Isaiah 18:4-7 – Our Sovereign God is in control

In Isaiah 18:4-6 God through Isaiah provided a picture of how he would act. In contrast to the frenzy of Ethiopia and Assyria, God would operate from rest. The reason God could operate with calm and tranquillity was that as the Sovereign, He already knew what the result would be. He was seating calmly in His dwelling place watching everything that was going on. God operating from rest did not mean that He was nonchalant about what was happening. Isaiah tells us that God was quietly but sovereignly involved in the judgment. Phrases such as “like dazzling heat in the sunshine,” and “a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest” suggests God’s presence and quiet involvement in what was happening. His presence and involvement were like the heat that could be felt in the sunshine or dew that would certainly fall even during summertime.

Though the name of the enemy was not named, Isaiah was referring to Assyria. Here God through Isaiah gave a glimpse of what would happen to this enemy of Judah. Verses 5-6 show that God would act swiftly at the right time to remove them just like a harvester pruning and removing unwanted branches. What He had pruned would be left on the mountain for the birds of prey to feast on. In the same way, the dead bodies of the enemy would be left on the battlefield and be consumed by wild animals. Verse 7 then concluded with a more positive note. The prophet turned from talking about war to worship. When Assyria had been defeated, Ethiopia would bring homage to God. The tall and smooth people whom we have identified as the people of Cush or Ethiopia would come bringing a gift to Mount Zion to honor God. Ultimately Cush like all nations would acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

 

The lesson is clear, God is sovereign. He is in control of our destiny. His quiet presence will work to deliver us from the plight we may encounter. As sure as heat is felt in the sun and dew would fall regardless of when, God’s presence would be with us in our predicament. Therefore we can absolutely trust Him!