Ep 760 – Isaiah 8:11-22

The author of the book of Hebrews provides us with the following statement intended to encourage us in our walk of faith: "The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" He was simply paraphrasing Psalm 118:6 which reads: "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Both authors were attempting to remind their readers not to fear men. With God on your side, there is no reason to fear mortal men. Even Jesus picked up on this theme when He told His disciples, "do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28 ESV). Sure, men can take your life, but they can do nothing to impact the eternal state of your soul. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus are guaranteed an eternal existence with God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But we face opposition in this life. We come under threats for our faith. So did Isaiah, and that is why, in Isaiah 8:11-22, God told the prophet to fear Him and not men. He was to stay faithful, even when tempted to compromise and cave in.