Introduction: In yesterday’s passage Israel are told clearly what God thinks about their seeking help from other nations and denying Him! There follows two illustrations of how their rebellion against God is going to explode to their disadvantage. Firstly it is like a city wall about to explode and to allow the enemy in; secondly it is like a pot so shattered that a piece large enough to scoop up water or carry coals to start a fire cannot be found!
12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,
“Because you despise this word
and trust in oppression and perverseness
and rely on them,
therefore this iniquity shall be to you
like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse,
whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant;
and its breaking is like that of a potter’s vessel
that is smashed so ruthlessly
that among its fragments not a shard is found
with which to take fire from the hearth,
or to dip up water out of the cistern.”
For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But you were unwilling, and you said,
“No! We will flee upon horses”;
therefore you shall flee away;
and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;
therefore your pursuers shall be swift.
A thousand shall flee at the threat of one;
at the threat of five you shall flee,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain,
like a signal on a hill.
Comment: God’s plan was rejected! People thought that they could flee their enemy but one enemy voice is enough to send thousands fleeing! Their flight is so complete that only a flagpole remains where Jerusalem was!
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him. – God is true to His Holy nature – merciful and gracious! He mixes these characteristics perfectly with His Justice!
Job 42 5-6 – After God had explained by revealing His own infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty through majestic descriptions of creation, contrasting His cosmic control with human limitations, and affirming His faithful presence, Job responds – I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Prayer: Open my eyes that I might see You in Your Greatness and Majesty, Loving Father God!
As I read it! 