Readings for the week of 7/5-7/11/2009
Isa. 24-38           2 Chron 29-40 2           Kgs. 16-20

As we move along (historically speaking), we find King Hezekiah in control. He will accomplish the most far-reaching religious reforms since the days of Jehoshaphat. Hezekiah will cleanse the temple and restore proper worship and religious observance among his people. In a grand gesture of brotherhood, Hezekiah will offer to include the people of the northern tribes in Passover celebrations. Most will refuse the invitation, but some will join in the spiritual renewal.

During this time of jubilant rededication that Isaiah describes his visions of the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Using vivid and powerful imagery, Isaiah describes the time when the wicked will be punished and the righteous blessed forever:

“See, the Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it;
he will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants…
Only the redeemed will walk there (the Way of Holiness)..it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.” (Isa. 24, 35)

Well aware of their spiritual fickleness, Isaiah continues to warn the people against their sinful ways, and urges them not to let the excitement of this period of renewal diminish. The message is always the same, but the hardness of their hearts, keeps them from hearing it.

Despite prophetic warnings, Israel still rejects God and the end is at hand for the northern tribes. Last minute desperation will lead to an alliance with Egypt in an effort to stave off Assyria, but the cause is hopeless. After a 3 year siege, Samaria will fall and many of the people of Israel will be led captive to Assyria. Their lands and homes will be occupied by settlers sent in from Babylon and other Eastern countries. These new Samaritans will become a hybrid people and will develop an unusual mixed religion. 2 Kings includes a very brief account of one of the darkest hours in the history of God’s chosen nation. (2Kgs. 17-18)

Source: The Daily Bible in Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings, NIV, Harvest House Publishers, 1984