Isaiah 14
by Pastor David Groendyk

We’re at the beginning of the next section in Isaiah (chapters 13–27) where God gives a word of both judgment and hope primarily for the nations of the world besides Israel. Chapter 14 continues the thought from the previous chapter where God condemns Babylon, and he goes on also to condemn two other great enemies of Israel—Assyria and Philistia. This is a rich poetic chapter, but rather than take it line-by-line, let’s point out just a few truths that we can cling to when we think about having to face our enemies.

First, the Lord promises to show us compassion (v. 1). The very first word of chapter 14—“for”—is an important one. “For” signals that verses 1–2 of chapter 14 are the reason for God bringing about chapter 13. God promises to put an end to his and our enemies as an act of compassion towards us. He pities us and his heart breaks when he sees his people hurting. “Pity” can sometimes have negative connotations in our culture, almost as if when you pity someone you are looking down on them. But when God takes pity on us, it is an act of love. He sees our helpless estate and is moved to do something about it. What an assurance that our God is not a cold, unfeeling, distant God. He is not just transcendent and high above us, but he also loves to condescend and come down to us. Praise God for his unending love and compassion!

Next, the Lord promises to give rest (v. 3). Have you experienced what Israel has experienced? Have you ever felt pain or gone through turmoil or been made to be a slave? I am personally very drawn to this imagery of God promising us rest. He will cause his people to be settled, to sit back and relax, to be untouched by trouble, and to be satisfied. How much anxiety and fretting and unsettle-ment do our enemies or sin or circumstances cause us? How much spiritual work is it to cling to God while you’re wandering through a desert? How hard is it to stave off the temptations to abandon God when our enemies surround us? As Hebrews 3–4 tells us, just like Israel, we all face hardships and temptations as we wander in the wilderness, away from our true home, until that final day comes and we enter the rest of the Promised Land. Cling to that promise of rest!

Finally, the Lord promises that no one can annul his purposes (vv. 26–27). Another amazing promise to cling to. Although our lives may look bleak, our enemies may seem inescapable, and our sin may seem undefeatable, God has decreed ultimate victory for us. Why is this so important to remember? If God were compassionate and promised us rest but his plans were capable of being changed, then what kind of promises are compassion and rest? God assures us that he does not lie, that he does not change his mind, and that no one and nothing can ever thwart him. The reality of his power and authority and promises for us are far more real than even the trouble that we can see with our two eyes. Praise God that he is sovereign and unchanging!

There are many more truths we could point out from this chapter, but meditate on these three today. How do these three truths change your outlook on your own personal circumstances?