Although the prophecies and images of Isaiah change from one chapter to the next, the overarching theme of the book, and indeed of the whole Bible, is that God is our Master and He desires for all men to look to Him with all our needs.
Damascus Deserted
1 An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer are deserted; they will be for flocks, which will lie down, and none will make them afraid. 3 The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; and the remnant of Syria will be like the glory of the children of Israel, declares the LORD of hosts (ESV).
God’s people had allied with pagan nations, and Damascus was one of these nations, as described in 2 Kings 16. As Damascus faces judgment for their sin, Ephraim (another name for Israel) will also be taken down. Their cities would become deserted ruins inhabited by wild animals.
Glory Brought Low
4 And in that day the glory of Jacob will be brought low, and the fat of his flesh will grow lean. 5 And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. 6 Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten—two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the LORD God of Israel.
Just as individuals want glory, nations also seek glory. Many people around the world are proud of their nations for various reasons. The United States is not alone in that regard. But God can raise up or bring down nations as He pleases. The abundance and prosperity symbolized by fatness, would come to an end for Israel. But even in this destruction there is a word of hope—a remnant would remain.
Learn the Lesson
7 In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. 8 He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense.
God’s discipline is not raw fury and wrath—it is controlled correction. In the midst of their suffering, the people would learn to look back to Him rather than to their self-made idols. As we’ve been reminded often of Hebrews 12:6, “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” His desire is for His children to look to Him for all that we need. As a good father does, He wants His children to trust in His provision and protection.
When you face trouble and difficulty, do you naturally look to God the Father, the Maker of heaven and earth? Or do you look to your own abilities, the internet, other people, etc.? Do you meditate on His Word or medicate with whatever sooths you? Do you seek His guidance or the advice of strangers?
Forgotten God
9 In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the wooded heights and the hilltops, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation. 10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge; therefore, though you plant pleasant plants and sow the vine-branch of a stranger, 11 though you make them grow on the day that you plant them, and make them blossom in the morning that you sow, yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain.
When Israel first entered the Promised Land, they had assurance that they would overthrow the cities of the pagan nations that were there. Now Israel has become like them in their idolatry and faces a similar consequence. Why? Because they had forgotten the God that led them there and gave them the land.
We are all forgetful to varying degrees. We can get so caught up in our own lives and troubles that God becomes an afterthought. Although we are designed to look to Him, we forget and try to figure things out on our own. Prayer may become a perfunctory exercise in asking God to approve what we’ve already decided to do.
We may act like “functional atheists”—those who supposedly are Christians but live as if there is no God. We may be like orphans living out in the cold even though we have a loving Father who is standing at the door calling us to come in to Him.
As we honor our father’s this Sunday, we especially want to remember our heavenly Father who cares for us better than any earthly father ever could. Let us give thanks for all His provision for us and may that remind us to turn to Him first with every need we may have.
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
Discussion Questions
1) In whatever may be troubling you now or in the near future, where might you be tempted to turn for help instead of turning to God? What would help you remember to go to God?
2) If your parents are Christians, in what ways did you see them turn to God in difficult times? How have you tried to model that for your own children and others who may be watching you?
3) There are many Scriptures that refer to seeking the Lord. What can you learn from verses such as: Psalm 9:9-10; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 55:6-9; Luke 12:22-32; Hebrews 11:6?
