Page 64 - Isaiah Student Worktext

For the people of Isaiah’s time, this had an immediate fulfillment, but the ultimate fulfillment is once
again in heaven.

V. 27-32 This is a graphic depiction of the wrath of God pouring out on Assyria, whom God has allowed
to punish Israel. All this is another illustration of God’s power to orchestrate the history of all nations.

The breath of God is like an overflowing stream, up to the neck. God’s arm will descend in anger and
Assyria will be beaten down once they have been allowed to participate in God’s punishment.

V. 33 Tophet is the name given to a fire pit prepared for the ‘kings’, those who thought they had power.
The breath of the Lord kindles the brimstone. Again, the ultimate fulfillment is in the eternal fires of
hell.

There is some evidence that the 185,000 Assyrian troops killed by the angel in 2 Kings 19: 35 may have
been collected and burned, giving this a contemporary fulfillment as well.

Chapter 31 - Main Idea: God declares His judgment on those who
trust in idols and proclaims His wisdom and power to save His
people—those who cast away their idols.

V. 1-3 Woe to those who trust in things other than God. Relying on horses
might be translated today those who rely on tanks or planes or military might. Still talking about a
possible alliance with Egypt, they had the horses and the chariots that were the military might of Isaiah’s
time.

King Hezekiah is not mentioned here, but he was the king at the time. He was considered a good king,
one who walked in the ways of the Lord. 2 Kings 18: 3 He did much to restore proper worship to Israel,
but he agreed with his advisers when they recommended the alliance with Egypt. Although he was a
Godly king, he forgot to seek the counsel of the Lord in this.

We often stray away from seeking God’s guidance as in V. 21 of the previous chapter.

God reminds His people that the Egyptians are men, not God. Their horses, though many, were still
flesh and blood. When God stretches out His hand, He has the power to destroy all enemies.

God is able to bring disaster upon all who oppose Him.

V. 4-5 King David told about his experiences as a shepherd boy when he was able to fight and kill the
lions that came after his flock. In this case, God is the lion who roars, and a multitude of shepherds
could not fight Him off. At the same time, God is like a hovering bird, defending His people.

V. 6-7 Yet again God issues an invitation. Return to Him, throw away your false gods, throw away your
sin.

V. 8-9 Assyria is going to be destroyed…not by the sword of man, but by the sword of the Lord.
Survivors will be enslaved, put into forced labor and any ‘help’ that might have come from Egypt will
have been utterly useless.

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