Isaiah The Book of Burdens Cush Isaiah 18

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Doreen Adams
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1 Isaiah The Book of Burdens Cush Isaiah 18 I don't know about you, but as for me, I sometimes think we project onto God our own way of seeing life. This is especially true when we are feeling frustrated or anxious. We find ourselves in situations in which we see no way out. Because we can t find a solution, we act as if God can t. It is almost as if we see Him running around heaven, yanking out His hair, wondering just what He is going to do. It is this kind of thinking that gets us into trouble. Instead of peacefully waiting on God, we try to fix things ourselves. The end result is that our final situation is worse that where we started. And if the circumstances that stress us are beyond our control, i.e. the world situation, the economy, national morality, we become fearful, forgetting God is in charge. But, God calmly observes the chaos here, knowing what He will do. And He calls us to a sense of calmness and peace. This of course comes only through remembering: God loves us; God is in control; and God doesn t make mistakes. And the three resources available to us which allow us to live this way are: the filling of the Spirit, time in the Word, and a commitment to prayer. It is this call we will find and expand on in this short oracle against Cush. I Introduction II God s Judgment on Cush Verses 1-3 III God s Calmness Verses 4-6 IV Honoring God Verses 7 V Conclusion Before looking specifically at Chapter 18 it should be noted that Chapters form a more extended unified section. Let me quote Buksbazen here. These chapters form a remarkable prophecy which deals with the destiny of Ethiopia, Egypt, Assyria and Judah. Here Isaiah reaches the pinnacle of prophetic universalism, unsurpassed anywhere else in the Old Testament. Isaiah foretells the downfall of Israel s hereditary enemies, Egypt and Assyria, but goes on to predict that in the end both nations shall come to know the LORD, and together with Israel they shall worship Him and be reconciled to Him and to each other. This prophecy is particularly striking in the light of the ongoing and unresolved conflict between contemporary Israel and the successor nations of ancient Assyria and Egypt, which form the bulk of the Arab lands of today. The historical background of chapters is set against the political events of the last two decades of the 8th century B.C.

2 Introduction: We do have to take a few minutes to point out some problems with understanding this passage, and a to give some background. Leupold presents it this way after translating the opening verses: 1. Ah, land of the buzzing of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia 2. which sends envoys by way of the Nile in papyrus boats over the face of the waters Go [back] you swift messengers to a people tall and sleek, to a people feared then and now, to a nation energetic and all-subduing, whose land is cut through by rivers. We shall not minimize the difficulties of interpretation encountered in this chapter. Let it suffice by way of illustration that the word used for buzzing according to the dictionary allows for four different meanings and the word for envoys for three. Still the context usually cuts the possibilities down to the point where a translation like the one we offer is pretty much substantiated. 1 This problem isn t unique to this passage, but frequently arises when dealing with the Hebrew. It points out the basic principle of understanding scripture, context is a major factor in overcoming potential interpretative errors. Cush can refer to several different places in the Old Testament, though it most frequently is the designation for the area translations usually render Ethiopia. This is misleading, for the area Cush refers to is not modern Ethiopia (Abyssinia), but the area along the Nile just south of Egypt, ancient Nubia (in modern Sudan). The boundary between Egypt and Nubia in ancient times was usually either at the first or second cataract of the Nile. It is unlikely that Nubia ever extended much beyond the sixth cataract at Khartoum. The period from 730 to 715 was one of flux in this area. During the Third Intermediate Period the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty was beginning to emerge, headed by Ethiopian monarchs Pianchia and his successor Shabaka. They remained for a time in the kingdom of Cush but were moving to gain control over all of Egypt and unite the country under their rule. This required battling the native Egyptian kings who held the Delta region, holding off threats from Libya to the west and negotiating mutual defense treaties with the expanding Assyrian empire to the east. 2 By the way, just to show how off track people can get with interpretation of prophecy, let me quote Ironside. He is referring here to the KJV translation: Woe to the land shadowing with wings We are now to consider a chapter which has given ground for many differences of opinion among Christian scholars, and particularly prophetic interpreters. Since the revival of interest in prophetic study during the last century and a half, some have thought that the symbol refers to the United States, because of the fact that on our Great Seal an eagle is represented with outstretched wings. 3 I knew if we looked hard enough we could find the United States in the Bible, after all, we are so important, right? Verses 1-3: Having found our place in prophecy, it would probably be a good idea to go back to the text and see what we find here. 1 Leupold, H. C., Exposition of Isaiah, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1971, p Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, Ironside, H. A., Isaiah, Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., Neptune, NJ, 1952, p ) 184 (

3 One again, God through Isaiah is warning one of the gentile nations of His coming judgment. Here it is Cush, though the judgment isn t against her, This nation sent emissaries to Israel to form an alliance against Assyria, the ally of Judah. In Old Testament times, ambassadors were not stationed in foreign capitols as is currently the case. Instead they traveled to the nation they were working with. Here they traveled in swiftly moving papyrus boats. Apparently, they felt there was an urgency in their situation. Clearly they were in fear for their existence at the hands of the Assyrians. But the Cushites received an interesting warning from the prophet. It was similar in content to the message given to Ahaz. Don t form the alliance. God would take care of the Assyrians in His own good time. The day was coming when Cush would see the fall of Assyria. This would not only serve as a message to Cush, but also a reinforcement of the message Isaiah had already given Judah. So Isaiah instructed the emissaries to hurry home to their land of strange language, divided by rivers, probably tributaries of the Nile. The people were unique looking. Grogan notes: Even Greeks like Herodotus shared the general admiration felt in antiquity for the tall, handsome, clean-shaven Nubians of Cush. The military reputation they already possessed had been much enhanced by their recent conquest of mighty Egypt. Israel, remembering its own captivity in Egypt, might well have been particularly impressed. 4 God also calls the world to attention, to see His judgment on Assyria. The message of Isaiah has more general, more universal implications and looks beyond his own day into that distant future of the Tribulation/Millennium. We ll touch on that a bit more in a few minutes. Verses 4-6: Cush and by extension, Judah, should be at peace about the threat of Assyria. God certainly isn t rushing to judgment, but is waiting calmly for Assyria s situation to fully ripen. They He will judge. The implied call is for Cush to see things from God s perspective. We as God s children experience the same call to see life through the calmness of God s sovereignty Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:4). In this situation it would seem that what God was waiting for was Assyria s completing His work of disciplining Israel. But once that work has been completed, He will judge them, leaving them on the sides of the mountains as food for the carrion eaters. When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction. This day they will halt at Nob; they 4 Grogan, Geoffrey W., The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Isaiah, Zondervan Interactive Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, ) 185 (

4 will shake their fist at the mount of the Daughter of Zion, at the hill of Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:12, 25, 32). Verse 7: This last section is a bit unclear only in the issue of when it will be fulfilled. At some point Cush or those who sought Judah s help will come to God offering gifts in appreciation of the fulfillment of His word. Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God (Psalm 68:31). I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush and will say, This one was born in Zion. (Psalm 87:4). From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings (Zephaniah 3:10). But I believe the scope is more universal and looks toward the Millennial age. One commentator notes: Redak,, understands this chapter as referring to the war of God and Magog, which will take place in the days of the Messiah. After prophesying the downfall of Assyria and the salvation that took place during Hezekiah s reign, the prophet proceeds to depict the great salvation destined to take place in Messianic times 5 The previous statement came Rabbi Rosenberg, so interestingly enough at least some Jewish scholars would see the passage the same way we do. In fact, let me conclude this section with the words of Vine. The passage gives us lessons of confident patience to await God s time of direct interposition for deliverance, assured that in all our experiences everything is under His absolute control. The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. Trials and difficulties are set to cast us upon God in simple and unwavering dependence upon Him. The nations outside Ethiopia (a comprehensive term) were to wait till God acts and will present Israel itself as an offering to Jehovah of hosts, a beautiful description of the combined act of Gentile nations in helping to assemble the people of Israel at the beginning of the Millennial period. This is confirmed by the closing sentence of the chapter, and the tremendous significance of the event is indicated by the repetition in verse7 of the facts concerning Israel. 6 Conclusion: Vine has made the same observation I noted earlier. The passage is calling us to a confidence patience in God. We saw this same principle a few weeks back when we noted the words of Peter But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9.) 5 Rosenberg, Rabbi A., Isaiah, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, The Judaica Press, Inc., New York, NY, 1992, p Vine, W. E., Isaiah, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1971, p. 60. ) 186 (

5 As I said when we began this morning there are three resources available to us which allow us to live this way are: the filling of the Spirit, time in the Word, and a commitment to prayer. We already talked about the necessity of the filling of the Spirit last week, and I hope you ve given this some new attention over the last week. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). If we are to live in quiet confidence in the Lord, we must spend time in His word, appropriating His promises. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me (John 5:39). I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1). Now these three attributes need equal attention and balance. Most of us would acknowledge this, though I suspect in traditional evangelicalism the filling of the Spirit doesn t receive adequate attention. Certainly much is said about spending time in the Word and prayer. But considering the lack of power in the Church, a lot of the talk about prayer appears to be simply lip service. An unknown Christian once wrote: how few there are among us who know what prevailing prayer really is! Every one of us would confess that we believe in prayer, yet how many of us truly believe in the power of, prayer? Now, before we go a step farther, may the writer most earnestly implore you not to read hurriedly what is contained in these chapters. Much very much depends upon the way in which every reader receives what is here recorded. For everything depends upon prayer. Why are many Christians so often defeated? Because they pray so little. Why are many churchworkers so often discouraged and disheartened? Because they pray so little. Why do most men see so few brought out of darkness to light by their ministry? Because they pray so little. Why are not our churches simply on fire for God? Because there is so little real prayer. The Lord Jesus is as powerful today as ever before. The Lord Jesus is as anxious for men to be saved as ever before. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save: but He cannot stretch forth His arm unless we pray more and more really. In our Lord s last discourse to His loved ones, just before the most wonderful of all prayers, the Master again and again held out His kingly golden sceptre and said, as it were, What is your request? It shall be granted unto you, even unto the whole of My kingdom! Do we believe this? We must do so if we believe our Bibles. Shall we just read over very quietly and thoughtfully one of our Lord s promises, reiterated so many times? If we had never read them before, we should open our eyes in bewilderment, for these promises are almost incredible. From the lips of any mere man they would be quite unbelievable. But it is the Lord of heaven and earth Who speaks; and He is speaking at the most solemn moment of His life. It is the eve of His death and passion. It is a farewell message. Now listen! And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:13-14). Now, could any words be plainer or clearer than these? Could any promise be greater or grander? Has anyone else, anywhere, at any time, ever offered so much? ) 187 (

6 How staggered those disciples must have been! Surely they could scarcely believe their own ears. But that promise is made also to you and to me. And, lest there should be any mistake on their part, or on ours, our Lord repeats Himself a few moments afterwards. Yes, and the Holy Spirit bids St. John record those words again. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:7-8). These words are of such grave importance, and so momentous, that the Savior of the world is not content even with a threefold utterance of them. He urges His disciples to obey His command to ask. In fact, He tells them that one sign of their being His friends will be the obedience to His commands in all things (verse 14). Then He once more repeats His wishes: Ye did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father, in My name, He may give it you (John xv. 16). One would think that our Lord had now made it plain enough that He wanted them to pray; that He needed their prayers, and that without prayer they could accomplish nothing. But to our intense surprise He returns again to the same subject, saying very much the same words. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. i.e., ask Me no question (R.V., marg.) I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:23-24). Never before had our Lord laid such stress on any promise or command never! This truly marvelous promise is given us six times over. Six times, almost in the same breath, our Savior commands us to ask whatsoever we will. This is the greatest the most wonderful promise ever made to man. 7 We often don t experience the power of the Spirit because we don t ask. We often don t experience the power of pray because we don t take advantage of the opportunity to pray powerfully. Let our lives and the lives of the body be typified by prayer. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers (Acts 1:14). Sweet Hour of Prayer Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, That calls me from a world of care And bids me at my Father s throne Make all my wants and wishes known! In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief, And oft escaped the tempter s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, Thy wings shall my petition bear To him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless: And since he bids me seek his face, Believe his word and trust his grace, I ll cast on him my ev ry care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, May I thy consolation share, Till, from Mount Pisgah s lofty height, I view my home and take my flight: 7 An Unknown Christian, The Kneeling Christian, public domain. ) 188 (

7 This robe of flesh I ll drop and rise To seize the everlasting prize; And shout, while passing thro the air, Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer! 8 8 Walford, William, Sweet Hour of Prayer, Public Domain. ) 189 (

8 Isaiah The Book of Burdens Cush Isaiah 18 I Introduction II God s Judgment on Cush Verses 1-3 III God s Calmness Verses 4-6 IV Honoring God Verses 7 V Conclusion I Introduction: II God s Judgment on Cush:

9 III God s Calmness: (2 Peter 1:4; Isaiah 10:12, 25, 32) IV Honoring God: (Psalm 68:31, 87:4; Zephaniah 3:10) V Conclusion: (2 Peter 3:8-9; Ephesians 5:18; John 5:39; 2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1; John 14:13-14, 15:7-8, 16:23-24; Acts 1:14) Personal Application: This week let us focus on our desire to live in the power of the prayer. Spend time in the word doing a study on prayer its promises and its power. Prayer for the Week: Lord, let me never take for granted the blessings that come with access to Your presence through prayer. In Christ s name, amen.

EXPOSITION OF ISAIAH. Message #26 Isaiah 18:1-7

EXPOSITION OF ISAIAH. Message #26 Isaiah 18:1-7 EXPOSITION OF ISAIAH Message #26 Isaiah 18:1-7 The last time I did lectures at Frontier, I was flying home and was waiting in Cincinnati to catch my connecting flight to Kalamazoo. The terminal area was