Isaiah 30 ✒️ The Bread of Affliction

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Isaiah 30 ✒️ The Bread of Affliction

April 22, 2024 • Dr. Dave Burnette

1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

2That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

3Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

4For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

5They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

6The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

7For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

8Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

9That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:

10Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

11Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

12Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:

13Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

14And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.

15For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

16But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

17One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

18And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

19For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

20And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

22Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

23Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

24The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.

25And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

26Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

27Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

28And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

29Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

30And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

31For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.

32And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.

33For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

COMMENTATRY by Dr. Dave Burnette

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Isaiah

Date Penned: (700-681 BC)

Overview: To Tell of God's Salvation through the Messiah (c 1-66)

Theme: Words of Judgment (c 1-39)

Message: Prophecy Against Rebels (v 1-33)

Isaiah 30 Commentary

(30:1) An Alliance - The rebellious children were the people of Judah (see 1:2), those who had rebelled against God. To "cover with a covering" means to form an alliance. The negotiations for an alliance were underway, and Isaiah condemned the people's twisted plans. The people of Judah sought help and advice from everyone but God. When we are driven by fear, we tend to search everywhere for comfort, advice, and relief, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubles. Instead, we should consult God. Although he gives emergency help in times of crisis, he prefers to be our guide throughout our lives. By reading his Word and actively seeking to do his will, we can maintain our bond with him who provides stability no matter what the crisis.

(30:2-7) An Alliance with Egypt - Hezekiah had been seeking a defensive alliance with Egypt against Sennacherib of Assyria (see 2 Kings 18:21).

(30:6-7) Trust the Lord - This prophecy concerning "the beasts of the south" ("south" is a translation of the Hebrew negev) starts with the harmless animals of the caravans that were carrying the messengers taking treasure as bribes to Egypt. On their way, they had to pass through the wilderness region of the Negev, which lies between Judah and Egypt. That path contained dangerous animals. The journey ended in Egypt, which Isaiah calls Rahab in some translations, after a mythological female sea monster associated with leviathan (see the note on 27:1). He was likely comparing Rahab to the huge hippopotamus that would sit in the shallow waters of the Nile River and do nothing all day. In the same way, Egypt would do nothing to help the nation of Judah. If only the people would recognize that God was in control of everything, including powerful Egypt!

(30:10-11) The Truth - Some people in Judah sought refuge in Egypt. In their desire to find security, they wanted to hear only good news. They did not welcome the truth from God's prophets. Often the truth makes us uncomfortable. We prefer lies or illusions when they make us feel more secure. But to face reality is much better than to live a lie. Don't settle for words that make you feel comfortable but are not true.

(30:15) Turn to the Lord - God warned Judah that turning to Egypt and other nations for military might could not save them. Only God could do that. They must wait for him "in quietness and in confidence." No amount of fast talking or hasty activity could speed up God's grand design. We have nothing to say to God but thank you. Salvation comes from him alone. And because he has saved us, we can trust him and be peacefully confident that he will give us strength to face our difficulties. We should lay aside our restless activity and endless striving and allow him to act.

(30:19-20) Walking Through Adversity - The Lord gave his people adversity for food and suffering for drink, but he promised to be with them, teach them, and guide them during hard times. God expects much from us, and at times, following him can be painful. But we can be confident that he always acts out of his love for us. The next time you go through a difficult time, try to appreciate the experience and grow from it, learning what God wants to teach you. Ask him for help. He may be showing you his love by patiently walking with you through adversity.

(30:21) Follow the Lord - When the people of Jerusalem left God's path, he would correct them. He will do the same for us. But when we hear his voice of correction, we must be willing to follow it!

(30:27) God's Wrath - The judgment of God will be accompanied by thick, rising smoke and words that devour like fire (see 33:14; Luke 12:49; Hebrews 12:29). Some people dislike any preaching about God's wrath. They often don't want to be judged or hear negative evaluations of their life choices or character. Yet God's wrath and anger are very real and are designed for the rebellious and for those who hate him, not for those who are humble and love him. Are you one of God's people? Help others discover God's love so that his wrath will never be an issue for them.

LIFE APPLICATION by Dr. Dave Burnette

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue in the Book of Isaiah with Chapter 30. In our text today, we see prophesy against rebels. What catches my eye is verse 20, that the Lord gave His people the bread of adversity and the water of affliction. In this process of discipline, the Lord promised to be with, guide, and teach His people during this challenging time in our lives as He allows it for our good and His Glory. How about you? Do you see the Lord in difficult times? Let us learn from our text today and the warning of Isaiah that if we rebel against the Lord, we will suffer the consequences of our decisions, but as a child of God, He will never leave us or forsake us.

Isaiah 56 ✒️ A House of Prayer

May 18, 2024 • Dr. Dave Burnette

Isaiah 55 ✒️ Seek the Lord

May 17, 2024 • Dr. Dave Burnette

1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. COMMENTARY by Dr. Dave Burnette Written By: God through Inspiration Penned By: Isaiah Date Penned: (700-681 BC) Overview: To Tell of God's Salvation through the Messiah (c 1-66) Theme: Words of Comfort (c 40-66) Message: Blessings for Those Who Seek Him (v 1-13) Isaiah 55 Commentary (55:1-6) Nourishment - Food costs money, lasts only a short time, and meets only physical needs. But God offers us free nourishment that feeds our souls. How do we get it? We come to him (55:1), listen to him (55:2), seek him, and call on him (55:6). God offers salvation freely, but to nourish our souls we must eagerly receive it. We will starve spiritually without this food as surely as we will starve physically without our daily bread. (55:1) The Coming of the Lord - The theme of coming to the Lord if you are thirsty runs throughout the Bible. The Lord gave water to the Israelites when they were walking through the desert to Mount Sinai (Exodus 17:1-6). The same offer is part of Jesus' discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:13-14). Jesus repeats the offer to the crowds in Jerusalem (John 7:37= 38). Later, John records it at the final stage of his revelation (Revelation 22:17). God wants us to come to him so his Spirit can satisfy us. (55:3) God's Covenant - God's covenant with David promised a permanent homeland for the Israelites, no threat from pagan nations, and no wars (2 Samuel 7:10-11). But the Israelites did not fulfill their part of the covenant to obey God and stay away from idols. Even so, God was ready to renew his covenant again. He is a forgiving God! (55:6) Call On the Lord - Isaiah tells us to call on the Lord while he is near. God will never move away from us, but we often move far from him or erect barriers of sin between ourselves and him. Don't wait until you have drifted far away from God to seek him. Later in life, turning to him may be far more difficult. Or God may come to judge the earth before you decide to turn to him. Accept God's generous forgiveness now, while you can, before it is too late. (55:8-9) Knowing God - The people of Israel were foolish to act as if they knew what God was thinking and planning. His knowledge and wisdom are far greater than any human's. We are foolish to try to fit God into our mold--to make his plans and purposes conform to ours. Instead, we must strive to fit into his plans. (55:11) A Living Word - Isaiah affirms that God's prophecies will be fulfilled and that his word will always be fruitful. We can count on that promise every time we read Scripture, truly desiring to be in God's presence and to listen to him. If you are just starting to read the Bible, (1) set aside at least 15 minutes alone in a quiet place each day; (2) pray for God to help you understand what you read; and (3) ask God to make his Word come alive for you. LIFE APPLICATION by Dr. Dave Burnette Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue in the Book of Isaiah with Chapter 55. In our text today, we see the Blessings for those who seek Him. I love verse 6, which says we are to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call on Him while He is near. In making an application, we see that in the day of Grace in which we live, we are to seek the Lord, for there is a day when God will shut the door. Just in the days of Noah before the flood, God extended a time for us to repent and be saved. We can seek the Lord for guidance in our lives, and he will listen and respond to our situations according to His Will. How about you? Have you sought the Lord? Let us learn from our text today and the reminder of Isaiah that we are to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call on Him while He is near.

Isaiah 54 ✒️ No Weapon Shall Prosper

May 16, 2024 • Dr. Dave Burnette

1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. 2Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; 3For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 10For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 11O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. 15Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. COMMENTARY by Dr. Dave Burnette Written By: God through Inspiration Penned By: Isaiah Date Penned: (700-681 BC) Overview: To Tell of God's Salvation through the Messiah (c 1-66) Theme: Words of Comfort (c 40-66) Message: Israel Will Be Rebuilt (v 1-17) Isaiah 54 Commentary (54:1) Childless - To be childless (barren) in the ancient world brought a woman great shame and disgrace and guaranteed a future of poverty for her. Families depended on children for survival, especially when the parents became elderly. Israel (represented by Jerusalem) was unfruitful, like a childless woman, but in the future restoration God would permit her to have many children and would change her mourning into singing. (54:6-8) Sins Separation - God said that he had abandoned Israel for a brief moment, so the nation was like a young wife rejected by her husband. But God still called Israel his own. The God we serve is holy, and he cannot tolerate sin. When his people blatantly sinned, God in his anger chose to punish them. Sin separates us from God and brings us pain and suffering. But if we confess our sin and repent, God will forgive us, showering us with love and compassion. Have you ever been separated from a loved one and then experienced joy when that person returned? That is like the joy God experiences when you repent and return to him. Heaven rejoices when a lost person returns to God (Luke 15:7). (54:9-13) A Covenant - God made a covenant with Noah that he has never broken (Genesis 9:8-17). Likewise, God made a covenant of peace with the people of Israel, promising that the time would come when he would stop pouring out his anger on them; he would restore their wealth, and he would personally teach their children. In Isaiah (54:11-12) The New Jerusalem - we see a picture of the future new Jerusalem (see also Revelation 21:10, 18-21). LIFE APPLICATION by Dr. Dave Burnette Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue in the Book of Isaiah with Chapter 54. In our text today, we see a promise of Israel to be fulfilled and rebuilt as the people of God are protected and restored by God. I love verse 17, which says that no weapon formed against thee shall prosper. In making an application, we see the promise of the Lord is still true today. We might face opposition and even lose a few battles, but the Lord reminds us that He will deliver us. How about you? Are you facing a battle? Let us learn from our text today and the promises of the Lord that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.