Tanak Foundations-Concepts in Isaiah-Chapter 18

Isa 18.1-7 describes the destruction of Assyria, which was discussed in the previous chapter. But there is an eschatological meaning to all of this, too. In the peshat level, this is a prophecy about the destruction of Assyria, and eschatologically it is about the destruction of Gog and Magog/Russia in the birth-pains.

v 1…Alas (“hoi”), Oh land (some Jewish commentators say this is Mesopotamia, but we believe it may mean Egypt) of whirring wings (“tzal tzal” or a buzzing sound like a fly-Isa 7.18), which lies beyond the rivers of Cush (Egypt was governed by and connected to Ethiopia. There are two “Cush’s in Scripture, the one in Mesopotamia and Ethiopia. This is obviously Ethiopia due to the context)

v 2…Which sends envoys (Egyptian ambassadors to work out alliances) by the sea (the Red Sea or Mediterranean) even in papyrus vessels on the surface of the waters (lightweight). Go swift messengers (“malakim” or agents) to a nation tall (spread out to the south) and smooth (shaven, no facial hair), to a people feared far and wide (strong and inaccessible), a powerful and oppressive nation (that tramples down), whose land the rivers divide (Nile and the canals; is spoiled or despised, relating to the overflowing of the Nile, and telling the Egyptians that God is going to do a great work upon the Assyrians whom they fear).

v 3…All you inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth (a parallelism meaning to take notice of what I am going to say), as soon as a standard is raised on the mountains (of Judea) you will see it (when the Assyrians will lift up their banners, the sign appointed by God, on the mountains of Judea, and Egypt and Ethiopia will know that Jerusalem is going to be besieged, but Assyria will be destroyed. They will come to stop Assyria in accordance to their alliance with Judah), as soon as the trumpet (for war) is blown, you will hear it (Egypt tried to delay Assyria but didn’t, which prompted Sennacherib to say that Egypt was a crushed reed that Hezekiah relied on -Isa 36.6).

v 4…For thus Yehovah has told me (revealed this prophecy to me), “I (Yehovah) will take my rest (it will look as if I am doing nothing to preserve my people) and I will look from my dwelling place (in heaven to decide when to make my move upon the proud and arrogant Assyrians), like dazzling heat in the sunshine (after a good rain, a comfort), like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest (God is going to give deliverance and refreshment to his people and other nations after Assyria is defeated).”

v 5…For before the harvest (Assyria getting ready for their harvest-Isa 10.6; Ezek 38.10-13), as soon as the bud blossoms (when Assyria has everything going their way) and the flowers become a ripening grape (ready to take the spoil, Sennacherib’s plan is going his way), then he (Yehovah) will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives (Assyrian corpses; their expectations will be cut short) and remove and cut away the spreading branches (his army will be destroyed).

v 6…They will be left together for the mountain birds of prey and for the beasts of the earth; and the birds of prey will spend the summer feeding on them, and all the beasts of the earth will spend harvest time on them (his army will be destroyed and will be food for the birds and the beasts-Ezek 39.4).

v 7…At that time (after Assyria is judged) a gift of homage will be brought to the Lord of hosts (from Egypt and Ethiopia because they have been delivered from Assyria. Remember, they were in an alliance with Hezekiah and Judah and benefited from this miracle. 2 Chr 32.23 says that many brought gifts to Yehovah, and Yehovah and Hezekiah were exalted in the sight of the nations, and this would include Egypt) from a people tall and smooth (Egypt), even from a people feared far and wide, a powerful and oppressive nation, whose land the rivers divide ( the Nile and the canals; is spoiled and despised when it floods)-to the place of the name of the Lord, even Mount Zion (to the Temple).

Posted in All Teachings, Articles, Idioms, Phrases and Concepts, Prophecy/Eschatology, The Festivals of the Lord, The Tanak, Tying into the New Testament

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