Summary #27

Weekly Summary
Isaiah 13-30, Hosea, Various 2 Chron/2 Kings

Raging unfaithfulness vs. everlasting faithfulness -- these are the themes of this week's reading. First, Ahaz, wicked king of Judah, builds idols of bronze, and codifies the idolatry of a nation. He falls to Israel and to Assyria - Israel takes the people of Judah as prisoners and slaves, but a prophet of the Lord warned the Israelites that this was NOT pleasing to God. Ahaz finally dies, and his son, Hezekiah takes the throne at 25.

After such a wicked king, we are surprised when the son turns wholeheartedly to the Lord - cleanses the temple, calls not only Judah but also Israel to return to God's ways, including observing Passover, which has not been observed in a long time. God smiles on Hezekiah, and blesses his faithfulness with wealth and security. Hezekiah is a great example of the faithfulness that God has called Israel to.

In stark contrast, the prophet Hosea lives out a parable of the unfaithfulness of Israel when he, at God's command, takes a prostitute as his wife. He redeems her as God redeemed Israel, and gives her everything she needs, including status. Her response? A return to prostitution, faithlessness, and scorn for the sacrifice of her husband. Through it all, though, Hosea remains faithful, and his heart breaks with love for his unfaithful wife. A beautiful picture of Israel's situation, and a powerful call to the people to return to their first love.

Noting Israel's faithlessness, Isaiah also cries out against the injustice that the people of God are showing - their indifference to the despair of the poor, their self-satisfaction in a tepid, shallow life. Israel tells the people that destruction is sure to come to them as a result of of their unfaithfulness, but also reminds them that in the midst of this unfaithfulness, destruction, despair, and defeat, God is always faithful. The promise of a redeemer again falls on the people.

Things are getting politically shakier in Israel and Judah -- read on this week to see the fulfillment of the predictions of doom.