2. The Burdens
Lesson 2
(ISAIAH 13—23)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Isaiah 13—23. This lesson references chapter 4 in Be Comforted. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Is there a pattern to history? Is anyone in charge? The British historian Edward Gibbon called history “little more than the register of crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.” But the American missionary leader Arthur T. Pierson said that “history is His story.” Which one is right?
The prophet Isaiah would stand with Pierson, for these eleven chapters are certainly evidence that God is at work in the nations of the world.
—Be Comforted, page 55
1. What are some examples from Isaiah 13—23 that illustrate how God is at work in the nations of the world? How do these events support what Pierson states in the previous excerpt?
More to Consider: Isaiah refers to his prophetic declarations as “burdens.” Why do you think this particular word was used? In what way are the prophet’s words burdens?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Isaiah 13—23 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The word Babel means “gateway to a god” and sounds like the Hebrew word balal, which means “confusion” (Gen. 10:8–10; 11:1–9). In Scripture, Babylon symbolizes the world system man has built in defiance of God. Jerusalem and Babylon are contrasting cities: One is the chosen city of God, the other the wicked city of man.
—Be Comforted, page 56
3. What is the message Isaiah gives to Babylon? What is the reason for this proclamation (see Isa. 13:6–22)? Is there a meaning here beyond the specific details of the city’s fate? Explain.
From the Commentary
The picture in Isaiah 14:1–23 is that of a mighty monarch whose pride has brought him to destruction. This is what happened to Belshazzar when Darius the Mede captured Babylon in 539 BC (Dan. 5). Isaiah described the king’s arrival in sheol, the world of the dead, where the king’s wealth, glory, and power vanished. The dead kings already in sheol stood in tribute to him (Isa. 14:9), but it was all a mockery. Death is the great leveler; there are no kings in the world of the dead. “Lucifer” (v. 12) is Latin for “morning star” and suggests that this king’s glory did not last very long. The morning star shines but is soon swallowed up by the light of the sun.
The prophet saw in this event something far deeper than the defeat of an empire. In the fall of the king of Babylon, he saw the defeat of Satan, the “prince of this world,” who seeks to energize and motivate the leaders of nations (John 12:31; Eph. 2:1–3).
—Be Comforted, pages 57–58
4. Go through Isaiah 14:1–23 and circle references directed specifically to the “morning star.” What evidence is there in this passage that Isaiah is talking about something more than an earthly leader? Why is that important to the audience Isaiah is addressing directly? Why is that important to the church today?
From the History Books
The city of Babylon, built on the Euphrates River, may have been the largest city in the world at a few points in history (from 1770 to 1670 BC and again from 612 to 320 BC). It is believed to have been one of the first cities to reach a population of 200,000 and was well known as a center of commerce. Not surprisingly, the city suffered from constant siege and was destroyed and rebuilt on more than one occasion. Because of all this turmoil, the city eventually was emptied and today is little more than ruins, buried under the modern city of Hillah, Iraq.
5. In what ways does the city of Babylon mirror the big cities around the world today? Why do big cities suffer from so much turmoil? What message does the destruction of Babylon give to us today? What are the warnings inherent in Babylon’s history? What does this tell us about the church’s responsibility to powerful cities and the people who run them?
From the Commentary
The key word in Isaiah 14:24–27 is purpose. God is in control of the rise and fall of the nations as He works out His divine purposes in the world. Assyria was His tool to accomplish His purposes (10:5), and the day would come when God would judge Assyria (see vv. 5ff.).
—Be Comforted, page 59
6. How is God’s control evident in the proclamation given to Assyria? What divine purpose might God have had for the destruction of Assyria (and other nations)? How is God’s divine purpose revealed to nations (and leaders and individuals) in today’s society?
From the Commentary
The Moabites were the product of Lot’s incestuous union with his daughter (Gen. 19:30–38) and were the avowed enemies of the Jews (Num. 25; 31; Deut. 23:3).
Within three years (Isa. 16:14), this prophecy against Moab (15:1–9) would be fulfilled with great national lamentation. At least fourteen different references to lamentation occur in this chapter.… The people fled to their temples and prayed to their gods, but to no avail (15:2 NIV). Even a day of national humiliation did not stop Assyria from invading Moab and ravaging the land.
—Be Comforted, page 60
7. Go through Isaiah 15:1—16:14 and underline all the references to lamenting. What was the plea of the Moabites (see 16:1–5)? Why wasn’t Isaiah impressed by their appeals?
From the Commentary
We can understand the pride of a city like Babylon (14:12–14), but what did the tiny nation of Moab have to boast about? Their pride kept them from submitting to Judah, and this led to their defeat. Their boasting would turn into wailing and their songs into funeral dirges. Moab would become like a vineyard trampled down and a fruitful field left unharvested.
—Be Comforted, page 61
8. What does the judgment of Moab teach us about God’s response to pride? How is this applicable to even the “smallest” of nations? Churches? Individuals? What was Isaiah’s response to the destruction of Moab? What does this teach us about how we ought to respond to the destruction of our enemies?
More to Consider: Read Isaiah 17. Circle the references to God in this section. Why do you think this proclamation includes these descriptions of the God of Israel?
From the Commentary
The late Dr. Wilbur M. Smith, a leading prophetic scholar, wrote that Isaiah 19 “contains the most important prophetic utterance concerning Egypt in all of the Old Testament” (Egypt in Biblical Prophecy, 77). It is a remarkable prophecy, for Isaiah declares that the three enemies—Egypt, Israel, and Assyria (modern Iraq)—will one day be united in worshipping the Lord and sharing His blessing!
—Be Comforted, page 63
9. Why is the prophecy in Isaiah 19 so significant? How might a prophecy like this one help to bring about peace? How might it lead to further dissension among the nations? What role do biblical prophecies about nations play in our current political situations in the Middle East?
From the Commentary
Our trek through Isaiah 13—23 has taught us some important lessons. First, God is in control of the nations of the world, and He can do with them what He pleases.… Second, God especially hates the sin of pride.… Third, God judges the nations for the way they treat each other.… Finally, God always gives a word of promise and hope to His people.
—Be Comforted, page 69
10. As you review Isaiah 13—23, do you see any other lessons besides those noted in the previous excerpt? Go through the chapters and take note of the places where God gives hope to His people. How is this message still valid for us today? Where do we as a nation need hope most? How can the church play a role in bringing people that hope?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Isaiah 13—23. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. What are some specific examples from your life that help you to see God is in control of the world? Do you ever question God’s control? Why? How can you reconcile the bad things that happen in our world if God is indeed in control?
12. Why is the sin of pride such a dangerous one? How have you wrestled with this sin? What are some ways you’re trying to overcome the temptation to be prideful?
13. If God were to judge you today for how you treat others, how would that judgment compare to the way He judges the nations in Isaiah 13—23? Why is the way we treat others so important to God? What are some of the things you’re doing to improve your relationships with people you don’t agree with or get along with?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to work on your pride? Do you need to learn to trust God’s control? Be specific. Go back through Isaiah 13—23 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Imagine you are a nation and the people around you are neighboring nations. What sort of prophecies might Isaiah give to you concerning the way you relate to your neighbors? Think about both positive and negative things God might speak to you through a modern-day Isaiah. Then consider those areas that need work and make a plan to pursue godly choices in those areas.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Isaiah 24—31. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapters 5 and 6, “A Refuge from the Storm” and “Storm Clouds Over Jerusalem,” in Be Comforted.