BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

Employment Opportunity

• Wanted: Prophet of Yahweh.
• Location: Jerusalem, in Judah’s southern kingdom (some travel required).
• Required: Complete an orientation meeting with seraphim (winged angelic beings) in God’s heavenly temple.
• Duties Include: Holding Israel accountable for breaking agreements with Yahweh, running an unsuccessful repentance campaign, and announcing both judgment and hope for Jerusalem and other nations. Also must be willing to walk around naked for three years.

As God’s prophet, Isaiah certainly speaks on God’s behalf. He also communicates with attention-grabbing actions that disrupt and challenge onlookers.

Isaiah’s public nudity in today’s reading symbolically shows the shame and humiliation of Israel’s exile. His exposed, vulnerable body is a warning. Any nation that sets itself against Yahweh (Judah, take note) will be completely exposed and vulnerable.

Remember that the Egyptians (and other nations) count on lifeless elements and idols for protection, things that have no power to help them or keep them safe. The river that irrigates lush fields will dry up, leaving them desperate in a harsh desert. The sages and spiritists who supply Egypt’s royal court with wisdom will be thrown into confusion.

Isaiah boldly warns non-Israelite nations, but his warning extends deep into Israel’s heart as well. Isaiah warns two high-ranking Israelite officials in Jerusalem, Shebna and Eliakim, that embracing pride and self-sufficiency will also be their downfall.

While he’s delivering intense warnings, Isaiah also offers messages intended to comfort. Those who choose to trust in Yahweh, be they from Judah or other nations, will find safety and healing in Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Isaiah 19:18-25. What hope does Isaiah offer to Egypt and Assyria? What does this tell you about God’s intention for the nations beyond Israel’s borders?
• Look ahead to Paul’s citation of Isaiah 22:13—“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”—in 1 Corinthians 15. How does the context of Isaiah 22 help you understand the point Paul is making in his letter to the Corinthians?