July 17

Isaiah 18-22 (biblegateway.com)

When Nations Tremble: Isaiah’s Oracles of Warning and Woe

Isaiah 18–22 continues a section of prophecy where God speaks against several nations surrounding Judah—Cush (Ethiopia), Egypt, Babylon, Edom, Arabia, and even Jerusalem itself. While these chapters reflect specific historical events and geopolitical shifts in the ancient Near East, they also reveal timeless truths: pride leads to ruin, alliances cannot replace God’s protection, and every nation is ultimately accountable to Him. Isaiah’s words echo through time, reminding us that God’s plans will prevail, whether through discipline, judgment, or unexpected deliverance.

Isaiah 18 – A Message to Cush (Ethiopia) and God’s Sovereign Plan

Isaiah 18 is a short yet enigmatic chapter directed toward Cush. “Cush,” also known as Nubia or Ethiopia (though not the same as modern Ethiopia), designates a region of northeast Africa along the Nile, which corresponds to present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan, and is located northwest of present-day Ethiopia.

The passage describes a land “beyond the rivers of Cush” (v. 1), famous for its swift messengers and impressive military strength. Historical records show that Cush had growing power during Isaiah’s day, often involved in regional diplomacy, including attempts to form alliances with nations like Judah to resist Assyria. The message is directed against the “land of whirring wings” (v. 1), which may refer to the multitude of insects or locusts that infest the Nile Valley. However, given the context of “envoys” on the waterways (v 2), this might likely refer to the many swift papyrus boats that sped up and down the Nile. In either case, the chapter opens with a prophetic warning or call for attention against Cush, who is sending these swift envoys by sea. During this time of intense diplomacy, it’s unclear exactly who the envoys are addressing, but they are likely either seeking alliances or delivering urgent messages.

God addresses “all inhabitants of the world” (v. 3), signaling that this message also holds broader significance beyond Ethiopia’s borders. Isaiah calls the whole world to redirect its attention to the unmistakable signs of God’s activity in history. He refers to a banner lifted on the mountains and a trumpet blown (v. 3), signs of a public announcement or divine intervention visible to all nations.

In verses 4–6, God reveals His posture toward the frantic diplomacy of nations like Cush. While nations strategize and panic, God declares that He will quietly observe from His heavenly dwelling (v. 4). He compares Himself to heat during harvest time, calmly watching while His purposes unfold. The Lord revealed to Isaiah that He would wait for the right moment to bring judgment on the enemy, and once God’s purpose was completed, He would step in and cut them down (v. 5), just as they were about to “ripen” and expand their empire further. Their downfall would be sudden; they would be left dead on the mountains, becoming food for birds in the summer and wild animals in the winter (v. 6). God shows that He does not react to human schemes; instead, He works according to His perfect timing.

However, the chapter does not end in judgment. In verse 7, Isaiah presents a surprising turn toward hope. After God’s acts of justice, the people from Cush themselves will bring gifts to the Lord at Mount Zion (v. 7), acknowledging His sovereignty. This anticipates a time when distant nations will come to worship the God of Israel. This prophecy is found to be echoed later in Isaiah (Isaiah 60:6-9) and the New Testament, such as the Ethiopian official who comes to faith in Acts 8:26-39. Ultimately, Isaiah 18 points toward God’s global kingdom, where even once-pagan nations are drawn into worship.

Isaiah 18 highlights several key theological truths. First, it emphasizes God’s sovereignty over the nations. Despite all political schemes and diplomatic efforts, God watches patiently and intervenes at just the right moment. He is neither rushed nor threatened by human plans. Second, the chapter makes clear that human efforts apart from God ultimately fail. The attempts at forming alliances without seeking God’s direction lead only to defeat and ruin. Third, it reveals that God’s purposes extend beyond Israel to include all nations. Though Cush faces warning here, the prophecy ends with a vision of all peoples, including Cush, bringing gifts to the Lord, pointing to God’s redemptive heart for the whole world. Finally, it reminds us that divine judgment is both swift and complete. When God acts, His judgment is thorough, like the cutting down of a vineyard.

Isaiah 19 – The Oracle Concerning Egypt

Isaiah 19 presents a striking prophecy concerning Egypt, a dominant power in the ancient Near East. The chapter highlights Egypt’s downfall and eventual spiritual restoration, demonstrating both God’s sovereignty over nations and His redemptive plans beyond Israel.

The chapter opens with a vivid image of the Lord “riding on a swift cloud” (v. 1), signaling His direct intervention against Egypt. This imagery evokes God’s sovereign authority and judgment, as He approaches like a divine warrior, causing the idols of Egypt to tremble and the hearts of Egyptians to melt in fear. Egypt’s deeply rooted idolatry will prove powerless against the true God.

In verses 2–4, God declares He will stir up internal conflict within Egypt, “brother against brother” and “city against city” (v. 2). He also speaks to national disunity among kingdoms and civil strife, possibly referring to political revolts or competing factions in Egypt’s history. God further states that He will hand Egypt over to a cruel master (v. 4), possibly alluding to the Assyrian conquest or later oppressors like Babylon. Ultimately, Egypt’s downfall comes not merely from foreign threats but from God’s direct hand of judgment.

The prophecy shifts focus to Egypt’s economic ruin. Isaiah said that the destruction would affect nature to show that the judgment would be from God. A drought would ruin the economy and cause the people whose work depended on the Nile, Egypt’s lifeline, to be depressed (v. 5-10). If the Nile dries up or floods uncontrollably, the entire agricultural system collapses, devastating farmers and fishermen (v. 6-8). The famous flax industries and textile trades also crumble (v. 9-10). This highlights how God can dismantle a nation by touching its natural resources and economy, demonstrating that no human power is secure apart from Him.

In verses 11–15, Egypt’s famed wisdom and leadership are exposed as foolish and ineffective. The princes of Zoan and Memphis, important cities, are shown to be clueless, unable to provide solutions (v. 11, 13). God’s judgment includes a spirit of confusion (v. 14), leading Egypt to stagger like a drunkard, incapable of coherent leadership. Egypt was well known in the ancient world for its wisdom writings and its wise men. But Isaiah warned Egypt not to count on her wise men to save the nation from the coming destruction. The nation’s pride in its wisdom and self-reliance is completely undone.

Despite the dark tone of judgment, the chapter concludes with an astonishing vision of hope. The phrase “in that day” appears five times in this passage (v. 16, 18-19, 21, 23). This expression often points to a time of judgment followed by restoration or blessing. In verses 16-25, the focus is on the result of Egypt’s judgment; ultimately, Egypt will come to fear the Lord and acknowledge Him as the one true God.

In verses 16–17, Egypt is depicted as fearful of Judah, recognizing God’s power at work. However, this fear begins to shift toward reverence. Verses 18–22 describe a future spiritual awakening in Egypt. Five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord of Hosts (v. 18), a symbolic image of Egypt turning toward God. One of these cities is called the City of Destruction (or “City of the Sun” in some translations), suggesting a dramatic spiritual reversal.

The meaning of “City of Destruction” has been widely debated. However, some believe it seems preferable to follow the reading found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Vulgate, which render it “City of the Sun” (kheres), referring to Heliopolis. Heliopolis, a prominent city in Egypt’s Delta region, was devoted to the worship of the sun god. A transformation of this magnitude, from sun worship to worshiping the Lord, would clearly demonstrate to Israel and the world the sincerity of Egypt’s new devotion to God.

Egypt will even build an altar to the Lord (v. 19) and cry out to Him in their suffering (v. 20). In an incredible statement, God promises to strike Egypt and then heal them (v. 22), demonstrating both His justice and His mercy. The prophecy culminates in a vision of regional reconciliation. Egypt, Assyria, and Israel—three historically hostile nations—are pictured together in worship and mutual blessing (v. 23-25).

Remarkably, God calls Egypt “My people,” Assyria “the work of My hands,” and Israel “My inheritance” (v. 25), showing that His redemptive plan embraces all nations, not just Israel. This fulfills the promise to Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through” him (Gen. 12:3) and anticipates the gospel’s global reach through Christ, the ultimate Deliverer sent to all who call on Him in faith.

Isaiah 20 – A Sign Against Egypt and Cush

Isaiah inserted a narrative section here to drive home what had been said in Chapter 18 against Cush and in Chapter 19 against Egypt. Some in Judah wanted to form an alliance with these two nations to help avert the Assyrian threat. Chapter 20 shows the foolishness of such a course of action.

The chapter dates itself to the time when Sargon, king of Assyria, sent his commander to capture Ashdod (v. 1). This event likely occurred around 711 BC, during a period of Assyrian military dominance in the region. Ashdod, a Philistine city, had rebelled against Assyria, and its fall was a warning to others contemplating revolt.

In response to a looming political crisis, God commanded Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals (v. 2). Isaiah obeyed, walking barefoot and stripped down, likely to a loincloth, for three years, symbolizing shame, humiliation, and impending captivity. This dramatic, divinely directed act served as a clear warning to Judah and other nations tempted to trust Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia) for protection against Assyria (v. 3). Isaiah’s public display wasn’t merely for shock; it vividly portrayed the fate awaiting those who placed their hope in these nations.

In the ancient world, clothing reflected social status, and being stripped symbolized disgrace and the loss of dignity. Isaiah’s action foreshadowed the humiliation Egypt and Cush would suffer when Assyria conquered them. Just as captives and criminals were paraded naked to display their downfall, these nations would be led away in shame. God’s message was clear: just as Isaiah had walked exposed and humiliated, so too would Egyptian and Cushite captives, young and old, be taken away by the Assyrians, barefoot, stripped, and publicly shamed (v.4).

In verses 5-6, God anticipates the reaction of the surrounding peoples. Those who once placed their hope in Egypt and Cush would be utterly dismayed when they witnessed their downfall. The people of Judah, too, would be left asking in despair: “How shall we escape?” (v. 6). The implied answer is that their only refuge is not in human alliances, but in God Himself.

This passage highlights key theological truths. First, God alone is worthy of our trust. Judah’s temptation to rely on Egypt and Cush serves as a timeless warning against misplaced confidence in human powers, which can never replace God as our ultimate protector. Second, God often uses unusual means to communicate His message. Isaiah’s uncomfortable public sign-act shows how seriously God calls His people back to Himself, sometimes through surprising or humbling ways. Third, judgment can also be an act of mercy. The severe judgment against Egypt and Cush was meant to awaken Judah, urging them to abandon false securities and return to God. Finally, the chapter reminds us that nations rise and fall under God’s sovereign hand; history is not random, but directed by God’s purposes (Daniel 2:21).

These truths call us to personal reflection. We must ask: where are we placing our trust? Like Judah, we often rely on politics, finances, relationships, or our own abilities instead of fully trusting God. Isaiah 20 challenges us to recognize and abandon unstable foundations. It also calls us to listen carefully to God’s warnings, no matter how uncomfortable or unexpected they may be, responding with humility and repentance. God asked Isaiah to do something that appeared shameful and unreasonable. Similarly, there may be times when God calls us to take actions we don’t fully understand. In those moments, we are called to obey in full trust, knowing that God will never lead us to do anything sinful or wrong.

Isaiah 21 – Oracles Concerning Babylon, Edom, and Arabia

Isaiah 21 contains three distinct oracles, each focusing on different nations: Babylon (v.1-10), Edom (v. 11-12), and Arabia (v. 13-17). This chapter presents vivid prophetic visions that continue to emphasize God’s sovereignty over all nations and the certainty of His judgment against human pride and false security.

Isaiah begins with a dramatic oracle concerning Babylon, called here the “Desert by the Sea” (v. 1). The imagery suggests both Babylon’s geographical setting near the rivers and its eventual desolation. The vision is filled with a sense of dread as a destructive force like a whirlwind comes from the desert (v. 1), likely referring to the Medes and Persians, who would later conquer Babylon. While some scholars say this prophecy was fulfilled at Babylon’s fall in 539 B.C., others say this was a prophecy of Babylon’s revolt against Assyria around 700 B.C.

Isaiah’s own response in verses 2-4 shows the emotional weight of this vision. Though Babylon was an enemy of Judah, the prophet is physically distressed by the terror he foresees. The prophecy he was about to deliver left him in agony, likened to the intense pain of a woman in labor—a common image among the prophets (v. 3). His heart falters, and he trembles with anguish (v. 4), revealing the burden of delivering a message of such overwhelming destruction.

God’s purpose in this judgment is clear. Babylon had been a symbol of pride and oppression, and now its downfall is inevitable.

Meanwhile, others carried on in a festive mood, oblivious to the serious events around them. In verse 5, there’s an almost ironic scene where the Babylonians are shown feasting and drinking, completely unaware of the impending danger. The prophetic call is to “arise, O princes, oil the shield!”—a warning of sudden attack, echoing Babylon’s arrogance and false security.

Verses 6–9 depict a watchman reporting the downfall of Babylon. He watches faithfully, and when he sees horsemen and chariots approaching, he cries out: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon!” (v. 9). The repeated cry emphasizes Babylon’s final and total destruction. This declaration points forward to the later destruction of Babylon and echoes throughout Scripture, including Revelation 18:2, which applies to the final fall of worldly systems opposed to God. The section closes in verse 10 with Isaiah addressing God’s people as “my threshed and winnowed one”, a poetic way of referring to those who have suffered under oppression.

In verses 11-12, Isaiah delivers an oracle against Edom (here called Dumah). A voice calls to the watchman asking, “What of the night?”—a question expressing uncertainty about the future (v. 11). The watchman’s response (v. 12) is vague, “Morning comes, but also night.”  But Edom is urged to keep inquiring. “If you will inquire, inquire; come back again.” The idea here is that Edom, despite the impending doom, still has an opportunity to seek wisdom and perhaps turn back to God. Ultimately, the future holds both hope and judgment.

The final oracle in this chapter addresses Arabian tribes and regions significant in trade and regional history, specifically Dedanites, Tema, and Kedar (v.13–17). The places listed here, all located in Arabia, are border cities that controlled the trade routes through the land.

The Dedanites (v. 13) were a tribe from southern Arabia. Dedan is an oasis two hundred miles south of Dumah. For safety, they will pass the night in the thickets rather than in more conventional lodging places (v. 14). Tema is an oasis located ninety miles north of Dedan. The desert peoples provide food and water for the fugitives from the battle (v. 15). The fact that fugitives appear in these remote locations is a sign of how intense the battle will be. Kedar was in northern Arabia. This oracle discusses the difficult times the people of Arabia would soon experience at the hands of the Assyrians.

The prophecy warns that within one year, the glory of Kedar, known for its skilled warriors, will be shattered (v. 16). The precise timeframe shows God’s control over events, and the mention of “the remainder of the archers” (v. 17) suggests a devastating loss for the region. Once proud and strong, these tribes will face humiliation and defeat by God’s decree. The prestige of Arabia will soon be humbled, and her warriors reduced to a remnant.

This section of Isaiah presents theological truths with practical relevance. First, it underscores that God judges human pride and false security. The fall of Babylon is a warning that no nation or system, however powerful, can withstand divine judgment. Second, the prophetic burden reflects God’s heart. Isaiah’s personal anguish reveals that true prophets share in God’s compassion; they do not take pleasure in declaring judgment but carry the emotional weight of God’s message. Third, God’s sovereignty over all nations is evident. Whether it’s Babylon, Edom, or Arabia, all nations fall within the scope of His authority, and His purposes unfold in perfect timing. Lastly, the tension between judgment and mercy remains. Edom’s oracle includes a call to seek God, showing that even warnings contain invitations to repentance.

Isaiah 22 – An Oracle Against Jerusalem: The Valley of Vision

Isaiah 22 shifts its focus from surrounding nations to a sobering message against Jerusalem itself, referred to as the “Valley of Vision” (v. 1). This title is ironic, as Jerusalem, the city where prophets receive visions from God, is shown to be spiritually blind to the dangers approaching her. The people are described as celebrating on rooftops (v. 1-2), acting as though nothing threatens them, despite the looming military crisis. This joyful noise is misplaced; Isaiah calls it a city filled with “shouting” and “tumult,” but these are not shouts of victory, as they are blind to the seriousness of their situation.

In verses 3-4, Isaiah vividly describes Jerusalem’s defeat: leaders flee without a fight, and many people are captured. Isaiah, deeply grieved, refuses comfort, mourning over the coming disaster and calling it “a day of tumult, trampling, and confusion” (v. 5). The city’s pride is exposed. Rather than seeking God, they relied on their own defenses and alliances.

Verses 5-7 depict the siege itself. The Elamites and Kir, ancient enemies skilled in warfare, are shown bringing chariots and shields against Jerusalem (v. 6). The enemy has broken down the city’s defenses, and Judah scrambles to prepare, but too late. In verses 8–11, Isaiah criticizes the people for focusing solely on military preparations: they inspected the armor (v. 8), repaired the city walls, collected water to survive the siege (v. 9-11), and even dismantled houses to strengthen fortifications. Yet they utterly neglected to look to God, who had long ago planned all things (v. 11). Their practical, human efforts ignored the spiritual problem at the heart of their crisis.

Even more striking, verses 12-14 reveal that God called the people to repentance—to weep, mourn, and humble themselves (v. 12). Instead, they chose to feast and celebrate. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (v. 13). This defiant response reveals a hardened heart toward God’s call. As a result, God declares through Isaiah that their iniquity will not be forgiven until death (v. 14), a grave warning about hardened sin.

In the final section (v. 15-25), Isaiah delivers a specific judgment against Shebna, the palace steward, who held high authority in the king’s court. Shebna had arrogantly built himself an elaborate tomb, seeking honor and security in death (v. 16). God condemns his pride and announces that Shebna will be forcibly removed from office and cast into exile (v. 17-18), dying in disgrace. In his place, God promises to raise up Eliakim, son of Hilkiah (v. 20), a faithful servant who will rule with wisdom and stability. Eliakim is described as a “peg in a secure place” (v. 23), entrusted with the authority of the “key of the house of David” (v. 22).

However, even Eliakim’s leadership has limits. Eventually, the weight of responsibility placed upon him will lead to his fall (v. 25), reminding us that no human leader, no matter how faithful, can fully bear the burdens of God’s people. The only lasting hope lies in the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who alone can uphold the kingdom perfectly.

Isaiah 22 presents clear theological truths with strong personal and communal implications. First, it shows that human pride leads to ruin. Jerusalem’s misplaced confidence in its defenses and Shebna’s personal arrogance reveal how pride blinds people to their dependence on God. Second, God desires true repentance, not shallow or surface responses. While God called His people to humility and mourning, they instead chose indulgence and denial, reminding us that repentance is essential for a restored relationship with Him. Third, leadership holds great significance before God. The contrast between Shebna and Eliakim highlights that God appoints and removes leaders, viewing authority as a sacred trust, not an opportunity for self-promotion. Finally, Eliakim’s role points beyond itself—his authority and the “key” given to him foreshadow Christ’s ultimate authority over God’s kingdom.

Conclusion:

Isaiah 18-22 powerfully reminds us that God alone rules over the nations. No amount of military power, political strategy, or wealth can shield a people from His judgment when they reject His ways. The oracles against these nations—and even against Jerusalem—warn against placing hope in worldly strength or human alliances. Yet, within the warnings, God’s sovereignty and justice shine clearly. He humbles the proud, protects the faithful, and works through history to accomplish His purposes. These chapters call us to trust in God’s unshakable kingdom, remembering that He alone offers lasting security amid a shifting and uncertain world.