Isaiah 16-18

Behind scenes Assyria rising rule world (Nineveh)…Isa begins prophesy coming conflict from Assyria.  1^st Moab (Jordan). 

 

16:5     Paints picture helpless, confused state under invasion.  Wandering bird…only hope is draw near Israel and King.  This the idea behind, “Send the lamb” like 2 Kg 3:4  But, sure looks like “dual” prophecy about the Trib.  Remember according Dn 9:24, 70 7’s until complete.  Messiah arrive 69 after 69-7’s, but then be cut off and last 7 will be the time of “coming prince” who will make a covenant for 7 Dn 9:25-27.  Stated again in Dn 11:31, 12:11.  I believe just as Antiochus, Paul describes 2 Th 2:4.  JC said when see, flee, Mt 24:15-22  Why?  Read Rev 12:13-14…3.5 years?  Know March 14, 445 BC…483 yrs later (to the day) April 6, 32 AD...but been only 7 years?  Mystery of the church (Eph 3).  When that is complete, then the “restrainer” be removed, church be apostate, man of sin will arise (some believe the 7 year covenant is about Temple), 3.5 years in the “Great Tribulation” begins.  With this said, these verses fit beautifully.  Let’s return to Moab of Isa’s day. 

 

17:6     In other words, nearly extinct. Assyrians extremely cruel. According history, cities commit mass suicide when surrounded.  Pull out tongues, gouge eyes, commit atrocities.  Now grasp Jonah’s issue…but God’s mercy for 120K children spared the city.  See how fitting together?  Assyria getting ready move against Moab, Syria, Israel nearly left extinct. 

 

17:11   Satan not need make bank robbers or murderers to destroy us. Quite enough to make us forget.  Whether from sleepiness, apathy or distraction, he doesn’t much care as long as we forget.  Jer 2:13 

 

17:14   In evening be there, in the morning not!  This a hint. They did come. They did conquer (even Egypt/Ethiopia), but not Judah. Hez king, and Isa counseled, not worry.   Made >threats, “Where the gods”, 2 Chr 32:13-14  Isa tells Hez, watch this…2Kg 19:35…Now in Ch 18, some see U.S. see American Eagle in vs. 1. 

 

18:7     Hundreds of thousands Ethiopian Jews…>100K emigrated Israel.  Israel mounted several rescue operations (Operation Moses ’84 and Solomon ’91).   Where come from?  Menelik I, Queen of Sheba’s child…Supposedly by Solomon.  Supposedly spent time w/ father and when returned brought Ark.  Either way, Ac 8 says came to worship.  Now Ch 19…Egypt.