Isaiah 9: ‘Those who lead this people lead them astray, and those who are led are swallowed up’

June 15, 2016

[Some say the following prophecy is really about the 2nd Israel, the USA. But it could be argued that mass arrogance leading to apocalyptic outcomes has been the norm throughout human history.]

Isaiah 9

5 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

6 His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. …

City on the Hill8 And all the people know it— Ephraim and those who dwell in Samaria — those who say in arrogance and pride of heart,

9 “Bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with cut stone; Sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.”

10 So the Lord raises up their foes against them and stirs up their enemies to action —

11 Aram from the east and the Philistines from the west — they devour Israel with open mouth. For all this, his wrath is not turned back, and his hand is still outstretched!

12 The people do not turn back to the one who struck them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts.

13 So the Lord cuts off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in one day.

14 (The elder and the noble are the head, the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail.)

15 Those who lead this people lead them astray, and those who are led are swallowed up.

16 That is why the Lord does not spare their young men, and their orphans and widows he does not pity; For they are totally impious and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this, his wrath is not turned back, his hand is still outstretched!

17 For wickedness burns like fire, devouring brier and thorn; It kindles the forest thickets, which go up in columns of smoke.

18 At the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land quakes, and the people are like fuel for fire; no one spares his brother.

19 They hack on the right, but remain hungry; they devour on the left, but are not filled. Each devours the flesh of the neighbor;

20 Manasseh devours Ephraim,[e] and Ephraim Manasseh, together they turn on Judah. For all this, his wrath is not turned back, his hand is still outstretched!

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