Chapter 7 of Isaiah opens with a message to king Ahaz. In Israel at this time, as in most times, there was war and rumors of war. Ahaz's heart was troubled, for he feared the loss of his power and wealth.
Isaiah 7:1-2 (HCSB) This took place during the reign of
Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah king of Judah: Rezin king of Aram, along
with Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, waged war against Jerusalem, but
he could not succeed. When it became known to the house of David that Aram had
occupied Ephraim, the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like
trees of a forest shaking in the wind.
The pagan king of Aram and his ally, the king of the
northern kingdom of Israel took Ephraim but were unable to conquer Jerusalem.
When Ahaz heard that Ephraim had fallen, "the heart of Ahaz and the hearts
of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind." What a
word picture we have, especially this time of year, when the wind blows and the
trees shake, and the leaves fall. In this world, we will have trouble, but fear
not - Christ has overcome the world! Our flesh may shake in fear, but we belong
to a kingdom that cannot be shaken: Hebrews 12:27-29 (HCSB) "This
expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that
is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. Therefore, since we
are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it,
we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming
fire."
Beginning in verse 3, YHWH tells Isaiah what to say to Ahaz.
Isaiah 7:4-6 (HCSB) Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or
cowardly because of these two smoldering stubs of firebrands, the fierce anger
of Rezin and Aram, and the son of Remaliah. For Aram, along with Ephraim and
the son of Remaliah, has plotted harm against you. They say, ‘Let us go up
against Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it for ourselves. Then we can install
Tabeel’s son as king in it.’”
God, Who is Lord of all, tells weak-in-knees Ahaz to not
fear these raging kings that wage war against him; comparing them to
"smoldering stubs of firebrands." What a contrast with God Himself,
Who is a consuming fire! YHWH reveals what was planned - terrorize the southern
kingdom, conquer it, and install their stooge as king. If your kingdom is of
this world, madmen such as these will come and steal and destroy and you should
fear. If your kingdom is in Christ, these madmen may kill the body but they
cannot kill the soul - you are secure in Christ Jesus!
Isaiah 7:7-9 (HCSB) This is what the Lord GOD says: It will
not happen; it will not occur. The head of Aram is Damascus, the head of
Damascus is Rezin (within 65 years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a
people), the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of
Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at
all.
See what YHWH tells Ahaz - these raging madmen will fail.
Judah will not fall. He also reveals that the king of the northern kingdom is
connected to the pagan nations, not connected to Him. In the light of this
enormous conspiracy against Judah, YHWH tells Ahaz that he will fail if he is
not firm in his faith. In other words, trust in God and not in chariots and
horses. So it for us - the Lord our God is our strong tower of refuge, the
ruler of the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
When your world is shaking, look to Christ!
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