4“Before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”
In this section of Isaiah there are several prophecies about near future events. Each of these events is timed to the growth of a baby. This prophecy projects out into the future only about two to three years. The captivity of Judah by the Assyrians is on its way. Judah has continued in their sin unwilling to repent. The LORD has warned them numerous times, but they have not listened. And as a result, they will be shattered. No matter what they do, no matter the plans they make, the Assyrians will shatter them as a nation and as a people. The people are seeking direction from every source except the LORD. Isaiah calls the people back to the Word of God. There is where they can find hope and comfort, and the path to return in repentance. The same is true today. The Word has what we need for the trials of today. It has the food that will feed our souls. And if our souls are well, then the rest of us has no fear. When we are at peace with God, all the storms of life are just passing through. Nothing can shake us from the foundation we have in Him. Nothing! The markets may fail us. The crooks hoard their gold. The politicians promise change, but we fail to discern what change is promised. The Israelites were about to experience change and they are told it is coming. They don’t want this kind of change, but the LORD brings it about anyway. The LORD has many ways of getting our attention. I suggest that we give Him our attention before He has to do this kind of drastic thing in our lives.
The Arnold Journey 