Isaiah 14:24-27 – Against Assyria
In Isaiah’s lifetime, it was the Assyrians who came first upon Israel and destroyed it, and then Judah and nearly overwhelmed it. But Isaiah has been led by God to be talking about judgment coming on Babylon someday. What, some people might have been asking, does that have to do with us? Well, if you want something more at hand, let’s talk about Assyrians. Because they are the imminent threat.
God’s purpose with Assyria, and ultimately with all things, is planned. It’s not that God has to come up with a plan B. No, God has a plan. God has a decree. He has made it all in eternity. Just because people can’t see and understand every bit of it doesn’t mean that there’s no plan. There is nothing that happens that surprises God. There is nothing that ultimately changes His plans. When God has a plan, it will come to pass, as we see here in verse 24. It’s invincible. Nobody can stop it. As we see here in verse 27, the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? It is God who is in control. Just as no man can stop God, no culture, no nation can either.
The Assyrians seemed invincible, unbeatable, and they would invade. That was the decree from God, and that is exactly what happened. But He says here, when they do, they will be wiped out. That’s exactly what happened. We don’t know what happened, but nearly all the Assyrian army was dead in the morning. God’s people would be redeemed, rescued, and saved, and all of this would be God’s work.
God says here that the way he treats Assyria is the way he treats the other nations. All the world shall come to Christ as king. If they resist, they’ll be smashed. But many will come to Him. This is really what Jesus is promising will happen when He gives to His disciples, and to us, the Great Commission. He promises to be with us, not standing around idle, not just rather watching while we fumble and bumble around. He is with us to bring about that which He has commanded us to do. God’s people will be redeemed. This, although nations, though peoples, those strong ones in the earth who hate the Lord Jesus Christ, fume and fret. Yet all their efforts and all their strength shall avail them nothing. Wickedness shall not reign. King Jesus is ruling now. King Jesus shall rule. And King Jesus is bringing and shall bring all things under His feet.
Questions
- What do we know about God’s plans and purposes?
- Why do we not need to be anxious and afraid of world events?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would not worry or be afraid, but trust God’s purposes.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.