Many commentators complain this is the most difficult chapter in Isaiah. Surprisingly, there is a consensus which seems useful, far more so than the answers of the few who arrogantly insist they have it all worked out. Hebrew is more about images and symbols, and precise declarations in prophesy are rare for the simple reason such concrete clarity is contrary to the nature of spiritual truth. Further, it's not immediately apparent to us the application of symbols in the context of Isaiah's prophecy. Precise translation is difficult and highly disputed, but some things are fairly obvious.
The useful consensus points to Cush, the nation of Ethiopians in those days occupying modern Sudan and Southern Egypt. This is the one place in the world where a huge population with an ancient culture is built on a land that slopes downward to the north. During Isaiah's time, the ancient Ethiopian nation ruled Egypt.
We know both Egyptians and Ethiopians traveled a great deal by reed boats, since the Nile was the center of life and reeds of various sorts were more abundant there than trees. The Nile was the source of life and the main highway. Civilization spread very little beyond the hills and mountains on either side of it in Egypt, but the Upper Nile Valley of ancient Ethiopia was less constricted. Thus, the Ethiopians had managed to scatter their influence far beyond their own borders at various times.
Under the growing threat of Assyria, of which threat even Ethiopia had heard, these tall and smooth folks had sent messengers to many lands. They sought alliances to gather a force large enough to overwhelm Assyria. Isaiah, living as royal family in the Jerusalem court, could not have missed their arrival, nor the nature of their business. They sought from Judah quick answer to their offer of alliance by swift couriers so the necessary organization could begin immediately. Naturally, the Ethiopian emissaries extolled the virtues of their rulers, of a land where the people had been fearsome warriors since the beginning of time, arising in the land of the Upper Nile Valley.
Isaiah gives voice to God's answer. There is no rebuke, but a simple answer amounting to, "Thanks, but no thanks." Were God in need of any nation on earth for any purpose, He could call them. Indeed, Assyria rose at God's beckoning. They will also be vanquished at God's behest, without any human aid. So the Lord says to Isaiah, "I am not in a panic over Assyria." We are given the image of God sitting serenely on His throne in the Holy of Holies, gazing out across the landscape at the invading forces of Assyria, without a hint of concern.
He describes the invaders as setting up their siege lines, and settling in for an extended stay. It would be rather like grape vines in full flower, with the promise of a rich harvest. But, just as the flowers reach their climax of glory and sweet smell, the whole vineyard will be pruned harshly. The promise of victory and glory for Assyria will evaporate before they can get a good start. Their carcasses will feed scavengers for the better part of a year.
As always, in Hebrew literature, the term "Day of the Lord" carries a certain ambiguity. Rather than the end of all things, it is more an end of sin. Any day when God reveals His truth and power can be called "That Day." Thus, when this massive slaughter of Assyrian troops comes about, it won't be long after the Ethiopians will come to visit again. Instead of coming to offer Judah, as a lesser entity, their protection as a mighty power, they will be offering a gift to Jehovah. They will see He is more than sufficient to vanquish all of His enemies, and the most powerful nation on earth He can sweep aside with the casual flick of His hand. Ethiopia will come in grateful recognition of the Lord's benevolent dominion on over all the earth.
Yet again, because "That Day" is a spiritual reference, it manifests repeatedly at various points in human history, in various ways. We aren't sure whether the ancient Ethiopian Empire actually sent an offering to Jehovah during that period, but we do know there were a surprising number of Jews in their court in New Testament times. Further, it was but a mere century later they were known as a largely Christian nation. While modern Western minds find this a reckless disregard of chronicity, it is altogether proper in Ancient Near Eastern culture. Isaiah could care less if the response of Ethiopia was in historical proximity to the event evoking their gratitude. It had no bearing on the ultimate truth, of spiritual principles. In Scripture, we explain what we see from revealed truth. Events must be arranged in our minds as explained by higher understanding, not to suit the needs of mere human logical comfort.
Return to Isaiah Index
[<-- Previous]
[Next -->]
By Ed Hurst
24 September 2008
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: People of honor need no copyright laws; they are only too happy to give credit where credit is due. Others will ignore copyright laws whenever they please. If you are of the latter, please note what Moses said about dishonorable behavior -- "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)