SOAP Isaiah 36: Lies vs. Truth

Lies vs Truth

ISAIAH 36

In Isaiah 36, we see more destruction and war. Israel is in despair, Judah has been almost

conquered by the enemy. We see a small amount of truth in what is spoken to the Israelites about putting their trust in Egypt.

“Then the Assyrian king’s chief of staff told them to give this message to Hezekiah:

“This is what the great king of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me? On Egypt? If you lean on Egypt, it will be like a reed that splinters beneath your weight and pierces your hand. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is completely unreliable! “

Isaiah 36:4-6 NLT

He then goes on to question their trust in God.

“But perhaps you will say to me, ‘We are trusting in the LORD our God!’ But isn’t he the one who was insulted by Hezekiah? Didn’t Hezekiah tear down his shrines and altars and make everyone in Judah and Jerusalem worship only at the altar here in Jerusalem?”

Isaiah 36:7 NLT

After attacking their choices, he tries to get them to join him, and commit to his leadership. He even said that God had told them to attack and destroy. He glorified the army of Assyria and what they had done. He said that God can not save them from them.

We have to be mindful, and careful who we listen to and trust. We see one word of truth in what the Assyrian chief said, that they shouldn’t have trusted Egypt. We have to question why he said that. It seems like he said it to demoralize them. When I read this, it makes me think about how the enemy attacks us. He might speak one truth, we shouldn’t have trusted someone, or something, or made a decision that wasn’t good, but he never does it to help us. Our enemy will speak this to us to demean us and shame us. He never wants good for us. He will then lie to us and tell us that God doesn’t love us, or we are too much, or not worth much.

When God speaks truth to us, He is never interested in shaming us. Shame causes us to hide. God is interested in drawing us close to Him. He is interested in conviction and repentance that draw us to Him. His truth says, you are loved, you are chosen, you are worth so much, you are divinely made.

Be careful of the trick the enemy plays, you can always recognize it. He brings shame, despair and doubt. God brings conviction, love and trust.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your constant love. Thank you for your gentle wooing and grace. We need to hear your voice. Help us distinguish the voice of the enemy. Help us know Your voice. Thank you for Your truth. Lead us close to You.