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Isaiah-18

In the Midst of Moab: A Devotional Study on Isaiah 18​

Introduction​

The book of Isaiah spans from the post-Assyrian conquest period to the pre-Babylonian conquest era. In the midst of this timeline, Isaiah 18 highlights the mysterious nation of Dumah (commonly identified as Edom, or modern-day Idumea, a region located southeast of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan). This chapter's prophetic imagery and cryptic language offer insight into the Lord's sovereignty, faithfulness, and judgment upon rebellious nations, even down to the present day.

Section 1: The Prophet's Visions (Isaiah 18:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: The prophet sees a vision of a distant nation, presumably Idumea, and is stunned by its greatly spread-out tents. God's vantage point and knowledge encompass all nations and their affairs, a truth that brings comfort in the midst of our small-mindedness and limited perspectives. Let's pause today to reflect on the vastness of God's perspective, knowing that He is in control, whether far or near.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you respond to God's vastness and knowledge, as described in Isaiah 18:1-2?
  • In what ways can you deepen your understanding that God is omniscient, and respond accordingly?

Section 2: The Lord Rejoices over Edom (Isaiah 18:3-4)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord declares His joy over Edom. Consider the paradox apparent in these verses, as God brings retribution upon the people of Edom in the following verses. This seemingly contradictory statement reminds us that God's sovereignty covers both justice and mercy simultaneously. Today, reflect on the duality of God’s sovereignty over all things.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you reconcile God's joy and retribution edicts simultaneously?
  • How can you confidently trust God's sovereign, dualistic justice and mercy?

Section 3: The Lord's Faithfulness to His Appointed Time (Isaiah 18:5-6)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord declares that He has a designated time, specific and certain, for the complete fulfillment of His vengeance against Edom. Here, God's faithfulness and steadfastness stretches forward, even beyond this present age. May we trust in His unwavering faithfulness, knowing His timing is perfect in all things.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what areas of your life do you struggle with trusting God's timing?
  • How can you deepen your faith in God's faithfulness and timing?

Section 4: The Lord's Terror to the Inhabitants of Bozrah and Idumea (Isaiah 18:7)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord will bring terror to the city and its rulers. Although these verses look dark, here we witness the glory and astounding power of God. Let's reflect on God's terrifying majesty and stand in awe of His grandeur, rather than being dismayed by His sovereign power.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you deepen your reverence and respect for God's terrifying power?
  • In what ways can you respond out of awe and gratitude for God's majestic power?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through Isaiah 18, let's walk away with a sense of awe and reverence for the Lord's grandeur and grand schemes. These verses evoke a sense of the Lord's vastness, omnipotence, and omnipresence, a divine quality that benefits us in our small-mindedness and narrow perspectives. May we respond accordingly, trusting in God's faithfulness, timing, and majesty, no matter the seemingly desolate present-day events.