Fear God and Head His Word

Isaiah 8:1–22
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This passage predicts the fall of Israel and Syria to Assyria, which actually fell in 732 BC and 722 BC (vv. 1-4). On a large scroll Isaiah recorded the name of his son to be born. His name, Maher-Shadol-Hash-Baz, is the longest personal name in the Bible (v. 1). This name meant swift to spoil, which actually pointed to the impending doom of Israel and Syria.When Damascus and Samaria fell, Judah should have turned to God as Isaiah had told them to do.  Unfortunately, Uriah, one of the two witnesses (v. 2) followed Ahaz’s orders and changed the temple worship to conform with the pagan worship practiced at Damascus. Because Judah rejected god’s kindness and chose to seek help from other nations, God would punish them (vv. 3-4). We see two distinct attributes of God in this passage His love and His wrath. To ignore His love and guidance results in sin which brings God’s wrath (vv 5-8).We must recognize the consequences of our choices.

Isaiah and most of the prophets were viewed as traitors because they did not support Judah’s national policies (vv. 9-15). Isaiah asked the people to commit themselves first to God, and then to the king.  He even predicted the overthrow of the government. “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples” (v. 16) suggests that the words would be written down and preserved for the generations to come. Because some people have faithfully passed on these words from generation to generation we have the book of Isaiah today. Likewise, we need to be determined to pass on God’s word to our children and grandchildren and to future generations.

Isaiah decided to wait for the Lord, even though many of the prophecies God gave woud not come true for several hundred years (vv 17-18). The people would consult mediums and wizards instead  of consulting the living God (vv. 19-20). After rejecting God people would blame Him (vv. 21-22).

Application

After rejecting God’s plan for them, the people of Judah blame God for their trials. Instead of blaming Him I need to look for ways to grow spiritually through my failures.