Spiritual aspects of playing chess.
Knights, bishops, rooks, king, queen, pawns
There's a dark kingdom and a light kingdom.
The object of the game is to pursue the opponent until you are able to put the king in checkmate. No further moves are achievable by the opponent.
As the king goes, so goes the kingdom in chess.
Imagine playing chess against a master chess player. One who is always thinking several moves ahead. Anticipating your moves and strategizing how he will respond.
A Pattern Of Judgment (Isaiah 13:1-22)
Brief Babylonian History
[Put up first map]
Babylon is the Greek name of the city. In Semetic languages if means “the gate of god.”
The Hebrews called the country and city Babhel which comes from the root, balal, meaning “to confound.”
Ancient center of civilization.
After the flood, many peoples migrated there.
Land is fertile: Tigris and Euphrates run through that area.
Nimrod, the descendant of Ham (son of Noah) founded the area.
He was known as a great warrior. Probably a violent sort. Maybe a hunter of men.
And then we have the famed gathering of people in that area. Creating a Ziggurat (Zik ku rat) in an effort to reach to the heavens.
Desiring to make a name for themselves.
Well that didn't work out so well. It resulted in confusion and dispersion.
Abrahm, as you recall, was called by God to leave Ur of the Chaldea.
Timing of This Prophecy
The probably timing of this prophecy was during the reign of Ahaz.
Babylon was not a mighty power at that time.
They were certainly not a threat to Judah.
This was about 115-120 years before Nebuchadnezzar initially attacks Jerusalem (597BC).
God's Wrath Against Sin
The overarching theme of chapter 13 is God's wrath against man's sin.
Babylon specifically here.
Wrath is mentioned in 4 verses.
Fierce anger in verse 9 and burning anger in verse 13.
What is being described in these verses is the natural response of a Righteous and Holy God to moral corruption.
This is God being completely consistent with His nature.
The overarching theme of chapter 13 is God's wrath against man's sin.
Babylon specifically here.
Wrath is mentioned in 4 verses.
Fierce anger in verse 9 and burning anger in verse 13.
What is being described in these verses is the natural response of a Righteous and Holy God to moral corruption.
This is God being completely consistent with His nature.
Purposeful and Planned
The fact that Isaiah is pointing this out long before the actual event indicates that God is decisive in His actions.
He will not tolerate sin indefinitely – there is a point of reckoning.
[Look at the language used to describe the lengths to which God goes to mete out His judgment]
I have commanded those I prepared...
I have summoned my warriors...
The LORD Almighty is mustering...
They come from faraway lands – this is something unexpected.
The sinner generally thinks there's more time to change.
To cleanup my act.
To become acceptable.
But with that type of arrogant, prideful attitude, one will never repent.
[Take a look at the results of God's wrath on Babylon]
The fact that Isaiah is pointing this out long before the actual event indicates that God is decisive in His actions.
He will not tolerate sin indefinitely – there is a point of reckoning.
[Look at the language used to describe the lengths to which God goes to mete out His judgment]
I have commanded those I prepared...
I have summoned my warriors...
The LORD Almighty is mustering...
They come from faraway lands – this is something unexpected.
The sinner generally thinks there's more time to change.
To cleanup my act.
To become acceptable.
But with that type of arrogant, prideful attitude, one will never repent.
[Take a look at the results of God's wrath on Babylon]
The Affect of Judgment
Verses 7-8:
Helplessness, terror, anguish.
They will look aghast at each other – there will be no consolation.
There will be disbelief that this is really happening.
There will be no remedy.
Verses 10-13:
Darkness of the sun and moon and stars:
There are overtones of the final judgment of sin, aren't there.
When Christ returns and God's enemies are finally vanquished.
This very well could be an inference to the elements being burned up by fire and a new heaven and new earth being created.
But it certainly has a near-term application.
Nothing that man does in regard to sin is in a vacuum.
The affects of sin are far reaching.
All of creation is under the curse of man's sin and awaiting God's liberation.
But let's move on.
Verses 14-22:
All those who were part of the empire, even foreigners, will be affected by this judgment from God.
They will flee for their native lands at risk of their own lives.
And even women and innocent babies are not safe.
Sin is never an isolated incident, there are far-reaching consequences. Even to our children.
Verses 7-8:
Helplessness, terror, anguish.
They will look aghast at each other – there will be no consolation.
There will be disbelief that this is really happening.
There will be no remedy.
Verses 10-13:
Darkness of the sun and moon and stars:
- smoke from the burning of Babylon or
- the darkness associated with God pouring out His wrath (e.g., when Jesus was on the cross) or
- judgment against the gods of the Chaldean
There are overtones of the final judgment of sin, aren't there.
When Christ returns and God's enemies are finally vanquished.
This very well could be an inference to the elements being burned up by fire and a new heaven and new earth being created.
But it certainly has a near-term application.
Nothing that man does in regard to sin is in a vacuum.
The affects of sin are far reaching.
All of creation is under the curse of man's sin and awaiting God's liberation.
But let's move on.
Verses 14-22:
All those who were part of the empire, even foreigners, will be affected by this judgment from God.
They will flee for their native lands at risk of their own lives.
And even women and innocent babies are not safe.
Sin is never an isolated incident, there are far-reaching consequences. Even to our children.
Take Away
So what can we make of this chapter? Why is this placed here in this section of Scripture?
Certainly this would have shown that God is in complete control of world events. He does not sit back and wait for man to act so He can respond. He sees everything from an eternal perspective and has a set purpose for nations and peoples. He is patient with man but there will come a time that he has set when justice will be served.
He says thus far and no further. There is no nation, ruler, or any other authority that can oppose God and His divine plans. And any opposition will be met with the full force of the fury of God's wrath in due time.
Yes, Babylon was a prototype of humanity in all of its glory. Ingenuity. Unity. Ability. Prosperity. Authority. Arrogance. Pride. Self-rule. Self-will. Sinful. Rebellious. And much much more.
They were not the first to fall under the mighty hand of God. Consider Sodom and Gomorrah to whom they are compared in regard to destruction. And they were not the last.
Many kingdoms have risen to power. Many nations have had noble beginnings. But most follow a similar course. Once good, they become filled with pride and self-sufficiency. They forget God. They reject and scorn God. They shake their fist at God. Just before they turn to dust.
So what can we make of this chapter? Why is this placed here in this section of Scripture?
Certainly this would have shown that God is in complete control of world events. He does not sit back and wait for man to act so He can respond. He sees everything from an eternal perspective and has a set purpose for nations and peoples. He is patient with man but there will come a time that he has set when justice will be served.
He says thus far and no further. There is no nation, ruler, or any other authority that can oppose God and His divine plans. And any opposition will be met with the full force of the fury of God's wrath in due time.
Yes, Babylon was a prototype of humanity in all of its glory. Ingenuity. Unity. Ability. Prosperity. Authority. Arrogance. Pride. Self-rule. Self-will. Sinful. Rebellious. And much much more.
They were not the first to fall under the mighty hand of God. Consider Sodom and Gomorrah to whom they are compared in regard to destruction. And they were not the last.
Many kingdoms have risen to power. Many nations have had noble beginnings. But most follow a similar course. Once good, they become filled with pride and self-sufficiency. They forget God. They reject and scorn God. They shake their fist at God. Just before they turn to dust.
A Warning For Humanity
This judgment is not just a warning for nations. It is a warning for mankind in general.
God never changes. There are not tolerable and intolerable sins in the eyes of God.
All sin will one day be judged. And God's wrath awaits all who are enemies of God.
You may think this chapter was graphic, and it was. But words will not be able to express the real thing. Those who are under the wrath of God
This judgment is not just a warning for nations. It is a warning for mankind in general.
God never changes. There are not tolerable and intolerable sins in the eyes of God.
All sin will one day be judged. And God's wrath awaits all who are enemies of God.
You may think this chapter was graphic, and it was. But words will not be able to express the real thing. Those who are under the wrath of God
What Hope Is There In This Passage?
1.God is in control. He is the Almighty One and nobody else is.
2.God is completely just and good. Vengeance is His and it belongs to no other.
3.Evil cannot win. No matter how evil a person, or a nation, or the world gets, there is an end coming.
4.God never changes. He is immutable. Everything in this life changes only God is consistent and cannot change.
5.God is faithful. He will do what he says he will do. Babylon is no more. But God is!
6.Finally, God warns us about what's to come.
Principle: God's wrath is inevitable.
Applications:
When you look at the character and nature of God, it is healthy not to fixate on one aspect of Him to the exclusion of all others. It's healthy to strike a balance in one's view of God's character.
The last chapter pointed out God's omnipotence, omniscience, justice, anger at sin, and the way He views those who oppose him. But this chapter starts out with God and his compassion for his people.
Once again the Lord will have compassion on Jacob. And this compassion will also include foreigners, Gentiles as well.
Applications:
- What standard are you using to determine the acceptability of things that you allow in your life? It's easy to become complacent and begin to take on characteristics of the culture and forget who you belong to.
- How are you encouraged by the fact that God will not let sin go unpunished?
- How are you disturbed by that same fact?
When you look at the character and nature of God, it is healthy not to fixate on one aspect of Him to the exclusion of all others. It's healthy to strike a balance in one's view of God's character.
The last chapter pointed out God's omnipotence, omniscience, justice, anger at sin, and the way He views those who oppose him. But this chapter starts out with God and his compassion for his people.
Once again the Lord will have compassion on Jacob. And this compassion will also include foreigners, Gentiles as well.
The Lord Has Compassion on His Own (14:1-2)
This passage deals with the time period around 538 BC. Just after the Medo-Persian invasion of Babylon, Cyrus made a decree that allowed Judah to return to their land.
One more time the Bible gives us a picture of God freeing his people from bondage. From slavery.
Certainly Isaiah's name is appropriate, “God is Salvation”.
The Taunt
In football, I believe there is a penalty for taunting.
And certainly this poem in verses 4-21 is not meant to be a model that you and I pick up and use when an enemy is defeated.
This taunt is a song that rejoices in God. It is similar to many of the Psalms of David where he delights in the Lord and awaits the day when those who oppose the Lord will be punished. For the Lord's sake, not David's.
His desire was for God to be glorified and man to be humbled.
That's the sense that we get in this passage. It is a taunt aimed at the king of Babylon, whoever that might be.
Or perhaps it is aimed at the personification of the arrogance of the Babylonian empire itself and what it stood for.
Whatever the case may be, there is strong language presented here.
And the taunt is aimed at pointing out the folly of man “thinking more highly of himself than he ought.”
In football, I believe there is a penalty for taunting.
And certainly this poem in verses 4-21 is not meant to be a model that you and I pick up and use when an enemy is defeated.
This taunt is a song that rejoices in God. It is similar to many of the Psalms of David where he delights in the Lord and awaits the day when those who oppose the Lord will be punished. For the Lord's sake, not David's.
His desire was for God to be glorified and man to be humbled.
That's the sense that we get in this passage. It is a taunt aimed at the king of Babylon, whoever that might be.
Or perhaps it is aimed at the personification of the arrogance of the Babylonian empire itself and what it stood for.
Whatever the case may be, there is strong language presented here.
And the taunt is aimed at pointing out the folly of man “thinking more highly of himself than he ought.”
Pride?
The ironic thing about pride is that it is an attempt to seek significance in myself.
As if all that I am and am able to do are due to myself – my being.
It disregards the fact that my abilities, talents, worth, etc. are all bound up in the One who gives life and gives life meaning.
[Consider Satan]
[Consider Satans's temptation of Eve: “you will be like God...”]
The irony is that pride resists the very One able to give a person a sense of significance and tries to take the place of that One.
It ultimately makes the proud one his own god.
You might think that's strong language, but it is true.
The one who takes the opportunity to acknowledge God and begins to get a glimpse of God cannot help but also get a realistic view of himself.
And we will look at one such person later in this division.
Oppressor, Angry, Relentless Aggressor (4b-8)
The Lord is responsible for breaking the rod of the wicked and scepter of the rulers.
This again points to similar language God used in relation to Assyria a few weeks back – Babylon, like Assyria, was a rod in the hand of God.
They took Judah into captivity at God's command.
But like Assyria, they were overly cruel and oppressive.
But that's not all.
Like all men, they are laid low. They die. There will be an end to their tyranny.
The Lord is responsible for breaking the rod of the wicked and scepter of the rulers.
This again points to similar language God used in relation to Assyria a few weeks back – Babylon, like Assyria, was a rod in the hand of God.
They took Judah into captivity at God's command.
But like Assyria, they were overly cruel and oppressive.
But that's not all.
Like all men, they are laid low. They die. There will be an end to their tyranny.
A Level Playing Field (9-11)
These verses are ironic.
Whatever man makes of himself in this life – it's left behind when he die.
Those who had gone before these ruler (some of whom may have been sent to the grave by these rulers) all acknowledge their weakness.
Only in life does man think he's invincible.
Afterwards, we all will realize how very weak we really were.
Verse 11 is rather graphic, but it points out that nobles and peasants alike will all decay in the same way.
Worms and maggots are no respecter of persons.
And really, this is trying to point out that all the pomp of real life boiled down to nothing in the long run – it was futile.
These verses are ironic.
Whatever man makes of himself in this life – it's left behind when he die.
Those who had gone before these ruler (some of whom may have been sent to the grave by these rulers) all acknowledge their weakness.
Only in life does man think he's invincible.
Afterwards, we all will realize how very weak we really were.
Verse 11 is rather graphic, but it points out that nobles and peasants alike will all decay in the same way.
Worms and maggots are no respecter of persons.
And really, this is trying to point out that all the pomp of real life boiled down to nothing in the long run – it was futile.
Pride, Arrogance, and Narcissism (12-13)
Although these words were not spoken by the rulers of Babylon, their attitude spoke it.
Look at what the description God gives of pride in mankind:
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
Have you ever wondered what pride looks like to God? Any wonder God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble?
Who does this sound like to you? Many of you probably thought this sounded much like Satan when he fell.
In fact this is the original sin. Satan was a perfect created angel.
He was beautiful and served before the Lord. There was nothing he lacked. He had no defect.
But something happened. It's a mystery to me and may always be.
Perfect environment. Face to face with his Creator. And he say his authority and God's authority and power and he wanted to be God.
Unbelievable! Yes, but that same root of pride was saying the same thing in the heart of the Babylonian.
He wanted to be like his father, the devil. He desired to have God's place in the universe. To determine his own destiny. To run his own life.
To have authority over all people.
And he may not have even seen it that way. Perhaps it came along with the territory. He was a successful king, conqueror and ruler.
In his mind he had earned it.
Look at the contrast between this godless attitude of pride and the attitude of a man who was a captive and yet he was a prince in Babylon.
He was one of the exiles who had seen over and over the faithfulness of God and was himself living a life of faith in God.
Look at this contrast from Daniel chapter 9 (starting in verse 4):
“O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, 5we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. 9The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.
“Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.12You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.
15“Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.
17“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
This was a man who had 3rd highest ranking in the nation at the time of his prayer.
He prayed this prayer during a fast. He wore sackcloth and ashes. None of this was for show or any such thing.
He was but a wee boy when Jerusalem was sacked. He wasn't responsible, but his confession included his sin and the sin of his people.
He acknowledged that God owed absolutely nothing to him. But for the sake of God he pleaded.
His desire was not that he might gain a better, more comfortable home (he probably died in Babylon). He was concerned about God and his reputation.
God's purpose and plan were what Daniel was interested in.
See the stark difference between the attitude of pride and humility.
Pride says that I deserve it all. Humility says I deserve condemnation.
Pride receives condemnation and humility receives mercy and grace.
The End Of the Wicked (18-21)
This is a sad ending to the taunt.
But here he contrasts a normal king's burial to that of this wicked king.
He will not have the dignity of lying in state but will instead be part of a mass burial.
Again, his pride got him nothing of value, not even a remembrance for the future.
Even his offspring are marked for the grave.
In contrast, the beginning of this section is a time of rejoicing for those whom the Lord saves.
They return to their land. The Babylonian's offspring will die so as not to cover the land again.
This is a sad ending to the taunt.
But here he contrasts a normal king's burial to that of this wicked king.
He will not have the dignity of lying in state but will instead be part of a mass burial.
Again, his pride got him nothing of value, not even a remembrance for the future.
Even his offspring are marked for the grave.
In contrast, the beginning of this section is a time of rejoicing for those whom the Lord saves.
They return to their land. The Babylonian's offspring will die so as not to cover the land again.
Principle: Every man will die once.
Illustration:
[Billy Joel, “Only the Good Die Young.”]
Principle: Pride's attempt to be my own god ultimately results in alienation from God.
Applications:
- What do you suppose would happen if Christians honestly started praying for our country like Daniel did for his?
- What attitude would you say you more closely align with, that of Daniel or the Babylonian kings?
- What areas of pride are you harboring? Will you ask God to show you tonight?
The Inthwartable One (Isaiah 14:22-32)
Babylon Thwarted (22-23)
The final statement from God regarding Babylon: ruin.
There will be complete destruction. It will be after Assyria's destruction, but none the less, it will happen.
Desolation.
3 times God uses this formula: “declares the LORD”.
2 of those times he adds Lord Almighty.
This is no idle threat by a has been. This is a promise by the Almighty. It will come to pass! Guaranteed.
Assyria Thwarted (24-27)
Back to Assyria, in case they thought they were forgotten.
In verse 24 he starts with “The Lord Almighty has sworn.”
There is nothing that can stop me, I have sworn this will happen.
The last two verses relate the idea that God has purposed, planned, and determined these things will happen.
They are not knee-jerk reactions, but part of His sovereign plan.
These nations were representative of world powers in their day. They were the super powers.
And yet, the Lord's outstretched hand would bring them down.
Be warned all you nations. You 21st century nations.
Back to Assyria, in case they thought they were forgotten.
In verse 24 he starts with “The Lord Almighty has sworn.”
There is nothing that can stop me, I have sworn this will happen.
The last two verses relate the idea that God has purposed, planned, and determined these things will happen.
They are not knee-jerk reactions, but part of His sovereign plan.
These nations were representative of world powers in their day. They were the super powers.
And yet, the Lord's outstretched hand would bring them down.
Be warned all you nations. You 21st century nations.
Philistia Thwarted (28-32)
King Ahaz died around 715 BC.
His grandfather Uzziah had won battles against the Philistines.
So had David and Solomon for that matter had authority over them.
Now they see the death of Ahaz as the end of a dynasty.
But Hezekiah will rule in his father's place and he will strike Philistia.
And beyond that, out of the line of Hezekiah would come Messiah, the Christ.
The Philistines were inhabitants of the land that Israel had failed to drive out.
They represented corruption in the land of Sabbath rest.
In Christ, he has become our Sabbath rest. The land was a type or shadow of the rest found in Christ.
Those who came to Zion to seek God found him. Likewise, those who come to Christ to seek God find him.
Their will be no Philistine corruption found in the new Jerusalem.
“The LORD has established Zion,
and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.”
Our Zion rest is found in Jesus Christ.
All those who are afflicted can find refuge in him.
All humanity is afflicted. We all have the same disease – sin.
Have you taken your affliction to the cross? To the only refuge offered to mankind.
King Ahaz died around 715 BC.
His grandfather Uzziah had won battles against the Philistines.
So had David and Solomon for that matter had authority over them.
Now they see the death of Ahaz as the end of a dynasty.
But Hezekiah will rule in his father's place and he will strike Philistia.
And beyond that, out of the line of Hezekiah would come Messiah, the Christ.
The Philistines were inhabitants of the land that Israel had failed to drive out.
They represented corruption in the land of Sabbath rest.
In Christ, he has become our Sabbath rest. The land was a type or shadow of the rest found in Christ.
Those who came to Zion to seek God found him. Likewise, those who come to Christ to seek God find him.
Their will be no Philistine corruption found in the new Jerusalem.
“The LORD has established Zion,
and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.”
Our Zion rest is found in Jesus Christ.
All those who are afflicted can find refuge in him.
All humanity is afflicted. We all have the same disease – sin.
Have you taken your affliction to the cross? To the only refuge offered to mankind.
Principle: Nothing can or will thwart the plans of God.
Illustration:
The plan of God throughout Scripture is the salvation of His people. And he continues to fulfill that plan until the end of time.
Illustration:
The plan of God throughout Scripture is the salvation of His people. And he continues to fulfill that plan until the end of time.
Applications:
- What part are you playing in the plans of God?
- What are you doing to ensure our nation does not go the route of Babylon, Assyria, or Philistia? Are you praying for our leaders? Are you living a God-honoring life? Are you spreading the truth of the Gospel unashamedly?
Conclusion
Who is it that's pushing your chess pieces around the chess board of life?
Who is it that's pushing your chess pieces around the chess board of life?
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