July 2, 2025 - Isaiah 10-12

God was not happy with Israel.  She had spurned him and followed after the idols.  In fact, his displeasure was so great that he was raising up Assyria, “the rod of his anger” (10:5) to discipline Israel.  Assyria was a tool of discipline in God’s hand but she was also herself worthy of judgment:  “When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes” (10:12).  Furthermore, God said of the Assyrians, “In a very little while my fury will come to an end, and my anger will be directed to their destruction” (10:25).  Though used by God, this wicked people would, along with Israel, be the object of God’s wrath.  But, you And, of course, this will be accomplished by the Righteous Branch of chapter 12 who will gather to himself those who seek him, and in him they will find a resting place.  Can we ever stop being amazed at God’s grace, which makes brothers out of former enemies? 

What glories were described of old!

What wonders are of Zion told!

Thou city of our God below,

Thy fame shall Tyre and Egypt know.

Egypt and Tyre, and Greek and Jew,

Shall there begin their lives anew;

Angels and men shall join to sing

The hill where living waters spring.   –Isaac Watts (1740)