Our Old Testament Scripture this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer is a short, relatively obscure passage from the Book of Isaiah. Though written over 2,700 years ago, and referring to events from back then, there are still lessons that we can apply to our own lives here today. Let’s take a look and see what God’s Word can teach us.
When we read our Bible, it is always helpful to have the historical context, to know what was going on at the time. Isaiah was a prophet who ministered to the people of the Southern Kingdom of Judah between 740 BC - 686 BC. His ministry was during the reigns of four of Judah’s kings, including that of King Hezekiah. It was during Hezekiah’s reign that the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell and was conquered by the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian emperor, Sennacherib, then set his eyes on Judah, and prepared to attack them. It is with this background that our Scripture passage takes place.
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, Judah’s “sister” country, had recently been conquered by Assyria. That empire was rapidly taking over and conquering nation after nation in the Middle East, and it was now perched and ready to begin its assault on Judah. Naturally the people, including King Hezekiah and his political counsellors and leaders, were very nervous. They were much smaller, and militarily no match for Assyria. Who could or would help them? There was talk by the political counsellors of the king to make an alliance with Egypt, and get their help, as they had a bigger and stronger army. Where or who do you turn to when big, insurmountable troubles come your way?
The prophet Isaiah stepped in when he saw that the political and religious leaders were talking about turning to Egypt, to fellow humans for help rather than to God (vs. 14-15). He called this a “covenant with death”, a metaphor for trusting in worldly alliances instead of God. They may have thought that a political alliance with such a powerful nation as Egypt was a good idea, however Isaiah told them that it was a false security. Egypt may help them this time, but they would be burdened with an alliance that may exact a heavy financial burden in money, grain, etc., and may turn on them themselves. Plus, they were a pagan nation that worshiped a myriad of false idols. Instead, they should turn to God who would bring them divine protection from their enemies. Do we trust in worldly systems such as in our government, what wealth we can amass, or in human wisdom? God wants our faithful love and trust to be in Him. We must reject compromise and instead stand on Biblical truth.
Next Isaiah gives one of the many prophecies he made about the forthcoming Messiah (vs. 16). The Lord Jesus is that precious Cornerstone, and our sure Foundation. Both the apostles Peter and Paul make mention of this verse in their epistles (I Peter 2:6; Romans 9:33). The actual physical salvation that the people of Judah needed from Assyria could only be found in God. Today, our spiritual and eternal salvation is found only in the Lord Jesus. He is the foundation of righteousness and justice, and we need to build our lives on Him alone, not on shifting cultural philosophies or political ideologies.
Isaiah used the word-picture of a builder to show how God measures truth and exposes the lies of false teachers and leaders (vs. 17). These false doctrines and deceitful leaders, both then and now, will be swept away by God’s judgment. How can we know false teachings from the truth? We do so by testing all teaching with what is said in the Bible (Acts 17:11). God’s Word is the true plumb line.
King Hezekiah did turn to the Lord for His help, and the Assyrian army turned away. However, the people would continue to resist God’s truth, turning instead to false idols, and the nation of Judah would later be overthrown by the Babylonians (vs. 18-19). When we reject God’s truth, we invite confusion and destruction. Only repentance and faith in Jesus will bring peace.
Human wisdom is inadequate (vs. 20-22). It cannot provide rest or protection. God’s Word warns us to repent before judgment becomes irreversible. Trusting in the Lord God is the only way we can find security, rest, and salvation, both now and in eternity.
Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, or on worldly wisdom and philosophies? Jesus is the only true foundation for salvation and righteousness, while everything else you may trust in is a false security. Be vigilant against all false leaders and their words. Measure everything that you are taught by the Bible. Finally, don't delay in repentance. Judah listened that time, but later they failed to listen and repent, and their judgment fell. God’s warnings are His acts of mercy. Turn to Him before the coming judgment falls.
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