Enemies Will be Punished
November 6, 2019
Commentary
The key word in the closing verses of this chapter is purpose. God is in sovereign control of the rise and fall of all nations, as He works out His divine purposes in the world. Isaiah shows us how Assyria was His tool to accomplish His purposes at this time in history (vv 26-27). God permitted Assyria to discipline Judah, but He would not allow them to destroy His people. God promised to break the Assyrian nation “upon my mountains” (v. 25). This was fulfilled in Isaiah’s lifetime when destruction came on the Assyrian army of Sennacherib (Isa. 36-37). The statement that God’s “hand is stretched out” (v. 24) means that His hand of judgment is still coming against the nations because of their rebellion against Him. Because of God’s sovereign control over “all nations” (v. 26) nothing can stop His plans by turning back “His hand” (v. 27).
The Assyrian leader died and the Philistines rejoiced that their enemy was weakened (vv. 28-29). However, Isaiah warned them that their rejoicing would be short lived; for the new king would be worse. He compared the dead Assyrian ruler to an even worse serpent (v. 29). We need to note that God had a special word of assurance for His own people. It states that even the poorest of the poor will have food and safety (v. 30); but the Philistines would be wiped out by war and famine. The Assyrian army would come from the north like a great cloud of smoke (v. 31), and the gates of the great Philistine cities would not stop them. The Philistines had felt safe and secure but it would suffer defeat by famine and the sword (v. 32).
Application
We may feel safe and in our country, but we must remember that God is in control and judgment will come in His time because of the sin in our land. The only security that I have is in the Lord.
Isaiah 14:24– 32 (NET)
24 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies makes this solemn vow: “Be sure of this: Just as I have intended, so it will be; just as I have planned, it will happen.
25 I will break Assyria in my land, I will trample them underfoot on my hills. Their yoke will be removed from my people, the burden will be lifted from their shoulders.
26 This is the plan I have devised for the whole earth; my hand is ready to strike all the nations.”
27 Indeed, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has a plan, and who can possibly frustrate it? His hand is ready to strike, and who can possibly stop it?
28 This oracle came in the year that King Ahaz died:
29 Don’t be so happy, all you Philistines, just because the club that beat you has been broken! For a viper will grow out of the serpent’s root, and its fruit will be a darting adder.
30 The poor will graze in my pastures; the needy will rest securely. But I will kill your root by famine; it will put to death all your survivors.
31 Wail, O city gate! Cry out, O city! Melt with fear, all you Philistines! For out of the north comes a cloud of smoke, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
32 How will they respond to the messengers of this nation? Indeed, the Lord has made Zion secure; the oppressed among his people will find safety in her.
Illustration: The Only Security We Have is The Lord
We may feel safe and in our country, but we must remember that God is in control and judgment will come in His time because of the sin in our land. The only security that I have is in the Lord.