13. The Return of the Oracles & Judgements

Series Summary:

We all come to a place in our lives when we realize we can’t save ourselves. We are forced to ask: who will save us and how? Isaiah proclaims THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL’s justice against sin and rebellion, and hope as the saving Messiah. Isaiah’s message is simple: Yahweh, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, is Judge and Savior of His people (1-12), of the nations (13-27), of Jerusalem (28-39), while in exile (40-48), as the suffering Messiah (49-55), and as LORD forever and ever (56-66). #isaiah #2024 #2025

Starter

Tell about a time when you were responsible to explain (oracle) to someone and follow through on the consequences (judgements) of their actions.

Pray

Lord we thank you that you are The Holy One of Israel. You are Holy perfect in all you do and worthy of our worship and obedience. We like Israel are the ones who wrestle with you, fight to see you, know that you always win, and understand you bless those you choose to bless. Thank you for for loving us, for forgiving us, and for restoring us. You raise up and tear down nations, and we live through it. You know what is coming and what has really happened. Help us to listen to and speak of your oracles and judgements for you take no pleasure in anyone’s death. May we repent and live! Amen

Study Questions

We are in a section of Isaiah, from chapters 13-24, that are Oracles and judgements against most of the known nations of that time, some not yet known, all the nations, the earth, and God’s own people. Oracle against Babylon- 13-14 Judgement against Assyria- 14 Oracle against Philistia- 14 Oracle against Moab- 15-16 Oracle against Damascus- 17 Judgment against Israel- 17 Judgment against Nations- 17 Judgement to Cush- 18 Oracle against Egypt- 19 Judgment in Cush & Egypt- 20 Oracle against the desert- 21 Oracle against Dumah- 21 Oracle against Arabia- 21 Oracle against Jerusalem- 22 Oracle against Shebna- 22 Oracle against Tyre- 23 Curse consumed earth- 24

After these oracles and judgements God has Isaiah give a message of salvation and hope in chapters 24-27.

READ: Isaiah 14:24, 27, Ezekiel 18:32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9

What is an oracle? What is a judgment?
What is God’s purpose and heart behind His oracles and judgements?

READ Isaiah 21:1-16, Revelation 18:1-19:5

Isaiah writes this future telling prophesy during the height of the Assyrian empire which had dominated for hundreds of years. The dessert by the sea was a nickname for Babylon. After Egypt was defeated (673-663 BC), many people in Judah appeared to be hoping that Babylon could put a stop to the Assyrian threat and provide relief and protection. Instead, the book of Isaiah prophesies that:

Babylon will be destroyed by the Assyrian’s. (689 BC) God’s people will repent. (2 Chronicles 32:26-33) God will defeat and deliver Assyria to the Babylonians. (626-609 BC) Babylon will rise and defeat Jerusalem. (586 BC) Babylon will be defeated by the Persians. (539 BC) One day, all that Babylon stood for will be defeated in the end times. (Revelation 18-19)

Why would the horrifying defeat of Babylon cause Isaiah, God’s people, and the world such distress and sadness? (look at the scriptures and what is said)
What are the things we can see in these passages we read that might help us to evaluate if we are trusting in the ways of Babylon?
How would the horrifying defeat of Babylon cause the true followers of Yahweh to “pay close attention” (Is 21:7), “come back” (Is 21:12), “come out” (Rv 18:4), and rejoice (Rv 19).

READ: Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Psalm 14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.