Isaiah 10:20-34.  Yesterday we saw God hearing the boasts of the Assyrian king and informing the Israelites that he would deal with his pride.  Today’s reading continues that idea but it begins with a side note.  When the destruction of Assyria comes there will be some in Israel (now probably talking mostly about people from the southern part of the original nation) who will realize God is their true source of protection (vv. 20-22).  The will see this because the enemy who had been an ally and then turned on them will be destroyed; the Assyrians (vv. 22-23).

In verses 24-27 Isaiah continues to give hope to the Israelites by reminding them that God had saved them before when he brought them out of Egypt and when he saved them through Gideon (Whom he also mentioned in Isaiah 9:4,  It was at Midian that Gideon fought.)  Verse 27 is kind of weird but it is basically telling the Israelites that the Assyrians will be destroyed because they have gotten fat by taking advantage of the Israelites.

Verses 28-32 give the route of the particular invasion which will end with the Assyrian army’s failure to capture Jerusalem (the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem).

Verses 33-34 are a metaphor using a forest to describe how God will deal with the Assyrians.  The reference to Lebanon is probably a reference to the fact that Lebanon was known for it’s large cedar trees.  Even so great a forest was not immune to the axe.  God is able to do what needs to be done.

A couple of thoughts.  First don’t miss the link between verses 15 (from yesterday’s reading and vv. 33-34.  In verse 15 the Assyrian king was the axe and he thought he was so cool, so powerful, not realizing the an axe is only a tool in the hand of the one with the real power.  In vv 33-34 God is the axe and the power behind it and the Assyrians are the trees and bam, down they come.  Also notice in v. 22 that the destruction of Assyria is because of righteousness.  God always does what is right and he works for a right world.  It takes time, though, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, God is looking for people to return to him and that takes time, so in the mean time bad stuff can and does happen.  But God is picking the best course through history, taking in to account His goal of letting people return to him.  I also liked how sudden verse 20 was.  In the middle of dealing with the pride of Asssyria God throws in this little piece of hope for the Israelites who begin to trust him again.  I like how quick God is to forgive when we turn back to him, like the whole book of Judges.  Last night some of us who went to Rancho Santa Marta for the weekend were talking about God and one person mentioned a Christian leader who was trying to remind people of God’s wrath.  He thinks many Christians forget about that side of God and just talk about His love.  We never want to forget God is holy and pure, that is the focus of the structure of this part of Isaiah (remember chapter 6) but we see over and over again that God wants people to turn back to him and when they do he is right there to take care of them.  He is the same God today for us that he was back then for the Israelites.  Nothing we do can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39)..  That promise is written to those who love God and have given their lives to Him (Romans 8:28).  God is right there helping us live for him too (Romans 8:26-27).  The same power that destroyed the Assyrian oppressors in ancient Judah is available to destroy the things we want to trust in but shouldn’t in our lives.  What ever it is you think you need for a safe and happy life remember it is really God who can provide for all of your needs.  We need to not lean on our own understanding but give God the credit, allow him to run our lives and he will help us find the best way to live (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Lord show me the way.  Help me see your path.  Help me not rely on human solutions for life’s problems and my hurts and hopes.  Help me remember that you have my best interest in mind, you want the best for me, now and for eternity.  Everything that is good you created for us, you clearly want us to have good lives.  Show me your ways God and teach me your paths (Psalms 25:4), lead me in the everlasting way (Psalms 139:24).  Thank you for your love.