Perception based on Feeling

Isaiah 14:28-32

“In the year that King Ahaz died, this oracle came: Don’t rejoice, all of you in Philistia, because the rod of the one who struck you is broken.  For a viper will come from the root of a snake, and from its egg comes a flying serpent.  Then the firstborn of the poor will be well fed, and the impoverished will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root with hunger, and your remnant will be slain.  Wail, you gates!  Cry out, city! Tremble with fear, all Philistia!  For a cloud of dust is coming from the north, and there is no one missing from the invader’s ranks.
What answer will be given to the messengers from that nation?  The Lord has founded Zion, and His afflicted people find refuge in her.”

The language Isaiah is using seems to be figurative like the broken rod, and it is believed to refer to Assyria’s weakness at that time in history, but is it not perception based on feeling and not truth, for God was not through with Assyria as His tool.  Once more, metaphorical language is being used, “a flying serpent” referring to Assyrian resurgence. (Note: Insight from HCSB page 1152)  When we examine history, we often see patterns where nations write off other nations, as many have done with the Soviet Union, but that old Bear seems to once more be rising to power, and may be a problem to all of Europe.

If we go back into Israel’s history, it is clear that the Philistines were a problem for both King Saul and King David, for both waged war against them.  It seems Isaiah is telling us it is the Philistines oppression of Judah that has made the poor become even poorer, but once they are defeated it will change the fortunes of the area. 

Once more, “the cloud of dust” seems to be referring to the Assyrian army that will destroy Philistia.  When “the cloud of dust” comes into your life, whom do you run to?  That cloud could be the loss of family, job, home, husband/wife or child, but we all have experienced the “cloud.”  The Philistines sent envoys trying to convince Judah to join them in resisting the Assyrian army.  Judah’s trust needs to be in God, and nothing else, and so does ours. 

Trusting in what is seen has a powerful draw that many run to and develop idols.  Idols such as wealth, military, parents, jobs, corporations, and even church or pastors, but the God who is unseen has to remove all idols so we will look to Him, and often when the “clouds of dust” come into our life look to God who can restore our lives.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice