Sure Foundations

Isaiah declared a prophecy concerning Assyria, who were an enemy of Isreal. This city had come against Israel on a number of occasions and caused them great anguish. “What sorrow awaits you Assyrians, who have destroyed others but have never been destroyed yourselves. You betray others, but you have never been betrayed. When you are done destroying, you will be destroyed. When you are done betraying, you will be betrayed” (Isaiah 33:1). Isaiah was declaring that God would avenge and bring recompense for the wrongs that they had committed. As they were sowing seeds of destruction and betrayal, their day of destruction and betrayal would also come. He prayed for God to have mercy on his people and protect them and save them out of trouble. “The enemy runs at the sound of your voice. When you stand up, the nations flee” (Isaiah 33:3)!

The declaration was that the army of Assyria, would fall like fields that had been stripped by the locust and caterpillars. Although God lives in heaven, he will make his home among his people for justice and righteousness. God will be our sure and strong foundation providing salvation, wisdom and knowledge. God would cause the warriors of their enemies to weep and their ambassadors will cry in bitter disappointment. “Your roads are deserted; no one travels them anymore. The Assyrians have broken their peace treaty and care nothing for the promises they made before witnesses. They have no respect for anyone” (Isaiah 33:8). As a result of Assyria’s actions, Isreal was in mourning and shame as their lands had been plundered.

“But the Lord says: “Now I will stand up. Now I will show my power and might” (Isaiah 33:10). The Assyrians did not produce anything worthwhile and their people would be destroyed. God’s consuming fire caused sinners to tremble. Those who were honest and fair, who refused to profit from bribes and stayed away from evil, God would lift them on high. God would provide for them and, “Your eyes will see the king in all his splendor, and you will see a land that stretches into the distance” (Isaiah 33:17). God’s promise to his people was that they would look back and not be able to see their enemies. His people would not always experience violence from strangers. God would restore and establish his people and place an edge of protection around them, that the enemy cannot penetrate.

Despite the trials and persecution that God’s children were experiencing, there was a word of comfort and promise, that God would take vengeance against their enemies. God would also restore, protect and keep them safe from harm. Despite what they were experiencing, they had a solid foundation in the word of God and his promises. God’s word was still in effect and his promise to Abraham and his seed would last forever. We have a sure and firm foundation in Jesus Christ and our hope is fixed on the promises of God. We are not shaken by the enemy’s actions and his attacks don’t move us because God is our firm foundation. “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12).

A.P.-Y.