Devotional – 041710

Isaiah 15:1-16:14

The thematic development of the oracles against the nations continues. Motyer states, “The Babylon oracle revealed that world history, even in its most threatening and climactic forms, is so organized that the people of God are cared for. The Philistia oracle confirmed this by insisting that the Davidic promises would be kept, and the Moab oracle corrects any impression that the hope expressed in the Davidic promises is exclusivist. Isaiah now says that the promises which will be fulfilled for David in Zion are for all who will take refuge there.” This section of Isaiah is also written as a chiasm:

A1 Moab’s certain ruin (15:1)

B1 Moab’s grief expressed (2-4)

C1 The Lord’s grief over Moab (5-9)

D1 Moab’s plea for shelter (16:1-4a)

E Security in Zion (4b-5)

D2 Moab’s pride (6)

B2 Moab’s grief explained (7-8)

C2 The Lord’s grief over Moab (9-12)

A2 Moab’s imminent ruin (13-14)

Although the chiasm isn’t perfect the emphasis in the “Security in Zion” in 16:4b-5 is clear. What I found interesting was the Lord’s grief over Moab in sections C1 and C2 (Ruth was a Moabite). The Lord does not take pleasure when the wicked perish. Often times we think of God being divided in the sense of either being wrathful or gracious. Our travels through the book of Isaiah thus far has showed the Lord using the nations to judge Israel and now judging the nations for their sin, corruption, and pride as well. Yet still, in the midst of judgment the Lord has compassion over Moab as He expresses His grief in verses 5-9.

A.W. Tozer highlights this doctrine of divine unity; “God exists in Himself and of Himself. His being He owes to no one. His substance is indivisible. He has no parts but is single in His unitary being.” Meaning, for our purposes, the Lord does not discontinue His promises and security for His people. He is the perfect heavenly Father who can discipline His children and lovingly restore them.

We continue to see this divine unity of judgment paired with faithfulness and compassion as Isaiah reiterates the promise of future hope (ultimately Christ) in 16:4b-5, “For the extortioner has come to an end, destruction has ceased, oppressors have completely disappeared from the land. (5) A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; moreover, he will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness” (NASB).

In summary, as Isaiah continues the oracles against the nations started in chapters 13-14, we continue to see that to trust in worldly power and the temporal is beyond foolish. For when we pursue security outside of the Lord it is no different than the sin and pride of Moab who found their might in military strength, ignoring the God who has proven Himself to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.