Articles
God Over All - Isaiah 17 thru 19
God Over All - Isaiah 17 thru 19
In a Jewish book by a Jewish prophet, God addresses not only the nation of Israel but the nations of the world. These short declarations are ‘a burden’ (oracle) for indeed these nations will BEAR the burden of God’s judgment upon them. Though they are not under the covenant that God made with Israel, they are answerable unto God for morality and human kindness (or lack thereof). Hence a short outline of this section:
· 17 Prophecy about Damascus (Syria)
o Vs. 4à Israel’s judgment
· 18 Ethiopia
· 19 Oracle concerning Egypt
o But at the end – includes also Assyria… nations North and South of Israel
James Smith lists several points of interest in these chapters of ‘burdens against nations’: “the Book of Burdens serves to stress (1) the disastrous results of pride; (2) the absolute sovereignty of God in the affairs of men; and (3) the ability of God to make good on his promise of a trans-national kingdom headed by a descendant of David.”
Pride goeth before a fall. Thinking more highly of self – both for individuals (cp. Ch. 13 ) and nations. Putting one’s faith in ANY nation/government run by men always leads to ruin in the end. Earlier, God declared: Thus I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud And abase the haughtiness of the ruthless” (Isa. 13:11). God is God, we are his creatures.
God rules in the kingdoms of men. So said the King of Babylon (cp. Dan. 4: ). So history declares concerning all the nations that have come and gone! So it is today.
The Messiah – the eternal purpose of God. Here we again read about the promised Son of David who would (and now does) over not just Israel but the whole world. This one would be king of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has authority over heaven and earth. As Christians, He is OUR KING.
So NOW we see Jesus! WE are a ‘holy nation’ but we are earthly citizens of many countries and governments. YET, our true citizenship is in heaven! Our true king is JESUS and to Him we give our whole allegiance – heart, mind, body, and soul.
This does NOT leave us anti-government, we just need to keep things in eternal perspective! In whatever era and under whatever government we live, we are God’s people. We may enjoy the blessings of a good government OR we may endure the tyranny of evil rulers, yet we are godly and live in hope of a better country wherein dwells righteousness. Where is your allegiance? Where is your hope?
Hugh DeLong
James Smith, Old Testament Survey Series: The Major Prophets, pg. 60, Logos edition.
