August 7 Read Isaiah 11
In this chapter we find the whole of the gospel. The savior is identified. He is the root out of Jesse’s branch; he is the son of David. The redemptive work for his people is identified. His kingdom is described as one of peace. In the final part of this chapter we see that the Gentiles will also be included in that kingdom. Isaiah looks at the whole of the coming of Christ. It is not just to Israel, but that coming is for the whole church and will culminate in the peaceable kingdom to be established in the new heavens and new earth. Let us look for that kingdom as the finality of our salvation. Sing Psalter 199.
August 8 Read Isaiah 12
When Israel crossed the Red Sea and saw the destruction God wrought upon Egypt, they paused to thank God in song. In Isaiah’s time Assyria was threatening them. Isaiah prophesies of deliverance and calls them to praise God. Today we can prepare ourselves for the grand song of thanksgiving that we will join in singing with the church of all ages as Christ’s kingdom is made perfect in heaven. How do we sing? Do we think of the victory that is ours through Christ? Are our songs those that proclaim God’s goodness and greatness, or do they praise man for what he supposedly has done. Let us praise our God with our whole hearts in preparation for that great thanksgiving that will be ours in heaven when Christ returns. Sing Psalter 261.
August 9 Read Isaiah 13
There was another nation arising on the world’s horizon of power. Babylon was beginning its growth as a world power. Israel could see what was happening, and the faithful among them could easily fear what might happen to the “hut in the cucumber patch.” God gave to his faithful remnant the comfort found in this chapter. Babylon pictures the power of antichrist that looms on the horizon of our day. Do we see it? If we do, we need not fear, because the burden of Babylon of old is the burden of the new Babylon. Let us faint not but be faithful in the perilous times ahead. Sing Psalter 379.
August 10 Read Isaiah 14
In verse one of this chapter, which is a continuation of the prophecy of the previous chapter, we see that among the troubles that the wicked bring upon the church there is mercy. Through verse 26 we see that God has ordained all that comes upon the church for their deliverance. In verse 27 we see that God can do this because he is the sovereign God who has purposed all things, and the church and we can know that they will be carried out. Even Satan or Lucifer is comprehended in this purpose, and even he cannot escape the end that God has purposed. Let this be to our comfort as we continue our lives in this valley of the shadow of death. Sing Psalter 380.
August 11 Read Isaiah 15
Moab was one of Israel’s relatives. The members of the nation of Moab were descendents of Lot. They had afflicted God’s people throughout their return from Egypt. The afflictions that they brought were grievous at times. They hated the righteous. God’s people might undergo such grief even in today’s life. However, there is grace for the chosen, and they have the comfort that nothing can serve to their eternal hurt. May these words comfort us as they did Israel of old. Sing Psalter 187.
August 12 Read Isaiah 16
In this chapter we have more prophecy concerning the destruction of Moab. In the chapter we also see advice given to Moab that they should pay the necessary tribute to God’s people. This too serves for comfort to the afflicted remnant. Even as we await the return of Christ, we can know that through the judgement of the wicked comes the redemption for which we wait. Let us wait through prayer and watching for the signs of the return of our savior. Sing Psalter 63.
August 13 Read Isaiah 17
As the book of the church’s redemption continues, we now see a prophecy concerning Syria’s defeat. Because the northern kingdom of Israel had joined with this ungodly nation, their destruction is also foretold. But yet in that wicked nation there was a remnant. A few grapes, a few olives will know God’s grace both in time and in eternity. These nations’ destructions will come at the hands of Assryia, who will also be defeated for the preservation of Judah, the people of God. Sing Psalter 65.
August 14 Read Isaiah 18
The object of the prophecy of this chapter is thought to be Egypt, but not all commentators agree on this. The idea is clear, however. God will bring to judgement all nations who persecute his beloved bride. As the nation featured in this chapter is destroyed, other nations around must take notice. In this way the church is preserved, and ultimately God’s name will be glorified. For this we must hope; for this we must pray as we say, “Thy kingdom come.” Sing Psalter 122.
August 15 Read Isaiah 19
Not only is Egypt’s destruction is foretold in this chapter, but also the promise of the gospel to those from that country and other Gentile nations. Egypt depended on the Nile for its life. They worshiped it. God would destroy them by destroying that life as represented in the paper reeds or papyrus plants that grew along the Nile’s banks. The gospel will spread to this ungodly nation even as the Septuagint was penned there. God’s kingdom will come from all races. For this we can be thankful. Sing Psalter 216.
August 16 Read Isaiah 20
The striking picture of Isaiah walking naked among the people of Judah served to remind them not to put their trust in earthly kingdoms for deliverance. Judah had made advances for help from Egypt in their struggles against Syria and others. God used Assryia to bring judgement against Egypt. In whom do we trust? Is our trust in the sovereign God of our salvation or in some invention of man? Even as the words of this chapter were expressly for Judah, they just as expressly are for us. Sing Psalter 135.
August 17 Read Isaiah 21
The fall of three more nations is proclaimed to the people of God. Babylon, who soon would become the world power and take Judah into captivity; Idumea, or Edom, long Israel’s foe, and Arabia would all fall before God. The elect remnant who would be taken into Babylon could remember these prophecies and take comfort in them. The church of today can look at these prophecies and see that even as they came to pass, so the words of Christ concerning the end of the world too will come to pass. May we look for our redeemer each day. Sing Psalter 221.
August 18 Read Isaiah 22
In this chapter the prophet is now given insight into what would happen in Jerusalem. Assryia would come and punish them for the evils that they had performed. Shebna, who had a place of prominence in Hezekiah’s court, would be replaced by another who would be given the key of David. We also see the beautiful picture of a nail in a sure place. That nail is the grace of God given to his people. Eliakim too would lose his place as he did not regard that nail as he should have. How do we treat the grace of God given to us? Will we be like most of Jerusalem and despise it or by God’s grace will we cling to that nail placed in a sure place? Sing Psalter 158.
August 19 Read Isaiah 23
The world at large does not concern itself with God’s decrees, but let one of the world’s leaders be touched; then they will take notice. God decrees in this chapter the destruction of Tyre by Babylon. Tyre was the leader in world trade. Through them and by them the goods of the world flowed. When the world’s economy is touched, the world takes notice. We see this in today’s world as well. The effect of the signs of Christ’s coming on commerce is noticed. Do we notice it? Do we see our bridegroom coming for us or do we worry about the world’s economy like those around us? Sing Psalter 223.
August 20 Read Isaiah 24
Many times throughout history God raised a nation to destroy large parts of civilization. Think of Assyria, and then Chaldea, and years later Rome, and even some nations in the modern era. Each of these destructions is but a prelude to the final destruction when Christ will return. God used and uses the world’s nations to remind his church of his counsel and will. Among the signs of the end is the church’s persecution. But also among those signs is destruction upon the world’s society. When the final desolation comes, then God’s people will rejoice and glorify him with all their being. Sing Psalter 198.
August 21 Read Isaiah 25
As we saw yesterday, the result of the final destruction of the world is that the church would praise Jehovah. Isaiah continues this theme as he sees the triumph that God will bring to his people. Isaiah praises God as an example of the people of Israel. In their present oppression they probably did not feel like praising God. Isaiah had to show them the way. We must do this today as well. In any oppression or hardship we must see that it is ordained by God for the good of his church and for his own glory. In seeing that, we must break out into praise for God’s goodness toward his people. Sing Psalter 182.
August 22 Read Isaiah 26
This chapter is a song and psalm of praise toward our mighty God. The theme of the chapter can be found in verse 4. People of God, do you trust God in all things that come upon you in this life? Sometimes our trust wavers, or we seek some earthy institution in which to place our trust. We should not do this, for as the second part of the verse states, in our God is everlasting strength. This is a strength that is unconquerable. This is a strength that will lead us through this life and the life to come. Let us trust our covenant God in all things and throughout our whole life. Sing Psalter 277.
August 23 Read Isaiah 27
This chapter is a continuation of the song in the chapters before it. God proclaims his deliverance of his people from the enemies that surround them. There is a reference to the present enemy, Assyria, and a future enemy, Babylon. God uses those enemies to chastise his people and to show to them the way that they must walk. The church of all ages should also take heart in these verses as those enemies typify Satan, the ultimate enemy of the church. Before Christ comes again we will face his onslaughts, but we can know that God will show us mercy and deliver us. Sing Psalter 341.
August 24 Read Isaiah 28
The prophet first addresses the northern kingdom under the name Ephraim. He tells them of their coming judgement and destruction at the hand of Assyria. They are to be destroyed because of their terrible sins. Then he turns his attention to the remnant remaining in Judah. They too are not above reproach. Their prophets, priests, and kings have not led God’s people in the proper way. However, because of God’s grace they would not be destroyed. There is a beautiful prophecy of Christ found in verse 16. That prophecy extends to us, the church of all ages. Sing Psalter 376.
August 25 Read Isaiah 29
Many commentators see three judgements brought upon the city of Jerusalem. While Jerusalem pictures the true church of God, it is also the capital of the nation of Judah. Because that nation did not follow the law of God, he brought judgment and destruction upon it. The first judgment was by the hand of Assyria; second, there was the judgment brought by Babylon; finally, judgment was brought by Rome who destroyed the Jerusalem the Old Testament church knew. However, in the end of the chapter we see that God has grace for his beloved people. We are comprehended in that grace as he brings deliverance for us through Christ. Sing Psalter 403.
August 27 Read Isaiah 30
During the time of Hezekiah, Judah turned to Egypt for help against the threat of Assyria. In this chapter the prophet speaks a word of rebuke for such actions. What about us? When we are in trouble do we seek help from others rather than turning to God’s word and the preaching of that word? There are many statements in the Bible about its worth and value. How do we use that word? Do we turn to it daily and especially in times of trouble and see what good counsel it has for us? Sing Psalter 334.
August 28 Read Isaiah 31
This chapter is obviously a continuation of the previous prophecy. The repetition found in the chapter called to the church of that day as well as the church of today to pay attention to the message. Once again God gives to his people the promise of deliverance. When we read verses 4 and 5, we must recognize that this deliverance is for us. God has given to us a way out of the temptations of sin. That way is the way of obedience to him and his word. May we seek to obey, knowing that this is the way of deliverance from our sins and troubles. Sing Psalter 1.
August 29 Read Isaiah 32
While this chapter seems to be a prophecy of Hezekiah and the deliverance he wrought with God’s help for Judah against Assyria, it is also a prophecy of Christ, whom Hezekiah typified. Notice that as the prophet preached against the sins of the church, he preached about sins of all kinds of people. As we know from Romans, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God…” Each member of God’s church must examine his heart and his life and seek repentance for the sins he has committed. In this way the blessedness of salvation will be for all of God’s people of every type and kind. Sing Psalter 140.
August 30 Read Isaiah 33
In this chapter we have a new prophecy concerning the same subject as in the previous chapters. Judah is to be oppressed by Assyria. They will be delivered. They will live in peace and prosperity for a time. There is one theme running though these historical events. God will be glorified by them! Do we recognize this in our lives? Are we so focused upon our lives that we forget the glory of God? We must not do this, people of God. In all things God is to be glorified and will be glorified. Sing Psalter 282.
August 31 Read Isaiah 34
In this chapter God through the prophet Isaiah pronounces his judgements upon all antichristian nations, These nations are typified in Edom or Esau, who had been Israel’s foe ever since the birth of its founder Esau. God’s church is hated in this world. That hatred has been exhibited in many ways throughout history. Antichrist will focus this hatred in a most extreme way upon God’s church just before the return of Christ. But God does not leave us without comfort. Our comfort will come from the pronouncements of judgement on those enemies. Fear not, church of God, we will find deliverance. Sing Psalter 273.
September 1 Read Isaiah 35
In this chapter we find the redemption of the church of Christ foretold. In the beautiful words of this chapter we find pictures of the work that Christ will do for his beloved. We also see words that our savior himself used in his preaching. What a blessed redemption will be ours when Christ returns again! Let us read his word often to examine the proclamation of the gospel and the blessings for us found in it. Sing Psalter 125.
September 2 Read Isaiah 36
The next four chapters of Isaiah contain an account of history that takes places during the reign of Hezekiah. In this chapter we find the world mocking our God and saying that he is not a whit better than the gods of other nations around Judah. We can see and hear this same charge today as the world seeks to cause our faith in God to waver. Judah of old had to learn how to stand up against such onslaughts, just as the church of today needs the same instruction. Let us continue in prayer for deliverance and ask for help to withstand the onslaughts of Satan and his henchmen. Sing Psalter 159.
September 3 Read Isaiah 37
We find in this chapter the necessity to go to God in prayer when we face affliction at the hands of the world. We quickly must see that our help is not in ourselves but in God who made all things and causes all things to come to pass. Even in affliction we see God working for our good just as he used the attacks of Assyria for Hezekiah’s and Judah’s good. Prayer is the chief means of thankfulness for God’s people. Let us make use of it often as we obey the admonition to pray without ceasing. Sing Psalter 150.
September 4 Read Isaiah 38
Hezekiah is faced with two matters of affliction. First, the armies of Assyria are surrounding the city, threatening its very existence. Second, he is facing death in the form of sickness. We know from history’s examination that there is another concern upon his mind. He has no heir as yet and therefore the line of Judah that is to lead to Christ will be broken. With these concerns he prays and receives a good answer from God by Isaiah. May we be concerned as much about our spiritual lives as we are about the physical concerns that may come upon us. God will care for us, and we can be assured that it will be in a good time. Sing Psalter 105.
September 5 Read Isaiah 39
Sometimes our actions have sad results. Such was the case when Hezekiah showed off “his” grandeur. He had forgotten all that God had done for him. Isaiah sends the message that those same Babylonians who saw Hezekiah’s riches would take those riches away from his children. In all that we do, we must remember to give God all the glory due to his name. In this way we will please him and cause him to be glorified. Let this be our goal all the days of our lives. Sing Psalter 83.
September 6 Read Isaiah 40.
Many commentators divide the book of Isaiah at this point. The calling for the prophet to cry a word of comfort to God’s people is appropriate for the prophecies that will follow. Even though there will be prophecies of afflictions, there will also be prophecies of the comfort that will be found in the redeemer. In the familiar words of much of this chapter we find such comfort. When we come to the last verse we can rest in comfort that that Redeemer will enable us to enjoy the benefits of the spiritual victory that will be ours in heaven. Sing Psalter 73.
September 7 Read Isaiah 41
In this chapter we find the foolishness of following idol gods and the blessedness of following the only living God, Jehovah. As we live our lives we must stay way from the tendency to worship idols. These may not be the idols of heathen such as Baal, Buddha, and others, but they can be anything that we contrive in which we place our trust. Rather we must serve God who has made all things as well as elected for himself a precious people. May we rejoice to be part of the church who will reign with him in heaven as the church triumphant. Sing Psalter 308.