Daily Scripture & Questions

Isaiah 13:1-17:14 The Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC.  The Southern Kingdom falls to Babylon in 586 BC (when Jerusalem is overtaken).  Isaiah foresees God's judgment on Babylon, which will come by whom (13:17 ff)?  Note that Babylon's fall is called "the day of the Lord" (13:6, 9).  In 14:12-15, the king of Babylon is described but the language seems to be too big for just an earthly king - perhaps he is being likened to a fallen Satan.  What other nations are prophesied against "in that day" and why?  Note these highlights - 14:27; 16:5, 12; 17:7-8.

Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions

Read Isaiah 14:12-20. The proud king of Babylon, who will overrun God's people about 150 years later, is already foretold that he will fall. This king's pride (see verses 12-15) is often compared to the pride of Satan and his fall. Can we be confident that what God has foretold will happen will actually happen (see 14:27)?

Biblical Prayer Focus

Luke 22:40-42 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Ask the Lord's help to not enter into temptation. Seek Him for the Spirit's empowerment to become faithful in prayer and to be willing to do His will, even when it is so very hard.