Page 81 - Isaiah Student Worktext

V. 5-7 Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: everything you have been showing off and taking credit for
will be carried off to Babylon. There is some irony here in that the very ones to whom Hezekiah was
boasting are going to end up with all of it.

Not just the material things would be taken. Some of his descendants will also be taken and they will
become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

With genealogy being so very important to the Jews, to hear that your descendants will be eunuchs
should have brought great sorrow to Hezekiah. His reaction is shocking.

V. 8 As far as Hezekiah was concerned this prophesy was in the distant future, therefore it was ‘good’
because at least HIS days would be peaceful.

There is a prevailing attitude among many today that everything is all about them. Nothing and no one
else matters. God did not tolerate this behavior in Isaiah’s time and surely, He will not in our time.

The book of Isaiah continually points to Jesus. Hezekiah was an honorable king and did many good
things, but he seemed to care nothing about future generations. Jesus was and is completely perfect
and gave His life for future generations.

Hezekiah’s only son, Manasseh, was born after the king had been given the additional 15 years.
Manasseh has the distinction of being named the evilest king ever in Israel. It has always been a
dilemma to understand why God, who knows all things, would have granted Hezekiah extra time,
knowing that Manasseh would be born and would be an evil king. We must be careful what we pray
for…

Chapter 40 - Main Idea: As the majestic glory of God in creation and
redemption is proclaimed among the nations, weakened, idolatrous,
dying sinners are saved, comforted and strengthened.

Isaiah 40 is called one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. It is certainly one
of my favorites and contains my very favorite verse of scripture.

There is so much here, but the central theme is the proclamation of the glory of God for the salvation of
dying sinners.

There have been many chapters, many words devoted to the failures of God’s chosen people and the
punishment that either has been or will be visited upon them because of their disobedience.

But as in most prophecies of punishment, there is always the promise of comfort.

V. 1-2 These are words that will be spoken to the exiles in Babylon. It may seem small comfort to
people who will likely be in exile the remainder of their lives, but the promise is always to the remnant.
There will be peace, and iniquity is pardoned. God says that the punishment they have received is
‘double’ payment for their sins.

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