July 1, 2026 - Isaiah 20-27

Isaiah’s prophecies against the nations continue:  Egypt, Cush, and Babylon.  Then, he turns his attention to Jerusalem herself and is disconsolate because of her unfaithfulness and ruin:  “Look away from me; let me weep bitter tears; do not labor to comfort me concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people” (22:4).  The prophet, though, still has more to say to the nations, to Tyre and Sidon, indeed to the whole earth.  Through it all, though, Isaiah told of a song that would be sung in Judah, a song that would include these words:  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock” (26:3-4).

Like a mighty river flowing,

like a flower in beauty growing,

far beyond all human knowing

is the perfect peace of God.

Like the hills serene and even,

like the coursing clouds of heaven,

like the heart that’s been forgiven

is the perfect peace of God.

Like the summer breezes playing,

like the tall trees softly swaying,

like the lips of silent praying

is the perfect peace of God.   --Michael A. Perry (1987)