

o   He wanted to undermine people‟s loyalty to the king

 

ü  Mention the duties of Hezekiah’s official who met Rabshakeh

ü  Shebnah: The court secretary

ü  Eliakim: The official in charge of the palace and son of Hilkiah

ü  Joah: The official in charge of the records and son of Asaph

ü  RABSHAKEH‟S THREATENING MESSAGE TO HEZEKIAH‟S OFFICIALS

ü  Mere words are no substitute for military strategy

ü  Do not rely on Egypt because she is like a broken reed. If you learn on her you will fall.

ü  Your God will not save you because Hezekiah destroyed His shrines and alters

ü  Your army is far much unskilled if compared to ours

ü  We have been sent by Yahweh himself to destroy you

ü  Narrate the request made by Hezekiah’s official to Rabshakeh

o   Speak Aramaic to us, we understand it.

o   Don‟t speak Hebrew; all the people on the wall are listening

ü  Why Hezekiah’s officials did not want ordinary people to listen to Rabshakeh’s speech?

o   They felt the issue was more diplomatic than for public consumption

o   They thought the people of Judah would riot against the king and force him to surrender to avoid trouble

ü  Narrate Rabshakeh’s reply to the request made by Hezekiah’s officials

o   The message brought was for all Jedeans who will eat their excrement and drink their urine

o   Do not be deceived by Hezekiah for he cannot save you

o   If you surrender, Sennacherib will resettle you on another land where you will eat your own produce

o   We have defeated several nations with their false gods. Who is Yahweh?

ü  Note: Sennacherib used military, political and religious argument

ü  What was the reaction of the people and Hezekiah’s officials?

o   The people kept quite as Hezekiah had instructed them

o   Hezekiah‟s official were not happy to see local people listening, so they asked Rabshakeh to

o   change the language

o   Shebnah, Eliakim and Joah:

• Tore their clothes in grief

• They went to report to the king

• They put on sack cloth

ü  Hezekiah’s reaction to Rabshakeh’s threatening message?

o   He tore his clothes in grief

o   He put on sack cloth

o   He went to the Temple of the Lord

o   He sent his official with the message to prophet Isaiah.

o   He asked Isaiah to pray for the nation

ü  Narrate Hezekiah’s message to Isaiah

o   Today is the day of suffering

o   We are being punished and are in disgrace

o   We are like a woman to who is to deliver but too weak to do so

 

o   Sennacherib through his official, insults the living God

o   May the Lord hear these insults and punish those who speak them

o   Pray to God for the survivors

ü  What was Isaiah’s answer to Hezekiah’s plea?

o   Do not let the Assyrians frighten you

o   The Lord will cause the Emperor to hear a rumour that will make him go back to Assyria

o   The Lord will have him killed there

 

 

ü  THE SECOND THREATENING MESSAGE (Isaiah 37:8-38)

ü  SENACHERIB SENDS ENVOYS WITH A LETTER TO HEZEKIAH

ü  What was the content of the letter

o   Your God cheats you when he says I will not defeat you

o   You have heard what an Assyrian Emperor does to any country he wants to destroy

o   So, you cannot escape

o   My ancestors destroyed many cities, their gods never saved them.

o   Even kings of the cities of Hamath, arpad etc were also defeated

ü  Why was Sennacherib’s message an open defiance to God?

o   He compares Yahweh with the false gods of other nations

o   He affirms that Yahweh is not much powerful than they are

o   He was arrogant and raged against God

o   He thought she was victorious by her own power, yet he just carried God‟s plan

ü  Narrate Hezekiah’s reaction after receiving Sennacherib’s letter?

ü  He read it.

ü  He went to the Temple.

ü  He placed the letter before Lord.

ü  He prayed

ü  Narrate the prayer that Hezekiah offered to God

ü  You alone Yahweh are God

ü  You are the controller and ruler of everything

ü  Listens to the insults from Sennacherib

ü  We know he destroyed many nations with their false gds

ü  Rescue us from the Assyria so that all nations should know that you alone are God

ü  Outline God’s taunt song against Sennacherib

ü  Jerusalem laughs at you

ü  You have been disrespectful to Yahweh and ridiculed him

ü  You think you are the controller of history, but you just carry God‟s plan

ü  You are in my hands for I know past, present and future

ü  I will put a hook through your nose… and take you back by the road on which you came

ü  What was Isaiah’s message to King Hezekiah?

o   About Jerusalem

 

• For two years there will be famine, but in the third year the land will produce food

• Survivors will flourish like plants that send roots deep into ground and produce fruit

• There shall be some survivors in Jerusalem and on Mount Zion

o   About the Assyria Emperor

• He will not enter the city or shoot an arrow against it

• There shall be no soldiers or siege mounds near the city

• Sennacherib will go back by the road on which he came

• I will defend and protect the city for the sake of my own honour and promise made to David

ü  How did the siege cease/end?

ü  Lord‟s angel went to Assyrian camp and killed 185 000 soldiers

ü  Sennacherib withdrew and returned to Nineveh

ü  While in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons (Adramerelech and Sharezer) killed him.

ü  His son Esarhaddon succeeded him

ü  Possible reasons why the siege broke up

o   An outbreak of the plague in the army killing 185 000

o   News of another uprising by the Babylonians

o   Sennacherib might have thought it was unnecessary to finish off tiny Judah.

ü  How did Hezekiah show that he was faithful to God?

o   After hearing the first threatening message:

• He went to the temple to pray

• He consulted Isaiah, God‟s prophet, ready to follow his advice

• He believed Yahweh had heard Assyrian message and would punish Sennacherib

• By asking Isaiah to pray for the survivors meant he was confident that God would not abandon the faithful ones

o   After Sennacherib‟s second message

• He again prayed to God

• In his prayer, he praised God as the almighty, creator and the only true God

• He also asked God to rescue them to prove that he was the only true God

 

 

ü  HEZEKIAH’S ILLNESS & MIRACULOUS RECOVERY (Isaiah 38:1-8)

ü  Narrate Lord’s message to Hezekiah concerning his illness

o   Put everything in order because you will not recover.

o   Get ready to die.

ü  Narrate Hezekiah’s reaction

o   He turned his face to the wall.

o   He prayed. In his prayer, he said that:

• I have served you faithfully and loyally

• I have always tried what you wanted me to do (obedient)

o   He began to cry bitterly

ü  What was the basis of Hezekiah’s appeal?

ü  His faithful service to God

 

ü  His loyalty to God

ü  His obedient to God

ü  The sadness that he was going to die soon

ü  Narrate God’s reaction to Hezekiah’s prayer

ü  He told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah that

ü  I the Lord have heard your prayer and seen your tears

ü  I will let you live fifteen years longer

ü  I will rescue you and the city of Jerusalem from the Assyrian Emperor

ü  I will continue to protect the city

ü  What did Hezekiah suffer from and what medication was used?

o   He was suffering from a boil

o   Hezekiah was to take a paste made of figs and put on his boil

ü  Why did Hezekiah ask for a sign and what sign was given?

o   To prove that he would recover and be able to go to the Temple

o   To prove that the 15 years were indeed added to his time

o   For Jews and Assyrians realize that his recovery was due to the powerful God of Israel

o   The sign: On the stairway built by king Ahaz, the lord made the shadow go back ten steps

 

 

ü  TOWARDS CAPTIVITY: BABYLONIAN EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM (Isaiah 39)

o   Meorodach Baladan sent his messangers to Hezekiah.

o   These Babylonian messengers carried a letter and a gift

ü  Why prompted the Babylonian messengers to visit Judah?

o   To make an alliance with Judah (seek Hezekiah‟s help) against Assyria

o   To congratulate him for his miraculous recovery and give him a present

o   To see the wealth/riches of Judah (assess Juda‟s streng)

o   To spy Judah for a future possible attack

ü  How did Hezekiah welcome the envoys?

ü  He showed them all his wealth like silver, gold, spices and perfume

ü  He also showed them all his military equipments

ü  There was nothing in the storerooms that he did not show them

ü  Why did Hezekiah show them everything? Why did he welcome them the way he did?

ü  He was flattered by the visitors from a very powerful country

ü  He wanted to show that he was an equal partner

ü  He was showing off

ü  To impress them so that he gets favourable terms for the alliance

ü  State what Isaiah predicted would happen as a result of Hezekiah’s action.

ü  Time is coming when wealth of Judah will be carried to Babylon

ü  Nothing will be left in the country

ü  Some of the direct descendants of Hezekiah will be taken to Babylon

ü  While in Babylon, they will be made eunuchs to serve in the palace

ü  What was Isaiah’s response?

 

ü  The message you have given from the Lord is good

ü  Why did he respond in that way?

ü  He thought the troubles to fall on Judah will not come in his life time

ü  He wanted to express his resignation to God‟s will.

ü  To show futility/vainness of opposing Isaiah‟s decision to punish Judah

ü  Suggest reasons why Isaiah disapproved of Hezekiah’s action?

ü  Hezekiah showed lack of faith in Yahweh by joining the alliance.

ü  Friendly contact with foreigners would expose God‟s people to pagan religions and tempted to

o   follow them

ü  Babylonians would carry God‟s people to exile, castrate and make them their slaves

ü  Which kings ruled Judah from the time of Hezekiah up to the time the Jews were being taken into exile?

ü  Manasseh → Josiah → Jehoiakim → Jehoiachin → Zedekiah

ü  What do we know about Hezekiah?

o   Man of faith

• In his sickness he turned to God

• Going to the temple was the first thing he would do if he recovered

• He accepted the words of the prophet when reprimanded for seeking alliance with Babylon „the

o   word of the lord…. is good’

• He was saddened and angered by the Assyrian‟s insulting message to Yahweh

• He consulted Isaiah and God when he received threatening message from Sennacherib

• He purified Judaism by suppressing pagan worship. He re-introduced Passover celebration

o   Active in international politics

o   Enterprising: He fortified Jerusalem and built Siloam tunnel

o   Patriot: He loved his country and did not want it to be destroyed by Assyria

o   Made mistakes: Made an alliance with Babylon and Egypt against Assyria. He also showed his treasures to Babylon

ü  THEMES OF PROTO ISAIAH

o   God is king: God alone is ruler and controller of creation and history.

o   God is glorious: God ends the suffering of the oppressed through good leadership.

o   Judgment: After judging his people, he punishes them through natural disasters and wars

o   God is holy: He is unique and not part of creation.

o   Sinfulness and repentance: God hates sins and wants unfaithful Jews to repent

o   Hope. God punishes His people to purify them.

o   God is the Lord of history

o   In God‟s plan of salvation, Israel has a special role to play