Reading for April 23rd

Read Isaiah 7.18-25. In 7.18-25: Further interpretation of the prophet's words. A series of short statements spells out the message of the prophet. In verses 18-19: The fly and the bee symbolize the threat from Egypt and Assyria: Israel and Judah were sandwiched between two major world powers. In verse 20: The hired razor is Assyria, which would ravage and destroy Israel's entire land. In verse 21-22: A further interpretation is given of the sign in v. 15. In verses 23-25: Three fresh interpretations are provided of the briers and thorns from the parable of the vineyard in 5.1-7. In verse 24: The briers and thorns are soldiers with bows and arrows. Comments or Questions..