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 29
Overview.
Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 29 has two different messages; God will judge Judah but God will restore her in that day. His message concludes that God’s ultimate purpose is to restore God’s people to glory when they repent their sin and return to God.
Ariel means “mountain of God,” “hero.” It is used in this chapter for another name for Jerusalem, to describe a city where David encamped with full of glory and festival.
But God will judge the city with fire, which indicate Assyrian’s besieging Jerusalem. But Almighty God will not forsake Judah forever. Therefore, God will save them from the hand of enemy (v.7)
Why does God judge Judah? Because of her dull and blind to the word of God (11-12), their spiritual insensibility (13), their disbelief (v15-16). God’s judgement is to waken up their dulled heart. “deaf and blindness” is appeared as willful refusal to pay attention to God.
“In that day,” God will complete Judah’s suffering. God will restore her with renewed heart of joy, mind of understanding (18-19). God will restore repentant Judah who will accept God’s vision and instruction. They will proclaim God name holy.
Reflection.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
