Monday, December 16 – Isaiah 30, 31

1. What did some in Judah tell the seers and prophets? (Isaiah 30:10)

2. In whom was Judah not supposed to trust? (Isaiah 31:1)

The theme of chapters 30 and 31 is a warning against Judah’s strategy of relying on Egypt in the face of the Assyrian threat and the mockery of the Rabshakeh. According to the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary, the “Rabshakeh,” or “chief of the cupbearers,” was a high-ranking Assyrian official, later a title used for military commanders and governors. 

The context of these messages appears in 2 Kings 18:17–20, where a large delegation sent by the king of Assyria camped outside Jerusalem, delivering a threatening message against the king and the city. This message warned Judah against trusting Egypt for their defense. 

Ultimately, God frustrated the Assyrians’ threats and mockery, but beforehand, Isaiah had issued a strong warning against allying with Egypt. These messages contain counsel for that immediate moment and prophetic insights into God’s plans for His people, reaching even to the end of time. There are also admonitions that we would do well to learn from and apply in our lives. 

Let us reflect on some of these admonitions: 

1. Not consulting God can be a sin. In this case, it was. When faced with the Assyrian threat, Judah failed to seek God’s guidance, and their actions were described as “adding sin to sin” (v. 1). As God’s people, we should always prioritize prayer and seeking Him first. Before consulting any other source, we should seek His direction.
2. Relying on Pharaoh and placing their hope in his strength (v. 2) reflected self-reliance. Judah rejected the counsel of the Lord in favor of their plans.
3. Their strength would be to sit still (v. 7). God called them to wait upon Him. In our world, we often value action, thinking, “We must do something!” But sitting still, trusting God, and waiting on Him requires faith. Prayer can guide us to discern when to move forward and when to remain still.
4. “Write this vision in a tablet before them, and inscribe it in a book, that it may remain until the last day” (v. 8). This message is relevant for Judah and us today. There are lessons here for our time and circumstances.
5. They were rebellious, but God still called them His children (v. 9). These were His children who refused to listen to His law and direction.
6. They did not value God’s Word. Judah wanted to live without the Word of God. They desired soothing messages: “Do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (v. 10). This preference for comforting lies over God’s truth demonstrates a rejection of His Word, which inevitably leads to judgment.
7. In trials, the Great Master imparts valuable practical lessons. God promises that instruction will never cease: “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers” (v. 20).
8. God promises guidance during adversity: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (v. 21).

From verse 27 to the end of chapter 30, the prophet speaks of judgment against Assyria. While this prophecy primarily addresses the immediate situation, it also offers a vision of God’s final judgment upon the nations of the earth. 

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary provides insight on “Tophet”: “This name was given the Valley of Hinnom, on the south of Jerusalem, where human beings, particularly children, were sacrificed to Molech (see on 2 Kings 16:3; 23:10; Jer. 7:31; cf. Jer. 19:6, 11–13). It became symbolic of the fires of the last day. Here, Tophet is pictured as the place where the enemies of the Lord are to be consumed with fire (see Isa. 33:14; Heb. 12:29; Rev. 20:9).” (SDABC, Isaiah 30:33). 

Isaiah 31:1 laments those who trust the world for salvation instead of God. It prompts us to consider what our “Egypt” might be—our substitute source of security. Where might we place our faith and hope apart from God? 

Let the beautiful message of Isaiah 30:15 resonate in your heart today:  “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15, NKJV). May these words fill your heart, and may you walk today in the peace and strength of His promises.

Have a blessed day.