Author Archives: Joseph Malekani

Isaiah 23 Commentary The LORD God decrees disaster for Tyre and Sidon, two Phoenician/Canaanite cities. They are proud and godless. The Creator God doesn’t exist in Tyre and Sidon. They are commercial centers whose wealth is due to trade, commerce, and industry. Work smart, deal hard, and schedule your moves properly. That is all Tyre’sContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 23 Commentary”

Isaiah 22 Commentary Chapter 22 combines several images. But the mention of the LORD’s servant, presented as Eliakim, helps us understand the chapter. “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” The New Testament reader knows better. Only the LORD Jesus Christ fits this description. But then, weContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 22 Commentary”

Isaiah 21 Commentary Three prophecies: Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. Babylon is more interesting. The lines in this chapter appear to describe Belshazzar’s fall at the hands of the Medes. They are eating and drinking. They feel safe. But suddenly disaster strikes. God’s people can rejoice! What does Babylon’s fall mean to the saint? Well, aContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 21 Commentary”

Isaiah 20 Commentary “And we thought they were our best hope, that they’d rescue us from the king of Assyria – them the Egyptians and the Cushites.What have we depended on for help during moments of crisis? Money? Friends? Connections? Family? Intelligence?The LORD God comes in and warns humanity against putting trust in things otherContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 20 Commentary”

Isaiah 19 Commentary The Egyptian’s idols trembling at the sight of the LORD God reminds us of a similar judgment during the great exodus. The idols trembled in fear. They froze and were hopeless. Egypt feared. In addition to the plague-like trouble, Egypt suffers extreme disorganization, internal strife, lack of direction, and general failure. CommerceContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 19 Commentary”

Isaiah 18 Commentary Cush is traditionally thought to be the land around present-day Sudan/Ethiopia. Upper Nile. A message against a people tall and smooth-skinned. Land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia suggests a dive deep into the African continent. Indeed, this land is divided by rivers; the White Nile and the Blue Nile deserve mention. TheContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 18 Commentary”

Isaiah 17 Commentary God will punish Syria and Israel. Israel alongside Syria; probably because Israel is indistinguishable from Syria. When an individual fails to distinguish herself from wickedness, you are sure of their punishment together with the wicked. Then there is hope – a day when people turn to their Creator for help. Verse 7.ContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 17 Commentary”

Isaiah 16 Commentary: “David’s” throne of truth, justice, and righteousness. The prophecy against Moab continues. Chapter 16 is complex because the prophet mentions Zion in the vision. Let Moab find safety through an alliance with Jerusalem. Yes, Jerusalem, but not until David’s son becomes king – one whose throne will be established in truth, justice,ContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 16 Commentary”

Isaiah 15 Commentary Cities are places of human habitation; they are centers of human activities. Many of these activities do not honor the LORD. Cities, therefore, are spaces of wickedness. Isaiah’s vision against Moab is actually a prophecy against the cities of Moab. It is a little line but quite significant. The city of DibonContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 15 Commentary”

Isaiah 14 Commentary Isaiah uses all sorts of visuals and images for his message. Jacob means Israel, the nation. Yes, the same restored nation. But the restoration itself represents yet another restoration that comes with the Son. So the term “Jacob” represents the remnant. Salvation is extended to strangers, the Gentiles. They both enjoy restoration.ContinueContinue reading “Isaiah 14 Commentary”