Isaiah 28 – Woe To Ephraim
Isaiah 29:1-14 – Woe To David’s City
Isaiah 29:15–24 – Woe To Those Who Rely On Foreign Alliances
Isaiah 30 – Woe To The Obstinate Nation
Isaiah 31–32 – Woe To Those Who Rely On Egypt
Isaiah 33 – Woe To Assyria But Blessing For God’s People
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Isaiah’s woes provide many colorful pictures mixed with sarcasm that mocks those who would brush off his words: “do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that” (Isaiah 28:10 & 28:13). God will not be mocked, he is not one to play games, this is serious talk (though the image of the Lord laughing is a wonderful thought), no time for laughter now:
I find encouragement in this for my present circumstance and perhaps for you as you read this: “Grain must be ground to make bread; so one does not go on threshing it forever” (28:28). A great consolation: it, whatever “it” is for you, do not go on forever, however difficult it may be. God has a plan and a purpose.
Isaiah doesn’t hold back on the women, “You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say!” (32:9). It constantly fascinates me how Old Testament writings include women while so many maintain that women were second class. Granted, they are not the primary gender referred to, but culturally that makes sense. At the same time, they are not disposed of because of their gender. Many would argue the opposite, my oldest daughter would lash out at those words, but I hope and pray we could be civil about this and praise God who sees beyond our physical bodies and deep into our spirit.
“Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress” (33:2). With that I add nothing but to say Amen!