Reading for May 27th

Read Isaiah 29.1-4. In 29.1-24: The siege and deliverance of Jerusalem. This chapter centers on the threat to Jerusalem by Sennacherib's campaign in 701 BCE (see chs. 36-37). These oracles attest to both the danger the city faced and its remarkable escape. Warnings explaining the near catastrophe occur in vv. 9-10, 13-14, and 15-16. Jerusalem's survival demanded further reflection (587 BCE) pose further questions. These reflections are in vv. 5-8, with further messages of hope in vv. 17-21 and 22-24. 1-4: Ah Ariel, Ariel they city where David escaped! Ariel, "after hearth," refers to the sacred altar in the city, and the reference to King David recalls the taking of the city in 2 Sam 5.6-10, evoking its unique importance both to God and to Israel. Comments or Questions..