27. Isaiah’s Judgments

(Reading June 28 - July 4)

Key Point:
Isaiah foresees the coming of the Messiah, but not before the defeat and destruction of the immoral and idolatrous people in Judah and the surrounding nations.  On a hopeful note, King Hezekiah cleanses the temple, restores proper worship, and reinstitutes the Passover.

Key Verse:
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 , DB page 818).

Outline:
The Prophecies of Micah
Micah preaches to Judah that God does not want empty worship from people who are morally and ethically bankrupt.  Micah specifically prophesies the fall of Samaria, the fall of Jerusalem, the exile in Babylon, and the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem.
Isaiah Prophesies about a Savior (Isaiah 7-12 )
Isaiah predicts the fall of Syria and Israel and the eventual arrival of the Messiah.
Isaiah Prophesies against Nations (Isaiah 13-23 )
Through Isaiah, God pronounces judgment against the wicked nations around Judah.
   

Thought Questions:

1.  Who are the primary targets of Micah’s condemnation?





2.  Micah 6 and 7 describe a courtroom scene.  Who is the accused?  The prosecutor?  The chief witnesses?  Judge and jury?  What is the verdict?  Any chance for an appeal?





3.  What does it mean to “act justly,” “love mercy,” and “walk humbly” (Micah 6:8 , DB page 811)? Chapters 7-12 of Isaiah contain a mixture of events that were imminent and other events that were distant.  Why do you think prophecies were given this way?





4.  Identify the messianic passages in chapters 7-12.





5.  What caused God to send judgment against Israel?





6.  Why did God use Assyria to discipline Judah?  Does God work that way today?

7.  What was God’s objective in punishing the nations around Israel?