Reading for May 31st

Read Isaiah 30.6-17. In verses 6-7: Egypt was famous for palaces and monuments, and as the gateway to Africa for the caravans that brought wealth and luxusries (see 1 Kings 10). The prophet contrasts such exotic wealth with worthlessness of the promises of Egypt help. Rahab (v. 7) was a dragon monster of ancient story comparable to the Leviathan creature (27.1). Since Egyptian religion was well known forits many deities portrayed in mixed animal/human form, the ironic title "Rahab who sits still" (v. 7) may allude to the sphinz-like images of Egypt. In verses 8-11: the command to inscribe it in a book is a remarkably rare recognition that prophecy was written down and read long after the time whenit had orginally been given. The writing is to become a witness forever to the truth that Israel was a rebellious people (v. 9). The readers would be no more willing to heed the message than the orginal hearers (see 29.11-12). In verses 12-14: Its breaking is like that of a potter's vessel (v. 14) emphasizes the suddeness and completeness of the disaster that was to come. Hezekiah's attempt tobuild security through an alliance with Egypt would prove disastourously misjudged. In verses 15-17: The poetry of returning rest, quietness, and trust attests that God alone is the defense of Jerualem. Comments or Questions...