READ: Is. 8:11-15
Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, … The Lord of hosts … He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense … – Is. 8:12-14
“God with us” is the comfort for the believing part of the church. However, that portion is particularly small in those days. In verse 11, Isaiah recalls that he personally has been called to order by the LORD, overwhelmed and instructed not to align himself with the majority of the people. He must not follow the path of the people, for it is a sinful path, a path of unclean lips and unbelief. They only consider things that they can see. This leads them, like Ahaz, to fear the conspiracy of Syria under Rezin and Israel under Pekah (7:1).
But what they fear, Isaiah and his followers must not fear (v.12). Instead of fearing people, they should fear the LORD and trust in Him. Nothing surpasses His omnipotence. Moreover, no enemy can act outside His will. Let them hold the Almighty LORD of hosts as holy and bow in deep reverence before Him (v.13). They can take refuge in Him and find safety against every danger. Then He will be their sanctuary: granting them salvation, rest, and peace (v.14a).
However, it’s a different story for the unbelieving people who don’t trust in Him. This applies to both houses of Israel: the majority of the northern kingdom and the southern kingdom with Jerusalem (v.14b, 15). For them, the LORD of hosts is a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense, a trap, and a snare. They don’t fear Him and don’t trust in Him; they abandon Him. God’s holy wrath is revealed to them.
This also applies to Judah. While Judah sees their enemy in Israel, God sees both of them as apostate nations. Many among them will fall and be captured. Even this comes from God. He uses Assyria as an instrument. God is faithful to His covenant in both blessing and curse.
For what matters do you find refuge in the LORD?
Singing: Ps. 145:5