Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The people do not turn to Him"
Text: Isaiah 9:13
THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL
The pride and arrogance of Israel knew no bounds. They believed that they could face all their problems on their own. The LORD would send the following adversaries against Israel.
“Therefore the LORD shall set up
The adversaries of Rezin against him,
And spur his enemies on,
The Syrians before and the Philistines behind;
And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth.
For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.
For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them,
Nor do they seek the LORD of hosts.”
Isaiah 9:11-13
1. The traditional enemies of Israel.
a) Syria was one enemy named.
i) The Syrians were led by King Rezin.
ii) The LORD was not siding Israel this time round because of its sinfulness.
iii) He would be spurring the Syrians to give battle to Israel.
b) Philistia was another traditional enemy.
i) The Philistines had warred against Israel again and again.
ii) They would attack Israel after the Syrians had left.
iii) Israel would be weakened after the war with Syria and that was when
the Philistines would attack.
2. The anger of the LORD.
a) Despite all these attacks, Israel was still unrepentant.
i) The people refused to turn to the LORD.
ii) They do not seek the Lord for any reprieve.
b) Thus, the anger of the LORD remained.
c) His hand was still stretched out against Israel.
d) Sin had caused the nation to become very stubborn.