Chapters 30-33

Chapter 30

As help against the dreaded Assyria, Israel considers help from Egypt, a plan that is ultimately destined for failure, because it is not of the LORD (30:1). The people are Israel are described as rebellious and faithless children, children who are deaf to the LORD’s instruction.

Here I am reminded of how often as young children our parents ask us, “Are you listening?” Often we hear but do not listen to the instruction of God. God has made plain his intentions through the Scriptures and in the sending of his Son. But are we listening? Are we at least daily listening to God’s teaching through prayer and Scripture?

Chapter 31

Judah is chastised for seeking help with “powers” and nations other than the LORD (cf. 7:10-16, the reading for the fourth Sunday of Advent). As the mighty Assyrian empire declined, Egypt for a time filled the power vacuum, so they were an attractive ally. The LORD God, however is the one who wields true power (31:3).

Chapter 32

Chapter 32 holds out hope that there will be (some) faithful kings in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The sins highlighted remain those against the poor and weak (32:7), but also the sin of apathy/complacency (32:11). When a spirit from on high (aleynu ruach) is poured out upon the people then things will change (32:15-20).

Perhaps this chapter is an invitation to lift our eyes heavenward, from where our redemption comes. Indeed, during Advent we find ourselves with our “heads in the clouds” as we await the return of our promised Redeemer.

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 may have been used in a Temple service in later (post-exilic) times (NRSV, Oxford Annotated Bible, notes, p. 908 OT). As such, the victorious imagery of Jerusalem and the Temple make sense (33:20). The language is more than beautiful in its longing for the LORD’s salvation: “Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble” (33:2). There are of course resonances with the Crucifixion in 33:10: “Now I will arise…now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted.” We are even given instructions for living in God’s kingdom (33:14-16).

We are now halfway through the chapters of Isaiah and nearly mid-way through Advent this year.