Isaiah's Truths: Lesson 30- Who art thou, contenders of the House of David?

Bible Reading: Isaiah 7 (ESV)

Memory verse: Isaiah 7 : 2

When the house of David was told, “Syria is in the league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen! Wow! It has been two years since our last post in the “Isaiah’s Truths” series. Over the past two years, we (Sammie’s Ministries) have launched various programs, events, and tools to support your journey of Intimacy with God. Through this post, we announce that we are officially back! Back to our first love- documenting our conversations with the Holy Spirit.

How have you been? Have you missed our blog posts? Well, make the announcement! We are back, with the help of the Holy Spirit, in obedience to the instructions and mandate of the ministry. We will explore the nature of some battles we may face through King Ahaz’s story. Are you ready to read all that the Holy Spirit has for us? Well, let us get right into it.

Kindly note that the structure of the blog might be different from different blog pieces. Let us know what you think!

The first thing one will notice is the phrase “house of David.” This phrase was used to represent King Ahaz, is a very powerful phrase. This signifies that Ahaz (and by extension the land of Judah) were God’s chosen people- anointed and guarded by God Himself. This phrase is important because it represents us (born-again Children of God). By reason of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have been adopted into God’s family [Ephesians 1:5]. We are His chosen ones. Spiritually, we are from the house of David- the lineage of Christ. Today, be reminded that you are from the house of David. You are chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession [1 Peter 2:9]. You are from the house of David- walk in that confidence!

“Syria is in the league with Ephraim…” This phrase is very interesting. In this portion of the verse, Israel is referred to as Ephraim. The choice of words communicates the closeness and familiarity of Israel. Ephraim, like Judah, was one of the House of Jacob. Judah was a son of Jacob. Ephraim was the son of Joseph, a grandson of Jacob. Descendants from the same family now standing against one another! At times, the people who wage war (physically and spiritually) against us are people we are familiar with or close to. They may even be members of your family. Chosen one of God, do not be afraid! Do not be dismayed!

Syria was a strong nation, but a foreigner (in this context). The sole aim of this rage against Judah was because King Ahaz refused to join the alliance to overthrow the Assyrian Empire. The Bible is drawing our attention to the nature of this battle. To fulfil some (personal) goals and/ or visions of power, revenge, hatred, etc., some may see your value and try to use you for their plans. Whether the battle involves people close to you or foreign to you (or both), O House of David, you are chosen by God to do His work! God will continue to direct your path and guide you.

The verse ends with a vivid description of King Ahaz and his people. The imagery used and the metaphorical representation of the sudden fear in the hearts of the people describe the magnitude and depths of their fear. This is our response to the battles we face. Our immediate response is to panic, imagine all the negatives and be consumed by fear. O House of David, is this the posture you must adopt?

The verse uses the word “shake” when describing the reaction of the trees. Normally, we would describe this phenomenon as a “sway”. The trees tend to sway from left to right (usually). In this case, we are told that the trees shake. Some research about the shake of a tree revealed that “shake” is an industry term (the wood industry) that refers to a series of internal cracks that run inside the tree itself. Wood with signs of shake is discarded. Here, the Bible is highlighting the strength of our “core” as Christians. The foundation of your spiritual health is evident in such situations. O House of David, are the foundations of your Faith deeply rooted in Christ? Your foundation can make or break your journey. Is your response to the battlefield similar to that of King Ahaz and the people of Judah? Or are you fortified like David?

O House of David, why are you frightened by those who stand against you?

Who art thou, contending against the children of God? O House of David, arise and take your place! Remember who you are! Now and Forevermore!

No matter who contends against you- some close, someone big, “mighty” and strong (as compared to your current situation), God is FAITHFUL. He is with us, directing our path.

Watch out for the next blog piece! We will explore God’s response to King Ahaz.

If this is your first time hearing about Christ, or you have made the decision to make Him the center of your life, kindly say this prayer with all sincerity and truth.

Dear Lord,

I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son, and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me of my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family.  You get to enjoy the freedom, salvation, and eternal life! Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is rejoicing on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.

Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are,

1. Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word, day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.

2. Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.