Isaiah 30:27-33 – God alone is absolutely dependable

In Isaiah 30:27-33, the prophet described God’s promised deliverance for Judah. He said that God would do so with a clear demonstration of power on their behalf. In anger, He would rise up to deal with the Assyrians, the oppressor of His people. His judgment on Assyria would be seen in different ways. He would deal with them like a consuming fire from His tongue. Then His breath would be like a flood of water that would sift them, much like separating grains of stones and sands. Then they, the enemy, would be led away with harness like an animal being led off with bits and bridle.

Meanwhile, verses 29-30 describe the celebration of God’s people as He defeated the enemy on their behalf. They would rejoice that at last, their enemy had received their just dessert. Verse 30 makes it unmistakably certain that it was the Lord with His authority that had defeated their enemy. It was God who let loose His final blow on them. Every blow that God would inflict on the enemy would be like music to His people, for they would understand that God was fighting on their behalf.

The final place assigned for the king of Assyria was Topheth. This was a place in the valley of the son of Hinnom, located somewhere south of Jerusalem. It was here that human sacrifices were offered to the god Melek. II Kings 16:3 tells us that it was here Ahaz made his sons pass through the fire for Moloch. Something that had greatly offended God. This place had become a symbol of abomination to the Lord. This was the place Isaiah said God had prepared for the king of Assyria. And soon God would start the fire to consume his corpse.

One clear lesson from Isaiah 30 is this: to be victorious, we need to make God our main ally in life. No one can be as totally dependable as God. People we run with make good circle but poor centre. You will realize that if you put your focus on them, you have placed your focus wrongly. Take the word from the wise Psalmist who said, “It is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in men.” (Psalm 118:8).