July 4, 2025 - Isaiah 13-24 (again)

In the midst of all the proclamations concerning the nations, the Lord has something particular to say to Israel:  “In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many.  You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago” (22:8-11).  This warning is related to the Assyrian crisis during which King Hezekiah had strengthened Jerusalem’s defenses and increased the fresh water supply for the city, all done in the hope of being able to withstand a long siege.  Isaiah had warned him not to trust in such things but in the Lord.  Hezekiah did eventually turn to the Lord and prayed for deliverance from Assyria, a prayer which God answered.  Yet another reminder:  “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).  A good word on this the 4^th of July, 2025.

All my hope on God is founded;

he doth still my trust renew.

Me through change and chance he guideth,

only good and only true.

God unknown,

he alone

calls my heart to be his own. --Joachim Neander (17th century)