Hoping For a Question- Isaiah 14

“How then will one answer the messengers of the nation?
That the LORD has founded Zion,

and the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it.” (vs 32)

Isaiah's prophecy against Babylon and for Israel continues. Chapter 14 begins with the word “when” - "When the LORD will have compassion on Jacob, and again choose Israel..."

God’s redeeming mercy to His people was a certain thing. It was not an “if.” It was a “when!” It is still a "when."

“Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand….For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His outstretched hand, who can turn it back?” (vs 24, 27). God will do as He says. He said He would lift the yoke of bondage from His people and He did.

But what was the reason behind his lifting of this burdensom yoke? The reason was His compassion! “When the LORD will have compassion on Jacob, and again choose Israel….” (vs 1). Matthew Henry says “The ground of these coming favors to Jacob is the kindness of God.” Oh, and is not this the ground of all His favors to us?!

This chapter speaks not only of the crushing judgment that would fall upon Babylon but also of the judgment that would come to Assyria and Philistia. The enemies of God will be thrown down at the proper time. “Those that will not cease to sin God will make to cease” (Henry). We really should hate sin!

In the midst of these oracles of judgment, the compassion and faithfulness of God to His people (even in the midst of their discipline) continues to be a thread running throughout the prophecies of Isaiah. We need to remember these two attributes whenever we find ourselves in the midst of dark times. God is compassionate and God is faithful. "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness!" (Lam 3:22-23)

Chapter 14 ends with an interesting parallel to 1 Peter 3:15 which says, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and respect.”

1 Peter is written to the scattered church of Christ. Times are hard. Persecution is strong. Yet, in the midst of suffering they are obviously to live their lives in such a way that people would ask them questions about the hope that lies within. Similarly, Isaiah 14 ends with this -“How then will one answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD has founded Zion, and the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it.”

The question that is asked by the nation implies “that the great things God does for His people are noticed by their neighbors. Messengers will be sent to inquire concerning them. It concerns us always to be ready to give a reason of the hope that we have in the providence of God.” (Henry).

The answer to the question is that “God is and will be a faithful friend to His church and people. God, in all the revolutions of states and kingdoms is founding Zion! He is aiming at the advancement of His church’s interests.” (Henry)

So, I suppose the question is - am I responding to the providence of God in my own life in such a way that messengers are coming seeking answers for the hope that lies within me? Or am I grumbling and complaining in such a way that no one around me would care to know Him? God, grant me the grace to provoke the former question!

In His glorious grace,

Lori