Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Isaiah 10
Overview.
Isaiah speaks oracle against northern kingdom of Israel for their injustice, making unjust laws, issuing oppressive decrees, depriving the rights of the poor, withholding justice from the oppressed. He prophesies God’s judgement over them.
Isaiah also speaks oracles against Assyria. God called Assyria to serve as God’s instrument to punish Israel and Judah. But Assyria was unaware of it. Powerful Assyria tried to do against the will of God by destroy them. God will punish Assyria too and it was doomed by his pride to destruction.
Isaiah speaks oracles of promise for the remnant of Israel. God’s punishment is to discipline Israel and Judah, not to destroy them. Remnant refers to those who are remaining after Judah’s punishment. It is a promise of salvation for Judah, that despite Assyria’s destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel, a remnant of its people will be saved. It is God promise to restore the nation through the remnant. God will never allow the fall of the holy city, Zion which is another name of Jerusalem.
Reflection.
1. What does God speak to you today in this chapter.
2. What is God’s purpose to punish God’s people? Answer the question using words and phrase
in chapter 10.
3. Reflect on Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent
this rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
4. Close with silent prayer for two minutes.