Isaiah 38: 1-8….When did this happen?

Introduction: This story is fascinating but leaves a modern enquirer with several challenging questions, to which you may or may not find a scientific/historical pseudo or real answer! While I wrestle with these ‘facts’, if I don’t find a satisfying modern scientific answer, I end up saying ‘the Bible says it therefore I believe it!’Continue reading “Isaiah 38: 1-8….When did this happen?”

Isaiah 37: 30-38….The timing is not clear!

Introduction: In Biblical Hebrew the word for messenger and angel are the same – ‘mal’akh’. You may remember that Hezekiah was depending on Egypt for help. The Egyptian records have a story of Sennacherib’s sudden departure because field mice had chewed through the bow and shield straps of the army! How did the Angel ofContinue reading “Isaiah 37: 30-38….The timing is not clear!”

Isaiah 37: 21-29….Why use obscure poetry instead of plain English?

Introduction: I guess it wasn’t in English because there was no such language as English at that time! But why poetry? In this case poetry is leaving people to guess, or more accurately, to ponder and hassle the hidden thoughts which need to be arrived at. Sennacherib, the blood thirsty, tyrannical leader of Assyria wouldContinue reading “Isaiah 37: 21-29….Why use obscure poetry instead of plain English?”

Isaiah 37: 8-20….Will the king trust God?

The Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah, for he had heard that the king had left Lachish. Now the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has set out to fight against you.” And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus shall you speak toContinue reading “Isaiah 37: 8-20….Will the king trust God?”

Isaiah 36: 21- 37: 7….God is Upset!

21 But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.” 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him theContinue reading “Isaiah 36: 21- 37: 7….God is Upset!”

Isaiah 36: 11-20….Political ‘hoo-hah’.

Introduction: The purple shows the Assyrian kingdom: the green the conquered area under Assyria at Isaiah’s time: the brown is Judea. Judea spoke Hebrew. Aramaic was the official international language, and even the Assyrians spoke a different language which the Jews didn’t understand. The officials did understand the ‘International’ language. The common Jewish people probablyContinue reading “Isaiah 36: 11-20….Political ‘hoo-hah’.”

Isaiah 36: 1-10….History not prophecy.

Introduction: Timewise we are now talking about the turn from the eighth to the seventh century BC. Sennacherib’s father had conquered Judah but had died about 3 years prior to this historical event occurring. Isaiah prophesied for about 60-65 years, being alive for about 20 years after the historical events which are here recorded forContinue reading “Isaiah 36: 1-10….History not prophecy.”

Isaiah 35: 8-10….Is this too good to be True?

8 And a highway shall be there,and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;the unclean shall not pass over it.It shall belong to those who walk on the way;even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.9 No lion shall be there,nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;they shall not beContinue reading “Isaiah 35: 8-10….Is this too good to be True?”

Isaiah 35: 1-7….The Ransomed shall return!

Introduction: All of life isn’t ‘beer and skittles’, joy without any problems, as we saw yesterday! Valleys have to be crossed, all life isn’t a ‘mountain top experience’! Judgement is a part of life! But the end as God has planned it and tells us today, and tomorrow, has delightfully positive times! 1 The wildernessContinue reading “Isaiah 35: 1-7….The Ransomed shall return!”

Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!

Introduction: Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, after whom the Israelis are named, had a brother Esau. Esau, and later his descendants, occupied the land of Edom. Edom was mentioned in yesterday’s tale of woes and here again at the very centre of today’s opening Edom, Israel’s neighbour, holds centre stage! 8 For theContinue reading “Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!”