Today’s passage: Isaiah 9:8-10:4
Helpful thoughts:
- God first “cut off” the leaders of Israel, but the sin of the leaders had permeated the whole nation, so that even those typically oppressed were just as guilty.
- God’s judgment of Israel was further compounded by Israel’s own self-destruction. In their selfish sin, they destroyed themselves!
- In 10:1-4, the audience changes. Isaiah has turned to Judah after describing the outcome of Israel’s sin and asks the nation, “What will you do?”
Questions to consider:
- What was the significance of the sinful leaders being both governmental and also religious (Prophets)? How would this be different in our context today living in a constitutional republic which holds democratic elections and holds forth freedom of religion?
- What are the other leaders that “speak into our lives” in our day and age? Who are the “heads” and “tails” of our culture? How much of an impact does it appear they have on the thinking of the people?
- Knowing that the Lord is righteous and just, what will you do? What do you need? What does your household need? What does the church need? What does our community need? Etc. Romans 10:15 – As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”