Friday, November 29 – Isaiah 14, 15

1. How do Isaiah and other prophets anticipate Gentiles recognizing Israel as God’s chosen people? (Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:6-8; Zechariah 8:20-22; Acts 2:10; 6:5)

2. How do Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28:12-19 complement each other in describing Satan’s ambitions at the beginning of the Great Controversy?

3. To which other Canaanite kingdoms are prophetic oracles directed in Isaiah 14? (Isaiah 14:24-27; 28-32)

4. Why was Moab given an oracle of devastating judgment? (Isaiah 15:1-9)

Commentary and Reflection:

Isaiah 14 continues the prophecy from chapter 13 concerning Babylon’s fall. Literal Babylon, with its three notable figures—Nimrod, Nabopolassar, and Nebuchadnezzar—was only a representation of the true originator of confusion and rebellion against God: Satan.

While historical Babylon fell many centuries ago, the mystical or symbolic version of Babylon continues in our time, taking on even more varied and sophisticated forms. Babylon is present in religious, philosophical, and scientific realms. We can identify Babylon in its various manifestations thanks to Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, as well as the epistles of the New Testament and the Book of Revelation.

It is fascinating that Isaiah 14:12-15 uses the figure of the king of Babylon as a symbol of Babylon’s true ruler, Satan. The king is compared to the “morning star” (Venus), which the Canaanites regarded as a deity attempting to place itself above all other gods. According to their beliefs, this god resided on a mountain in a distant northern region.

This passage parallels Ezekiel 28:11-19, where the prophet uses the king of Tyre to represent the same Lucifer (morning star) of Isaiah 14:12. The name Lucifer means “light bearer.” From the earliest centuries of the Christian era, church fathers identified this morning star as Satan.

In 2 Peter 1:19, the apostle identifies Jesus as the true “morning star” (Greek phosphoros). Isaiah 14:13 reveals Satan’s ambitions and intentions when he rebelled against God: to ascend above the stars and to place himself on a level with God. Babylon’s historical rebellion against God symbolizes the rebellion of that angel of light who sought to usurp God’s throne and sovereignty over the universe. This resemblance between Babylon’s fall and Satan’s eventual fall is evident in Isaiah and the Bible.

The lengthy oracle against Babylon is followed by a shorter one against the Assyria kingdom, which bore responsibility before God for its cruelty toward other nations and failure to acknowledge God as the true Sovereign. As we know, Assyria was also used as a scourge against Israel, serving as a form of discipline for God’s people. Like Babylon, Assyria sought to impose its will upon the world. God intended to show them that no purpose contrary to His will can prevail.

Isaiah 15 is a brief oracle against Moab, depicting the deplorable condition of its people and the scenes of impending devastation. I have often wondered why such marked hostility existed between the Jews and the Moabites. This tension likely stemmed from Lot’s incestuous relationship with his daughters after fleeing Sodom, resulting in prejudice on both sides. The same is true for the Ammonites, who, like the Moabites, descended from Lot’s daughters. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:36, “A man’s foes will be those of his own household.”

Isaiah himself was moved by the terrible fate awaiting the Moabites (v. 5). How bitter are the consequences of sin!

God’s prophetic judgment upon Babylon and Moab was fulfilled precisely as His Word declared. However, before His justice falls upon the wicked, God, in His mercy, always provides sufficient opportunities for repentance.

Nebuchadnezzar resisted God’s call through Daniel for a long time, refusing to acknowledge the God of Israel as the true God. Finally, he reached his last opportunity, and after seven years of madness, he saw the light and repented. The ways of God are mysterious! We will have the chance to meet and share with Nebuchadnezzar on the new earth. As the hymn says, “The Love of God!”

Let us not forget Ruth, the Moabite, who became part of Jesus’ genealogy. If individuals like her accepted God’s grace in their lives, we all have the same opportunity.

Have a blessed day.