Isaiah 33:7-16 – Building godly character

The Assyrians were oppressive and cruel people. Isaiah in verses 7-9 described their treacherous actions towards Jerusalem. The Assyrians under Sennacherib had not kept their bargain and came aggressively attacking Jerusalem. They showed no regard for mankind and their atrocities caused even the brave men of Jerusalem to weep. In their onslaught, they made sure that the freeway would be unsafe for travel. They literally left the land desolate. Isaiah described Lebanon as shamed and withered; Sharon, as a desert plain; and even Bashan and Carmel became devoid of their foliage.

However, God would never leave His people in their desperation without coming to their rescue. When they came to their wit's end, and all else seemed hopeless, His grace broke through. In our previous discussion, we saw how prayers were offered up to God. This prayer-answering God would never remain unmoved by the desperate cry of His people. So in their deep dire moment, He arose. He intervened. In their desperation, He came and exalted Himself, unleashed His power, and acted on their behalf. He obliterated the Assyrians’ aggression and brought it to naught. Verse 12 said that the enemy was effectively burned to lime in His wrath. And like cut thorns they were burned in the fire.  

 

God’s thorough purged of Judah’s enemy was a testimony worthy of proclamation. People far and near should be made to realize and acknowledge this glorious and mighty God. Truly there could and never would be anyone like this God. Isaiah said that God’s power at work would be so evident that the godless would be trembling in fear and those wayward people of Jerusalem would be moved to repentance. They would be brought to confront their waywardness and to consider what kind of righteous people they ought to be. In verses 15-16, Isaiah described what should truly characterize God’s people. Firstly, they must be people who would walk righteously. Secondly, they must be people of integrity who speak truthfully. Thirdly, they would reject unjust gain and refuse to accept bribes. Finally, they would be people who would not engage in bloodshed, neither would they be consumed with evil of any sort. God would be the security of such people. They would certainly find in Him a rock and an impenetrable refuge.

There are other applications that can be drawn from these verses. But one sure lesson is this: What should characterize us as God’s people? Verses 15-16 echo for us what the Psalmist had described in Psalm 15. The people who desire to reside with God in His holy hill are those who walk with integrity and practice righteousness. They must speak truthfully from their heart and do not slander with their tongue. They would do no evil to their neighbor nor bring shame to his friend. They would not esteem the despicable but would highly honor those who fear the LORD. They remain faithful and truthful to themselves even when they are at a disadvantage. They would not take bribes against the innocent nor would they lend to exploit the needy. They are people who remain solidly steadfast and develop a life to honor God and care for His people. Don’t we want to be such people? This is one thing we should consider and endeavor to be in collaboration with the Spirit of God.