The Prophetic Visions God Gave Isaiah include multiple Visions into the far future a very large number of areas covering well into the future as well as for their times. Particularly, Isaiah was given the vision of what was coming withing 100 to 150 years.  These came true adding validity to the remaining prophecies.  We see prophecies about the judgement of specific nations due to their evil.  Additionally, we see prophecies about the Messiah.  His birth is foretold.  Also, His death and resurrection are foretold.  Beyond, that we are told about the Millennial Reign of Christ.   But did you ever consider the inclusion of the tribulation as well? Well that is what we will see today.  First, we will complete chapter 23 concerning Tyre, then we will jump to the tribulation in chapter 24.

The Fate of Tyre Foretold

The burden against Tyre.

Wail, you ships of Tarshish!

For it is laid waste,

So that there is no house, no harbor;

From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.

Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland,

You merchants of Sidon,

Whom those who cross the sea have filled.

And on great waters the grain of Shihor,

The harvest of the River, is her revenue;

And she is a marketplace for the nations.

Be ashamed, O Sidon;

For the sea has spoken,

The strength of the sea, saying,

“I do not labor, nor bring forth children;

Neither do I rear young men,

Nor bring up virgins.”

When the report reaches Egypt,

They also will be in agony at the report of Tyre.

Isaiah 23:1-5 NKJV

Tyre was an Island just off the coastland.  It is in modern day Lebanon.  That Island was one of the wealthiest seaports of its, bringing ships of goods from Tarshish.  Its rocky island position made it well protected as well.   Thus this begins with wail, oh ships of Tarshish.  Why?  Because their ships could not harbor at Tyre.

Cross over to Tarshish;

Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland!

Is this your joyous city,

Whose antiquity is from ancient days,

Whose feet carried her far off to dwell?

Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city,

Whose merchants are princes,

Whose traders are the honorable of the earth?

The Lord of hosts has purposed it,

To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory,

To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

Isaiah 23: 6-9 NKJV

Why would God allow this?  Tyre had been allies of King Solomon.  Well, the key is found here.  To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory.  Pride is an awful thing.  It is putting oneself above God and not giving Him the Glory.  Pride must be broken down for God to use a person or a nation.

Their Fate Is Certain, If They Do Not Repent

Overflow through your land like the River,

O daughter of Tarshish;

There is no more strength.

He stretched out His hand over the sea,

He shook the kingdoms;

The Lord has given a commandment against Canaan

To destroy its strongholds.

And He said, “You will rejoice no more,

O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon.

Arise, cross over to Cyprus;

There also you will have no rest.”

Behold, the land of the Chaldeans,

This people which was not;

Assyria founded it for wild beasts of the desert.

They set up its towers,

They raised up its palaces,

And brought it to ruin.

Wail, you ships of Tarshish!

For your strength is laid waste.

Isaiah 23:10-14

The strength of Tyre laid within their position as an Island as well as their wealth from trade.  Thinking themselves invincible, God says, “Look across the harbor to the land and take note.”  Babylon was destroyed by Assyrias King Sennacherib.  “So, you think yourselves exempt?”  Not a chance.  Although it will be Babylon that takes seize of Tyre after King Nebuchadnezzar overtakes Assyria.  This being at least 150 years into the future.

Multiple Visions into the Far Future proven by Nearer Ones

Now it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot:

“Take a harp, go about the city,

You forgotten harlot;

Make sweet melody, sing many songs,

That you may be remembered.”

And it shall be, at the end of seventy years, that the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine clothing.  Isaiah 23: 15-18 NKJV

The 70 years of the Kingdom in which Babylon held the Jews captive, so was Tyre.  At the end of this empire, Cyrus released the Jews and Tyre from their slavery.  They did remain subjects, but their prosperity returned.  Furthermore, they helped the Jews rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

They (the Children of Israel) also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.  Ezra 3:7 NKJV

Therefore, the predictions were fulfilled.  We can trust God’s wisdom.  The prophecies in Isaiah 24 about the tribulation are also certain to be fulfilled.

Multiple Visions in the Far Future

Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty and makes it waste,

Distorts its surface

And scatters abroad its inhabitants.

And it shall be:

As with the people, so with the priest;

As with the servant, so with his master;

As with the maid, so with her mistress;

As with the buyer, so with the seller;

As with the lender, so with the borrower;

As with the creditor, so with the debtor.

The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered,

For the Lord has spoken this word.

Isaiah 24:1-3 NKJV

By the end of the tribulation, the land will be totally desolate of all those who chose to follow their own pride and evil desires.  Humanities desire to be known for having done it their own way, now see the consequences of their folly.  Such foolish, arrogant ones to deny God.  The triumphant return of Jesus will set everything in order, by the word of His mouth.  That is His sword.  All He must do as He rides in on His White Horse is speak and all earth obeys.  The Beast and Anti-Christ cast into a pit.  Satan is chained for 1000 years.

Isaiah chapter 25 is a telescopic view of what is presented in microscopic form in Revelations.

Multiple Visions of the Far Future in flashes of Truth

The earth mourns and fades away,

The world languishes and fades away;

The haughty people of the earth languish.

The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants,

Because they have transgressed the laws,

Changed the ordinance,

Broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24:4-5 NKJV

We see the early stages of this now.  Is not the earth moaning?  Look around you at the hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, anger, animals suffering for man’s cruelty and greed.  All of this pointing to the earth itself mourning and fading away.  The defilement of the planet itself under humanities cruelty.

The Initial 6 Scroll Judgements

The initial 6 scroll judgements are those that humanity has perpetrated on themselves.  How?  By breaking the everlasting covenant.  What was the everlasting covenant?   God Commanded

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so.

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2: 15-17 NKJV

It  does not take a genius to see the covenant was broken by Adam . And it continues to be broken by humanity.  We who were to care for the earth and all its habitants are the ones destroying ourselves Additionally humans are those who destroy all of those around us and the earth itself. 

To read more deeply this part, go to my series in revelations or particularly

See The Coming Storm? Why not seek Shelter in Jesus Today? 

As There Are Multiple Visions of the Far Future, This Is Just the Beginning.

Therefore the curse has devoured the earth,

And those who dwell in it are desolate.

Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,

And few men are left.

Isaiah 24:6

Is Isaiah’s prophecy speaking of the rioters who burn. Or is he giving a picture of the Fourth Bowl Judgement of God.

Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.  Revelation 16:8-9 NKJV

The Earthly New World Government Will Fail

The Antichrist and Beast will fail to bring joy and peace as promised.  The festivals of joyous triumphant will fail.

The new wine fails, the vine languishes,

All the merry-hearted sigh.

The mirth of the tambourine ceases,

The noise of the jubilant ends,

The joy of the harp ceases.

They shall not drink wine with a song;

Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it.

The city of confusion is broken down;

Every house is shut up, so that none may go in.

There is a cry for wine in the streets,

All joy is darkened,

The mirth of the land is gone.

In the city desolation is left,

And the gate is stricken with destruction.

When it shall be thus in the midst of the land among the people,

It shall be like the shaking of an olive tree,

Like the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done.

Isaiah 24: 7-13 NKJV

A Remnant Remains Throughout the Multiple Visions into the Far Future

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing;

For the majesty of the Lord

They shall cry aloud from the sea.

Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light,

The name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea.

From the ends of the earth we have heard songs:

“Glory to the righteous!”

But I said, “I am ruined, ruined!

Woe to me!

The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously,

Indeed, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.”

Isaiah 24:14-16 NKJV

Shortly after the rapture there will be the 144,000 Jews who accept Christ as Savior.   They will be sealed and protected.  It will be them who preach the gospel message to all the earth, singing the praise to God.  Those who believe will become the Martyred Saints.  But as Isaiah looked at all the corruption surrounding him, he could not celebrate yet.   This he knew was a future celebration of God’s Glory and joy.

Even Further Destruction within the Multiple Visions of the Far Future

Fear and the pit and the snare

Are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth.

And it shall be

That he who flees from the noise of the fear

Shall fall into the pit,

And he who comes up from the midst of the pit

Shall be caught in the snare;

For the windows from on high are open,

And the foundations of the earth are shaken.

The earth is violently broken,

The earth is split open,

The earth is shaken exceedingly.

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard,

And shall totter like a hut;

Its transgression shall be heavy upon it,

And it will fall, and not rise again.

Isaiah 24:17-23

Does this not describe the seventh bowl judgement?

Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”  And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.  Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.  Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.  And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.  Revelation 16:17-21

And Then Hope Amid the Multiple Visions of the Far Future

Christ Returns to Take His Throne

It shall come to pass in that day

That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones,

And on the earth the kings of the earth.

They will be gathered together,

As prisoners are gathered in the [f]pit,

And will be shut up in the prison;

After many days they will be punished.

Then the moon will be disgraced

And the sun ashamed;

For the Lord of hosts will reign

On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem

And before His elders, gloriously.

Isaiah 24:21-23 NKJV

A condensed version of Revelation 18-19 presented here in Isaiah.

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!  For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.”  Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!”  Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”  And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.  His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.  He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.  Now out of mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND

LORD OF LORDS.

in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,  that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”

And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.  Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.  Revelation 19 NKJV

How Close we Are to The Multiple Visions of the Far Future

They were distant and far in Isaiah’s Day.  However, close now, if we consider all that is occurring in our day.  The earth itself moans for the redemption to come.  It cries forth with each passing day.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Romans 8: 20-25 NKJV

So, the question is: are you ready for the rapture? Or are you going to be part of the tribulation?

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Only God Foretells Events with Absolute Accuracy. How?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

As we study Isaiah Chapters 21 through 23, we recognize that there is a lot of prophecy about nations surrounding and including Israel. What is amazing is the exact accuracy in which these prophecies were realized.  Some occurred over 150 years after they were prophesied. Truly only God foretells events with absolute accuracy as we will see in these events.

Isaiah 41:21-24 ESV God challenges false gods and idols to bring forward evidence.

Set forth your case, says the Lord;

bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.

Let them bring them, and tell us

what is to happen.

Tell us the former things, what they are,

that we may consider them,

that we may know their outcome;

or declare to us the things to come.

Tell us what is to come hereafter,

that we may know that you are gods;

do good, or do harm,

that we may be dismayed and terrified.

Behold, you are nothing,

and your work is less than nothing;

an abomination is he who chooses you.

Isaiah 46: 8-11 ESV  God contrasts himself with the idol they had been worshipping.  Of course, He is Right and the idol has no real power.  Yet, the people chose idols instead of the One True God.

“Remember this and stand firm,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me,

declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,

and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man of my counsel from a far country.

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have purposed, and I will do it.

This truth of His Sovereignty and Absolute Accuracy in Prophesy is shown very clearly in the chapters that we are currently looking at from Isaiah 21 to Isaiah 22.

God Foretells Events with Absolute Accuracy

The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea.

As whirlwinds in the Negeb sweep on,

it comes from the wilderness,

from a terrible land.

A stern vision is told to me;

the traitor betrays,

and the destroyer destroys.

Go up, O Elam;

lay siege, O Media;

all the sighing she has caused

I bring to an end.

Therefore my loins are filled with anguish;

pangs have seized me,

like the pangs of a woman in labor;

I am bowed down so that I cannot hear;

I am dismayed so that I cannot see.

My heart staggers; horror has appalled me;

the twilight I longed for

has been turned for me into trembling.

They prepare the table,

they spread the rugs,

they eat, they drink.

Arise, O princes;

oil the shield!

For thus the Lord said to me:

“Go, set a watchman;

let him announce what he sees.

When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs,

riders on donkeys, riders on camels,

let him listen diligently,

very diligently.”

Then he who saw cried out:

“Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord,

continually by day,

and at my post I am stationed

whole nights.

And behold, here come riders,

horsemen in pairs!”

And he answered,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon;

and all the carved images of her gods

he has shattered to the ground.”

O my threshed and winnowed one,

what I have heard from the Lord of hosts,

the God of Israel, I announce to you.  Isaiah 21:1-10

In these verses God foretells Of the invasion of Medes and Persians against Babylon. Isaiah foretells of the Medo-Persian invasion of Babylon as later was referenced in Daniel 5. This is a perfect description of the occurrence during the feast of Belshazzar.  This occurred somewhere between 554 and 560 BC. Isaiah died long before this was fulfilled in the 740s.

To the point that even Isaiah felt the terror for Belshazzar as he described verses 4 and 5 of chapter 21. He then declares that there must be Watchmen set . However, the Watchmen saw the Chariots Pulled by donkeys camels.  Cyrus did you camels in war.  Their fragrance frightened the horses of the Babylonian troops. Since the smell of the camels terrified the enemy horses, it was a very good strategy. It is recorded in history that he also used donkeys to  carry the supplies.

God Foretells with Absolute Accuracy both Near and Far

At this point the cry is that Babylon has fallen is fallen all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground. This is the same exclamation made in revelation 14:8 referring to the final fall of Babylon.  So, it occurred in 540 BC and it will certainly occur again just as certain as it occurred then.

There are some who believe the Antichrist will rebuild the city of Babylon very quickly once he takes power.

The Fall of Duma

Then there is a brief verse statement concerning Duma. Seir is a city that was settled by Esau.  Here Edom is pictured as hiding in Seir wondering whether it is safe to come out. And Isaiah tells them of impending judgment unless they return and repent.

One is calling to me from Seir,

“Watchman, what time of the night?

Watchman, what time of the night?”

The watchman says:

“Morning comes, and also the night.

If you will inquire, inquire;

come back again.”  Isaiah 21:11-12 ESV

The Edomites are the descendants of Esau and they were under judgement.  They as a distinct group no longer exist.  However, they are scattered among Jordan, Turkey, the “Palestinians” and parts of Europe.

God foretells events with the absolute accuracy concerning Arabia next

The oracle concerning Arabia.

In the thickets in Arabia you will lodge,

O caravans of Dedanites.

To the thirsty bring water;

meet the fugitive with bread,

O inhabitants of the land of Tema.

For they have fled from the swords,

from the drawn sword,

from the bent bow,

and from the press of battle.

For thus the Lord said to me, “Within a year, according to the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. 17 And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.” Isaiah 21: 13-17 ESV

There are various Arabian tribes of the desert beyond Edom Teemo.  Here the prophet predicted that these desert tribes will be no match for the coming assyrian invasion .

Archaeological and historical records from the assyrian empire confirmed that the military power and wealth of the northern N Arabian nomadic tribe of Kedar collapsed in that general time frame during the aggressive campaigns of assyrian kings like Sargon the second and Sennacherib.

And what about Jerusalem (the Valley of Vision) chapter 22

The valley of vision refers to Jerusalem because it is surrounded by dominant mountain ranges and is located on the hills chapter 22 describes the storm of judgment they will come in torrents on Jerusalem herself with the coming Babylonian invasion.

The oracle concerning the valley of vision.

What do you mean that you have gone up,

all of you, to the housetops,

you who are full of shoutings,

tumultuous city, exultant town?

Your slain are not slain with the sword

or dead in battle.

All your leaders have fled together;

without the bow they were captured.

All of you who were found were captured,

though they had fled far away.

Therefore I said:

“Look away from me;

let me weep bitter tears;

do not labor to comfort me

concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people.”

For the Lord God of hosts has a day

of tumult and trampling and confusion

in the valley of vision,

a battering down of walls

and a shouting to the mountains.

And Elam bore the quiver

with chariots and horsemen,

and Kir uncovered the shield.

Your choicest valleys were full of chariots,

and the horsemen took their stand at the gates.

He has taken away the covering of Judah.

                                                  Isaiah 22:1-8a ESV

They Had Failed to Seek God for Their Success

Particularly in verses 8b through 14 Isaiah foretells of the fact that the people are weeping that they’ve done everything physically possible to save themselves except they have failed to turn to God and for that reason their judgment will come

In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall.  You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago.

In that day the Lord God of hosts

called for weeping and mourning,

for baldness and wearing sackcloth;

and behold, joy and gladness,

killing oxen and slaughtering sheep,

eating flesh and drinking wine.

“Let us eat and drink,

for tomorrow we die.”

The Lord of hosts has revealed himself in my ears:

“Surely this iniquity will not be atoned for you until you die,”

says the Lord God of hosts.  Isaiah 21:8b-14

God Foretells with Absolute Accuracy the Demise of Shebna

In verses 15 to 25 the Lord God of hosts speaks to the judgment of Shebna reportedly he was the treasurer and the leader of the pro Egyptian faction in Jerusalem.  He thought that his position was very secure.  Indeed, he had ordered a large sepulchre to be raised in his memory. However, Isaiah predicted that he would be demoted and die as a pauper in a foreign country.

Thus says the Lord God of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him: What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock? Behold, the Lord will hurl you away violently, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you  and whirl you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a wide land. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master’s house.  I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your station. In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. And they will hang on him the whole honor of his father’s house, the offspring and issue, every small vessel, from the cups to all the flagons. In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, the peg that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall, and the load that was on it will be cut off, for the Lord has spoken.”  Isaiah 22:15-25 ESV

Thus, Hezekiah replaced Shebna with Eliakim during the attempted attack by Sennacherib.  This act also proved as a means of protecting the Davidic line.

Once more proving God foretells events with absolute accuracy. Only God can do that. Thus, confirming our hope in all His promises. Also confirming what is yet to come.

God never fails to accomplish all He has planned in nations and not in our lives either.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Previous Post

Should You Not Trust God’s Perfect Timing in Your Life?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

Unfortunately, we often want God to sign onto our plans and on our timing.  However, even concerning His promises. The ones we are certain are a part of His plan, we must wait.  Normally, we are not good at waiting.  In fact we are bad, which is why we must grow in faith so that we learn to trust God’s Perfect Timing in our lives.

Abraham was 75 years old and childless when God promised him, he would be a father of many nations.  The world would be blessed through him.  This despite his not having any children at that time.  Then, it was another 24 years before Isaac was born.  During that time, God continued to grow his faith.  Throughout scripture, we see this.  God Promises, humans don’t wait, thinking they know better how to accomplish things.  Things get messed up.  Why do we not trust His word?  After all, everything He has said throughout generations has come true or are yet to be accomplished.

This is the case in point as we look at Isaiah 18-20.  God told Judah not to make alliances with other countries.  They made an alliance with Assyria to help against Syria and Israel.  Then when Assyria turned against them, they tried reached out to Ethiopia (Cush) for a new alliance.   This instead of waiting on and trusting God.  During Isaiah’s Day the Twenty-fifth Ethiopian Dynasty that also controlled Egypt.

With assistance of AI, found this.  “The 25th Dynasty of Egypt, often referred to as the Cushite Dynasty, was a significant period in ancient Egyptian history. It lasted from approximately 747 BC to 656 BC and was marked by the rule of pharaohs from the Kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan.”

Trust God’s Perfect Timing

Woe to the land shadowed with buzzing wings,

Which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia,

Which sends ambassadors by sea,

Even in vessels of reed on the waters, saying,

“Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth of skin,

To a people terrible from their beginning onward,

A nation powerful and treading down,

Whose land the rivers divide.”   Isaiah 18:1-2 NKJV

There are varying interpretations of the land shadowed with buzzing wings; however, this may be most logical.  Their King was very powerful and in Egyptian hierographic is depicted as an Eagle with its wings overshadowing Egypt.  They were sea farers with many ships as noted in the vessels of reed on the waters.  The Egyptians were known for shaving their entire body, thus the messengers to a nation tall and smooth.  This because the Empire had adopted much of the Egyptian customs.  They were considered a mighty and fierce nation.

They were a nation that came onto the scene quickly, but God chose to wait until they reached their peak of power.

But God Awaits His Perfect Timing

Hezekiah had wanted to make an alliance with the Cushite King during the time of Sennacharib; however, God waited.  God defeated Sennacharib when he attempted to invade Israel.  Later it was Assyria that drove the Kushite out of Egypt.   Careful who you make friends with.  It is better to Trust God’s Perfect timing.

All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth:

When he lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see it;

And when he blows a trumpet, you hear it.

For so the Lord said to me,

“I will take My rest,

And I will ^[b]look from My dwelling place

Like clear heat in sunshine,

Like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect

And the sour grape is ripening in the flower,

He will both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks

And take away and cut down the branches.

They will be left together for the mountain birds of prey

And for the beasts of the earth;

The birds of prey will summer on them,

And all the beasts of the earth will winter on them.  Isaiah 18: 3-6 NKJV

Very poetic way of saying this.  So let me paraphrase it a bit.  Everyone, listen up, when God lifts His banner, you will see it.  When He determines it is time and blows His trumpet, you will hear it.  But for the moment, He has determined to “take a rest” while watching from heaven.  At just the right moment, when they reach their height, they will be torn down.  They will become the ones preyed upon.

And it happened just as God said.

But Again, Trust God’s Perfect Timing

One day they too (a remnant thereof) will bow before the Almighty in the Millennial Reign of Christ.

In that time a present will be brought to the Lord of hosts

From a people tall and smooth of skin,

And from a people terrible from their beginning onward,

A nation powerful and treading down,

Whose land the rivers divide—

To the place of the name of the Lord of hosts,

To Mount Zion.  Isaiah 18:7 NKJV

And What about Egypt?  Can they trust God’s Perfect timing as well?

The burden against Egypt.

Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians;
Everyone will fight against his brother,
And everyone against his neighbor,
City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst;
I will destroy their counsel,
And they will consult the idols and the charmers,
The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give
Into the hand of a cruel master,
And a fierce king will rule over them,”
Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 19:1-4

Now if we look at Benson’s Commentary, there is a description of a near fulfillment of the prophecy.

“Not many years after the destruction of Sennacherib’s army before Jerusalem, by which the Egyptians were freed from the yoke with which they were threatened by so powerful an enemy, who had carried on a successful war of three years’ continuance against them, the affairs of Egypt were again thrown into confusion by intestine broils among themselves, which ended in a perfect anarchy that lasted some years. This was followed by an aristocracy, or rather tyranny, of twelve princes, who divided the country between them, and at last by the sole dominion of Psammitichus, which he held for fifty-four years. Not long after that, followed the invasion and conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar; and then by the Persians under Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. The yoke of the Persians was so grievous, that the conquest of the Persians by Alexander may well be considered as a deliverance to Egypt; especially as he and his successors greatly favoured the people, and improved the country. To all these events the prophet seems to have had a view in this chapter;” which contains the fifth discourse of the second part of Isaiah’s prophecies, delivered at another time, and much later than the preceding, and copiously setting forth the fate of Egypt, a nation, from the remotest antiquity, famous in the East.  _{Benson Commentary, Bible Hub accessed 10/17/2026. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/isaiah/19-1.htm}

But note:  There appears a reference to a far fulfillment as well.  Whom will God give them over to in the future?  Well, it will be the anti-Christ.  As we will see in the next few verses the water of the Nile had never been a problem either, until more recently.  So there are stages in the fulfillment of these prophecies as we have seen in others.

The Dams Along the Nile have played havoc on Egypt

We can watch in real time the fulfillment of the next verses

The waters will fail from the sea,

And the river will be wasted and dried up.

The rivers will turn foul;

The brooks of defense will be emptied and dried up;

The reeds and rushes will wither.

The papyrus reeds by the River, by the mouth of the River,

And everything sown by the River,

Will wither, be driven away, and be no more.

The fishermen also will mourn;

All those will lament who cast hooks into the River,

And they will languish who spread nets on the waters.

Moreover those who work in fine flax

And those who weave fine fabric will be ashamed;

And its foundations will be broken.

All who make wages will be troubled of soul.

Surely the princes of Zoan are fools;

Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish counsel.

How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise,

The son of ancient kings?”

Where are they?

Where are your wise men?

Let them tell you now,

And let them know what the Lord of hosts has purposed against Egypt.

The princes of Zoan have become fools;

The princes of Noph are deceived;

They have also deluded Egypt,

Those who are the mainstay of its tribes.

The Lord has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst;

And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work,

As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.

Neither will there be any work for Egypt,

Which the head or tail,

Palm branch or bulrush, may do.

In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts which He has determined against it.  Isaiah 19:5-17 NKJV

3 dams have been constructed along the Nile, ultimately causing havoc to agriculture and fishing industries.  The first was the Aswan Low Dam in 1902.  The second was the Aswan High Dam completed in 1970.  The third was completed in 2025 as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which supplies hydro energy to Ethiopia.

Over the years, various dams, including the Aswan High Dam, have been constructed to manage floodwaters and generate hydroelectric power, but these projects have also led to negative consequences, such as the spread of waterborne diseases and salinization of agricultural lands. The increasing population in the Nile Basin has exacerbated water shortages, with countries like Egypt projected to face severe water scarcity by 2025. International collaborations, such as the Nile Basin Initiative, aim to address these challenges and promote equitable distribution of the river’s resources. Overall, the Nile River embodies a complex interplay of environmental health, human needs, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the urgency for sustainable management of this vital waterway.  Environmental Health of the Nile River, https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/consumer-health/environmental-health-nile-river/

Yet, Isaiah foretold of this in the 700s BC.  God does not accomplish things on our time.  In this case, He watched and let man’s need for power and energy do the work themselves.

We Can Certainly Trust God’s Perfect Timing

Note the theme here.  God will punish His own.  It is evident He will punish Israel as a nation and has.  But will redeem them.  He also plays a major role in punishing those who have wronged Israel.  It is like you have a child, and someone else steps in to punish your child or draw them astray.  You will get in their face and pretty quickly.  Your job is to discipline your own and to protect them from others.  God sees Israel has His.  He refers to Israel as the “apple of His eye”

“Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord.  “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.”  For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.  For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me. “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.  “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem.Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” Zechariah 2:5-13 NKJV

Best we are not the one poking the eye of God. He will punish His own.

Trust God’s Perfect Timing in His Grace as Well

The same as God remembers the bad.  He remembers to reward those who helped.  Remember when the Pharoah of Egypt took in Joseph and later his family to protect them.  There was a time that Assyria also helped Israel though brief.  Furthermore, God promised Abraham that there would be some of Ishmael’s descendants rewarded.

Therefore, in the future Millenial Reign of Christ

In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan (HEBREW) and swear by the Lord of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction.  In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border.  And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them.  Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”  Isaiah 19: 18-25 NKJV

Then we step back to Trust the Perfect Timing of God

Isaiah 20 gives a closeup view of what was to come first in these series of events.

In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it,  at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove the sackcloth from your [b]body, and take your sandals off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Then the Lord said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory. And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, ‘Surely such is our expectation, wherever we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape?’ ”  Isaiah 20:1-6 NKJV

Why in this order?  Because when the Israelite nation saw this fulfilled. Immediately, they should have known the rest would as well.  That is to verify they can trust God’s Perfect Timing.  So can we.

In the fullness of time, Jesus came, born of a virgin, to walk this earth.  He suffered rejection, pain, sorrow, and hunger. Then, ultimately the full wrath of God the Father, The wrath poured out without the comfort of the Holy Spirit. He did all this to pay the penalty for our sin.  Then on the third day, He arose from the dead, victorious for us.  How can we not trust Him with all the minute details of our lives.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Previous Post

How to Put God First When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

As we continue looking at the judgements of God prophesied in Isaiah to Judah, Israel, and all the surrounding nations we should stop and think.  Why did it have to be this way?  What happened, making this necessary?  And can we avoid it? When life feels overwhelming, how do we put God first.  Only in Him is peace, joy, hope, and victory maintained when the world around us is driving us to despair.  What had gone wrong for Israel and Judah that we can learn about?  And how did their errors affect all the nations surrounding them?   How much do our responses affect all those around us? Can we really fake it until we make it?  Or are there ways to put God First thus reversing the overwhelming feelings we may have. 

This all goes back to the beginning, when Adam sinned and we are now born with these natures that cause us to look away from God.  Too often we are concerned with our own feelings and not that of God.  What can we get from Him?  How can we just do this ourselves to feel more powerful within our own world?  Yet, God has a better plan amid our whirling world of chaos.

He sometimes even allows our overwhelming circumstances to bring our eyes back into focus on Him.  Not out of cruelty, but out of love.  He knows our only true source of abundant joy, is the Glorious King of the Universe, Himself.  Therefore, He will do whatever it takes so we put God First in our life.  Thereby, providing us with Life Abundant and overflowing. So, as we study this section of Isaiah, keep your eyes open to discover how to Put God First. 

Proclamation Against Syria and Israel 

The burden against Damascus. 

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, 

And it will be a ruinous heap. 

The cities of Aroer are forsaken; 

They will be for flocks 

Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid. 

The fortress also will cease from Ephraim, 

The kingdom from Damascus, 

And the remnant of Syria; 

They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,” 

Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 17: 1-3 

The 10 tribes of Israel split from the 2 Southern tribes of Judah when Rehoboam (one of Solomon’s sons) attempted to place harsher taxes and rules over the people.  10 tribes then followed Jeroboam (another son of Solomon), thus splitting the kingdom.  Thus, the greed and desire for power of Rehoboam began the split.  However, Jeroboam made a major error.  To avoid the people traveling to Jerusalem to sacrifice, he set up a separate temple in which he placed a Golden Calf.   

Then began the era in which Israel (also called Ephraim) the northern tribe began a series of bad kings. Judah had her share of bad kings as well.  However, Judah did intermittently have some good kings that would turn their eyes back on God.  Yet, that would only last for a brief time. At this point in Isaiah, the northern tribe had joined with Syria to attempt to conquer Judah to increase forces.  Their goal being to protect themselves against Assyria.  Yet, not relying on God as their source. Idol worship plagued both kingdoms at this point. 

Put God First 

This was their major sin.  Neither the northern tribes nor the southern tribes put God First.  Both relied on themselves to perform and to win against the enemies.  In doing so, both pulled in and joined with other allies.  Israel with Syria and Judah with Assyria.  To make matters worse, they also joined in the worship of the idolatrous practices of those whom they adjoined with.  Instead of teaching their neighbors to worship the one true God, they forsook God.  Or at least He became an afterthought or a “get out of jail free card”.  As the chosen nation, they believed God would always rescue them.  Wanting Him to do things their way.  As Christians do we do that as well?   

So, lets recap.  To put God first we must: 

1. Remember that God is Sovereign 

2.  Feast on the truth that it is Grace that Saved us, not anything we did 

3. Develop an attitude of Gratitude because of His Grace 

4. Hold fast to a reverent, awe-struck fear of Almighty God, remembering His Glorious Splendor. 

5. Lay aside our desire for and hold on to pride in ourselves. What we think we have accomplished in life and for God. 

6. Cast aside those “idols” that overtake us so easily.  Money, “likes”, clicks, people’s approval, job, etc. 

7. Take the time to seek God first every morning, every day.  

Back to the Story of Damascus and Israel 

Well Damascus is known as one of the most ancient of cities.  It is still present and the capital of Syria.  This despite a very tumultuous history.  Therefore, did God fail in this prophesy?  A thousand times no.  Indeed, as history reveals as well as the Bible itself, this did happen. 

“Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to wage war on Jerusalem, and they besieged Ahaz but could not conquer him. At that time Rezin the king of Syria recovered Elath for Syria and drove the men of Judah from Elath, and the Edomites came to Elath, where they dwell to this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, ‘I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.’ Ahaz also took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasures of the king’s house and sent a present to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria listened to him. The king of Assyria marched up against Damascus and took it, carrying its people captive to Kir, and he killed Rezin” 2 Kings 16: 5-9 ESV 

Damascus was rebuilt years later.  After multiple points in history of destruction, it has proven one of the most resilient cities at re-establishing itself.  Thus, the final destruction is yet in the future.  Indeed, some believe the Anti-Christ may come from Damascus or at least Syria.  God is not done yet.  Still, He is calling a remnant of believers from Syria as well who will put God First. 

As Damascus Falls, so Does Israel at that Time 

“In that day it shall come to pass 

That the glory of Jacob will wane, 

And the fatness of his flesh grow lean. 

It shall be as when the harvester gathers the grain, 

And reaps the heads with his arm; 

It shall be as he who gathers heads of grain 

In the Valley of Rephaim. 

Yet gleaning grapes will be left in it, 

Like the shaking of an olive tree, 

Two or three olives at the top of the uppermost bough, 

Four or five in its most fruitful branches,” 

Says the Lord God of Israel.  Isaiah 17: 4-6 NKJV 

There will be a remnant left as always, but life will be hard.   

God’s Goal?  To Put God First 

In that day a man will look to his Maker, 

And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. 

He will not look to the altars, 

The work of his hands; 

He will not respect what his fingers have made, 

Nor the wooden images nor the incense altars. Isaiah 17: 7-8 NKJV 

There will come the day when all turn their eyes back to God.  They will forsake the idolatrous altars.  Nor will they look anymore at the work of their own hands.  They will finally put God first.  Why does God put His Glory as the most important thing?  After all, does not the creator of all the universe know what creation and the creatures most need?  We were made to experience His glory, His love, and His joy.  Without these, we are always with that sensation of incompleteness.  Often, we fail to recognize what it is that we truly desire and confuse it with many other things.  In the case of Syria and Israel, they had forsaken God.  Hence, their upcoming take over by Assyria.   

In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough 

And an uppermost branch, 

Which they left because of the children of Israel; 

And there will be desolation. 

Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, 

And have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, 

Therefore you will plant pleasant plants 

And set out foreign seedlings; 

In the day you will make your plant to grow, 

And in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; 

But the harvest will be a heap of ruins 

In the day of grief and desperate sorrow.  Isaiah 17:9-11 NKJV 

Neither will Assyria be left with its Plunder 

Even though God allowed the arrogance of Assyria to punish Syria and Israel, they are not without guilt.  They too will face judgement.   

Woe to the multitude of many people 

Who make a noise like the roar of the seas, 

And to the rushing of nations 

That make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! 

The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters; 

But God will rebuke them and they will flee far away, 

And be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind, 

Like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. 

Then behold, at eventide, trouble! 

And before the morning, he is no more. 

This is the portion of those who plunder us, 

And the lot of those who rob us.  Isaiah 17: 12-14 NKJV 

So, When Life Feels Absolutely Overwhelming 

As it does most of the time anymore, look up and put God first.  We are living in the end times, I do believe.  We were never promised that this broken world would be our comfort zone.  But we were promised that God would be our source of peace and joy.  He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  So, stop listening to all the news and people around you that try to tear your spirits down.  Instead, put God first.  Cling to His Word.  And then say, “You will not steal my joy today.”  Dwelling continually as in His presence.  He has given us “every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Jesus Christ”.  Therefore, we have every tool needed to win in the battles of spiritual warfare.  

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Previous Post

Do You Really Trust God’s Justice and Mercy Today? 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba

If we look at the news media or ponder the evil that seems to overwhelm us, then a sense of desperation can fill our spirit and heart.  The older I get the more I realize the depth of depravity that lives within the world and even my own heart.  That is unless I remember “But God”.  So, each day I am reminded to ask myself, “Do You Really Trust God’s Justice and Mercy Today?”  When I want Him to move quickly. Or I cry, “come now!” Can I trust that He is “not slow” as we consider slowness? 

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9 NKJV 

Chapters 13 to 23 of Isaiah are just that, a reminder that we can truly trust God’s Justice and Mercy today.  Regardless of how bleak the day may look, God can and will make all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called for His Purpose. Romans 8: 28 and 29 remind us of that truth.  So, as we look at these very complex chapters in Isaiah, let us cling to this truth.  Isaiah himself felt great grief as he wrote these.  Yet, he remembered the glorious view of God’s throne he was given.  Therefore, he wrote on.  The sorrow and devastation presented here is a reminder of God’s justice, mingled with His mercy as He waits for one more believer to come. 

How Majestic Is God 

Last week we looked at the Majesty of God in the destruction of Babylon foretold before there was an Empire called Babylon.  Assyria had defeated Babylon long before this, thinking they could never rise again.  Yet, Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar did rise again out of the ashes suddenly to become a great empire.  They would then conquer the Assyrian Army in 612 BC. Isaiah foretold not only this; but, also their downfall by the Medes and Persians in 539 BC.  He also named Cyrus as the Persian Leader.  Cyrus reigned over the Persian empire from 559 to 529 BC.  Isaiah’s ministry was from 739 BC until his death in 681 BC. Therefore, as we look at this history, do we not see the Sovereignty of God. And thereby trust God’s justice in all of it?   

But what about His mercy?  Did He not send salvation to the great capital of Asyrria, Ninevah in what is believed to be 763 BC when a solar eclipse is recorded shortly before this.  The entire city was saved.  They came to worship God for a time only to fall again into idolatry and evil pagan worship.  This despite their reputation for ruthlessness, there was a merciful reaching out of God’s hand.  But as is common in this world of humanity, they then turned aside.  God also brought King Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel to a knowledge of Himself as we read in King Nebuchadnezzar’s confession in Daniel 4.  Still, his grandson Belshazzar defiled God and was overthrown when the Mede/Persian army took over the city without a shot being shot.  God’s mercy can always be trusted alongside His Justice.   

This is what we must remember as we study these chapters.  We can really trust God’s Justice and His Mercy, regardless of what is happening around us in this world. 

Assyria’s Fall foretold 

The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, 

“Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, 

And as I have purposed, so it shall stand: 

That I will break the Assyrian in My land, 

And on My mountains tread him underfoot. 

Then his yoke shall be removed from them, 

And his burden removed from their shoulders. 

This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, 

And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 

For the Lord of hosts has purposed, 

And who will annul it? 

His hand is stretched out, 

And who will turn it back?” 

Isaiah 14: 24-27 NKJV 

This is foretold shortly before Sennacherib’s army was struck down by an angel of God and forced to retreat.  Unfortunately, Judah had aligned themselves with Assyria trusting them instead of God.  After Assyria defeated the northern tribe of Israel in 720 BC, they then wanted to overtake Judah as well.  Certainly, none of this exempted Assyria from God’s judgement.  Assyria most directly aligns with Northern Iraq today, for perspective as to their location.  This is representing justice, but what about God’s mercy.  Later we will see in Isaiah 19, that Asyrria and Egypt will be blessed during the millennial reign of Christ Jesus.   

In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”  Isaiah 19:24-25.  NKJV 

What an amazing God we serve!  He has promised and we can trust God’s Justice and Mercy today.  None of His prophecies has failed.  Some see the Old Testament as a harsh judgmental book of God.  Yet, throughout its pages is the redemptive story.  Yes, there is judgement for evil, for which humanity is fully guilty of.  Still amid all that, there is a thread of mercy.  The foretelling of Jesus Christ.  God’s redemptive plan of mercy even though no one, not one of us deserves it.  Still, it is there throughout every page.  The Old Testament as well as the new is the Story of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers each of us.   

Philistia Destroyed 

This is the burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died. 

“Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, 

Because the rod that struck you is broken; 

For out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper, 

And its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. 

The firstborn of the poor will feed, 

And the needy will lie down in safety; 

I will kill your roots with famine, 

And it will slay your remnant. 

Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! 

All you of Philistia are dissolved; 

For smoke will come from the north, 

And no one will be alone in his appointed times.” 

What will they answer the messengers of the nation? 

That the Lord has founded Zion, 

And the poor of His people shall take refuge in it. Isaiah 14: 28-32 NKJV 

Philistia is the region along the sea line of Canaan including Gaza.   

During the reign of Ahaz, the Philistines took advantage of Judah’s weakened state. Ahaz, who ruled from approximately 732 to 716 BC, was a king noted for his idolatry and failure to follow the ways of his forefathers, David and Solomon. His reign is characterized by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading to moral and spiritual decay within the kingdom.¹https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/t/the_philistines–distressed_judah_under_ahaz.htm 

Yet, God has always shown mercy by pleading with their people to turn to Him.

God’s Justice and Mercy Toward Moab 

Remember the Moabites?  They were the descendants of Lot via his own daughter after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The daughters thought they must do something to preserve the family.  Therefore, they got their father drunk and slept with him to have children.  The Moabites later disallowed the Jewish nation to cross through their lands.  There were many conflicts with the Moabites.  

 The burden against Moab. 

Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste 

And destroyed, 

Because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste 

And destroyed, 

He has gone up to the temple and Dibon, 

To the high places to weep. 

Moab will wail over Nebo and over Medeba; 

On all their heads will be baldness, 

And every beard cut off. 

In their streets they will clothe themselves with sackcloth; 

On the tops of their houses 

And in their streets 

Everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. 

Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out, 

Their voice shall be heard as far as Jahaz; 

Therefore the armed soldiers of Moab will cry out; 

His life will be burdensome to him. 

 “My heart will cry out for Moab; 

His fugitives shall flee to Zoar, 

Like a three-year-old heifer. 

For by the Ascent of Luhith 

They will go up with weeping; 

For in the way of Horonaim 

They will raise up a cry of destruction, 

For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate, 

For the green grass has withered away; 

The grass fails, there is nothing green. 

Therefore the abundance they have gained, 

And what they have laid up, 

They will carry away to the Brook of the Willows. 

For the cry has gone all around the borders of Moab, 

Its wailing to Eglaim 

And its wailing to Beer Elim. 

For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood; 

Because I will bring more upon Dimon, 

Lions upon him who escapes from Moab, 

And on the remnant of the land.”   Isaiah 15: 1-9 NKJV 

And it continues in Isaiah 16.  Even Isaiah is mournful for the Moabites. 

Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, 

From Sela to the wilderness, 

To the mount of the daughter of Zion. 

For it shall be as a wandering bird thrown out of the nest; 

So shall be the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon. 

 “Take counsel, execute judgment; 

Make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day; 

Hide the outcasts, 

Do not betray him who escapes. 

Let My outcasts dwell with you, O Moab; 

Be a shelter to them from the face of the [b]spoiler. 

For the extortioner is at an end, 

Devastation ceases, 

The oppressors are consumed out of the land.  

In mercy the throne will be established; 

And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, 

Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.” 

We have heard of the pride of Moab— 

He is very proud— 

Of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath; 

But his lies shall not be so. 

Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab; 

Everyone shall wail. 

For the foundations of Kir Hareseth you shall mourn; 

Surely they are stricken. 

 For the fields of Heshbon languish, 

And the vine of Sibmah; 

The lords of the nations have broken down its choice plants, 

Which have reached to Jazer 

And wandered through the wilderness. 

Her branches are stretched out, 

They are gone over the sea. 

Therefore I will bewail the vine of Sibmah, 

With the weeping of Jazer; 

I will drench you with my tears, 

O Heshbon and Elealeh; 

For battle cries have fallen 

Over your summer fruits and your harvest. 

Gladness is taken away, 

And joy from the plentiful field; 

In the vineyards there will be no singing, 

Nor will there be shouting; 

No treaders will tread out wine in the presses; 

I have made their shouting cease. 

Therefore my heart shall resound like a harp for Moab, 

And my inner being for Kir Heres. 

And it shall come to pass, 

When it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, 

That he will come to his sanctuary to pray; 

But he will not prevail. This is the word which the Lord has spoken concerning Moab since that time.  But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as the years of a hired man, the glory of Moab will be despised with all that great multitude, and the remnant will be very small and feeble.” Isaiah 16: 1-13

All due to the arrogance and pride of humanity against their creator.   Moabites lived in what would be modern day Jordan.

And What About Mercy for Moab? 

Woe to you, O Moab! 

The people of Chemosh perish; 

For your sons have been taken captive, 

And your daughters captive. 

 “Yet I will bring back the captives of Moab 

In the latter days,” says the Lord.  Jeremiah 48: 46-47 NKJV 

Concluding Thoughts 

As we can clearly see, even in times of Chaos, God has been in control.  He must display His Justice; yet, He has always demonstrated His Mercy as well.  That which is occurring has occurred before. And we can see the truth of His word to complete all that He has said and promised.  Therefore, regardless of the dark bleakness that surrounds us every day, look to Jesus.  He is our hope, our joy, our peace, and our love.  We can trust God’s Justice and Mercy today.  I know, I have been there all too often in my life.  He has proved faithful always.   

Back in about 2006, after widowhood, cancer, ulcerative colitis, financial disaster; I finally sat down and wrote this poem. It was the second poem that I wrote called To God, My Love, My Hope, My Joy. Using Suno.com pro I was able to upload my voice and then let AI do it’s magic.

SONG–To God, My Love, My Hope, My Joy

TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

by Effie Darlene Barba

  

My life-so filled with hopes and dreams 

Lay shattered at Your feet 

So many tears, so many pains 

I laid before Your seat 

  

Can I look upon Your face of love 

And question what You’ve done? 

For You have been my only hope 

My only morning sun 

  

You’ve seen my heart when crushed with pain 

Your hands have held it tight 

When I have been so weak, so frail 

You’ve shown Your strength, Your might 

  

You’ve held me close within Your arms 

When darkness filled my night 

And when I could not see my way 

Your eyes, they gave me sight 

  

I lay my life within Your hands 

That You may heal my soul 

And keep my eyes upon You Lord 

That I may reach Your goal 

  

Shine forth Your grace, Your mercy Lord 

And let me be Your light 

That all may see Your eyes of love 

The blind, they might have sight 

  

Let not the sorrows, nor the pains 

Bring bitterness within 

And give me strength to walk this path 

Protect my heart from sin 

  

I lay my heart, my soul, my dreams 

Before Your throne of love 

I lift my eyes to You, My God 

And seek Your will above 

  

You are the only one I need 

To fill my heart with glee 

It is Your face, my one true love 

Tis all I need to see 

  

So lift me up and hold me close 

Reveal Your love divine 

That through the holes within my heart 

A world might see You shine 

  

And if the sorrows of my past 

Can touch a wayward one 

I thank you Lord for each dark path 

That lead them to Your son 

  

I praise You now from mountains high 

For each dark path I’ve trod 

Twas there I found Your heart, Your love 

Twas there I found You God 

  

What great and wondrous joy I know 

Because You are my king 

And though the path I cannot see 

My heart will trust and sing 

  

A song of praise unto You Lord 

Who knows what’s best for me 

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on 

In darkness, I can see 

  

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand 

Is all I’ll ever need 

So hold me close unto Your path 

For this is all I plead 

  

I’ll skip with joy along this path 

Though darkness may surround 

Because I know You hold my hand 

My feet will ne’er touch ground 

  

I cannot fall outside Your love 

I cannot lose my way 

I’ll hold my broken dreams once more 

And see them real, one day 

  

A song of praise unto You Lord 

Who knows what’s best for me 

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on 

In darkness, I can see 

  

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand 

Is all I’ll ever need 

So hold me close unto Your path 

For this is all I plead 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Check out my other website about the inspiration behind each song at Effie Darlene Barba, Songwriter and Poet

Previous Post

How Majestic the Sovereignty of Almighty God in this World

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) 

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission. 

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Picture Taken and used by Permission of Melissa Smith, my daughter