Isaiah 22-23

22:1a Isa’s book of burdens continues. Jers set on hill but surrounded by Mts and 3 valleys. Vision, probably refers to place where God spoken so many times and now. Might seem strange to see this here, but no >difference between pagan countries and followers of God. Barna Stats. Rv 18:4 But, become so deluded that just don’t think about their own God’s judgment of them.

22:11a As watching increasing threat Assyria (wiped out Israel), Hezekiah began prepare. Dug 1,777’ tunnel from spring of Gihon to pool Siloam (Kidron to inside city wall), then covered spring. Considered one of the 2 >works of water engineering technology prior to the 1700’s. Inscription: “[...when] (the tunnel) was driven through.  And this was the way in which it was cut through:  While [...] (were) still [...] axe(s), each man toward his fellow, and while there were still three cubits to be cut through, [there was heard] the voice of a man calling to his fellows, for there was an overlap in the rock on the right [and on the left].  And when the tunnel was driven through, the quarrymen hewed (the rock), each man toward his fellow, axe against axe; and the water flowed from the spring toward the reservoir for 1200 cubits, and the height of the rock above the head(s) of the quarrymen was 100 cubits.” >preparations…Moved people away from wall, using houses to strengthen walls. They were not ignoring the coming conflict…

22:11b Best thing could do? A common mistake individuals often make, but one governments almost always make. Plan, strategize, but not seek God. Nineveh made no preparations for the calamity except repentance…For our gvt, all we can do is pray and elect those who will seek God individually. For ourselves, we can draw nearer to God during trouble rather than frantically plan to stop it. Isa 3:10 It has been said “Many Christians trust in Christ for eternal life but practice atheism in every day strife.” No peaceful trusting of God, no serious prayer over their circumstances, no searching the Bible for their decisions.

22: 14 Reminds me Nm 14:28-29 So filled w/ fatalistic outlook, almost insane. End of world parties. Reminds me of today. Waging multiple wars, entire world turning against, economy shambles, so everyone should trade in for a new car and increase spending this Christmas? God is calling America to weep and pray, but the response is “enjoy life while you can”. This phrase used multiple times and conveys hopeless giddiness (1 Cor 15:32). Signs are everywhere for 2nd coming, but church seems giddy. More interested in reading “Left Behind” series than preparing to meet God.

22:16 Treasurer, (Chairman of federal reserve). Servant of King Hez (1 Kgs 18:18, Isa 37:2). One of top 3 advisors. Obviously a very proud man. Sort of personifies Jerusalem’s insanity by his obsessive self-interest. Jewish history says came to very shameful end. Conspired to deliver Hez’s army to Assyria. When left city with them, someone (Jews say Gabriel) shut gate between him and them. Assyrians thought mocking them, so took and drug behind horses through thorns.

22:19 Shebna lived for worldly attainments and was thrown out by the Lord like a ball. Became a shame to master’s house.

22:23 Another of the 3…Lord calls, “My servant” Both servants of Hez, but only one servant of Lord. Shebna selfish and sought for own glory. Not much known Eliakim, but famous in heaven!

Story not end here though, because, Jesus quotes as His title in Rv 3:7. So, a dual prophecy (near and far). Present day situation w/ these two men of state, but from prophetic standpoint have the false shepherd… Zc 11:15-17 and the true shepherd of Israel, Jn 10:11. One will exalt self and be destroyed and the other will be established. Side note, JC has authority to open and close, Heaven and Hell (Rv 1:18), possibilities and impossibilities (Lk 1:37). F.B. Meyer (English Evangelist died ’29)…“Down a long corridor of closed doors we may sometimes have to pass. It seems heartbreaking to see doors labelled, Friendship, Love, Home shut against us; but beyond them there is the one unclosed door through which we shall enter into our true life. Oh do not lose heart and hope in useless weeping over the closed doors. Follow Him, who has the keys.”

23:3 Very very similar to economic Babylon in Rv 18, the envy of Israel, for GNP. Tyre a seaport town, people known as Phoenicians and if know history, massive armada of merchant ships. Said to have traded throughout Medit and supposedly as far as tip of S. America. Mistress of seas and eventually moved to Carthage and one generals (Hannibal) nearly single handedly defeated Roman empire. Anyway, traveled, Egypt, Spain (Tarshish probably Tartessus of Spain, means "to melt or smelt"), Great Britain and far beyond. Owned world’s most impressive cargo ships which could be seen anywhere in world. Sister city 30 miles N called Sidon (Modern day Lebanon). Tyre synonymous w/ commerce and materialism. Would correspond to “Babylon of the Sea.” A mixed bag for Israel. Hiram supplied David and Sol w/ timber for Temple, also supplied sailors for Sol’s maritime expeditions and oh, by the way, supplied Ahab with a wife…Jezebel. The city was ruled by $. Business skills weighed far greater than any other attribute. Didn’t want rule world, wanted to own it. Exactly like RV’s commercial Babylon. If Israel become Hedonistic, a small thing compared to Tyre. But, there blessings didn’t come from the sea voyages, but from God and they were about to learn.

23:14 One favorite prophetic proofs…Tyre built on Med coast, wall touched sea on both ends leaving only port for entry and a massive navy. Some ½ to ¾ mile off-shore an island w/ temple on it. Neb attacked city (>100 yrs after prophecy)…13 yr siege and finally broke down walls in 572 BC, only to find nearly entire city floated out to the island. So, plundered what could and left. But, a problem, Eze 26 also prophesied Eze 26:4-5. That didn’t happen! The rubble of the walls and towers and houses remained behind after it’s collapse. In fact, it remained untouched for 250 yrs. For 250 yrs people could’ve pointed at Bible and said, “False Prophecy!” During interim, Persians conquer Babylonians and Tyre regrows in strength (maybe 70 yrs to re-establish), then when Persia goes to war w/ Greece, they contract the Phoenician’s to build their navy. So Alexander attacks them. 1st tried by sea w/ ships from conquered Sidon but repulsed. After much debate, turns to rubble near shoreline and tells them cast it into the sea for causeway, then even scraped very dirt off, to smooth for war machines. Nothing left but rock. Then destroyed the island city and inhabitants fled to Carthage. Eze 26:12b, 14 For years everyone thought peninsula was natural until Archaeologists began trying locate city. Came across this peninsula and noticed rocks angular, so began to dig and found timber, broken pottery, and-so-on. Fishermen of area now use to dry nets. Discovered God’s word eternal and proves that He aware every detail, even down to “He and They” of Eze 26.

Now God’s main complaint against Tyre was it was willing to exploit anyone or anything for $ and that included God’s people (Ez 26). This same system exists today in the hearts of many people. “Get ahead” at all costs. This is commercial Babylon and has the same author behind commercial Tyre (Ezek 28…Satan himself). God’s economy does not need lying or conniving or exploiting, but Satan’s economy does. Great Tribulation Next week.