September 27, 2020
Lessons Learned
By Wayne Gaeddert
Isaiah 23
1. God controls the rise and fall of nations and powers. Dr. Hearson
2. God is the Lord of nations—whether they acknowledge Him or not. Dr. Hearson
3. Isaiah 13-24 presents 13 oracles (prophecies) against the Gentile nations around Judah.
4. In last weeks lesson (Chapter 7) we saw king Ahaz looking to Assyria for protection rather than dependence on God. This section of Isaiah emphasizes that none of the of the powerful surrounding pagan nations were worthy of being trusted to deliver Judah.
5. The purpose of this section of Isaiah was to show Judah that God controlled their destiny—not the powerful nations around them.
6. Nations that trust in power, wealth, or worldly wisdom will not stand. Isaiah was calling Judah to place their trust in the LORD.
7. As an individual you must build your life on the firm foundation of of Jesus Christ, all other ground (power, wealth, worldly wisdom, etc.) is sinking sand.
8. Sidon—an ancient city, founded long before the Israelites entered Canaan; located on the Mediterranean coast, Sidon and Tyre were centers of sea trade.
9. Tyre—a major city situated on the Mediterranean coast north of Israel; was a major port for trade and an extremely wealthy place with a great deal of influence; its people were known as skilled seafarers.
10. God’s judgement against Tyre and Sidon (The principle cities of Phoencia) was due to their ‘pompous pride’ (v9 ESV).
11. “Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
12. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
13. You can not run to escape the judgment of God.
14. The only stronghold that is 100% dependable is God, all others will fall apart.
15. There are many verses on pride, here are a few: (from ESV)
Proverbs 8:13 “...Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
Leviticus 26:18-20 “I will break the pride of your power ...”
Psalm 10:4 “In the pride of his face the wicked man does not seek him...”
Psalm 31:23 “… but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.”
Isaiah 2:11 “… and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low...”
Isaiah 25:11 “… but the LORD will lay low his pompous pride...”
1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world...pride of life—is not from the Father…”
16. Some verses about being humble, exalted, or honor:
Proverbs 15:33 “...humility comes before honor.”
James 4:10 see #12 above
Proverbs 29:23 “...he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Psalm 147:6 “The Lord lifts up the humble...”
Psalm 149:4 “...he adorns the humble with salvation.”
Luke 14:11 “...he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
