Sometimes it is hard to comprehend all the bloodshed and deaths we read about in the Old Testament, like here in Isaiah. Questions often surface; "Why would God allow this?", or even closer to home, "Will God to that to me?"
When I read stories of the Old Testament, I always try to keep things separate in my mind. For example, when guys go to war or are in military, and have been involved in some gruesome battles, and then comes home and is asked to explain what "went on over there?"...you can't always do that.
Why?...It's a whole different set of circumstances, the military frame of mind vs. the civilian frame of mind. You can't always compare the scene of battle to sitting on a back porch sipping lemonade watching your kids play in the yard.
Here in Isaiah, we read of many deaths of the Israelites from the Assyrian conquest. It is just hard for our minds to rationalize the reasoning behind God allowing it all.
Back in Isaiah 2:6, it gives a key to the way Israel and Judah had become. They were following the "Eastern Way" and had opened themselves with open hearts to customs that were not to be followed according to Mosaic Law.
Now, this is not simply referring to some "guy sitting with his legs crossed chanting out some real cool proverbs on how we should treat one another." The times were much more radical. For example,
prior to Israel taking the Promised Land, the Canaanites who lived there had some really evil practices going on: false prophets predicting futures...sometimes mutilating themselves to get these "prophesies", or worse yet...you being the one mutilated to get some answer to direction you might be seeking in life.....kind of puts a whole new meaning to:"it might cost you an arm or a leg."
There were child sacrifices going on in Canaan, to determine their agricultural success, and overall, it was far from a "peaceful community" to be a part of. Even in our own early history of the U.S., there was a period when "witch hunting" was quite popular, and many innocent victims were burned at the stake...and we even did it in the name of God!
That's kind of what Canaan was like...you just never knew...you might be next...to be sacrificed.
Prior to the Assyrian invasion of both Israel and Judah, the Mosaic Law had simply been abandoned, and in its place were fortune tellers, the practice of divination, and all types of foreign customs that had replaced...the Mosaic Law. The Israelites were working their way back to the ways of Canaan....had they gone that far?...I don't know.
One thing that is of note: the arrogance of Israel and their false security in money was quite upsetting to the Lord, and then when they chose to make alliances with other nations around them...and here is the "kicker"...they wouldn't even give God "the time of day".
In other words, they had no interest in renewing any relationship with the Lord...but with other pagan nations and practices...that is what they wanted.
I do think there are times in the history of man where God is forced to step in and say..."Hey, that's far enough...you are going to wipe yourselves out if you continue on this path."
I know what you may be thinking....where are we at today?....
Gleanings from Isaiah 10: 21-34
" Make no mistake...there will be a remnant returning from all the Assyrian onslaught and captivity...and the remnant will return...to the "Homeland". (Note: remnant means: a remainder, a trace, a leftover, or even shreds). They will return to My beloved Israel and Judah! And...they will come looking for...Me!
For though the promise given to Abraham dictated My people would be numerous as the sands of a seashore, this is a time only a remnant of My people will return.
Destruction has run its course, and the Decree has seen its completion. The God-of-the-Angel-Armies has declared a finish to what has been started...the punishment is over!
Now, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies declares this: "The day of terror, brought on by the Assyrians is over. They have beaten and they have whipped you, much like the Egyptians did in times before, and all this torment and anger that has stirred Me...is about to come to a close. In fact, woe to the Assyrians...for I AM is about to deal with them!...My face is now looking on them!
For I will go after the Assyrians with a whip, much larger than the ones they used on My people...and I will triumph over them...like Gideon over the Midianites at the rock of Oreb, like My staff drowning the Egyptian army at the Sea!
This day is coming when all the bondage and burdens of Assyrian rule, the very yoke of Assyria on you...will be pulled off your backs, and smashed! You will be free!
I AM well aware the Assyrians are on the move...they are currently at Aiath, passing through Migron, and storing equipment at Micmash. They continue to cross over the path and declare:" Tonight we camp at Geba!"
Ramah is in total fear, Saul's hometown of Gibeah...are running for their lives. Gallion is in terror, as is Laishah and Anathoth. Madmenah is already "packing their bags", and the people of Gebim are taking cover.
The Assyrians now stop at Nob...to take a day of rest. They shake their "puny fists" at the beautiful Mt. Zion, and the love of My heart...Jerusalem!
But, here is what these proud bands of Assyrians don't see! This "mighty army" of Assyria is about to be...chopped down! I AM will cut this tree down, and then I will take an axe and make it into firewood...and what is leftover...I will make toothpicks!
Trust me, the Assyrian army...is going down!"
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