Exploring the Book of Isaiah
The Sovereignty of God Over the Nations: Lessons from the Rise and Fall of Kingdoms
In the seventh part of our journey through the Book of Isaiah, we continue exploring “Pronouncements Concerning the Nations.” While the previous study focused on the heavy burden of Babylon, we now turn our attention to the immediate geopolitical landscape of the prophet Isaiah’s day—specifically the era of King Ahaz and the shadow of the Assyrian Empire.
The central truth of these chapters is clear: God is actively involved in the rise and fall of kingdoms. He does not merely watch history; He directs it. As Isaiah 14:26-27 declares:
“This is the plan devised against the entire earth… For the Lord of armies has planned, and who can frustrate it?”
The Historical Context: The Shadow of Assyria
To understand these prophecies, we must understand the times. King Ahaz of Judah was a man who lived in fear. He became king at 20 and died at 36, an evil ruler who refused to trust the God of Israel. During his reign, the Assyrian Empire rose as a terrifying superpower.
From Tiglath-Pileser III, who dismantled Damascus, to Sargon II, who finally destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., the “rod of God’s anger” was swinging heavily. God used Assyria to punish “godless nations,” but He also used these chaotic circumstances to teach Judah where their true refuge lay.
1. Philistia: The Deception of Temporary Relief
The Text: Isaiah 14:28-32
In the year King Ahaz died, the Philistines were likely rejoicing because a ruler who had oppressed them was gone. But God sent a stern warning: Do not rejoice. He describes a progression of judgment: from a “serpent” comes a “viper,” and then a “winged serpent.” In other words, things were about to get much worse.
- God’s Message to Philistia: Successive Assyrian invasions (in 715, 712, and 701 B.C.) would ensure their destruction.
- God’s Message to Judah: While the surrounding nations “melt away” in fear, Zion is founded by the Lord. The poor and helpless find their only true security in Him, not in shifting political alliances.
2. Moab: The High Price of Pride
The Text: Isaiah 15–16
Moab’s destruction is described as sudden—happening “in a night.” The prophecy paints a vivid picture of a nation in mourning, with shaven heads and weeping in the streets. Even Isaiah himself cries out in pity over their devastation.
- God’s Message to Moab: God offered Moab a chance to seek protection under the shadow of Jerusalem (the “tent of David”), but they refused. Why? Because of “excessive pride” (Isaiah 16:6).
- God’s Message to Judah: Pride is the number one reason people refuse to trust God. We see it in the fall of Uzziah, the death of Ahaz, and the ruin of Edom. As Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction.”
3. Damascus: The Danger of Forgetting the Rock
The Text: Isaiah 17
This pronouncement concerns the alliance between Damascus (Aram) and Ephraim (Northern Israel). Because they turned away from God, they would become like a field after the harvest—mostly empty, with only a few “gleanings” left behind.
- God’s Message to the People: The root cause of their ruin was spiritual: “For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge” (Isaiah 17:10).
- The Application: If God punishes those who ignore Him through His creation (Romans 1), how much more severe is the judgment for those who reject the light of Christ? (Hebrews 10:29).
4. Ethiopia (Cush): God is Watching
The Text: Isaiah 18
Ethiopia was a rising, distant power, sending messengers across the waters. God’s message to them was that He was quietly watching from His dwelling place. Before they could reach their full “harvest” as a superpower, God would “cut off the shoots with pruning knives.”
- A Future Promise: Even though Ethiopia would be cut down, God declares that one day, this “tall and smooth” people would bring tribute to Mount Zion. God is looking for worshipers from every corner of the globe.
5. Egypt: From Confusion to Conversion
The Text: Isaiah 19
Egypt, the ancient world’s symbol of wisdom and power, is shown in a state of total collapse. God incites civil war, demoralizes their spirit, and confuses their “wise” advisers. Their trust in sorcery and spiritists leads them into a “spirit of distortion.”
- The Shocking Twist: In the midst of judgment, God promises healing. He declares that one day there will be an altar to the Lord in Egypt. Even more incredible, a “highway” will exist between Egypt and Assyria (the two great enemies of Israel), and they will worship together.
- The New Covenant Foreshadowed: God calls Egypt “My people” and Assyria “the work of My hands” (Isaiah 19:25). This is a beautiful preview of the Gospel reaching the Gentiles, as Paul explains in Romans 9—calling those who were “not My people” His beloved sons and daughters.
Conclusion: Sovereignty and Salvation
God’s sovereignty over the nations is not confined to judging their sins. If God only exercised His power to judge, none would stand. Instead, His ultimate plan is to make worshipers out of the worst of sinners.
The same God who strikes Egypt is the God who heals Egypt. He takes the “objects of wrath” and turns them into “objects of mercy” (Romans 9:22-23). In these ancient pronouncements, we see Jesus Christ—mercy, grace, and longsuffering personified. He is the Savior and Champion sent to save us all.
