Day 013: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – Isaiah 7-11

January 12, 2024

Isaiah 7-11
Click here for the reading
Day 013: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah, who was a prophet of the Lord. A prophet is not someone who has supernatural knowledge of God and how He works. Isaiah, more likely than not, would have been an ordinary guy, getting up in the morning, brewing his morning coffee, peeking in at the children, kissing his wife, before heading off to work at his chosen occupation each day. Except! Isaiah was chosen by God to be a prophet. As cool as that may sound, the assignment brought certain difficulties with it.

Take some time to seek God’s guidance and understanding for our journey through Isaiah 7-11 today. Read Isaiah 7-11. Let’s journey!

Following Solomon’s death, the Kingdom of Israel was split in two; Judah, in the south, consisted of two tribes and remained under the control of Solomon’s son Rehoboam, while Israel, to the north, consisted of the remaining ten tribes and came under the control of Jeroboam. The split occurred around 930 BC. During the nearly 200 years in between the split and the writing of Isaiah, the two nations were often at war. During the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry, Israel and Judah, where Isaiah resided, were experiencing a time of peace, leading the people to think that God was pleased with them. The beginning of Isaiah sets out to disabuse the people of Judah from this illusion. Throughout the book of Isaiah, the prophet offers both messages of coming judgment and of hope for redemption.

Isaiah 7-11: The chapters of our journey today through Isaiah, mostly show God’s revelation to Isaiah of His displeasure with Judah for turning its back on God and accepting the sinful practices of other nations. God tells Isaiah that an attempt to take Jerusalem captive in 742 B.C., by Pekah, son of Remaliah King of Israel, and King Rezin of Aram would fail. They failed and Jerusalem remained part of Judah for many years after Isaiah’s passing. The birth of Immanuel is foretold, offering hope while judgment on Judah continues. Assyria will be defeated. Immanuel, Jesus Christ, will come not once, but twice! (Isaiah 7:1-11:16)

Read chapters 7 through 11 and ask yourself these questions: What warning of judgment is Isaiah giving? What message of hope is Isaiah giving? Have you ever received a message of warning? What happened?

Godspeace!