Isaiah 47

My thoughts on Isaiah 47. This is taken directly from my journal, so it may be a tad bit scattered.

Observational Questions/Thoughts

What is the significance of 'virgin daughter' in Biblical cultures? -v1
Why are the adjectives 'tender' and 'delicate' used? (look up other defs) -v1
What is a millstone? -v2
What is the significance of veils and skirts in Biblical cultures? -v2

Who is the speaker taking vengeance on? -v3
Is the passage saying that the Redeemer takes Vengeance? -v4
What does the phrase 'Holy One of Israel' Signify? -v4
Who is the Queen of Kingdoms? Babylonian? Chaldean? -v5

What does this mean: "I profaned his heritage" ? -v6
Is this because the speaker is "Angry with my people"? -v6

Is God blaming/punishing the Chaldeans for not being merciful? -v6

I will be queen - prideful thoughts -v7
You did not consider nor remember the outcome - forgetful, uncaring, unwise? -v7

Sensual one? (need def) -v8
Dwells securely? (need def) -v8

I am and there is none beside me - more prideful words -v8

Can the Queen control -v8
1. Security?
2. Whether she is a widow or not?
3. Whether she loses children or not?
-Are these the kinds of things which are valued in that culture?

How can her wisdom and knowledge delude? -v10
Delude? (need def)

Why does evil come on her? -v11
-Judgement?
(due to Pride I would suspect, but that is for later)

What does this mean: "For which you cannot atone?" -v11
-Is this saying that the Queen cannot pay for her evil?
Suddenly? (need def) -v11

Is God mocking? Or challenging? with this phrase: -v12
"Stand fast in your spells... perhaps you will be able to profit,"

Are these statements true?
1. She can't save herself -v13
2. Astrologers can't save her -v13
3. Those who laboured with her can't save her. -v15


Interpretive Thoughts

Main Point

1. Pride
A. God will Judge Babylon/Chaldea for their pride.
B. Nothing will save them.

A. They are proud
i. Of their security -v8
ii. Of Self -v8
-thinks she is safe from widowhood, childlessness.

-God Judges suddenly -v9
-God Judges in full measure -v9

B. Nothing will Save them
i. She can't save herself -v12
ii. Astrologers can't saver her -v13
iii. Labourers can't save her -v15

-The will all burn -v14

Other Thoughts (Applicational)

Big questions left:

What does this mean: I profaned my heritage? Why? -v6

Am I trusting in security? Security in life, school, marriage, job, etc...? -v8

What does this mean: Say in my heart? -v8

Applicational thoughts:

1. Kill Pride

-Best way to kill pride is to put Christ first, and other people second

Practical things

1. Ask Questions of people
2. Listen closely to what they say.
3. It is alright to leave questions unanswered. Constantly trying to resolve problems often leads to a misunderstanding of the person, or a lack of depth in the relationship needed for such resolutions.
4. Ask for help from someone who is more gifted than you in a certain area.
5. Ask someone to pray with you/for you. (Quite the humbling experience if you are sincere)
6. Fast. It tends to destroy pride because every time you feel hungry it is a reminder that you are denying your body as a symbol of denying your fleshly lusts and appetites. It also gives one a better perspective on prayer.
7. Plead with Jesus to change your heart so that you are not proud. Ask specifically. The purpose for asking specifically is not for God's sake but for your own. When you pray specifically you are reminded of a concrete example of pride, and you will build up a desire to destroy it. Generalized prayers tend to be looked upon with indifference or apathy. Many people can pray, "Lord help me with pride." It is harder to pray for a specific instance in your life, because it is shaming and personal.
8. Continually think of others as more important than yourself. This is more than just a thought process however. It must touch the heart or else it becomes useless practically. However, you will never naturally be humble. It takes the Lord working through your mind, which effects your heart, and changes your actions. Pray to this end.

Keep on striving to kill pride brothers and sisters. God is made to look extremely good when his children are full of humility.

Peace,

Todd.