Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Do not be afraid of the Assyrian"
Text: Isaiah 10:24
FIGHTING FEARS OF THE HEART
God knew that the hearts of His people were dreadfully afraid. He had to teach them how they may battle their fears!
“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD of hosts:
‘O My people, who dwell in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrian.
He shall strike you with a rod and lift up his staff against you,
in the manner of Egypt.
For yet a very little while and the indignation will cease,
as will My anger in their destruction.
And the LORD of hosts will stir up a scourge for him
like the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb;
as His rod was on the sea, so will He lift it up in the manner of Egypt.'”
Isaiah 10:24-26
1. Addressing all in Zion.
a) Jerusalem and Judah were in mind.
b) In particular, the faithful who dwell in Zion (Jerusalem).
2. The Assyrians
a) They were compared to the Egyptians.
b) They would lift up their rod and staff against God’s people.
3. The anger of the LORD.
a) Zion feared the anger of the LORD.
b) God promised that His anger would not be forever.
i) His anger was against those who turned to idolatry.
ii) His wrath was directed against the wicked and sinful.
c) But His anger would be withdrawn.
i) When chastisement has been meted out.
ii) When the wicked have been judged.
iii) When the intended destruction is over.
4. A scourge would be raised up against the Assyrians.
a) The people were reminded of how the Midianites were defeated.
b) The Judge Gideon slew Oreb, a mighty prince of the Midianites at a rock
that was called “Oreb” (Judges 7:24-26).
c) The people were reminded of how God raised up Moses:
i) To wield his rod against Egypt.
ii) To make a path through the Red Sea.
d) God will cause Assyria to be defeated.