July 21, 2024 • Alexey Kolomiytsev • Isaiah 36:1—37:4
Hezekiah is one of the most wholesome kings who ruled Judah prior to the Babylonian captivity. After several centuries of general backsliding from God in the nation of Israel, Hezekiah challenged this downward slide by attempting to bring the people back to the worship of Jehovah. He did much to accomplish this by placing his trust in God. And then, in the 14th year of his successful reign, Hezekiah faces his greatest challenge - Jerusalem is besieged by the Assyrian army. What happens when our trust is put to the test?
Divine Salvation
July 14, 2024 • Alexey Kolomiytsev • Isaiah 35
The book of the prophet Isaiah is a book of salvation. The very name "Isaiah" means "Jehovah saves." Although it contains many rebukes of the people for their sinfulness and prophecies of coming punishment, its main message is the salvation that God has prepared for His people. This is why the book of Isaiah is so relevant today. It helps us to see the salvation God has prepared for His children.
The Wrath of the Lord
July 7, 2024 • Alexey Kolomiytsev • Isaiah 34
God's judgment is one of the dominant themes of the book of Isaiah. It occurs more frequently in the first half of the book, the first 39 chapters. Before concluding this part of the book, the prophet describes one of his visions in which he vividly presents God's wrath and its effects. The subject of God's wrath has become increasingly unpopular, not only among people in general, but even among Christians. God is seen as obligated to provide people with all the goods they desire to have, and whenever God denies people these goods, people express their displeasure. Meanwhile, Scripture speaks extensively and clearly of God's wrath as an inevitable reality.