Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia"
Text: Isaiah 14:29
A WORD OF WARNING TO PHILISTIA
The Philistines had been a thorn in the side of Israel, since the days of the Judges. The LORD gave a stern word of warning to Philistia.
“This is the burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died.
‘Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia,
Because the rod that struck you is broken;
For out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper,
And its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent.
The firstborn of the poor will feed,
And the needy will lie down in safety;
I will kill your roots with famine,
And it will slay your remnant.
Wail, O gate! Cry, O city!
All you of Philistia are dissolved;
For smoke will come from the north,
And no one will be alone in his appointed times.’
What will they answer the messengers of the nation?
That the LORD has founded Zion,
And the poor of His people shall take refuge in it.”
Isaiah 14:28-32
1. The death of King Ahaz.
a) This message from the Lord was given when King Ahaz died.
b) The death of Ahaz was cause for rejoicing for the Philistines.
c) Judah and the Philistines often went to war against each other.
2. The Assyrians struck Philistia powerfully.
a) Philistia rejoiced that the Assyrians’ rod had been broken.
b) They need not live in fear and humiliation now.
3. The Babylonians.
a) The Assyrians may be called “a serpent”.
b) The Babylonians were worse for they were poisonous vipers.
c) They are compared to serpents that bring much pain and hurt to their victims.
d) The “fiery flying serpent” describes poisonous snakes that swiftly attack the victims.
4. The Philistines will not be a threat:
a) To the poor and needy anymore.
b) To the firstborn of the poor.
c) To the needy who fear for their safety.
5. Philistia will be destroyed.
a) Famine will hit the nation very hard.
b) Their cities would be destroyed by enemies from the North (Babylonians).
6. A word to all messengers of the Babylonians.
a) The LORD Himself has founded Zion.
b) The poor will find refuge in Zion.
c) The LORD will provide for them and offer them His protection.