• Damascus: Chapter 17 begins by prophesying that Damascus will become a ruined and deserted city; a consequence of its past actions against God and Israel. This verse suggests our past sins matter, but Jesus steps in and says, He has paid for those sins if the one being judged is a believer.
• Israel (Ephraim): The prophecy extends to the cities of Israel, which will become deserted. This is leading to a significant decline in population and glory of Israel. Two times this did or will happen. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) has never been repopulated by Hebrews since the Assyrians dismantled it in 722 B.C. It will be the same in End Time per the number of Israelites still alive. Many will have been slaughtered.
• Idolatry and alliances: Isaiah connects this judgment to God’s appointed people of Israel’s and their abandonment of God and reliance on foreign alliances. Isaiah symbolized this by the planting of “pleasant plants” and “foreign seedlings,” which will ultimately yield. 

Isaiah does it once again. He uses lingo that is often symbolic of something or somewhere else. It makes a deep-dive-study to discover or unravel what a verse or passage is saying. Chapter 17 is one of them.

V1: Damascus will cease from being a city. This is quite a bold statement for a city that is possibly the longest occupied city of significance in history. It will be a ruinous heap. Historians and globalists would challenge this on what they see. Damascus has been around for a long time using archaeological evidence to prove it. This is End Time prophecy.

V2:[JS1]  “The cities of Aroer…”? There are three different BIBLE and historical locations identified as Aroer territories. One is near the Arnon River in modern-day Jordan, one in the territory of the Tribe of Gad, and one in Judah in the Negev desert [see map to the right]. The Negev or Naqab is a desert and semiarid region of southern Israel. Its main city is Be’er Sheva.  This is too far south to be the Aroer of Isaiah. This map is not southern Jordan. Thus, we are left with Aroer somewhat to the north where verse 3 is closer to Damascus.

The lands and cities of Aroer will be desolate.

AHAMOMENT: The Ammonites are descendants of Ben-ammi, who was the son of Lot (Abraham’s nephew) and Lot’s younger daughter (Genesis 19:38).

The Moabites are descended from Moab, the son of Lot and his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). 

 The Edomites are the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin and Isaac’s eldest son. In short, Edomites are blood relatives to the Israelites. Verse 1-5 tell why to NOT make a vow to God. Don’t say to God in a prayer … you do this for me; I will do such-n-such [Matthew 5:33-37]     

V3: Recall Ephriam’s name is often used as a synonym for the ten northern tribes of Israel. This is one of those times. God means the northern ten Tribes of Israel when he says “Ephriam.” Shortly after, Assyria fulfills this prophecy. In 722 B.C. the Assyrians turn on and destroy the northern Kingdom of Israel. The Northern Kingdom tribes are dispersed in multiple directions. Nineveh of Assyria then becomes the big dog on the block.

V4: “In that day the glory of Jacob will be brought low, and the fat of his flesh will grow lean.” Jacob/Israel will become a nobody. This is another near and distant prophecy. Once at this time and a second during the tribulation.

V5:  All-in-all, verses 1–5 prophecy of Israel to the north, through the soon-to-invade armies of the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib, will seek their complete destruction and dispersion. The Northern Kingdon never recovers and Israelis do not return to their homelands until end time.

V6: “Gleanings will be *left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten— two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the LORD God of Israel.” 
* In their former tribal territories in northern Israel. They become the Ten Lost Tribes.

V7: In verse 7 we find that phrase again, “In that Day” man will look for his maker.  Isaiah jumps ahead to THE future of End time. All of Israel will look to their left and to the right finding very few Hebrew neighbors. Israelites, meaning all 12 Tribes, including Jerusalem, look to God and Messiah Jesus. They will need his help, better said, his complete intervention. This could also include mankind. The Tribulation will be over and many will die in Armageddon.

V8 – 9: “In that Day” mankind will find that wealth or possessions are not a safety net. This firstly applies to the north ten Tribes. The world under antichrist will be self-destroying. Dr. Jeremiah: One of God’s purposes in judgment is to turn our focus away from the things we have trusted in instead of toward Him. Israel’s dependence on earthly allies in their near future did not help. End time dependence on others will totally fail. Instead, those Israel thinks will help will become invaders.

V10 – 12: From Verse 10 to the end of chapter 17, we find what Gods’ hand is going to do. What man may carefully plant will be of little value. The seed will flourish looking promising, but the crop will fail. V11 once again uses that phrase, IN THAT DAY.

V13 – 14: In the Jeremiah study Bible the footnote states: “God will blow away the foreign nations like the chaff separated from the grain. They will create a giant dust storm, and they will vanish in a day. (This is the ON THAT DAY) God will ultimately rescue His people and deal justly with all nations aligned against her.” These verses emphasize that the enemies’ “portion” and “lot” is their own ruin, a direct result of their oppressive actions against God’s people. God’s people in this verse can include any believer, but especially Israelis.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

 [JS1]https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2017%3A2&version=NASB

Isaiah 16, as explained by Halley’s Bible Handbook, describes a prophecy of judgment against Moab for its pride, which was a continuation of the message in chapter 15. It calls for Moab to send a flock lambs as a tribute to Jerusalem, symbolizing their need to submit to Judah and the ruler of Judah’s land. A flock of lambs is no great issue for Moabites. However, it also reveals that Moab’s arrogance led to the destruction of its prosperity and a devastating downfall. 

Moab’s desperate plea and punishment

• The chapter begins with a plea for Moab to send *a lamb as a tribute to the ruler of Judah, a gesture of seeking favor and protection.

*Probably a flock of lambs. Some translations read “lamb” while others use the plural form … “lambs.”

• Isaiah describes Moab as being like a “fluttering bird” pushed from the nest, showing their helplessness and confusion as they are fleeing an oppressor.
• Look at Deuteronomy 2:9. They were not to destroy Moab and take their land. King David, Israel’s greatest king, was one-quarter Moabite. His paternal grandmother Ruth was from Moab, and David entrusted his father and mother to the protection of the king of Moab when he was a fugitive from Saul (1Samual_22:3-4).

The Ultimate Destruction and judgement of Moab

• Despite their attempts to find refuge, the prophecy states that Moab’s gods were unable to help them.
• The judgment is described as a devastating downfall, with the destruction of their vineyards and a wailing cry throughout the land.
  • NOTE: There is no MOAB today. Moabites were not simply scattered but slaughtered. There is no promise from God that they will retrieve their lands as is promised to Israel.
• Isaiah emphasizes that Moab’s pride and arrogance are the cause of their judgment.
• Within three years, what is left of Moab’s glory and power would be destroyed, leaving only a small remnant of scattered survivors. 
• The land of Moab, specifically the area called Ar, had already been given by God to the descendants of Lot as their possession.

Lessons from the prophecy

• The danger of pride: The prophecy serves as a warning against excessive pride and arrogance, which can lead to self-destruction. This is still true today.
• The consequence of late repentance: Moab is condemned for waiting until it was too late to repent.
  • Sincere repentance is never “too late” if there is life, many Bible verses warn that those who delay repentance are likely to find it difficult to turn to God. It MUST be a real thing. It is not a nearby life vest one can grasp as their ship is obviously sinking.
• God’s mercy and justice: God’s actions toward Moab demonstrate his mercy and desire for righteousness, while also carrying out justice against those who oppose him.
• The importance of submission: The prophecy illustrates the importance of submitting to God’s authority and accepting the help that he offers, instead of relying on one’s own strength and pride.
• A message of hope: The prophecy offers a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that God’s kingdom will be established on mercy and that he will quickly bring righteousness. 

There is no Moab or Moabite today. Their kingdom is all part of Jordan. Yes, names have been changed over time. Moabite culture was centered on agriculture and animal husbandry in a fertile land, with a polytheistic religion that prominently featured the god Chumash. Again, sending a tribute was not an issue for Moab, but they refused. Their pride got in the way.

They had a language similar to Hebrew. This is a no-brainer since they are/were relatives of Israelis. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was the ancestor of the Moabites through one of his two daughters. At the fleeing of the twelve Tribes of Israel from Egypt, Moabites were part of the Canaanites found in the Bible. Genesis19:36-37 (cntrl/click or tap) state that Lot’s eldest daughter bore a son naming him Moab.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Isaiah 16, as explained by Halley’s Bible Handbook, It describes a prophecy of judgment against Moab for its pride, which was a continuation of the message in chapter 15. It calls for Moab to send a flock of lambs as a tribute to Jerusalem, symbolizing their need to submit to Judah and the ruler of Judah’s land. A flock of lambs is no great issue for Moabites. However, it also reveals that Moab’s arrogance led to the destruction of its prosperity and a devastating downfall. 

Moab’s desperate plea and punishment

• The chapter begins with a plea for Moab to send *a lamb as a tribute to the ruler of Judah, a gesture of seeking favor and protection.

*Probably a flock of sheep. Some translations read “lamb” while others use the plural form … “lambs.”

• Isaiah describes Moab as being like a “fluttering bird” pushed from the nest, showing their helplessness and confusion as they are fleeing an oppressor. A baby bird.
• Look at Deuteronomy 2:9. They were not to destroy Moab and take their land. King David, Israel’s greatest king, was one-quarter Moabite. His paternal grandmother Ruth was from Moab, and David entrusted his father and mother to the protection of the king of Moab when he was a fugitive from Saul (1Samual_22:3-4).

The Ultimate Destruction and judgement of Moab

• Despite their attempts to find refuge, the prophecy states that Moab’s gods were unable to help them.
• The judgment is described as a devastating downfall, with the destruction of their vineyards and a wailing cry throughout the land.
  • NOTE: There is no MOAB today. Moabites were not simply scattered but slaughtered. There is no promise from God that they will retrieve their lands as promised to Israel.
• Isaiah emphasizes that Moab’s pride and arrogance are the cause of their judgment.
• Within three years, what is left of Moab’s glory and power would be destroyed, leaving only a small remnant of scattered survivors. 
• The land of Moab, specifically the area called Ar, had already been given by God to the descendants of Lot as their possession.

Lessons from the prophecy

• The danger of pride: The prophecy serves as a warning against excessive pride and arrogance, which can lead to self-destruction. This is stilltrue today.
• The consequence of late repentance: Moab is condemned for waiting until it was too late to repent.
  • Sincere repentance is never “too late” if there is life, many Bible verses warn that those who delay repentance are likely to find it difficult to turn to God in late life. It MUST be a real thing. It is not a nearby life-preserver one can grasp as their ship (life) is obviously sinking.
• God’s mercy and justice: God’s actions toward Moab demonstrate his mercy and desire for righteousness, while also carrying out justice against those who oppose him.
• The importance of submission: The prophecy illustrates the importance of submitting to God’s authority and accepting the help that he offers, instead of relying on one’s own strength and pride.
• A message of hope: The prophecy offers a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that God’s kingdom will be established on mercy and that he will quickly bring righteousness. 

We insert this map to help readers mind-map the many cities, kingdoms, and locations mentioned by Isaiah. Some of these locations did not exist at the same time as did Isaiah’s writing. This is called proximity-help. This map is to help the reader find locations that Isaiah mentions in scripture.

Kingdoms change as do nations. People migrate and are forced to move by conquering enemies … a practice by the Babylonian and the Assyrian. The Philistine here are the Gaza people in today’s news.

There are no Moab or Moabites today. Their kingdom is all part of Jordan. Yes, names have been changed over time. Moabite culture was centered on agriculture and animal husbandry in a fertile land. They with a polytheistic religion that prominently featured the god Chemosh. Again, sending a tribute was not an issue for Moab, but they refused. Their pride got in the way.

They had a language similar to Hebrew. This is a no-brainer since they are/were relatives of Israelis. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was the ancestor of the Moabites through one of his two daughters. At the fleeing of the twelve Tribes of Israel from Egypt, Moabites were part of the Canaanites mentioned in the Bible. Genesis19:36-37 (cntrl/click or tap) state that Lot’s eldest daughter bore a son naming him Moab.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

The “Burden against Moab”: 

V1: This chapter is explicitly titled an “oracle” or “burden” against Moab. Moab is the subject of this prophecy because it mistreated Israel, *refusing to let the Israelites pass through its land, and as a result, God will bring judgment upon it.

*Inference to refusing passage by Israelites goes all the way back to when Moses asked for minimal passage through Moab while leaving Egypt. Ar was the capital of Moab. Just like the name Babylon, the Bible sometimes uses “Ar” to refer to the entire nation of Moab. 

The noun ‘ar (עָר) is used to describe an enemy or adversary. The Bible sometimes uses ‘ar to define the entire nation of Moab. Today this area is inside Jordan (Genesis_19:30-38). There was a Moabite connection with Israel. They were related to Israel because Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Because of this, God told Israel in Deuteronomy_2:9 to not destroy Moab and take their land.

V2: This verse is part of a larger prophecy against the nation of Moab. It details a prophecy of judgment and destruction. Nebo and Medeba if Moab have already suffered destruction or a pending destruction. The Bible is not specific other than it has been or would be destroyed. Their wailing and crying was not limited to Nebo and Medeba destruction, but more of a concern that they would be next in line for destruction.

V3: As noted in verse 2, yes, they were fearful of their own skins, but it included their fear of their destruction as a nation. King David had put the Moabites under tribute to Israel then became a tributary of the Assyrian Empire in the late 8th century BCE. Following that their conquerors were the Babylonians, the Persians and later, the Greeks. Eventually they fell to Rome. Now we know what happened to the Moabites, bitter enemies of Israel.

The Nabataeans occupied the land of Moab just before their conquest by the Romans. They are often identified with the Nabayat of Assyrian records. The Genesis 25:13 (or Nabaioth), was the firstborn son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13).

NOTE: Life’s lineage can become a bit complexing. We only trace the connections to past people to help us understand where, when, how, and who, that makes history both earthly and scriptural. Such as… The listing of Ishmael’s twelve sons in Genesis 25:13is significant because God had promised Hagar that Ishmael would “father twelve princes” who would become the heads of their own tribes.

V4: *Heshbon and Elealeh, cities of Moab, are east of the Jordan River. They too will fall. Their cry and fear of destruction will spread throughout the area into neighboring nations. These two former cities of Moab would have been in modern-day Jordan.

*These two cities are in territory that was originally given to the Israelite tribes of Gad and Reuben (Numbers 32:1–5). 

V5: “My heart shall cry out for Moab…” The word “cry” (zaw-ak’ ) is shriek in the Hebrew. It is much more meaningful than in the English word cry. The Moabite army trembles in their souls, so distraught that they could not defeat the invasion by a powerful enemy.

V6 &7: These two verses help us understand how TOTAL was the destruction in Moab. Up to this point in this article, chapter 15 defines and describes the finality of Moab. It doesn’t even exist today, but southern Jordan does. WE should note, all this destruction to Moab is due to their animosity of Israel. What might this relate to end time or the animosity in the UN and the world today? It will be the same thing. HeEd this as a warning o’ world.

V8: “For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the wailing thereof unto Eglaim, and the wailing thereof unto Beer-elim.” A fascinating bit of information is the name Eglaim. It is potentially linked to “En-eglaim” in Ezekiel 47, a location where fishermen will spread nets in a future, revitalized Dead Sea during the millennial reign of Christ.

V9: “For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood.” Dimon may be Dibon. The name “Dimon” may have been chosen to sound like the Hebrew word for “blood.

• A Near-Future Prophecy: Isaiah specified that this judgment on Moab would be fulfilled within three years of his prophecy. Isaiah 16:14 points this out so we know it is not part of End Time. Chapter 16 is next.

It will be nothing short of elimination of the Moabites. They do not exist today, other than, perhaps, a very few coat-tail people who do not know who they are.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

This post should have been last week. Sorry for the technical issue of posting

V1: This verse is a tell-all per mankind in and after end time. Mercy on Jacob is self-evident. “Jacob” can be none other than his descendants. Keep in mind that this Bible conflict with the Jews suffering goes back to Genesis. The REAL conflict is between God and Lucifer/Satan/serpent. God created a Chosen People to be His light to the world through Abraham-Isaac-Jacob. However, this does NOT exclude Gentiles. We see this in verse one. God will continue to choose Israel (the 12 tribes); to resettle them in His Promised Land. The ancient city of Babylon remains a ruined archaeological site located in modern-day Iraq. Once a thriving metropolis, the city is now largely unexcavated and is a UNESCO World Heritage site being conserved for future tourism. A different meaning for “Babylon” also exists. In some cultural and religious contexts, the name refers to a system of oppression.  

The Promised Land is two-fold. First, it is the traditional land promised to Abaham. Second, the promise of a kingdom that has yet to come.

Let’s look at number 2. Why? Because it has yet to happen. Many Bible commentators, but not all, miss this point. “…and strangers will join them.” That too has yet to happen. It isn’t going to happen during the Tribulation. That time will be a very bad for Israel, land and people. It is during the Millennial reign of Christ. Key biblical prophecies of this include visions from Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. These texts predict a future where Jerusalem becomes the center of worship for all nations during the aftermath of the Tribulation. These are visitors, i.e. the strangers mentioned in verse one. Jerusalem is central to God’s universal kingdom, and gentile nations join in His worship. In the Hebrew, the word for “strangers” is gêyr. This translates “a foreigner: – alien, sojourner, stranger” [H1481]. It does not mean occupants. There may be some but not many.

V2: Amazingly, in verse 2 we have something that has seldom happened. Traditionally Israelites have been expelled from foreign countries. Here in the first sentence of verse 2, we find foreigners paying for, aiding, and taking Israelite to Jerusalem. Many strangers recognizing the God intervened circumstances “ and will CLING to the house of Jacob”. They will remain as servants and maids [v2b]. Zechariah 8:23 states: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you…”

NOTE: Verses 3 to 11 are the fall of the king of Babylon. This again is a two-fold use of the word Babylon.

V3: “In that day of the Lord” Isaiah assure his fellow Israelis that a day is coming when the House of Jacob will no longer be suppressed at home or in foreign lands. Here the name Babylon is a synonym for nations and people who traditionally and historically abused Israelites as a people. “…You will take up this saying (V5-11) against the King of Babylon.” The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. Where it says the earth far exceeds just a few local nations. Look at the world today as nations and kingdoms line up against Israel. This includes all of them.

The rest for Israel during End Time includes gentiles. The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. This includes all believers. See Matthew 11:28. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”. What will apply to the Israelis during the Millennial reign will include both Israeli and Gentile believers. Some promises from God will be exclusive to His chosen people, Israel.

NOTE: Why we at ahabiblemoments do not think this is simply a reference to the release of Jews from Babylon as some commentaries state. Israel’s joy is overwhelming. In verse one we read of the House of Jacob; In verse two we read of the house of Israel.

V4: This verse introduces the remaining and fascinating verses in chapter 14. The “king” mentioned in verse 4, i.e. the king of Babylon, is actually Satan. Babylon is the earth. Prophecy often has both a near and a distant fulfillment. This is one of those times.

Since the remainder of chapter 14 is one continuous prophecy, we will cease investing your reading time at verse 4. The next several verses itemize nations, places, and people who will fall under God’s End Time judgement. In short …this means everyone. Us at ahabiblemoments included.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

In examining this passage, it’s important to recognize the deliberate choice of language and its theological implications. The distinction between LORD and Lord is not merely stylistic but carries deep significance in understanding the nature and authority ascribed to God in the original Hebrew texts. By highlighting these nuances, the author sets the stage for a richer interpretation of Isaiah’s prophetic message and its relevance to both historical and spiritual contexts.

Before we begin this article, has anyone noticed that this particular passage uses the spelling LORD instead of Lord? Recall from a previous article a few weeks back that LORD [all caps] yehôvâh is different from Lord Adonai [caps versus lowercase]. LORD represents God’s personal name, YHWH, while Lord is a translation of “Adonai,” meaning “my Lord” or “master”. Isaiah uses YHWH in this passage.

Briefly… Isaiah describes God’s judgment against the oppressiveness of Satan Lucifer, Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, then in the next chapter, Isaiah adds Moab to this list.  Keep it in mind that Lucifer is called the King, or better said, the god of earth. We find this in 2 Corinthians 4:4 where it states that the “god of this age” has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel. This doesn’t mean man has lost his option of choice. It does mean man has the option of knowing good fruit and bad fruit. Blinded means man does not know the difference.

The fall of Satan:

V12 – 15: Here we get a very good description of “O’ Lucifer” [v12]. Satan claims to be and once was the Son of the morning sun (the meaning of his name in Heaven). He has weakened the nations, claims to ascend to a throne above God, convinced in his heart that he is equal to God or perhaps greater [verse 14b]. He will sit in the north looking south from all sides, yet Isaiah writes …you O’ Satan (you); V15) will be brought down to Sheol (hell), the lowest depths of the pit. This is during the Millennial Reign of Jesus.

V16-17: “Those who see you will look [shaw-gakh’] at you will use a narrow glance …”  [as if out of the corner of or squinted eyes]. This infers to make a glance at something suspiciously. In their minds people will question if this is the same one who commanded the world prior to the return of Jesus return? One who made the world tremble, shook kingdoms, made the world a wilderness, destroyed the cities, refused to release his captives…? This verse serves as a prophecy of Satan’s downfall, highlighting his oppressive nature and ultimately contrasting himself with the mercy and justice of God.

V17: Clarification… (NKJV) “who did not open the houses of his prisoners”. Those who are headed to or contained in hell, there is no way Satan is willing or can return them to a life on earth giving them a second chance at salvation. He does not want a single person to believe in Jesus Christ/God.

V18: Oddly. This verse is contrasting Gentiles with Israelis who are making this glancing look. How do we suspect this to be true? The word “nations” is gôy in the Hebrew. This word means a foreign nation; hence a Gentile.

V19-21: This is an extension of the previous verse and accusations. *Some commentaries identify these verses as the ancient king of Babylon. Keep it in mind that the name Babylon can be a synonym for other nations and people outside of God’s will. Look at verse 26. It shows God’s execution of His will is to nations and not just Babylon.

*This is the plan that concerns all of the earth…

Babylon Destroyed

V22-24: Once again we find one of those present and future uses of the name Babylon. It is true that the place called Babylon will be a place never to be occupied after it’s gradual decline. Cyrus the Great and his forces entered the city through the dried-up bed of the Euphrates River while the King was hosting a major festival. While the initial conquest was swift and led to Babylon’s loss of political independence, afterwords it declined over centuries to total abandonment. It was destroyed over time by nature and her abandoning population.

Assyria Destroyed

AHA MOMENT: Asshur, the second son of Shem; also, his descendants and the country occupied by them (that is, Assyria). Shem was the son of Noah (H804). One would wonder how experiencing the Great Flood, s/he would not walk the narrow path of God. Shem didn’t.

V25: This verse probably refers to Israel and the burdens and hatred aimed at them over the centuries will be lifted i.e. the Millennial Reign. Satan will be in the bottomless pit and people will be left to OUR free choice without Satan trying to influence our choices and decision making. HOWEVER, there will still be choice.

V26: This verse is why the previous verses are using the name Babylon as a synonym for the evil on earth and in it. “This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth”. Verse 26 leaves little room for God’s judgment being isolated to Assyria.

V27: God will once again rule over His creation. Isaiah says: “who dares to try and reverse the will of God.” There is none, no, not one.

Philistia Destroyed

One by one we find out the destiny of the world (earth). The fate of evil itself that manifests through humans, continues in the next couple of chapters.

NOTE: The Assyria we just discussed is the fate of earth. Chapter 21 is the fate of the actual Babylon.

V28: Philistia is GAZA today. Since Israel, mostly the Tribe of Dan, did not conquer Gaza (Philistines) when Joshua assigned territories for each Tribe of Israel, they have been a thorn in the side of Israel to this very day.

V29: During his reign, King Ahaz of Judah faced attacks from the Philistines, who, along with the Edomites, invaded cities in Judah while the kingdom was weakened by the Assyrians. Ahaz sought the help of Assyria to ward off the attacks of the Philistines and Edomites. Recall that the Edomites descended from Esau, Isaac’s brother. The “rod” mentioned in verse 29 is the combined forces of Judah and Assyria. Ahaz is an abbreviation of Jehoahaz II. His reign was next to the last king of Judah, King Hezekiah, his father. Some theologians see this as a future judgment of “modern Philistines,” that is, Palestinians or Palestinians of Gaza.

V31: Do not rejoice Philistia. “Smoke will come from the north.” This applied back then and today. Isaiah 14:31 is a warning to those who oppose God and His people, demonstrating the futility of relying on human strength or alliances in the face of God’s inevitable judgment. Might this be a prophetic warning for today’s Israelis?

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Isaiah is nearing the end of his ministry as a prophet. It is thought by some that he died in 660 B.C. This is at a point in history that is a short plus for end-time prophecy. We at ahabiblemoments conclude that this chapter is one of those dual-time prophecies. Why? Because of verse 13:5. “They come from a far country, from the uttermost part of heaven, even Jehovah, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.” Who are THEY? The enemies of Israel’s ten northern Tribes of Israel? In End-Time it is basically the world powers. Chapter 13 and forward is about the land and people in all Israel AND end time. Some studied theologians feel the topic of Chapter 13 goes through Chapter 23. Whatever it is, Judah’s (southern kingdom) time is also in the cross-hairs. It may be another 80 plus years until Babylon and the Medes destroy Jerusalem but it was coming.

The burden (v1) against Babylon (as symbolic of then and end time). It will continue into chapter 14. We must make note that at times the name Babylon is the nation itself and at other times it is a synonym for many other nations as a whole. Plus …even though the Kingdom of Judah was not overrun until 586 B.C. they were under tribute to Assyria, before Judah’s 70 year captivity. Recall that very few Babylonian captives opted to return to their native Promised Land after Cyrus the Great released them.

V2: “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.” This was prophesied long before Babylon even became a powerhouse. We must go back to Daniel 5 to read about this fall of Babylon.

V3: Sanctified ones? This can easily be confusing due to the word sanctified. This is similar to Nebuchadnezzar and/or others who God uses to carry out his will even though they are not one of his followers. Even the mightiest empires are not beyond His control and are ultimately instruments of His will. It was true then and remains true today (see Daniel 2:21 and Psalm 75:7).

V4: Woe! Here is verbiage that takes us into a future tense not yet seen. Why? “…the noise of a chaos of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together!” At this point in scripture we are talking about Assyria, Babylon, Judah, and Israel. This sentence is much larger in its scope. This reminds us of Ezekiel 38–39; Zechariah 12 and 14. The plurality of this sentence goes far beyond the THEN.

V5: “They come from a far country.” How far is far? One of the Hebrew translations for this verse and words, the word for country is ‘erets. This means the earth itself. The next sentence in verse 5 is …”From the end of heaven–“ ‘erets, Heaven? This doesn’t take a scholar or theologian to conclude. It goes far beyond the principle of Babylon. “to destroy the whole land?” It is global.

V6: “…the day of the LORD is at hand.” This phrase or something similar to it is used over 200 times in the Bible. Each time it refers to an ultimate time.

V7: Again we must visit the meaning of words used in any specific scripture. The words “all” and “every” in this verse 7 when using the American Standard Bible and many other translations is from the Hebrew “KOLE”.  It simply means there are no exceptions. “Therefore shall all hands be feeble, and every heart of man shall melt.” It isn’t to be thought of as referring to a specific group, but the all (kole) of mankind.

 V8: Verse 8 reaffirms the previous verses. Scripture at this point is speaking globally but includes this time in history (His-story).

V9: “…and he (God) will destroy the sinners from it.” Isaiah is prophesying the return of Jesus (yeh-ho-vaw’ ) to earth to judge and to rule. This is NOT the time of the Tribulation. It is after it. It is far more than just dealing with Assyria or Babylon. But it does include the rule of Babylon and Assyria in THEIR TIMES. It includes and is mostly about Israel in both time periods.

V10: “For the stars of Heaven (our earthly sky/heaven…) will not give their light. The moon and sun will not give their light.” Such a statement appearance is found in books like Isaiah, Joel, Matthew, and Revelation, where it symbolizes a time of divine judgment.

NOTE: Yes, this passage is speaking mostly of the fall of Babylon, but it is also defining the happenings in end-time. See Revelation 6:12.

V11-14: Here one reads of what God will do to his created earthlings and his created earth and heavens… Even man will be made “rare” on earth (eritz). The Tribulation is not about the brave and might of man. It is about the judgement of God on man. “…the earth will remove out of its place.” Examining the Hebrew, this does not mean the earth loses its orbit, but it is more like an unbalanced tire on a vehicle or worse. Earth will be experience a global earthquake. One can only imagine.  It will move in and out of its rotations like an earthquake (Revelation 6:12). Matthew 24:29 may help one better grasp the finality of the end of “end time” i.e. the Tribulation. This verse includes the powers of the heavens that will also be shaken.

At verse 15, Isaiah returns to his narrative and prophecy of this time in and around Jerusalem/Israel. It will be a time of absolute brutality for Israel. Check a Middle East history book about the brutality of the Assyrians. The Medes and Persians treated them just as and greater than did the Assyrians did to their captives. Next article will begin at the kickoff of the rest of chapter 13 which is verse 15.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

In chapters 11 and 12, Isaiah once again does his present time jump to his End time considerations and prophecies. He does the same thing in Isaiah 2:2-4, 4:2-6, 7:14, and 9:1-7. Chapters 11 and 12 expand on these verses. Actually, this section of the Bible is clearer about End Time and the ending of this world then anywhere in the entire Bible. He talks about a world that is not at war with itself. A world that is controlled and ruled by Jesus. A restored Judah. Note he does NOT include all Israelites at this point. Why? We will cover this soon enough. His words are absolutely without regard for one’s point in life. If one doesn’t examine Isaiah closely, it would be easy to think him conflicted. We must determine in reading Isaiah is he in the present, past, or future. Sometimes he is speaking in his present and end time in the same verse.

Let’s first review truths of chapter 11:

1. Fear (full respect) of the Lord (not LORD) will be universal.
2. He will judge all men rightly.
3. God’s tongue will strike the wicked.
4. Animals, and creepy-crawly things will no longer be a danger to children or grownups.
5. NOTE: In verse 11:8, there will still be children.
6. Earth will be FULL of the knowledge of the Lord.
7. Gentile and Jew alike will seek knowledge of the Lord.
8. God’s chosen people will get their second chance to see Jesus as their Messiah.
9. The globally dispersed Israelis will not only return to the Promised Land, but nations will seek to send them to their Promised Land.
10. No longer will Ephraim contest Judah for leadership.

V14: “they shall swoop (fly down in some translations) upon the Philistine shoulder.”  Hmmm? This is future prophecy. Where were/are the Philistines? We call it the Gaza Strip today.

V15: The Bible refers analogically to the Tongue of Nile River. This is the Gulf of Suez, the northwest arm of the Red Sea where the Nile splits into seven branches.

NOTE: The mouth of the Nile River has seven branches. Verse 15 also states these branches of the Nile River will be dry.

1. Those Israelites who remain in Assyria (Syrian territory today) in End Times will return in mass will return to their Promised Land. One should check back about the 1492 dispersion of Hebrew peoples from Spain. History calls it the Inquisition of 1492. Two million, or there abouts, Hebrews fled Span to Aleppo (Northern most Assyria). This is a city held in high esteem by Jew, Muslim, and Christian alike.

NOTE: What was lost by mankind in Genesis 3 was restored in Isaiah 11.

Chapter 12 is a prayer of Praise:

Control/click on each blue passage link to find multiple versions of the verse

Isa 12:1  And you will say on that day, “I will give you thanks, Yahweh, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. 

Isa 12:2  Look! God is my salvation; I will trust, and I will not be afraid, for my strength and might is Yah, Yahweh; and he has become salvation for me.” 

Isa 12:3  And you will draw water from the wells of salvation in joy. 

Isa 12:4  And you will say on that day, “Give thanks to Yahweh; call on his name. Make his deeds known among the peoples; bring to remembrance that his name is exalted. 

Isa 12:5  Sing praises to Yahweh, for he has done a glorious thing; this is known in all the earth. 

Isa 12:6  Inhabitant of Zion, shout out and sing for joy, for the holy one of Israel is great in your midst.” 

Audio:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZCUmSLXUz8 click this link to hear an audio of chapter 12.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

To help grasp the last few verses in chapter 10, we must reiterate verse 24. It begins with the word “therefore.” Whenever therefore is found in scripture, one must seek to understand what therefore is therefore. In this case it is encapsulating the previous verses in chapter 10 which began in verse 1 with “WOE”. God, through Isaiah, tells his people of Zion, a mountain within Jerusalem, to not fear the Assyrians. Then proceeds to tell them that the Assyrian king will “lift up his staff against them”. This reads as a strange reassurance; “Don’t be afraid but someone will soon attack you”. Worse yet, it will be like their 400 years under Egyptian rule as slaves. HUH? Then we go into verse 25. Not real encouragement if it were for you or me. 

Verse 25 mentions, and one should ask, what is “A very LITTLE WHILE?” The following verses explain this seemingly odd confidence builder. God basically says it is yet to come but soon after God will cease his anger against His chosen People. Verse 26 explains what is in store for those who attack His people.

Verse 26: Isaiah tells its residence that it will be but for a little while. Isaiah compares it to the slaughter by the Tribe of Ephraim at the Rock of Oreb. (This is a biblical event in which the Israelites, led by Gideon, defeated the invading Midianite army. The Midianite prince, General Oreb, was captured and killed at a rock formation that was subsequently named the Rock of Oreb, an event frequently cited as a sign of God’s power against oppressors of Israelis. This was a battle between the invading Midianites and the Tribe of Ephraim found in Judges 7:25 (click to read this passage).

His “rod upon the sea” refers to the rod of Moses opening the Red Sea during Israelites escape from Egypt. There is more to this statement than meets the eye. It could read… as the Red Sea was divided against itself, so will the army of the Midianites. The Midianites slaughtered each other. One side against the other, as was the Red Sea and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptians. It was divided then conquered.

Verse 27: “… of the anointing.” This refers to God’s eternal anointing of His chosen people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, “in that day” can easily fit end time. Israel will no longer carry the burden of its forefathers. They will live in a God-given peace on earth in their God-promised land. What a day that will be when our Savior we shall see.

Verse 28: Aiath… Migron… Michmash… Geba: (NOTE: Geba was a Levitical City, a sanctuary city to protect the yet to be tried individual) Oddly as it may be missed at first reading, this is a flow of cities north to the south in Judah. Assyria is to the north. However, the Assyrian forces of 185,000 men were stopped at the outskirts of Jerusalem. The Assyrians had been successful up to the outskirts of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35-37, 37:36). The name Oreb (a raven) and his brother’s name Zeeb (a wolf) evoke the predatory and scavenging nature of the Midianite army that had been ravaging the land of Israel.

Verse 29-32: These 4 verse are one statement separated by commas. Together they are a prophetic description of the arrival of the Assyrian Army. Shortly after King Sennacherib returns home, better said “flees” to his throne in Assyria, he then finds death at the hands of his own sons.

Out of nowhere we read of Madmenah. Madmenah is NOT a person, but a place of residence. Verse 31 does not mean Madmenah fled, but the occupants of it did for fear of the Assyrians. Most of these verses reference a time between 705 B.C. and 701 B. C.

Verse 10:33 Scripture uses the identity Lord two times in this verse. However the Hebrew also uses two different names for LORD/LORD. Lord/aw-done‘ and LORD/yeh-ho-vaw’. Lord/aw-done’ means “ Lord, master, owner.” LORD/yeh-ho-vaw’ means self-Existent or eternal; Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. The LORD will cut down the proud and those Jewish leaders of high stature in Judah. All that will be left in a once-mighty forest of Israelites will be stumps.

Verse 10:34 “The forest of Lebanon”  is known for their large, mighty cedar trees. God will judge the proud among Judah leaving a once mighty forest of those Judeans of high stature as if they were just stumps.

Historical Notes:

• Invasion of Judah: In his fourteenth year, Sennacherib launched a campaign and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. 
• Siege of Jerusalem: He then sent his forces to lay siege to Jerusalem, issuing a taunting message to King Hezekiah to question his reliance on Egypt and God. 
• Divine intervention: The biblical account states that God sent an angel who killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, causing Sennacherib to retreat in shame. 
• Sennacherib’s defeat: The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37 concludes with Sennacherib returning to Nineveh, where he was eventually assassinated by two of his sons. 

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

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Note: The tribe of Ephraim, the second son of Joseph in Egypt, was the largest and most influential tribe in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Often the LORD/Bible refers to the Kingdom of Israel by the name Ephraim. This helps the reader distinguish between Israel as a twelve tribe nation and Israel as a 10 tribe northern kingdom and the kingdom of Judah [Benjamin]. This time in Israel and Judean history a Bible student and historian should know there has been a constant jealousy for power between the Israeli tribe of Ephraim and the Tribe of Judah. Ephraim and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph in Egypt.

Assyria is to be judged according to Isaiah beginning at verse 5. The context of the passage began in 7:1 through 10:4. Assyria, like Babylon’s defeat of Judah, are used as God’s instruments of punishment for the Tribes of Israel North and South. The Jeremiah Study Bible using the New King James Version says about verse 5 in Isaiah chapter 10: ”Assyria was like a rod in God’s hand (Jeremiah 51:20) – He controlled its action without its acknowledgement.”  We read this in verse 5. It is in the first sentence. “Woe to Assyria…”. Verse 6 states I will send him (Assyria) against an ungodly nation (Israel). About 100 years later, Babylon will be a rod in God’s hand over Judah. Other idol worshiping nations have been used by God to do the same thing in their past.

“The cities mentioned in verses 9 and 10 came under Assyrian control between 740 and 721 B.C., and none of the gods of these areas had provided the slightest help.” (Wolf)

In a little over 100 years, a Mede and Babylonian invasion of Assyria will utterly destroy them. Read previous publications about who were the Medes. Note that Assyrians dispersed the northern 10 Tribes of Israel; many of them to sparsely populated lands like that the Medes.

We are venturing into, as stated in a previous Isaiah article, Isaiah bounces between then Bible times of plunder and wars, End Time prophecy and End Time. Starting in this chapter, some statements include issues of then and coming End Time. Dual applications. This means a single prophecy that has two different times of revelation.

It is sickening to know that the wealthy Jews (Israelites) would take from their own poor what little the poor had. This brings on God’s wrath. This is found in 10:2. “To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless.”

Verse 3: Just like End Times when all nations align against Jerusalem, there will be no one to help Israel defend itself. When these chosen People of God realize their total demise Christ will descend from Heaven to earth to set up his kingdom for eternity. It is reality. Christ will come in the clouds of the east like the hero comes into play at the last moment. HOWEVER, this is not any movie or story made for entertainment. It is actuality.

Verse 4:  God points out through Isaiah that “Without me” they are doomed. This verse also points out that “His hand is stretched out still”. This means it isn’t quite over yet. God’s anger against His chosen is still not settled.

Verse 5 & 6: “Woe to Assyria”. This is odd since God has allowed them to tread on his chosen people Israel, yet they will be judged for doing just that. How is this possible? Let’s not forget the free will of man. We do have free will. God simply gives/gave them an open hand.

Verse 7: God through Isaiah explains that He is not forcing them to destroy the northern 10 Tribes but that since the Assyrians “but it is in their heart to do so.” God simply removed His protecting hand. Satan wants all of God’s chosen to be destroyed to join him in Hell.

Verse 8 – 11: In these verses God through Isaiah points out that He has done this before. Isaiah writes, “are not my princes” (of Israel) Iike other kings? God has judged them through the ages and will continue doing so.

Verse 12: Now we shift to global affairs after dealing with Assyria… Do not think that the USA will somehow escape all of this. Just look at it today in its present state of dishevel.

Verse 13 – 15 Isaiah uses comparable situations to clarify God’s actions. He doesn’t try to justify them but explains God’s actions by comparisons. He is sovereign. Hasn’t He done this before. No one will stop Him from doing the same thing in the future or OUR time.

Verse 14: The Assyrians were in for a rude wake-up call!

“The cities mentioned in verses 9 and 10 came under Assyrian control between 740 and 721 B.C., and none of the gods of these areas had provided the slightest help.” (Wolf)

Verse 15-19: Isaiah uses tools to explain God letting non-Jewish Nations to be his tools to discipline His chosen Peoples of Israel. The ax, the saw, a man’s staff are examples in and of themselves are useless. A person must willingly take them in hand to use them. To quote the Jeremiah Study Bible…”Later in time, Assyria is compared to a forest burned so completely that a child could scribble the number of trees” left in their lands.

Verse 20: Their will be a remnant of Israelites after all this tribulation. This verse is what the entire Bible has planned for the descendants of Jacob. This is so relevant read the following.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and they that are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again lean upon him that smote them, but shall lean upon Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.” [NKJV]

Verse 21: This verse reinforces verse 20. The remnantof Israel will finally return and accept the Mighty God of Israel.

Verse 22: By the end of earth’s time, Israelites would have been numbered as the sand of the sea [not the beach but the SEA], a remnant will return to their native lands as gifted by God to Abraham. This is one of those current and End Time passages. A remnant will return… But we know that none of the 10 northern tribes ever returned to their land. We also know that few of Jacob’s descendants have returned to God.

Chapters 11 and 12 go deeper into End Time Tribulation.

Verse 24 – 27: This can be summed up by a short section found in verse 25. “…the indignation of the world and God’s judgment will cease.” This is obviously not so if we look at the United Nations that all but united. This means this passage is yet to come.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025