Isaiah 14 Devotional

The Climber Brought Low

“The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?”Isaiah 14:27 (BSB)

Before the taunt over Babylon's king, the chapter opens with mercy. The LORD will show Jacob compassion, choose Israel again, and even bring foreigners to join them (14:1). Then the rescued sing over the fallen oppressor who struck the nations without pause; now the earth rests, and even the cedars rejoice (14:4-8). He planned to raise his throne to the heavens and set himself equal with the Most High, but he is brought down to the depths of the grave (14:13-15).

God's purposes run the opposite way from human ambition. He swears that his plans will be carried out exactly as he intends, and no one can push back his outstretched hand (14:24-27). The chapter ends with an answer for the nations' envoys: Zion rests on God's own foundation, and it is a refuge for his suffering people (14:32). The proud climb and fall. The afflicted are given a place to hide. Whatever you are tempted to build on, the safest place to stand is what God himself has founded.

To think about: Where are you tempted to climb for security, and what would it look like to take refuge in what God has founded instead?