what I remember:
This is the famous prophecy against Tyre, I think. Tyre is going to be torn down, never to be rebuilt in it's splendor. The peoples that live in Tyre will scatter. They'll have to plow along the Nile rather than making their living from the Nile (fishing, I guess). God's goal in planning this is to teach them not to be prideful -- humility. For seventy years, the lifetime of a king, Tyre will be completely forgotten. Then it will come back, as a prostitute. And everything she earns will be passed on to other.
key verse:
The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.
about God:
Wow, God takes pride really seriously. I'm just starting to realize the great extent to which this is demonstrated in His word. I should do a word study on "pride" and "boast"....
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Isaiah 22
what I remember:
An Oracle against the valley of Vision. It's against a town full of commotion (are they too busy?). They are doomed to die shamefully -- without even a fight, because they got so scared they ran away.
All their plans to protect themselves -- even tearing down houses to use the materials to strengthen the wall -- are useless, because they did not acknowledge God, the LORD Almighty. Instead they partied, and said "Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die". God will get rid of the leadership, roll him up and throw him away. Then he'll place a new leader firmly in place -- like a peg driven into wood. In the end, the peg, too, will be sheared off.
notes:
There's two repetitions of "The Lord, the LORD Almighty". I think that's the emphasis in this passage. There's a lot of fun visuals though. It makes me which I was writing a photo blog and had tons of time to take photos that corresponded to these chapters.
An Oracle against the valley of Vision. It's against a town full of commotion (are they too busy?). They are doomed to die shamefully -- without even a fight, because they got so scared they ran away.
All their plans to protect themselves -- even tearing down houses to use the materials to strengthen the wall -- are useless, because they did not acknowledge God, the LORD Almighty. Instead they partied, and said "Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die". God will get rid of the leadership, roll him up and throw him away. Then he'll place a new leader firmly in place -- like a peg driven into wood. In the end, the peg, too, will be sheared off.
notes:
There's two repetitions of "The Lord, the LORD Almighty". I think that's the emphasis in this passage. There's a lot of fun visuals though. It makes me which I was writing a photo blog and had tons of time to take photos that corresponded to these chapters.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Isaiah 21
what I remember:
The Fall of Babylon. They are betrayed and looted. They fall so hard that it brings the narrator great physical pain. A man on the watchtower watches, and a horse and chariot come, the messenger declaring that Babylon has fallen and their gods are crushed and shattered and everywhere. A second prophecy, also about a watchman, but in a different city. This one just says "morning is coming" or something similar. And a third, telling yet another city to prepare for refugees that they will need to feed and give drink too -- because there isn't going to be many survivors from Kedar.
notes: It's interesting, the repeat of the "watchman" figure and idea.
The Fall of Babylon. They are betrayed and looted. They fall so hard that it brings the narrator great physical pain. A man on the watchtower watches, and a horse and chariot come, the messenger declaring that Babylon has fallen and their gods are crushed and shattered and everywhere. A second prophecy, also about a watchman, but in a different city. This one just says "morning is coming" or something similar. And a third, telling yet another city to prepare for refugees that they will need to feed and give drink too -- because there isn't going to be many survivors from Kedar.
notes: It's interesting, the repeat of the "watchman" figure and idea.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Isaiah 20, in which Isaiah walks around Naked for 3 years
what I remember, but would rather forget:
God actually asked Isaiah to walk around naked. For three years. As a sign against Egypt and Cush. At the end, they ask "how can we escape?". They're asking that in reference to the kings of Cush and Egypt being captured, but one can only wonder if they were sick of seeing a naked Isaiah wandering about too.
what I learn:
What God asks doesn't always make human sense.
I'm so glad that God hasn't asked me to go around naked!
Isaiah's obedience went pretty far. Do I obey God even when His command (or request) doesn't make sense to me?
God actually asked Isaiah to walk around naked. For three years. As a sign against Egypt and Cush. At the end, they ask "how can we escape?". They're asking that in reference to the kings of Cush and Egypt being captured, but one can only wonder if they were sick of seeing a naked Isaiah wandering about too.
what I learn:
What God asks doesn't always make human sense.
I'm so glad that God hasn't asked me to go around naked!
Isaiah's obedience went pretty far. Do I obey God even when His command (or request) doesn't make sense to me?
Isaiah 19
what I remember:
This is a very strange prophecy. God is going to strike Egypt -- take down everything they trust in -- their gods, their grain, their families and relationships. He's going to ruin them all. And He's going to do that so that Egypt will turn to Him. After everything else has failed them, God will be there for them. They will turn to God, making sacrifices to Him and keeping vows to Him. And He will welcome them home. In the end, he calls Egypt his people, Assyria His handiwork, and Israel His inheritance.
About God:
I've been hearing so much lately that sometimes God hurts you to help you. I really don't like that concept -- that God would deliberately hurt me to put me in a position of growth. But I'm starting to think it's true. This passage certainly seems to support the idea that he hurt Egypt in order to bring her back to himself and eventually bless her.
notes: "In that day" is used a lot in this chapter.
After God takes them down, they turn to the God.
Even the "City of Destruction" turns to God.
They will worship together. Cool!
God allows Egypt and Assyria to join Israel in being a blessing to the Earth. Wow.
What a generous God we have! He lovingly tears away the things that we worship in His place, until we turn to Him even as a last resort. Then he restores us to Himself, allows us to worship Him, and to be a blessing to others!
This is a very strange prophecy. God is going to strike Egypt -- take down everything they trust in -- their gods, their grain, their families and relationships. He's going to ruin them all. And He's going to do that so that Egypt will turn to Him. After everything else has failed them, God will be there for them. They will turn to God, making sacrifices to Him and keeping vows to Him. And He will welcome them home. In the end, he calls Egypt his people, Assyria His handiwork, and Israel His inheritance.
About God:
I've been hearing so much lately that sometimes God hurts you to help you. I really don't like that concept -- that God would deliberately hurt me to put me in a position of growth. But I'm starting to think it's true. This passage certainly seems to support the idea that he hurt Egypt in order to bring her back to himself and eventually bless her.
notes: "In that day" is used a lot in this chapter.
v. 16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them.
After God takes them down, they turn to the God.
v. 18 In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Almighty. One of them will be called the City of Destruction.
Even the "City of Destruction" turns to God.
v. 19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border.
v. 21 So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD.
v. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.
They will worship together. Cool!
v. 24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth.
God allows Egypt and Assyria to join Israel in being a blessing to the Earth. Wow.
What a generous God we have! He lovingly tears away the things that we worship in His place, until we turn to Him even as a last resort. Then he restores us to Himself, allows us to worship Him, and to be a blessing to others!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Isaiah 18
what I remember:
the land of Cush is described as a river dividing it, people that are tall and smooth-skinned and feared by many, who speak a foreign language and who have vehicles with whirring wings.b God looks on these happenings quietly. He prunes the grapes after they have budded, ruining the harvest, and birds and wild animals will eat on the harvest. After this, the tall smooth-skinned people who everyone fears will pay homage to God, and bring sacrifices to Him on Zion.
about God: He's observing this all going on, without intervening. Talk about "masterful inactivity". I feel like that's what He's sort of doing in modern events right now too. Letting time take it's toll, knowing that it will eventually result in people turning back to Him.
at first, I didn't realize that the foreigner described in this chapter was in reference to Cush. It seemed to me like it could almost be America.
the land of Cush is described as a river dividing it, people that are tall and smooth-skinned and feared by many, who speak a foreign language and who have vehicles with whirring wings.b God looks on these happenings quietly. He prunes the grapes after they have budded, ruining the harvest, and birds and wild animals will eat on the harvest. After this, the tall smooth-skinned people who everyone fears will pay homage to God, and bring sacrifices to Him on Zion.
about God: He's observing this all going on, without intervening. Talk about "masterful inactivity". I feel like that's what He's sort of doing in modern events right now too. Letting time take it's toll, knowing that it will eventually result in people turning back to Him.
at first, I didn't realize that the foreigner described in this chapter was in reference to Cush. It seemed to me like it could almost be America.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Isaiah 17
what I remember:
This is what happens to those who take advantage of Israel. Damascus is the example. They are totally taken down, they are brought so low that Aram, in it's desolation, looks prosperous. Where there were forests, now there's twigs. The olive tree is still alive, and has 2 or 3 olives.
Even Israel is desolate -- they were once fat, now they're wasted away. You put extra effort into planting good vines and they are whithered and dead.
But, the good thing is that now, in your desperation, you remember who is God. You finally gave up on the idols and such.
about God:
called "God, your Savior" and "the Rock, your fortress", the "LORD almighty" and "the LORD the God of Israel". I like that He's still willing to be called the God of Israel, even though they've abandoned Him.
about me:
I'm not too different from Damascus here. It often takes desperation for me to give up hoping in things other than God (money, usually). How silly.
This is what happens to those who take advantage of Israel. Damascus is the example. They are totally taken down, they are brought so low that Aram, in it's desolation, looks prosperous. Where there were forests, now there's twigs. The olive tree is still alive, and has 2 or 3 olives.
Even Israel is desolate -- they were once fat, now they're wasted away. You put extra effort into planting good vines and they are whithered and dead.
But, the good thing is that now, in your desperation, you remember who is God. You finally gave up on the idols and such.
about God:
called "God, your Savior" and "the Rock, your fortress", the "LORD almighty" and "the LORD the God of Israel". I like that He's still willing to be called the God of Israel, even though they've abandoned Him.
about me:
I'm not too different from Damascus here. It often takes desperation for me to give up hoping in things other than God (money, usually). How silly.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Isaiah 16
what I remember:
The destruction of Moab, part 2.
According to my footnotes, the first two verses -- about paying lambs, and about the women taking refuge - are advising Moab to do thus to Israel -- to give Israel lambs, and to take refuge from their attacker in Israel. Eventually the attack will stop. And rule of love will be established (from Israel?).
But Moab is totally ruined, no longer proud, no longer strong. Instead they're a few stragglers weeping. There is no joy or gladness.
God gives a timetable for this prophecy -- it'll happen within three years.
The destruction of Moab, part 2.
According to my footnotes, the first two verses -- about paying lambs, and about the women taking refuge - are advising Moab to do thus to Israel -- to give Israel lambs, and to take refuge from their attacker in Israel. Eventually the attack will stop. And rule of love will be established (from Israel?).
But Moab is totally ruined, no longer proud, no longer strong. Instead they're a few stragglers weeping. There is no joy or gladness.
God gives a timetable for this prophecy -- it'll happen within three years.
Moab's splendor and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeblenotes: verses 9-11 I weep... I drench you with tears... My heart laments... God is grieved over the destruction of Moab - even though they are His enemies. I wonder how many times God is referred to as weeping in the Bible. It's interesting that human tragedy breaks God's heart too
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Isaiah 15
what I remember:
This whole chapter is a prophecy against Moab. They will be brought to such desolation and ruin that everyone will be weeping. As they flee (it seems), they'll be weeping. There is a famine, and no food in the land, everything is ruined and the river is red with blood.
At this rate, I'm going to be reading Isaiah all year long.
This whole chapter is a prophecy against Moab. They will be brought to such desolation and ruin that everyone will be weeping. As they flee (it seems), they'll be weeping. There is a famine, and no food in the land, everything is ruined and the river is red with blood.
At this rate, I'm going to be reading Isaiah all year long.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Isaiah 13
what I remember:
To the Lord's enemies, the Day of the Lord is a terrible threat. Here, Babylon is warned about what is waiting for them on the Day of the Lord -- utter destruction. There will be pain like childbirth, no pity for the women or the children - everything will be plundered, and everyone will flee. Enemies will a abound, and Babylon will be conquered never to be settled again. It'll be wilderness.
Verse 6 seems to sum up the chapter.
references to the "Day of the Lord" in this chapter:
v. 6 "Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty."
v. 9 "Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it."
v. 13 "Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the LORD of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger."
I wonder if the prophecies in this chapter are the ones that were fulfilled when Babylon was conquered (was it by William the Conqueror?) never to be rebuilt, or if these are referring to future times yet. Both seem possible. b. 10 talks of the stars and sun and moon not giving light -- which seems similar to the prediction in Revelation, but much of the rest of the chapter seems specific to Babylon - it won't be rebuilt, for example.
In any case, it seems a pretty terrible thing to be on the side that isn't the LORD's side on this Day of the Lord. It kind of changes the meaning of "The Day of the Lord" for me -- I had always thought of it as a terrific, victorious, happy day. Now I see that for the enemies side, it's a terrible ruin.
To the Lord's enemies, the Day of the Lord is a terrible threat. Here, Babylon is warned about what is waiting for them on the Day of the Lord -- utter destruction. There will be pain like childbirth, no pity for the women or the children - everything will be plundered, and everyone will flee. Enemies will a abound, and Babylon will be conquered never to be settled again. It'll be wilderness.
Verse 6 seems to sum up the chapter.
Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! it will come as destruction from the Almighty.
references to the "Day of the Lord" in this chapter:
v. 6 "Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty."
v. 9 "Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it."
v. 13 "Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the LORD of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger."
I wonder if the prophecies in this chapter are the ones that were fulfilled when Babylon was conquered (was it by William the Conqueror?) never to be rebuilt, or if these are referring to future times yet. Both seem possible. b. 10 talks of the stars and sun and moon not giving light -- which seems similar to the prediction in Revelation, but much of the rest of the chapter seems specific to Babylon - it won't be rebuilt, for example.
In any case, it seems a pretty terrible thing to be on the side that isn't the LORD's side on this Day of the Lord. It kind of changes the meaning of "The Day of the Lord" for me -- I had always thought of it as a terrific, victorious, happy day. Now I see that for the enemies side, it's a terrible ruin.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Isaiah 12
I LOVE THIS CHAPTER!
I think it's a candidate for memorization.
what I remember:
Finally, God's anger is satisfied, and Israel turns to him in Thanksgiving, The trust in Him, knowing that He saved them , and they make His greatness and faithfulness and wonderful deeds known among the nations, leading them to praise Him too.
about God:
His anger doesn't last forever (v.1)
He is salvation (v. 2)
He is my strength and song (v. 2)
His name is exalted (v. 4)
He has done excellent things (v. 5)
He is the Holy One of Israel (v. 6)
Only six verses. Another great reason that this chapter is a good one to memorize.
I will trust and not be afraid. This is difficult for me because my eyes see my circumstances more easily than they see my God. But reality is that God is my salvation (not money), and He is the one who preserves me.
Knowing this gives me joy and strength, fills me with song, and calls me to
I think it's a candidate for memorization.
what I remember:
Finally, God's anger is satisfied, and Israel turns to him in Thanksgiving, The trust in Him, knowing that He saved them , and they make His greatness and faithfulness and wonderful deeds known among the nations, leading them to praise Him too.
about God:
His anger doesn't last forever (v.1)
He is salvation (v. 2)
He is my strength and song (v. 2)
His name is exalted (v. 4)
He has done excellent things (v. 5)
He is the Holy One of Israel (v. 6)
Only six verses. Another great reason that this chapter is a good one to memorize.
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.
I will trust and not be afraid. This is difficult for me because my eyes see my circumstances more easily than they see my God. But reality is that God is my salvation (not money), and He is the one who preserves me.
Knowing this gives me joy and strength, fills me with song, and calls me to
Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.. This is exactly what I want to do. It's why I tweet the things that God gives us for free -- so that I can thank God, and exalt His name among others. It takes away my fear of financial ruin, because it reminds me that God is my Jehovah Jireh.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Isaiah 11
what I remember:
What a relief after the last two chapters! Here comes a "Rod of Jesse" to save the day! God is with Him, the Spirit is on Him. He is righteous, delights in the Lord, and judges the poor in righteousness. Under His reign, all creatures come together in peace -- lions and lambs play together, babies play by cobra nests and are still safe. God gathers to Himself His remnant from all nations (even Assyria is named). The remnant of all nations comes together, all the earth overflows with the knowledge of God (like the sea), and they complete annihilate opposing nations (I think Assyria is named again).
about God:
The "Rod from the stem of Jesse": The spirit of the Lord rests upon Him. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the Fear of the Lord". His delight is in the fear of the LORD. He does not judge by sight or hearing but with righteousness. He decided with equity. His mouth is a rod that strikes the earth and kills off the wicked. This leaves the righteous, living in peace. Even peace among the animals happens when Jesus reigns.
Christ is first referred to as the Rod of Jesse, and in verse 10, the Root of Jesse.
Gentiles will seek Him, His resting place shall be glorious.
God assembles the outcasts of Israel and uses them to conquer the adversaries of Judah.
about me:
I really like the description of the Spirit of the LORD: wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the LORD. That's the Spirit that's in me too. Wow, I'm thankful for that!
I love the image of all the different prey and predatory animals playing peacefully together. Is that what the "new earth" will be like? Will there not be predators? Is that the way God designed it? Will animals be herbivores? I'm curious...
notes:
"knowledge" and "the fear of the LORD" appear together (they do elsewhere too, I know). And the "fear of the LORD is repeated as something that delights God.
What a relief after the last two chapters! Here comes a "Rod of Jesse" to save the day! God is with Him, the Spirit is on Him. He is righteous, delights in the Lord, and judges the poor in righteousness. Under His reign, all creatures come together in peace -- lions and lambs play together, babies play by cobra nests and are still safe. God gathers to Himself His remnant from all nations (even Assyria is named). The remnant of all nations comes together, all the earth overflows with the knowledge of God (like the sea), and they complete annihilate opposing nations (I think Assyria is named again).
about God:
The "Rod from the stem of Jesse": The spirit of the Lord rests upon Him. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the Fear of the Lord". His delight is in the fear of the LORD. He does not judge by sight or hearing but with righteousness. He decided with equity. His mouth is a rod that strikes the earth and kills off the wicked. This leaves the righteous, living in peace. Even peace among the animals happens when Jesus reigns.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
Christ is first referred to as the Rod of Jesse, and in verse 10, the Root of Jesse.
Gentiles will seek Him, His resting place shall be glorious.
God assembles the outcasts of Israel and uses them to conquer the adversaries of Judah.
about me:
I really like the description of the Spirit of the LORD: wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the LORD. That's the Spirit that's in me too. Wow, I'm thankful for that!
I love the image of all the different prey and predatory animals playing peacefully together. Is that what the "new earth" will be like? Will there not be predators? Is that the way God designed it? Will animals be herbivores? I'm curious...
notes:
"knowledge" and "the fear of the LORD" appear together (they do elsewhere too, I know). And the "fear of the LORD is repeated as something that delights God.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Isaiah 10
what I remember (from reading yesterday)
There's a "woe to those" section -- which concludes with the same refrain from chapter 9: Even with all this, God's wrath isn't satisfied.
Then a section on how God is using Assyria to punish others -- Assyria thinks they're totally destroying, and they think they're so powerful and mighty. But it's really God using them to punish other people. He's not pleased with their pride, and soon enough will cause them to come to ruin.
Which is a reason for Israel to take heart -- the punishment will be over soon, God will push back the enemies, and will preserve Himself a remnant of faithful folk. Israel shouldn't be afraid. It's all in God's hand.
There's a "woe to those" section -- which concludes with the same refrain from chapter 9: Even with all this, God's wrath isn't satisfied.
Then a section on how God is using Assyria to punish others -- Assyria thinks they're totally destroying, and they think they're so powerful and mighty. But it's really God using them to punish other people. He's not pleased with their pride, and soon enough will cause them to come to ruin.
Which is a reason for Israel to take heart -- the punishment will be over soon, God will push back the enemies, and will preserve Himself a remnant of faithful folk. Israel shouldn't be afraid. It's all in God's hand.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Isaiah 9
what I remember:
Not everything will be totally destroyed. God will send a light into the darkness ("those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death", He will cause the nation to rejoice in Him again, and He will send a savior ("For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders....."). The savior has a rule of peace, in the order of David
But God is against the arrogant other nations, and he will strike their leaders for leading the people astray. Things will get so bad that they're burning each other for fuel (or heat?), and eating their own limbs off.
about God:
He multiplies the nation and increases it's joy (v 3). he breaks the yoke of the oppressor (v. 4).
The government will be on His shoulders (. 6), His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This government (the one on His shoulders) is one of peace and is without end. It's on the throne of David. It's brought about by the zeal of the LORD (v. 7)
God sends word against Jacob - He sets up enemies against the proud nation, but His anger outlasts the ruin, and His hand is still stretched out against them. (v. 12)
Why? For their pride?
It's God who cuts off the leadership of the nation, and God ceases to have joy in them and mercy on their fatherless and widows (v. 17), because everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.
notes:
"For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still". Occurs three times in this chapter (12, 17 and 21). Each time, the stuff is worse. First, it's attacks of enemies, second it's the failure of leaders and God removing His joy and mercy, and third its burnt down, devoured and people are thrown in the fire and eating their own arms. This is ugly stuff.
about me:
God's indictments are for the following sins. "who say in pride and arrogance of heart" (v. 10), "the prophet who teaches lies", v 15, "for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.", v. 17. These are serious sins in God's eyes. Pride, arrogance, teaching lies, hypocrisy, speaking foolishly, doing evil. I do most of these.
Not everything will be totally destroyed. God will send a light into the darkness ("those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death", He will cause the nation to rejoice in Him again, and He will send a savior ("For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders....."). The savior has a rule of peace, in the order of David
But God is against the arrogant other nations, and he will strike their leaders for leading the people astray. Things will get so bad that they're burning each other for fuel (or heat?), and eating their own limbs off.
about God:
He multiplies the nation and increases it's joy (v 3). he breaks the yoke of the oppressor (v. 4).
The government will be on His shoulders (. 6), His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This government (the one on His shoulders) is one of peace and is without end. It's on the throne of David. It's brought about by the zeal of the LORD (v. 7)
God sends word against Jacob - He sets up enemies against the proud nation, but His anger outlasts the ruin, and His hand is still stretched out against them. (v. 12)
Why? For their pride?
It's God who cuts off the leadership of the nation, and God ceases to have joy in them and mercy on their fatherless and widows (v. 17), because everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.
notes:
"For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still". Occurs three times in this chapter (12, 17 and 21). Each time, the stuff is worse. First, it's attacks of enemies, second it's the failure of leaders and God removing His joy and mercy, and third its burnt down, devoured and people are thrown in the fire and eating their own arms. This is ugly stuff.
about me:
God's indictments are for the following sins. "who say in pride and arrogance of heart" (v. 10), "the prophet who teaches lies", v 15, "for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.", v. 17. These are serious sins in God's eyes. Pride, arrogance, teaching lies, hypocrisy, speaking foolishly, doing evil. I do most of these.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Isaiah 8
what I remember:
Isaiah is supposed to take a large scroll and write on it. I don't really remember what.
Then he has a son, and God tells him that before the son can talk, Assyria will come to ruin. He (the king of Assyria) will overflow his banks like a river (does that mean he'll invade Judah? I don't know). Then God declares them ruined, shattered, tells them that they can gird themselves and seek counsel, but it'll do them no good.
God then advises not to get caught up in conspiracy theories or in strange fears and such, but o fear God, and He will protect them. They shouldn't seek out advice from fortune-tellers, because they too will come to ruin.
about God:
He will be as a sanctuary. (v. 14)
let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread (v. 13)
Isaiah is supposed to take a large scroll and write on it. I don't really remember what.
Then he has a son, and God tells him that before the son can talk, Assyria will come to ruin. He (the king of Assyria) will overflow his banks like a river (does that mean he'll invade Judah? I don't know). Then God declares them ruined, shattered, tells them that they can gird themselves and seek counsel, but it'll do them no good.
God then advises not to get caught up in conspiracy theories or in strange fears and such, but o fear God, and He will protect them. They shouldn't seek out advice from fortune-tellers, because they too will come to ruin.
about God:
He will be as a sanctuary. (v. 14)
let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread (v. 13)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Isaiah 7
what I remember:
In the days of Ahaz, who was Uzziah's grandson, two kings got together to attach Judah, and the people shook like leaves in the wind. But God sent a message to them via Isaiah saying that "It will not stand" (I'm not sure what "it" is, is it Judah, or the attack? peeking back, it's the attack that doesn't stand. God's telling Ahaz not to worry).
Then God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign, and he refuses, so God gives him one to look for - that the virgin will be with child. The child is called Immanuel and eats curds and honey.
The land is desolate, God shaves it with a razor, and where productive fruit used to grow, thorns grow now. It's not fit for farming, just for cattle and sheep.
a verse:
In the days of Ahaz, who was Uzziah's grandson, two kings got together to attach Judah, and the people shook like leaves in the wind. But God sent a message to them via Isaiah saying that "It will not stand" (I'm not sure what "it" is, is it Judah, or the attack? peeking back, it's the attack that doesn't stand. God's telling Ahaz not to worry).
Then God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign, and he refuses, so God gives him one to look for - that the virgin will be with child. The child is called Immanuel and eats curds and honey.
The land is desolate, God shaves it with a razor, and where productive fruit used to grow, thorns grow now. It's not fit for farming, just for cattle and sheep.
a verse:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel".
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Isaiah 6
what I remember:
In the year that king Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord, seated on a throne. He was wearing a robe and the robe's train filled the temple. There were cherubim and seraphim above the throne singing "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts".
Isaiah's response to seeing God was "Woe is me". For he was a man of unclean lips and lived among a people of unclean lips.
The angel (I think) touched his lips with burning coal, and then declared him "clean". Then someone was asking "who shall we send, who will go for us", and Isaiah replied "Here I am, send me". He's given the message "Keep seeing but not understanding, keep hearing but not listening", God will make their hearts dull and generally unresponsive until God destroys them.
But not all will be destroyed. A tenth will remain, like a stump.
notes:
It's easier to narrate a chapter that's familiar!
about God: Meeting God is intimidating. He is Holy. The whole earth is full of His glory" He is also called "Lord of Hosts" and the LORD. He will reserve some people from destruction.
about Me: an honest response to seeing God is "woe is me" -- to recognise my sinfulness. An honest response to understanding the forgiveness of God is to volunteer service. Isaiah does this, if I truly understood my God, I would understand my sin, and be honestly grateful and eager to serve.
a verse (Isaiah 6:5)
In the year that king Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord, seated on a throne. He was wearing a robe and the robe's train filled the temple. There were cherubim and seraphim above the throne singing "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts".
Isaiah's response to seeing God was "Woe is me". For he was a man of unclean lips and lived among a people of unclean lips.
The angel (I think) touched his lips with burning coal, and then declared him "clean". Then someone was asking "who shall we send, who will go for us", and Isaiah replied "Here I am, send me". He's given the message "Keep seeing but not understanding, keep hearing but not listening", God will make their hearts dull and generally unresponsive until God destroys them.
But not all will be destroyed. A tenth will remain, like a stump.
notes:
It's easier to narrate a chapter that's familiar!
about God: Meeting God is intimidating. He is Holy. The whole earth is full of His glory" He is also called "Lord of Hosts" and the LORD. He will reserve some people from destruction.
about Me: an honest response to seeing God is "woe is me" -- to recognise my sinfulness. An honest response to understanding the forgiveness of God is to volunteer service. Isaiah does this, if I truly understood my God, I would understand my sin, and be honestly grateful and eager to serve.
a verse (Isaiah 6:5)
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Isaiah 5
What I remember:
God tended His vineyard carefully -- He removed all the rocks from the soil, He planted the best vines, He treated them well.
But they produced inferior (wild) grapes. He is tired of it now, He will let the walls break down, and burn the field. No more protection for them.
People who build lots of houses, and are generally rich and prideful (I think that is what it is talking about it...) are doomed -- God will take them down and exalt Himself not them.
Also doomed are people who call bad good and call good bad, and people who are known for handling alcohol well. He condemns you if you get up just to drink.
After Israel is completely ruined by the fire that burns down the vineyard, God will invite foreigners to come and conquer them.
about God:
He cares for His people, His expectations that they would follow Him are reasonable.
He is called "Lord of Hosts", and will be exalted in judgement.
verse:
God tended His vineyard carefully -- He removed all the rocks from the soil, He planted the best vines, He treated them well.
But they produced inferior (wild) grapes. He is tired of it now, He will let the walls break down, and burn the field. No more protection for them.
People who build lots of houses, and are generally rich and prideful (I think that is what it is talking about it...) are doomed -- God will take them down and exalt Himself not them.
Also doomed are people who call bad good and call good bad, and people who are known for handling alcohol well. He condemns you if you get up just to drink.
After Israel is completely ruined by the fire that burns down the vineyard, God will invite foreigners to come and conquer them.
about God:
He cares for His people, His expectations that they would follow Him are reasonable.
He is called "Lord of Hosts", and will be exalted in judgement.
verse:
...But they do not regard the work of the LORD, Nor consider the operation of His hands.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Narration
There's a common saying in Charlotte Mason circles that goes something like this:
Narration is, in essence, summary of a text. When we read a story to a child as part of a lesson (in history, for example), they are required to pay close attention. The stories are short to allow this to take place. Afterwards, they repeat back as much as they can remember from the reading.
We've been doing this with our school-age kids for several months now, and I can verify that requiring a child to narrate after a story really does insure that they remember it. Not narrating doesn't guarantee that they don't remember, but not paying attention does. And if you're going to have to narrate after a story, well, you pay attention.
I've been having troubles lately with paying attention while I read my Bible. I always seem to be interrupted at least a dozen times, even if it only takes a few minutes. And if I'm not interrupted physically, I don't concentrate well.
So I decided that I needed to take scripture reading in small chunks, and narrate every single time I read.
Hence these updates recently. I read it once, paying careful attention because I know I have to write afterwards everything that I remember. It's definitely improved my reading and remembering already.
No, at this pace I won't get through the Bible in a year. I didn't last year either. But perhaps I'll retain a larger portion of what I read.
So that's the goal for here and now. Get in the habit of reading just one chapter a day. Write every day what I remember from the reading, so that I develop the habit of actually paying attention while I read. And grow from there.
In addition (because I can't really let anything just stay simple), I'm making a point to notice what God says about Himself in the Bible. What is His character?
"That which is not narrated is not remembered"
Narration is, in essence, summary of a text. When we read a story to a child as part of a lesson (in history, for example), they are required to pay close attention. The stories are short to allow this to take place. Afterwards, they repeat back as much as they can remember from the reading.
We've been doing this with our school-age kids for several months now, and I can verify that requiring a child to narrate after a story really does insure that they remember it. Not narrating doesn't guarantee that they don't remember, but not paying attention does. And if you're going to have to narrate after a story, well, you pay attention.
I've been having troubles lately with paying attention while I read my Bible. I always seem to be interrupted at least a dozen times, even if it only takes a few minutes. And if I'm not interrupted physically, I don't concentrate well.
So I decided that I needed to take scripture reading in small chunks, and narrate every single time I read.
Hence these updates recently. I read it once, paying careful attention because I know I have to write afterwards everything that I remember. It's definitely improved my reading and remembering already.
No, at this pace I won't get through the Bible in a year. I didn't last year either. But perhaps I'll retain a larger portion of what I read.
So that's the goal for here and now. Get in the habit of reading just one chapter a day. Write every day what I remember from the reading, so that I develop the habit of actually paying attention while I read. And grow from there.
In addition (because I can't really let anything just stay simple), I'm making a point to notice what God says about Himself in the Bible. What is His character?
Isaiah 4
What I remember:
In the days when God is destroying the beautiful, prideful and vain Israel, women will also be desperate (remember, everyone was already desperate for a leader and asking any old schmuck to lead them). The women, similarly are begging men to marry them, without the obligation of providing for them or anything, just to take away their disgrace. (I wonder if the disgrace is the social disgrace of being single, or just a lonliness?) But God's going to rescue the righteous "survivors", call them holy, clean them up and making them glorious again. He will give them a shelter to provide shade from the heat during the day and from the storms and rain.
about God:
washes away the filth of the daughters of Zion, purges the bloodshed, and makes Israel glorious again. He provides shelter for them to protect them from the elements.
notes:
There's a few - the ones left in Jerusalem and called holy, everyone who is recoded for life. These are the ones that God restores and makes glorious. I think this is a reference to having eternal life - that is, there's some saved people, and those are the ones that God is protecting and restoring.
In the days when God is destroying the beautiful, prideful and vain Israel, women will also be desperate (remember, everyone was already desperate for a leader and asking any old schmuck to lead them). The women, similarly are begging men to marry them, without the obligation of providing for them or anything, just to take away their disgrace. (I wonder if the disgrace is the social disgrace of being single, or just a lonliness?) But God's going to rescue the righteous "survivors", call them holy, clean them up and making them glorious again. He will give them a shelter to provide shade from the heat during the day and from the storms and rain.
about God:
washes away the filth of the daughters of Zion, purges the bloodshed, and makes Israel glorious again. He provides shelter for them to protect them from the elements.
notes:
There's a few - the ones left in Jerusalem and called holy, everyone who is recoded for life. These are the ones that God restores and makes glorious. I think this is a reference to having eternal life - that is, there's some saved people, and those are the ones that God is protecting and restoring.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Isaiah 3
What I remember:
God will take away all leadership of any kind from Judah. They will be poor beyond measure, even their sources of food will be gone. They'll be so desperate for a leader of any kind that they'll put anyone in charge. They end up with a childish leader who oppresses them.
God is described as having a glorious presence.
Still they reject God, and increase in wickedness, not even bothering to conceal it. Like Sodom. There seems to be a few righteous, and they are promised reward, just like the wicked are promised "what they deserve".
Israel is portrayed as a beautiful woman, who is also prideful, seductive and vain. God strips her of her beauty and leaves her destitute in all ways.
A verse:
About God:
He has a glorious presence (v.8)
He contends with His people and judges them (v. 13-14)
"What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the face of the poor?" Declares the LORD GOD of hosts. (v 15) He defends His people (the righteous ones?) against their (childish, perhaps) oppressive rulers.
About me: I'll be rewarded for my wickedness and my righteousness, here in this life in real ways (not just someday in heaven type stuff). This all seems to be talking about here and now, in time.
God will take away all leadership of any kind from Judah. They will be poor beyond measure, even their sources of food will be gone. They'll be so desperate for a leader of any kind that they'll put anyone in charge. They end up with a childish leader who oppresses them.
God is described as having a glorious presence.
Still they reject God, and increase in wickedness, not even bothering to conceal it. Like Sodom. There seems to be a few righteous, and they are promised reward, just like the wicked are promised "what they deserve".
Israel is portrayed as a beautiful woman, who is also prideful, seductive and vain. God strips her of her beauty and leaves her destitute in all ways.
A verse:
Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen,
Because their speech and their actions are against the LORD,
To rebel against His glorious presence.
About God:
He has a glorious presence (v.8)
He contends with His people and judges them (v. 13-14)
"What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the face of the poor?" Declares the LORD GOD of hosts. (v 15) He defends His people (the righteous ones?) against their (childish, perhaps) oppressive rulers.
About me: I'll be rewarded for my wickedness and my righteousness, here in this life in real ways (not just someday in heaven type stuff). This all seems to be talking about here and now, in time.
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