07.04.09
Isaiah - Day 295
Scripture: Isaiah 16:3 (NIV): “ ‘Give us counsel, render a decision. Make your shadow like night—at high noon. Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees’.”Thought: To me, how we “regard” the nation Israel is also how we “regard” God Almighty.
Question: What is my attitude toward Israel?
Godly advice, coming to Israel’s enemy, Moab, is being given out in these first verses of Isaiah 16. Lambs were to be given once again as tribute to the throne of David, and the line of Israeli kings, as seen in verse 1. Verse 2 encourages Moab to change their ways because it describes the anxiousness of their women-folk when forced from their homes. Now in verse 3 we see more promptings from the Lord:
“ ‘Give us counsel, render a decision…’ “ The King James Versions says, “ ‘Take counsel, execute judgment…’ “ Here again is the use of the emphatic voice: you “take”, you “render”. To me, God is recommending that Moab think this through very carefully. Moab ought to consult among themselves to decide the wisest course. There is always more wisdom in numbers. Proverbs 15:22 says: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” And again in Proverbs 24:5 and 6: “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Will the leaders of Moab put their heads together and come up with a good decision?
“Make your shadow like night—at high noon.” The advice of God, through Isaiah, in this phrase is challenging Moab to become a protector of Israelites who may also be fleeing the aggression of Assyria. (Yes, God Himself has protection for Israel, as mentioned in previous blogs, particulary Isaiah 15:8. Israel, however was also subject to the attacks of Assyria as described in Isaiah 8, 9 and parts of 10.) As God’s chosen people are fleeing, God instructs Moab to create a “shadow like night” over them. This is a cooling from the heat of battle—a kind provision of sanctuary and a safe haven for any refugees of war that may spill over into Moab territory. It is a covering protection—a sheltering or concealing attitude to give care to God’s people. “…--at high noon” refers to the heat of the war at highest pitch. Will Moab deal kindly with its neighbor? Will Moab respect Israel as being God’s holy nation? (See blog in Isaiah 16:1).
“Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.” Again, the emphatic voice is obvious here: you “hide”… you “do not betray”. The advice is before them—will they take it? Even as the prostitute Rahab was blessed by God because she hid His spies on her rooftop, (story in Joshua 2 with more in Joshua 6:17, 22 – 25, and mention of her faith in the New Testament in James 2:25 and Hebrews 11:31), so God challenges Moab to a supportive role for thIs people, Israel, as well. The wording of this phrase, “do not betray the refugees,” indicates that if they ignore the opportunity to shelter Israelites, they are actually betraying them. And so it follows that they would be betraying God as well.
If we love God, we will love Israel, too.
Prayer: Lord God, all of history revolves around Your dealings with Your chosen people, Israel. I pray that as an individual, You will help me to regard them with respect and honor. I pray that our nation, The United States of America, would also respect and honor Israel. Cause us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem! For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
