CHAPTER 34
Isaiah here talks doom for Edom. Sure, why not? He’s done likewise for everyone in the
area. These things are pretty mean
individually but overall it’s a really nasty effect. This is a God of wrath and vengeance. Sure, there is the happy ending that Isaiah
tells us at the beginning, but mostly God is really into killing people.
CHAPTER 35
Remember how I said Isaiah does have his happy moments? Well, this is one. After discussing the death of many last
chapter, Isaiah alternates back to the happiness of those who survive
here.
This chapter is about Israel. (Naturally – sure would be unexpected for
Isaiah to joyfully think of surviving Edomites.
The best passage: “Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and
the ears of the deaf be opened. Then the
lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy.” I like the image of the lame leaping like a
stag.
CHAPTER 36
The next four chapters are the last four chapters of Isaiah
I. (Chapter 40-onward is widely agreed
to be a much later prophet. More on that
later on). And these chapters, 35-39,
are all about the siege of Jerusalem described in Kings II. This is stuff we’ve already seen. It’s a good story, but it’s stuff we’ve
already seen.
Let’s see, Chapter 36 is the Assyrians showing up and making
their threat: surrender….or else!
CHAPTER 37
This continues the story. King Hezekiah of Judah freaks out,
just as he did in Kings II. He calls on
the prophet Isaiah, just as he did in Kings II.
Look, it’s the Kings II story all over again. Isaiah tells him to chill – God has it all
covered. And God does, killing 185,000
Assyrian soldiers in one night.
CHAPTER 38
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It’s King Hezekiah near death, praying to God
for help, and learning that he’s been given an extra 15 years of life. It’s a powerful and wonderful story – but
I’ve already read it. This is Chapter 20 of Kings II. That is great. This is just retelling a tale and not
offering anything new. Oh, that’s not
fair. There is a prayer of thanksgiving
by Hezekiah that’s new. But the
heartwarming part is already here.
CHAPTER 39
King Hezekiah, now recovered, has ambassadors from Babylon
and they ask to see the palace. So
Hezekiah shows them the palace and all the gold. After they’ve left, Isaiah finds out, and
upbraids the king. You moron! They’ll be back. Clearly, this chapter is served to foreshadow
the rise of and conquest by Babylon later on.
Again, I’ve read this before in Kings II.
Click here for the next bit of Isaiah.
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