May 17 – The Boast - Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel,

 May 17 – The Boast - Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel,

 

Isaiah 29:1-4

 

     Isaiah then brings a message or prophecy to the city of Jerusalem or Ariel.  This is known as the city of peace but in this case, it will not experience peace.  David is mentioned so we know it is Jerusalem.  They have been having festivals both to the Lord and idols.  The Lord however is going to allow the enemies to encamp around it, encircle and put siege ramp around its towers, ramparts, and gates.  The cause is rebellion, idolatry, and pride.

     Their boasting and speech will be brought low.  Their voice will ghostlike and like a whisper.  Boasting, mockery, and other fruit of the mouth will be toned down to inaudible.  James says that the tongue is a world of trouble and can cause great pain or great encouragement.  The mouth reflects what is in the heart.  They thought being a covenant people it would secure them from judgment.  A foolish inclination.

PROVERBS OF STEEL FOR MAY 16, 2024

 

May 16 – Right Instruction - Isaiah 28:23-29

 May 16 – Right Instruction - Isaiah 28:23-29

 

     Isaiah is the master of illustrations.  He uses word pictures to get his point across.  He uses the picture of a farmer who plows and plants.  He does not do it all the time.  Each task has a role and time.  When he has prepared the soil, he then plants.  When the time is right the farmer harvests.  The grain is ground into flour but done carefully.  Horses are not used in the task because they are not the right animal or method. 

     Isaiah used this illustration to point his audience to the fact the Lord teaches and instructs his people in simple, concise, time-honored ways.  The Lord’s plans are wonderful.  His wisdom is magnificent.  The Lord will teach and instruct in the right way.  That is the important of reading, studying, and thinking about God’s word.  It is the final authority on faith and practice.

PROVERBS OF STEEL FOR MAY 15, 2024

 

May 15 – Breakthrough - Isaiah 28:21-22

 May 15 – Breakthrough - Isaiah 28:21-22

 

      The Lord is going to rise like he did on Mount Perazim.  This is a reference to how the Lord gave David the breakthrough against the Philistines when he told David to wait for the sound of chariots and horses in the tops of the trees.  That day was called Baal Perazim the day the God of the breakthrough came.  He will do the same as he did in the Valley of Gibeon where the Lord lengthened the day so Joshua could defeat the enemies of Israel.  The Lord will do his work and task.

     The prophet warns the scoffer to stop mocking or their chains will just become heavier.  The Lord has told Isaiah that he has made a degree that the land is going to be destroyed.  A sad state of affairs when only judgment is decreed.

May 14 – Bed to Short - Isaiah 28:16-20

 May 14 – Bed to Short - Isaiah 28:16-20

 

     Isaiah then brings the contrast between the remnant and the rulers.  The Lord is going to lay a stone in Zion, a tested, precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.  This is a promise and prophecy about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  He is tested, precious and sure.  All who relies on Him will never be stricken with panic or fear.  God has not given us a spirit of fear nut love, power, and a sound mind.  Justice will be the measuring line and righteousness will be the plumb line.  Two measuring devices familiar in construction. 

     The wicked rulers will find their covenant of evil, hiding place and refuge will be swept away.  The lie and falsehood they relied on will destroy them.  Their agreement and covenant will be annulled.  They will be beaten, and it will happen day and night.  Like a bed too short or a blanket too narrow it will be a message that will bring terror to the hearer.

PROVERBS OF STEEL FOR MAY 14, 2024