March 27 - Final Woe

March 27 - Final Woe - Isaiah 33:1-24

This chapter begins with words spoken against Sennacherib, the king of the Assyrians. Hezekiah had tried to buy him off (2 Kings 18:13-15), but he invaded Judah anyway. (I think Isaiah had been prophecying this, but no one seemed to listen!)

The people of Jerusalem now see the destruction that lies outside their walls. It has finally occurred to them that they are in trouble! The Lord promised, though that Sennacherib would be defeated. The Assyrians had torn through countries like locusts, but the Lord promised that He would redeem Judah. (Isaiah 33:2-4)

Hezekiah had paid Sennacherib off using the temple treasury. What was the Lord's response? Forgiveness and a reminder that the fear of the Lord is the key to the treasure - which is salvation and wisdom and knowledge. (Isaiah 33:5-6)

The men in Jerusalem were upset because of what was happening outside the city walls, envoys returned frustrated from failed treaties, no one was safe on the highways ... everything was coming apart around them. But, the Lord was nearly finished with Assyria. All of their plans would be nothing more than chaff, straw ... easily consumed. (Isaiah 33:7-12)

Then came the day when the Lord destroyed the Assyrian army - 185,000 soldiers in one day! Consuming fire? You bet! But that event scared the people inside Jerusalem as much as it did the Assyrians ... they had forgotten the power of the Lord. (Isaiah 33:13-14)

What kind of person can live with the consuming fire ... who will the Lord accept? The description of that person is found here. (Isaiah 33:15) He will dwell on the heights and find refuge and his needs will be met. He will see the Lord and the new Jerusalem while the memories of those that he knew in the past ... the thieves and the arrogant ... will be nothing more than passing thoughts. (Isaiah 33:16-19)

Isaiah ends this passage with another look into the future when the Messiah reigns and we live in that New Jerusalem with us ... the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us. (Isaiah 33:20-24)