Reading

• Isa. 10:1-34; 11:1-16; 12:1-6
• 2 Chron. 28:5-21

Devotional

Continuing with Isaiah’s prophecy, GOD explained that, although He would use Assyria to punish Israel, afterward He would also punish Assyria because of the king’s prideful heart and haughty eye (both of which the LORD hates) and his desire to utterly destroy. GOD reminds the reader that He is in control in the armies of earth and that kings and rulers are but tools in His hand to accomplish His purpose. Although Israel was as numerous as the seashore, GOD would only allow a remnant to remain.

Isaiah prophesies regarding the Messiah, that He would come from the lineage of Jesse (David’s father), that the Spirit of GOD—the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the LORD—would rest upon Him. He would delight in the fear of the LORD. He would judge not by what He saw with His eyes or heard with His ears, but with righteousness and justice. He would strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips He would slay the wicked. Righteousness would be His belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist. He would gather the remnant of Israel and the nations would rally to Him.

Because king Ahaz of Judah failed to seek GOD’s help, he lost in a great battle with Israel and Aram. Israel and Aram took many captives and plundered Judah. GOD sent word by a prophet Oded, who was in Samaria, to meet the army as it returned. He told them to send back their captives because GOD had given them victory over Judah because He was angry with Judah; however, they were just as guilty and evil and the LORD was not pleased with them. Some of the leaders in Ephraim spoke up and convinced the army to comply with Oded’s message.

King Ahaz didn’t learn the lesson GOD was trying to teach him. Ahaz sent word to the Assyrians asking for help, but instead the Assyrian king brought trouble on them. Even though Ahaz send treasure from the temple of GOD the Assyrians still persecuted Judah. It is both stupid and futile to go to war against GOD. When the LORD is teaching you to bow before Him, do not stiffen your neck in resistance like Ahaz. That decision never ends well.