READ: Is. 9:8-17
For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, … The elder and honorable; he is the head; the prophet who teaches the lies, he is the tail – Is. 9:13-15
This passage concerns the announcement of God’s punishments over the ten-tribe kingdom. Isaiah prophesies not only in Judah but also in Israel. The situation there is no better than in Judah. There is also pride prevailing. The people do not humble themselves before God when He punishes them. They only think about restoring destruction and continuing to live in sin as before. The Lord’s word implies that due to this pride, new punishments will come. Isaiah’s prophecy will come true with the force of a falling stone (v.8)
The people do not turn to God: they continue to trust in idols and people instead of their God. They do not confess their sins to Him. Verse 12: They do not seek the LORD of hosts; they do not love Him, do not inquire about His will, and do not serve and worship Him. Even though He has chosen them as His people and has delivered them from their enemies in the past with mighty deeds.
No one will be spared when God’s punishment comes upon the people. Isaiah compares Israel to an animal that is completely slaughtered. No one will escape from this fate, not even the responsible leaders (head and tail) who have misled the people.
The head refers to rulers and dignitaries; the tail refers to false prophets. They are punished extra severely because they have lied to the people and caused confusion. They have abused their office for personal gain and led the people to destruction. They have twisted God’s Word or robbed it of its power through their own inventions.
What is stated here about God’s punishment for false prophets is an important warning for the church (see also Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 7:15-20,24:23-28; 1 Tim.4:1-3, 2 Tim. 2:14-19, 2 Pet. 2; 1 John 4:1-6).
How do you recognize a “false prophet”?
Singing: Ps. 73:9