Topic: Isaiah’s Truths: Lesson 31: O House of David… The Lord Has Spoken!

Bible Reading: Isaiah 7 (ESV)

Memory verse: Isaiah 7: 4

“And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah.”

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Hope you had an awesome week! We are back with another lesson of the Isaiah’s Truths series! Have you read lesson 30? Hope you learnt a thing or two from that piece.

As promised, we are going on to the next lesson. In this piece, we will explore God’s response to King Ahaz and his people. Are you ready? Let us get right into it!

The verse begins with an authoritative tone- be careful, be quiet. But take note, just because the phrase suggests an authoritative tone, it doesn’t mean it’s forceful. God replies to them from a place of love. He sees that if they continue to live from a place of fear, it will hurt and harm them. God is leading them to, firstly, pay close attention to their actions and reactions. At times, our default reaction is similar to that of King Ahaz and his people. Due to factors such as the size and “power” of the enemy’s army, we are crippled with fear. Most times, we do not realise this posture! The first phrase, “be careful”, is an intentional response from God, leading us to draw our attention to our posture, that we may correct it. When God says that He is with us always, this is evidence of his love and presence in our lives. In the midst of our battles, He reminds us to pay attention to our actions and adopt the right posture. O House of David, are you attentive to God’s promptings and reminders? O House of David, what are your next steps?

The next step is…

To be quiet. Right after prompting us, God asks us to be quiet! This is a very important step. Why? Our words carry a lot of power. Our words can and will affect the dynamics of the battle- i.e., the duration and the result. In a state of fear, our talk will be negative. The enemy would use those words as legal license and authority to have his way in your life. With the right posture, looking up to God, we speak His words and promises over our life and stand on the authority given to us as born-again Children of God. O House of David, what is your response to God’s instruction? O House of David, are you ready to win the battle?

The verse continues in an encouraging and soothing tone- do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint. God embraces us here. He recognises our shortcomings and encourages us to strive harder. This is evidence of how God sees us. He doesn’t recognise us in the lens of our failures. He sees us for who we are- His loving Children. From that, He encourages us and strengthens our inner man when we falter by speaking to us, reminding us of His Goodness and encouraging us with strategies and promptings to win. O House of David, do not fear! Do not let your heart be faint! O House of David, arise! Your Father is near, whispering and encouraging you!

The second part of the verse is very important- these two smouldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. This part of the verse comments on some factors that may cause us to be riddled with fear. Let’s take a look!!

The people of Ephraim, led by their king (Pekah) and the people of Syria, led by their king (Rezin), are described as smouldering stumps of firebrands. Here, God is reassuring the people of Judah by telling them that these two nations’ “power and glory” are fading away. Most of the time, we react like the people of Judah, thinking that we are fighting against firebrands. However, the people we are fighting against are just hanging on to past trophies. They may look intimidating upon first glance or based on stories we may have heard. But in reality, it is a façade! O House of David, the enemy you are up against is losing all its power and glory! O House of David, why are you convinced by the physical? O House of David, trust in your All-knowing and All-sufficient Father!

The verse ends with another very important phrase- the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. The word “fierce” is used metaphorically to describe the depths of the kings’ anger toward Judah. God truthfully acknowledges that Rezin and Pekah were full of anger. We know that anger can be a driving force in a revenge war. Many people have done (and embarked on) horrific agendas due to their anger. This war, declared by Rezin and Pekah is follows the same trend. However, the story is not going to end the same for them. Essentially, God is reminding the people of Judah that no one’s anger is bigger or greater than God’s! Who can wage war against the Mighty King of Judah? Whose anger is greater than God’s?

There are two very interesting things happening in this part of the verse. The first is that God comments on the anger of Rezin, Pekah and Syria, but doesn’t mention Ephraim. This could suggest that the people of Ephraim were against Pekah’s decision. This highlights a point made in lesson 30. The people of Judah and Ephraim were one people- Israel.

The second point is that God doesn’t refer to Pekah by his name, but by association with His Father, son of Remaliah. This strengthens the point just made- Pekah was acting in defiance of his family. This conveys God’s sadness and disappointment in Pekah for his actions against Judah. Additionally, it also conveys God’s anger at Pekah’s illegitimacy to the throne of Ephraim. It can be said that God didn’t recognise Pekah as the king of Ephraim.

House of David, take note of this- Judah was afraid because of Ephraim and Syria’s power and anger. In God’s response, not only does He prompt them of their posture and reaction, but God also answers their plights and encourages them in their weakness. In the way and manner, they needed! This is how God works! O House of David, what manner of Love is this? Even in your weakest moments, your Father never judges! O House of David, why do you look away? O House of David, why are you riddled with fear? O House of David, if God be for you, who can be against you? O House of David, arise! The battle belongs to God! You have already won! O House of David, arise and rejoice in victory- knowing that with God you are more than a conqueror!

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.