My Place in the Rise and Fall of Nations
In examining the nations surrounding Israel, Cush is the next to fall under Isaiah’s inspection. According to most consensus, Cush ranges from southern Egypt, cross parts of Sudan and into Ethiopia. While there could be interesting information in dissecting the specific words for Cush as a nation, a set of verses stood out to me. Perhaps because of my place in life currently or because it reminds me of God’s character. Isaiah 18:4-5 says, “This is what the Lord says to me: “I will remain quiet and look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches.”
Life has its moments that sweep us into a rush. The hours, days and weeks plow through time like a freight train off the rails. It seems that life has become the (in)famous “Crazy Train.” Our timing is off, missing the beat like a novice drummer. Work becomes tedious and home a chore simply because of a misstep in routine or discipline. Yet, God’s timing is never wrong. The Lord is confident in his actions and the timing in which to act. His strength is enough despite the distress we face individually in the flurry of the moment.
While looking to understand the meaning behind Isaiah 18, many differing views have emerged. Some commentaries state this passage was a declaration by the Lord that he needed no aid from Cush (Ethiopia) against Assyria. Others state this is a warning of God’s judgement for the people of Cush. For Isaiah’s contemporary days, chapter 18 appears to be written during the life of Jotham, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 17) and Pekah, King of Israel (2 Kings 15). During these two kings’ lives, Assyria seems to be rising in influence throughout the region. Their sons, Ahaz and Hoshea (found in 2 Kings 16-17) are directly attacked by Assyria. This is when Israel (the northern kingdom) fell.
The former interpretation (the Lord declaring he needs no outside aid against Assyria) appears to be the correct view. While from man’s perspective, this unstoppable force is conquering everyone in the region, the Lord is still in control of the rise and fall of nations. If Isaiah 18 was during Jotham’s life, Isaiah’s words were simply a comfort while the righteous king lived. If during Ahaz reign (Jotham’s son), Isaiah’s words were a reminder who is in control despite the wickedness of men and their impending punishments. Ahaz did not follow the Lord. Ahaz “even sacrificed his son in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites” (2 Kings 16:3). Ahaz even pleaded Tiglath-Pilseser, king of Assyria, to save Judah from Aram (2 Kings 16:7). At this time, neither Judah’s or Israel’s leaders were following the Lord. Their worldly focus for salvation backfired and resulted in Assyria conquering Israel soon after.
Where is the lesson in this for the “every man?” Am I a king or president of any nations? Do I decide the fate of America? Absolutely not. My sphere of influence and responsibility is rather small. Presumably you, dear reader, are in the same boat—an individual of standard (but minimal) influence and responsibility. What does this information about the conflict of kings mean for us?
Put quite simply: it means nothing. It is information about the personal lives of those in leadership. Looking at Facebook, Instagram, Fox News, CNN or YouTube channels, the individual might believe the fate of the nation rests on the next election, Supreme Court decisions, the next influential Senator or the Presidency. Leaders rise and fall, ebb and flow and are righteous and unrighteous at an individual level. While the righteousness or wickedness of leaders might impact my day to day activities, where does my hope rest? In the stations of men or the righteous strength of God?
Our response to the troubles of the day (regardless of the scale—from losing your job to nuclear fallout), should be akin to Psalm 71:
“In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock and my refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Ps. 71:1-8).
Refining one’s heart to mean these words occurs at a personal level by knowing God and allowing the Holy Spirit to change you. For a more recent event, the horrors of World War II rise to mind. If I had been in Russia, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France or England facing the trials of those days, would my heart sing this Psalm? During Isaiah 18, the people of Israel were facing similar circumstances. The people of Israel and Judah were removed from their homes, killed and their leaders failing them. The testimonies of individuals like Corrie ten Boom that suffered through the Nazi regime remind me of the brutality of wicked men, but to rejoice in the Lord’s strength regardless. Our level of obedience and trust in God is personal choice regardless of our station of authority. In all things, the Lord God is my strength and my refuge.
