Isaiah 11-13

Isaiah 11

A New Kind of King

• A ruler comes from the “stump of Jesse”
• The Davidic line looks cut down, but it is not dead
• The Spirit of the LORD gives:
  • Wisdom
  • Understanding
  • Counsel
  • Might
  • Knowledge
  • Fear of the LORD

Reign of this King

• Natural enemies live together peacefully
• Violence disappears
• The knowledge of the LORD fills the earth

A New Exodus 

• The ruler becomes a signal drawing people from everywhere
• Both Israel and the nations are included
• God regathers His scattered people

Peace on Earth

• Internal conflict among God’s people ends
• Enemies lose their power

Isaiah 12

God’s anger has now passed. His people will praise His name. He is our salvation. 

Joyful Worship

• Salvation is pictured as drawing water
  • John 4:14
• God’s deeds are proclaimed 
• His people sing and give thanks

Isaiah 13

Isaiah now introduces an oracle against Babylon

• Babylon is not yet the main world power
• This prophecy looks ahead in time

Side note: this prophecy wasn’t published in Babylon 

God summons nations to carry out judgment

• They are described as God’s instruments

The Day of the LORD

• Judgment brings terror
  • cosmic imagery- stars not giving light, sun darkened
• The language is intense and overwhelming
  • Dashing children to pieces, ravishing wives.
• Sin exposed
  •  Pride, cruelty, and violence are named
  • The consequences are severe

Why Babylon: Babylon represents human arrogance and oppression

Babylon’s Fall

• The Medes are named as the agents
• Babylon is completely overthrown
  • The city becomes desolate

Historical note: Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. Isaiah speaks of this long before it happens!!

Questions

Application

Isaiah 11 invites us to place our hope in God’s kind of leadership rather than in what looks powerful or impressive. 

Isaiah 12 shows the natural response to God’s salvation: trust and praise. The people celebrate God.

Isaiah 13 brings us a reminder that no power is beyond God’s reach.