The three oracles contained in chapter 21, all of which contain artistic, cryptic elements, are addressed to nations and people groups located in around Israel and northern Arabia. They may be grouped as a collection because each recipient would be…
Author: rickandlindareed
A Quiet Work
In the morning hours of January 5th, 1998, we awoke to the Ice Storm. We had arrived the night before on a flight from California, packing fresh oranges picked fresh from the tree into our luggage. Looking out the window,…
Tuesdays with Isaiah (Chapter 20)
Nearly as brief as Isaiah 4 (the shortest chapter in the book), Isaiah 20 contains a brief but memorable message concerning the upcoming conquest and exile of Egypt and Cush. While the chapter is about Egypt and Cush, it’s for…
Tuesdays with Isaiah (Chapter 19)
The oracle against Egypt given in chapter 19 carries significance on several levels. As one of the national powers of the region—with aspirations for ANE supremacy—Egypt was a formidable force. In fact, Israel had a tendency to look to Egypt…
Tuesdays with Isaiah (Chapter 18)
This short chapter (seven verses) contains a brief pronouncement that introduces a cluster of oracles against ancient Cush and Egypt. Actually, the nation addressed in this chapter is not specifically named. They are described as a nation “beyond the rivers…
Praise and Prayer Update (December 16, 2022)
Last Friday I asked you to pray for our Heritage ESL (English as a Second Language) International Christmas Dinner. What a joyful, meaningful night it was. The friends who came from several countries enjoyed sampling foods from around the globe…
Tuesdays with Isaiah (Chapter 17)
While the heading for this chapter in my ESV translation says, “An Oracle Concerning Damascus”, the chapter deals with the impending judgment on both Syria and Israel. Previously, in chapter 7, we read how Syria and Israel were joining forces…
Praise and Prayer Update (December 9, 2022)
Last night we had a knock on our door and heard singing outside. The music was coming from Heritage students who were out in the community singing Christmas Carols to those who live in the neighbourhood. As they finished singing…
Tuesdays with Isaiah (Chapter 15-16)
In these two chapters, we have a lament voiced for the coming destruction of Moab, a nation to Israel’s east (across the Dead Sea). Amidst the wailing (a word repeated multiple times in chapters 15-16), we hear another, surprising voice…
The Long-Term Future is Bright
If you are following the news these days, you have likely had your fill of bad news. The future looks dark and foreboding: a devastating war in Ukraine, the rising cost of living due to inflation, widespread illness (coughs, colds…
Rick and Linda Reed 