There are some chapters in the Bible that seem technical. Chapters that you read to fulfil all righteousness.
But recently, the Holy Spirit taught me something on this. He said that sometimes it’s not that they are technical or uninteresting but that we are not ready for the revelation hidden in them. I can promise you that I have read Isaiah 8 before but can’t remember learning as much as I did in this recent study.
Here are a few things I learned from this chapter.
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Integrity will make room for you.
“I asked Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah, both known as honest men, to witness my doing this.”
Isaiah 8:2 NLT
These men were selected because they were honest and were known to stand for truth.
2. Many times we want excitement without substance
“Then the Lord spoke to me again and said, “My care for the people of Judah is like the gently flowing waters of Shiloah, but they have rejected it. They are rejoicing over what will happen to King Rezin and King Pekah.”
Isaiah 8:5–6 NLT
There is this scripture that talks about how itchy ears (the pull to hear exciting or flesh driven things) often pulls us away from the truth. And this is so true. We often fall for the shiny things. for superficial things guised as useful or meaningful.
3. Groupthink is particularly dangerous as a Christian
Group think is hardly ever a good thing, and much worse if you’re a spirit-filled Christian.
Groupthink is “a pattern of thought characterised by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics.” (Merriam Webster)
In many areas of life, majority usually carries the vote, but God is calling us to a different way of life: His way!
“The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.”
Isaiah 8:11–12 NLT
4. There is only one Kind of Fear You should Entertain
Only one kind of fear is allowed in the Bible and that is the fear of the Lord – reverence and awe for God.
“Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.”
Isaiah 8:13 NLT
5. Ask God for Guidance first and allow Him lead
“Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.”
Isaiah 8:19–20 NLT
Ignorance and human seeking bring darkness, but godly counsel brings light. We are called to seek God first, because it is in Him that we find illumination to navigate life’s path.
6. The Lord is a safe haven to His children and a terror to His enemies.
“He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.”
Isaiah 8:14 NLT
The above scripture reminded me of Psalm 91 and Deuteronomy 32:35. We need to remember that God protects His own. His hand is not too short to save you and hold you up.
So, that’s it. Six lessons from Isaiah Chapter 8. Have you ever read this scripture? I would love to know what you think of it.
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