Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Tophet was established of old"
Text: Isaiah 30:33
THE PLACE CALLED “TOPHET”
Tophet was a location in old Jerusalem, in the Valley of Hinnom. An old Canaanite practice was to sacrifice children as burnt offerings to the deities of Canaan. Tophet was prepared for the death of the Assyrian king.
“And in every place where the staff of punishment passes,
Which the LORD lays on him,
It will be with tambourines and harps;
And in battles of brandishing He will fight with it.
For Tophet was established of old,
Yes, for the king it is prepared.
He has made it deep and large;
Its pyre is fire with much wood;
The breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone,
Kindles it.”
Isaiah 30:32-33
1. “The staff of punishment”
a) This is the rod of punishment.
b) It would be laid on the back of Assyria.
2. Victory over Assyria.
a) The LORD Himself will battle Assyria.
b) He will gain victory over the Assyrians.
c) Israel will sing a song of victory with tambourines and harps.
3. Tophet was established of old.
a) Tophet was a place of ignominy.
b) It became a symbol for hell.
c) The ancient Canaanites would go to Tophet.
i) To worship their gods.
ii) They would sacrifice their children to ensure success.
iii) Pyres of wood were laid up for the burning of human sacrifice.
4. The kind of Assyria.
a) He had conquered many lands.
b) He also threatened to conquer Judah.
c) He defied the LORD.
d) Tophet (Hell) was prepared for the king of Assyria.
e) God will kindle the flames of hell for the Assyrian king.