Isaiah 21

Summary The Assyrian conquest is a massive threat throughout the book of Isaiah. Nations are in negotiations with each other, but the Assyrians are coming. A threat from the east. In Isaiah's time in the 8th century BC, this was an international catastrophe. The Assyrians saw it as their calling to vanquish and subjugate all other nations. This is on the same level as the Nazis conquest of Europe during World War 2. Edom is referenced as seeing the war coming. Arabia is encouraged to take in refugees and care for these people. This is an international crisis. God Isaiah sees the international scene. The Bible writers do not have a narrow view of the world. Israel was intended to lift up the one God and be an international influence. That's why the prophet Isaiah doesn't just write regarding Israel, but the entire world. Assyria believed they were the only humans, and all other nations were inferior. This resulted in their conquest of the nations. However, God will not be conquered. This is why Isaiah says that though it will be catastrophic, they will not be successful. 100 million people today are forcibly displaced from their home around the world. Gospel God is not a bystander here. God is working through this catastrophe to bring about his plans to the nations. Through this event, Israel will interact with the nations. Assyria won’t be successful, but Israel will continue to be an influence in the world. God is at work in the world even when the days are evil. Reflection How do we relate to those currently experiencing war and who are forcibly displaced?