ISAIAH

Isaiah 10:20-34

quote:

"Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. 21 A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. 22 For though your people, O Israel, may be like the sand of the sea, Only a remnant within them will return; A destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness. 23 For a complete destruction, one that is decreed, the Lord GOD of hosts will execute in the midst of the whole land. 24 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, 'O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear the Assyrian who strikes you with the rod and lifts up his staff against you, the way Egypt did. 25 For in a very little while My indignation against you will be spent and My anger will be directed to their destruction.' 26 The LORD of hosts will arouse a scourge against him like the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; and His staff will be over the sea and He will lift it up the way He did in Egypt. 27 So it will be in that day, that his burden will be removed from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be broken because of fatness. 28 He has come against Aiath, He has passed through Migron; At Michmash he deposited his baggage. 29 They have gone through the pass, saying, 'Geba will be our lodging place.' Ramah is terrified, and Gibeah of Saul has fled away. 30 Cry aloud with your voice, O daughter of Gallim! Pay attention, Laishah and wretched Anathoth! 31 Madmenah has fled. The inhabitants of Gebim have sought refuge. 32 Yet today he will halt at Nob; He shakes his fist at the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. 33 Behold, the Lord, the GOD of hosts, will lop off the boughs with a terrible crash; Those also who are tall in stature will be cut down And those who are lofty will be abased. 34 He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an iron axe, And Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One."

God encourages Judah by reminding them of the meaning of the name of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub, "the remnant would return". He would save a remnant of Israel who return to the Lord, in spite of Assyria's conquest of the Northern Kingdom and her intention to destroy Judah. The twelve tribes would not be totally annihilated. Assyria would be used as a tool by God to discipline His people, but He would not allow this nation to go beyond His purpose.

In verses 28-32, Isaiah is aware of the advance of the Assyrian army as it invaded Judah and marched toward Jerusalem. But God's word of comfort to His people was "O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear the Assyrian". God would not allow "Zion", earthly Jerusalem, to be destroyed at this time. "Zion" is where God dwells and abides forever. Assyria, described as a great forest, will fall and the "Mighty One" (El Gibbor) remains victorious as Lord overall and the Protector of His people.

"Fear not" are words of comfort in the Scripture. They are meant to be words of comfort to all who seek Him and desire to do His Will. In Luke 2:10-11 the angel said to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Our Savior has come! What could be more comforting! He has come to redeem and feed his flock.

And to His people, Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." (Luke 12:32) "For the Kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17) The greatest wealth we could possibly attain is made available to us through the Kingdom of God.

Just as the remnant of Israel had nothing to fear, we have nothing to fear! The Lord will always accomplish His purposes and be victorious out of Zion.