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 13
Overview.
Isaiah 13:1- 23:18 is the second section of the book of Isaiah, a series of oracles, turning against Israel and Judah, to against foreign nations. These oracles address that God is the Lord of all nations.
First oracle is against Babylonia. God called Babylonia to carry out God’s wrath but she become arrogant and haughty. She became evil and wicked for her sins. Therefore, in the day of the Lord, God will send the same wrath against Babylonia. The day of the Lord is going to be the day of destruction. Busy Babylon will become a wasteland, inhabited only by animals. God will send other nations, Medes and Persia, to destroy Babylon.
All nations, Israel and Juda, foreign nations, are under the realm of God.
Reflection.
1. What does God speak to you today in this chapter.
2. Reflect on what does Isaiah proclaims the God of all nations in chapter 13?
3. Close with silent prayer for two minutes.