Day 198 - The Watchman - A Guardian of God's People (Isaiah 18 - 23) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Isaiah 18, Isaiah 19, Isaiah 20, Isaiah 21, Isaiah 22, Isaiah 23

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Watchman

Today, we explore how the role of the watchmen is depicted in Isaiah 18-20 and how it applies to our spiritual lives.

Isaiah 18 is a prophecy against the land of Cush, sometimes called Ethiopia. Known for their emissaries traveling via sea in vessels of papyrus, Isaiah declares that God will notice and cut down the people, leaving them for the birds of prey and animals. Yet, despite this judgment, gifts will be brought to Jerusalem.

Isaiah 19 foretells a dire prophecy against Egypt. The nation will be handed over to a harsh master, and the Nile River will dry up, leading to economic disaster. Egyptians will turn against each other, leading to civil strife. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Egyptians will turn to the Lord, who will send them a savior. In the end, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will worship together in peace, with Egypt becoming God's people.

Isaiah 20 describes Isaiah acting as a sign against Egypt and Cush by walking barefoot and partially naked for three years. This act symbolized the complete poverty and humiliation that Egypt and Cush would face when led away as captives by the Assyrians. This was a stark warning to Judah not to rely on these nations for military assistance. EnduringWord.com: “We shouldn’t think that Isaiah was nude, completely without clothing. Instead, he only wore the inner garment customary in that day – sort of like wearing only your underwear or a nightshirt.”

Isaiah 21-23: Messages to Nations

Babylon: Isaiah delivers a fearful message about Babylon's impending doom, causing even the messenger to grow faint. Watchmen: Isaiah mentions watchmen three times, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Isaiah 21:9: “Babylon is fallen, fallen!”

Edom: A conversation among watchmen hints at the end of Assyrian oppression and the brief respite before Babylonian rule. Arabia: A prophecy of battle and destruction where only a few archers will survive. Isaiah 21:16-17: “Within a year, counting each day, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. Only a few of its courageous archers will survive. I, the Lord, the God of Israel, have spoken.”

Jerusalem - The Valley of Vision: Jerusalem is described as a city on a hill, surrounded by higher hills and three valleys. Isaiah describes the people's reaction to calamity, their defenses stripped, and their refusal to seek God's help. Isaiah 22:14: “Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.” This judgment was for ignoring the Almighty.

Tyre: Isaiah prophesies mourning for Tyre, synonymous with commerce and materialism, but eventually, God will restore it. Isaiah 23:9: “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has done it to destroy your pride and bring low all earth’s nobility.”

Word of the Day: Watchman

Embracing the role of a watchman in our spiritual lives means staying vigilant, humble, and dependent on God. We must warn others of impending dangers and guide them towards the eternal hope found in God. Let us root our trust not in our plans or resources but in the unchanging and eternal God.

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