FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9:30 PASTOR S CLASS SPRING, 2018
Introduction Welcome back to the 9:30 Pastor's Class. These study questions are provided to help you get the most from this class. The questions are designed to draw you deeper into God's Word, prompting thoughtful consideration of the assigned passage for each week. Our hope and prayer is that the learning that takes place in this class will not only provide you with a better knowledge of the Bible, but will also foster in you a deeper love for Christ and his people. Please attempt to answer the week's questions before the class so you will be ready to discuss the material in around your table. Being prepared will allow you and others to participate more effectively in the discussions, bringing everyone to a greater level of understanding of God's Word and a deepened fellowship. Commentary The commentary we will be using is Isaiah: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary by J. Alec Motyer (InterVarsity Press). Participants are asked to order their own commentary; however, a limited supply will be available for sale the first two weeks of class on a first come, first served basis. The commentary is available from a variety of online vendors, among them, Christianbook.com and Amazon. Recommendations for Study There is no single way to work through the questions, but some may be helped by the following suggestions. First, read the assigned passage through to get an understanding of the overall situation at hand. You may also benefit from reviewing the last portion of the previous week's passage to place the material in context. After you've read the assignment, begin to answer the questions. If one seems difficult, proceed to the next one, and come back later to the one you skipped. If you find it difficult to get through the questions in one sitting, try completing one or two questions each day throughout the week. If you have not completed the questions for any given week, please still come to class on Sunday we are not legalists! Recommendations for Table Discussion Naturally, there will be some who are more eager to share around the table than others. Please be respectful and kind as the discussion unfolds, recognizing that all of us have varying levels of Biblical proficiency and varying levels of comfort in sharing. There will be some questions that you answered in your personal study that you may not feel comfortable sharing with the group. That is fine. But if everyone contributes to a safe, welcoming and loving atmosphere around the table, in time, you will feel more comfortable sharing at a deeper level. Your table hosts are wonderful brothers and sisters who are there to love and support you. They will do their best to ensure the discussion is profitable and edifying for everyone present. Additional Resources for Further Study The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary by J. Alec Motyer (InterVarsity Press) The Book of Isaiah (3 volumes) by E.J. Young (Eerdmans) The Book of Isaiah by J.N. Oswalt (Eerdmans) Thank You Finally, thank you for spending the time to take this class and for contributing to the fellowship and mutual learning around your table. It is very encouraging to see your commitment to Christ and his Word. Our hope is that the effort you put into this class will be rewarded many times over in your daily Christian walk and in the years to come.
9:30 Pastor s Class Schedule Spring, 2018 The Prophet Isaiah 1-39 Week Date Scripture Teacher 1 7-Jan Isaiah 1 Robert Norris 2 14-Jan Isaiah 2-4 Robert Norris 3 21-Jan Isaiah 5 Robert Norris 4 28-Jan Isaiah 6 Robert Norris 5 4-Feb Isaiah 7:1 8:15 Scott Redd 6 11-Feb Isaiah 8:16 10:4 Scott Redd 7 18-Feb Isaiah 11 and 12 Scott Redd 8 25-Feb Isaiah 13:1 14:23 Scott Redd 4-Mar Missions Sunday Missionary 9 11-Mar Isaiah 14:24 16:14 Robert Norris 10 18-Mar Isaiah 17-19 Robert Norris 11 25-Mar Isaiah 20:1 23:18 TBD 1-Apr Easter No class 12 8-Apr Isaiah 24-26 Scott Redd 13 15-Apr Isaiah 27-30:17 Scott Redd 14 22-Apr Isaiah 30:18 32:20 Scott Redd 15 29-Apr Isaiah 33-35 Scott Redd 16 6-May Isaiah 36-37 Robert Norris 17 13-May Isaiah 38-39 Robert Norris
January 7, 2018 Week 1 Isaiah 1 1. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, 1:1. Read 2 Kings 15:1-4; 32-35; 16:1-4; and 18:1-7, and note of the length and character of each of these kings reigns. 2. Why do you think God calls on heaven and earth to testify to the truth of what he says in 1:2-4? See also Deuteronomy 30:19; 31:28; 32:1. What does Israel not understand that even donkeys and oxen know? 3. Describe the condition of God s rebellious people, 1:5-9. Compare these injuries with those which would later be transferred to and borne by the Suffering Servant, 53:4, 5. Page 1 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. God declares that his soul hates the evil assemblies and meaningless offerings of those whose hands are full of blood. What are the eight things which God commands his people to do in 1:16, 17? 5. What does God promise for those who are willing and obedient? For those who resist and rebel, 1:18-20? 6. God beholds Jerusalem and laments that the faithful city has become a harlot. What are some of the characteristics of this harlot city? How will God get relief from his foes and restore the harlot to honor? Page 2 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
January 14, 2018 Week 2 Isaiah 2-4 1. What is the ultimate destiny God plans for Jerusalem and Judah as indicated by the phrase in the last days? How should we read this passage in the light of Christ? See also Acts 2:17-21, Hebrews 1:1-3. 2. Identify each time the phrase in that day is used in this section. How can the day of the Lord be characterized? Is it always negative? See also Joel 2:28-32, Malachi 4:1-6. 3. In 3:1, Isaiah warns that the Lord is about to take away Jerusalem s and Judah s supply and support. What is his purpose in this? Page 3 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. In 3:13ff, Isaiah uses language of the courtroom. In his covenant lawsuit against Judah/Jerusalem, who does the Lord, as Judge, charge? What does he charge them with? What sin seems to figure the most prominently? See also Proverbs 29:23, 21:24. 5. What is the connection between the accumulation of wealth and finery (as seen in 2:7 and 3:18-23) and sin? See also Deuteronomy 17:16-17; Matthew 13:22; 19:21-3; 1 Timothy 6:7. 6. What or who do you think the Branch of the Lord is? See also Isaiah 11:1, 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15; Zechariah 3:8, 6:2. Contrast the beauty of the Branch and the pride of the remnant left in Zion with that of those whom the Lord judges. Page 4 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
January 21, 2018 Week 3 Isaiah 5 1. In this parable of the vineyard, who is singing the song, who is the owner of the vineyard, and what does the vineyard stand for? 2. Jesus also uses the comparison between bad fruit vs. good fruit. Explain the importance of this image as a warning to us. See Matthew 3:10, 7:17; Luke 3:9; John 15:2. 3. What are the six woes and to whom are they directed? How is God s nature made known by the character of the things he hates and the power of his judgment? Page 5 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. What is God s promise to the righteous even in the midst of such destruction? See 5:15-16. 5. Verse 26 says that he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Who is Isaiah referring to? See Isaiah 7:18. 6. In the past four chapters, we have seen a pattern where Isaiah delivers a short prophecy of hope just before a longer warning of judgment and destruction. What purpose might this placement serve? Page 6 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
January 28, 2018 Week 4 Isaiah 6 1. Isaiah s vision happened in the year that King Uzziah died, 6:1. Read 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26. Why do you think Isaiah s commissioning to the prophetic ministry happened in the last year of Uzziah s reign? 2. Describe what Isaiah saw when he beheld the Lord, 6:1-4. Compare this vision with those recorded in Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7:13-14, and Revelation 4:1-8. What is the attribute of God to which the heavenly creatures sing their praises? What does it mean to say that God is holy? 3. What is Isaiah s response upon beholding the King, the Lord Almighty, 6:5-7? Why do you think the seraph touched his mouth with the live coal from the altar? See other images of God s use of fire in Isaiah 1:25 and Matthew 3:10. Compare Isaiah s commissioning with that of Jeremiah 1:9. Page 7 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. When Isaiah heard the Lord s voice and call, he said Here I am, 6:8. Compare this with Genesis 22:1, 46:2, Exodus 3:4, and 1 Samuel 3:4-10. What should our response be to God s calling? 5. Why does God direct Isaiah to tell his people, Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving, 6:9? How does our Lord Jesus understand and apply this passage in Matthew 13:10-17? 6. What does it mean when the Lord declares that the holy seed will be the stump in the land, 6:13? To whom is he referring? See Isaiah 10:20, and compare with 11:1-4. Page 8 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
February 4, 2018 Week 5 Isaiah 7:1 8:15 1. What was the political and military situation confronting the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Ahaz, 7:1; see also 2 Kings 16? What was Ahaz in his panic, 7:2, contemplating doing which led God to direct Isaiah to dissuade him from that path? 2. What was God s message to Ahaz through Isaiah, 7:3-9? On what basis was Ahaz not to fear? In what way do you think it might have been significant that Isaiah was directed to take along his son, Shear-Jashub (whose name means a remnant will return )? 3. What do you think it means when God declares that in 65 years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people, 7:8? What should Ahaz have understood in God s promise, and how should this have affected and directed his policies? 4. Why does the Lord tell Ahaz that the virgin will... give birth to a son, and will call his name Immanuel, 7:14? What does this name mean? What would such a sign as this have meant to Ahaz? To whom does this prophecy ultimately refer, Matthew 1:20-23? Page 9 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
5. What picture of the future condition of society do you think God intends to convey through his references to curds and honey, bows and arrows, and briers and thorns? Compare with Isaiah 2:17 and 3:1, but also in connection with God s promise in Leviticus 20:24. 6. Who is Maher-Shalal-Hashbaz, and what does his name signify, 8:1-4? Compare the account of his birth and the prediction of what would happen by the time he reached early childhood with the prophecy concerning the birth and early childhood circumstances of Immanuel, Chapter 7. 7. What was God s message to Isaiah, 8:11-15? Compare the content of that message with God s earlier message to Ahaz, Is. 7:4-9. In what way is God like a stone that causes men to stumble? What light does the New Testament shed on this phrase, Romans 9:30-33, 1 Peter 2:6-8? Page 10 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
February 11, 2018 Week 6 Isaiah 8:16 10:34 1. What do you think Isaiah means when, in 8:18, he declares, Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion? What are these signs and symbols in Israel? Recall that we have now encountered three sign names, in 7:3, 7:14, and 8:3. 2. What is the significance of Isaiah s prophecy concerning Galilee and the great light which would appear there, 9:1, 2, Matthew 4:13-16, Luke 1:78. 3. What are the characteristics of the royal child described in 9:6, 7? Several strands of Jewish tradition hold that the great king and Messiah to whom Isaiah was referring in these verses was Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz. Is this a valid identification? Why or why not? 4. What charge does God s Word bring against the Northern Kingdom (Israel, also referred to as Jacob, Ephraim, or Samaria), 9:8, 9? How does Israel respond to God s chastisement, 9:10, 12-13? Page 11 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
5. How does God s word to the Southern Kingdom in Isaiah 5:5-25 compare to his word to the Northern Kingdom in 9:8-10:4? 6. What are God s promises to the remnant? How do his promises relate to the Church today, 10:20-34? 7. Contrast the invasion as seen in the mind of the Assyrian king (v.7-10, 13-14) and as seen in the purpose of God (vs. 5-6, 12, 16-19). How does this passage help us understand how the holy God can use evil men or nations to carry out his purposes? 8. In the stress of the trial it might have seemed that God had cast off his people. But was it so (vs.20-23)? What was the purpose of God s chastening? Page 12 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
February 18, 2018 Week 7 Isaiah 11 and 12 1. What are the characteristics of the shoot who will come up from the stump of Jesse, of the Branch who will arise from Jesse s roots, 11: 1? With regard to the Branch, compare this reference to the one in 4:2. Finally, note that the Hebrew word used here is netzer; with that in mind, see Matthew 2:23. Taking all these things together, who do you think this shoot and Branch is? Compare with 9:1-7. 2. Isaiah notes that the Spirit of the LORD will rest upon the Branch, 11:2. Why is this significant? See and compare 1 Samuel 16:3 and Matthew 3:16-17. With regard to the Spirit of counsel, see John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7. 3. The Branch will delight in the fear of the LORD, 11:3. See Proverbs 1:7. What do you think the fear of the Lord is? What does it look like? How do we manifest it in our lives? Page 13 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. What will be the characteristics of the Branch s reign, 11:3b-5? Compare these with those of Immanuel listed in 9:7, and with those of Judah s leadership at the time Isaiah spoke, 1:16-17. If this coming king will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, then by what criterion will he make his judgments? By what criterion are we to make all our judgments (Matthew 4:4)? What do you think Isaiah means by the rod of his mouth, Ephesians 6:17; Revelation 1:16? 5. Compare 11:6-9 with 2:1-4. What is the chief characteristic of the Messianic kingdom to which Isaiah is directing our gaze in these passages? 6. Isaiah now refers to the shoot from the stump of Jesse as the Root of Jesse, 11:10. What do you think is the significance of this? Why do you think he is likened to a banner? Page 14 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
February 25, 2018 Week 8 Isaiah 13:1 14:23 1. Chapters 13 and 14:1-23 contain oracles against the city of Babylon on its king. At the time Isaiah was prophesying, the threat came from Assyria. Why do you think that Babylon is the target of God s wrath instead? What are the sins of Babylon? See also Genesis 11:1-9 and Revelation 18. 2. Who or what does God use to judge Babylon? Why might they be called his holy ones? Are they conscious of doing God s will? Is this army natural, supernatural or both? See also Isaiah 10:5-8 and 45:1. 3. Nature itself seems to be affected by God s blessing and judgment of the nations. Why do you think Isaiah speaks about the creation in this way? Contrast Isaiah 11:6-9 with 13:9-13. See also Jeremiah 4:23-26 and Romans 8:19-22. Page 15 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. We have just seen the characteristics of the Messianic king in Isaiah 11:1-5. What are the characteristics of the evil king, 14:4-17? 5. Many have considered 14:12-15 to be a reference to Satan and his fall from the angelic council. Given the context of the passage, what do you think? Why would there be an allusion to Satan in an oracle against the king of Babylon? See also 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 18. 6. What attributes of God do we see in 14:24-27? For believers, what security does knowing these qualities of God bring? See also Exodus 15:11-17, Job 42:2 and Ephesians 1:11. Page 16 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
March 11, 2018 Week 9 Isaiah 14:24 16:14 1. In this series of denunciatory oracles against Assyria (14:24-27), Philistia (14:8-32) and Moab (15, 16) what two attributes of God are emphasized? How do they encourage us to trust in his Word? 2. Why was the judgment so severe in the prophecy against Moab? 3. Why was the doom of Moab so inevitable and why therefore did the prophet seem to display so great a sympathy with the people of Moab in their suffering? 4. Why did the announcement of the death of Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, offer no grounds for rejoicing in 2 Kings 15:29? Page 17 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
March 18, 2018 Week 10 Isaiah 17-19 1. How is Ephraim s sin described in 17:10, together with its inevitable issue? 2. In these chapters, what is said of the results of God s judgment causing men to turn to him? What encouragements for missionary work, especially in certain countries, may be derived from these chapters? 3. Isaiah 18:1-2 describe the ambassadors of Ethiopia who have come to consult with Judah about resistance to Assyria. What message is given to these ambassadors? 4. In chapter 18, contrast man s scheming and planning with God s attitude of quiet watchfulness, knowing what he will do. Page 18 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
March 25, 2018 Week 11 Isaiah 20:1 23:18 1. Chapter 22 is declared to be an oracle concerning the Valley of Vision, 22:1, 7. This enigmatic title may simply refer to the place in which Isaiah received this vision. But it may include other overtones as well, as in the dark valley of the soul, see Psalm 23:4. Given the role played by Jerusalem in the prophet s ultimate message of hope, 1:26, 2:2-4, 4:2-6, why might this oracle about Jerusalem have been spoken of as concerning the Valley of Vision? 2. Confronted by the prospect of approaching disaster, 22:2b-8a, what three things did the inhabitants of Jerusalem do to guarantee their security, 22:8b-11a? What did they not do, 22:11? Where is our security to be found? 3. Summoned by the Lord to weep and wail at the prospect of this coming judgment, 22:12, what did the inhabitants of Jerusalem in fact do, 22:13, just like Babylon, 21:5? Why do you think God declares in 22:14 that this sin will not be atoned for? Page 19 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. Why did God depose Shebna and put Eliakim in his place, 22:15-24? Why do you think God spoke of Shebna as a disgrace to your master s house, 22:18? Compare Shebna s service with that to which our Lord calls us, Matthew 20:25-28. 5. Eliakim will be made a father to those who live in Jerusalem; upon his shoulders, will be placed the to key to the house of David, Revelation 3:7, such that what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open, Matthew 16:19. What does this teach us about the authority God s servants are given in their commissioning to service in God s kingdom? If God can say of you as he said of Eliakim, my servant, 22:20, how are you to fulfill that position of honor and trust, Matthew 24:45-51? Page 20 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
April 1, 2018 Easter (No Class) April 8, 2018 Week 12 Isaiah 24 26 1. Chapters 24-27 direct our gaze to the end, to the time of God s final victory over the forces of evil. In 24:5, God declares that the earth lies defiled under its inhabitants and that they have broken the everlasting covenant. See Genesis 9:8-17. Therefore, 24:6, a curse devours the earth; its inhabitants suffer for their guilt. What will the nature of this judgment be, 24:1, 6, 18b-23? Compare 24:1 with Genesis 11:9, and consider entire chapter in light of 2 Peter 3:3-13. 2. Contrast the emotions of unbelievers when faced with the calamity of God s judgment, 24:7-13, with the reactions of believers, 24:14-16a. How can you still praise God in the midst of seeming disaster, Habakkuk 3:16-19? 3. What does Chapter 25 teach us about God s faithful and sure plans for this world and for his people? Compare Isaiah s words in 25:6 with those in 55:1-3 and Revelation 19:9. Why do you think that our enjoyment of the blessings of God s kingdom is likened to a feast? Page 21 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. What do you think Isaiah means by declaring that God will swallow up death forever, 25:8? Compare Psalm 49:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:54; also, Isaiah 26:19. Isaiah then gives us a picture of what our final salvation will look like; compare this picture with that given in Revelation 7:15-17 and 21:1-4. How can we attain to this estate of salvation, 25.9? 5. Compare the strong city of 26:1 with the city of 24:10, 12; 25:2, and 26:5. To what do you think these two cities refer? What will be their respective fates? See also Genesis 11:9, Revelation 18, and Isaiah 1:26. 6. Think over the attitudes of heart described in 26:3, 4, 8, 9, 13 and 19. Do you share this trust and faith in God? What should be the response of God s people to his mercy and judgment? Page 22 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
April 15, 2018 Week 13 Isaiah 27 30:17 1. How does chapter 27 express the principle underlying God s chastisement of his people, and also his ultimate purpose? 2. How many consequences of intemperance can you discern in 28:1-4, 7, and 8 (see also 5:22)? What was God s message to his intemperate people, and why would they not listen, 28:9-15? Why for these scoffers will the word of the Lord become line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, 28:13? 3. What does 28:16-29 teach us about the inevitable triumph of God s will in human affairs, and the futility of unbelief and rebellion? How does the parable in 28:23-29 encourage us to see that God has foreseen and arranged all? Page 23 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. What foreshadowing of Christ is there in the final fulfillment of God s plans, 28:16? See also 1 Peter 2:6-7; Acts 4:11; and Matthew 21:42. 5. What were the reasons for the people s spiritual blindness and lack of spiritual discernment, and in what ways did they show this, 29:9-16? See also 6:9-10. What causes the spiritual transformation of 29:17-22; see 29:18, 24 and compare 1:3? 6. On what various grounds does Isaiah urge upon his hearers that they should rely upon God rather than Egypt? Page 24 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
April 22, 2018 Week 14 Isaiah 30:18 32:20 1. In what ways do verses 25 and 26 of chapter 30 describe the blessings of the new age? 2. In 30:27-33 Isaiah uses a series of imaginative metaphors to describe the place of judgment for the king of Assyria. Why is the judgment so harsh? 3. What blessings does God promise to his people after their trials? 4. How has the promise of a teacher been fulfilled to us in Christ? 5. The apparent power of Egypt encouraged many to trust in them as a means of national salvation. How does Isaiah here show the folly of this as compared with trusting the Lord? Page 25 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
April 29, 2018 Week 15 Isaiah 33 35 1. In the opening verses of chapter 33, there is both excitement and panic described at the approach of Sennacherib. Why is the prophet so sure of the defeat of the Assyrian monarch? 2. What profound effects of this deliverance can be seen in the people? 3. What characteristics of the coming kingdom of the Messiah are seen in these verses? What blessings are promised to the people of God? 4. Applied spiritually, what blessings are spoken of in chapter 35 which are available to believers now? Page 26 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
May 6, 2018 Week 16 Isaiah 36 and 37 1. Read 2 Kings 18:7, 9-18. Compare Hezekiah s policy towards Assyria with that of his father, Ahaz, 2 Kings 16:7-18. Why did the Assyrian king invade Judah, and why do you think he pressed the invasion even after Hezekiah s payment of tribute? 2. What might be ironic about the fact that the Assyrian commander chooses to address the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field, 36:2? See Isaiah 7:3. 3. Examine the rhetorical structure of the field commander s speech to Hezekiah s representatives. How did he try to shake the confidence of Jerusalem s defenders, 36:4-15, 18-20? What enticements did he offer for their surrender, 36:16, 17? But what fact did he ignore which invalidated the basic assumptions of his argument, 37:18-20? Page 27 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. In response to the field commander s blasphemous and insulting words, Hezekiah sends his officials to ask Isaiah to pray for the remnant that still survives, 37:1-4. Consider the role of intercessory prayer in the prophetic ministry, Exodus 32:31-32; 33:12-17, Numbers 14:13-19, 1 Samuel 7:8, 9, 12:19,23, Jeremiah 15:11 and John 17. 5. Hezekiah entered into the temple and prayed to the Lord. To what does the king appeal in his call for God s redemptive intervention, 37:17, 20? What principles for faithful living might we take from Hezekiah s example of prayer? 6. Through the prophetic words of Isaiah, the Lord gives Hezekiah a sign, 37:30 (explained in 37:31-35). What do you think this sign means? Compare God s words in this passage with his earlier words to Ahaz, 7:7-9, 14, note also 7:4 and 37:6. What conclusions might we draw as to the nature of God s Word, 55:10-11? Page 28 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
May 13, 2018 Week 17 Isaiah 38 and 39 1. In 38:1 we learn that in those days Hezekiah became sick. When do you think this was, before or after the events of the preceding two chapters? (Hint: see 38:6!) Why do you think Isaiah might have placed this material here, after the account of God s deliverance from the hands of Sennacherib? 2. Isaiah tells Hezekiah to put his house in order, because he s going to die, and he declares quite emphatically that you shall not recover, 38:1. But then in 38:21 we read Isaiah utter that in fact he will recover! What might we learn here about the nature of God s prophecy? See Jonah 3:4, 9-10; and Jeremiah 18:7-10. 3. Hezekiah responds to Isaiah s prophetic word by turning to the Lord in prayer and with tears, 38:2-3. What does Hezekiah s prayer teach us about the power of prayer (38:4-6, James 5:13-16)? Page 29 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
4. In Hezekiah s words of praise, 38:10-20, what do we learn about the loving purpose behind suffering, 38:17 (compare with Psalm 119:71, 75)? What do we learn about the duty of praise, 38:19, 20 (compare with Psalm 3:6)? 5. Merodach-Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys to Hezekiah upon hearing of his illness and recovery, 39:1. Why do you think this king might have been interested in Hezekiah? 6. Isaiah declares that the consequence of Hezekiah s folly in revealing everything to these envoys from Babylon would be that everything would one day be lost to Babylon, 39:3-7. Wherein lay the sin in displaying these things to the envoys of Merodach-Baladan, 2 Chronicles 32:25, 31? What cautionary lessons might we draw from Hezekiah s lapse into sinful folly and the disastrous consequences of that decision? Page 30 Isaiah 1-39 9:30 Pastor s Class Spring, 2018
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