1. What is the condition of Ephraim (vv 1-13) and Judah (vv 14-15)? They are full of drunkards, prideful, and condescending of the prophets and God's plan.
2. What descriptions are given of the stone laid in Zion (v 16)? A firm and tested stone.
The force of the figure in this verse is much enhanced by the statements of modern travellers in relation to the immense stones still remaining at the foundation of ancient walls. -J. A. Alexander.3. Who is this cornerstone? Christ. The BKC suggests that it's not entirely clear that Isaiah is suggesting its a direct reference to the Messiah. Zech 10:4 is.
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Isa 28:17 And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”
From the Grace Church Memphis Bible Study Guide notes:
"On this sure foundation, God will set a measuring line. (v 17) It will measure horizontally (justice)
and vertically (righteousness). Moyter says these describe "the quality of life the Lord desires in His believing people and to which he will apply his measuring line and plumb line (the tests of horizontal and vertical exactitude)" (p. 234).
Day Two: Read Isaiah 29
1. What is God's complaint against Jerusalem in vv 13-16? They honor Him with their lips but their hearts are far from him. Their worship of Him is just man-made rules, rote.
Passages from the NT that confirm this perspective that God detests ceremony apart from heart change:
Matthew 7:22-20 Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 15:1-9 The Pharisees and scribes ask why he breaks the tradition of the elders by not having his disciples wash their hands before they eat. Jesus turns that conversation around to ask why they break God's commandments for the sake of their tradition--ex. honoring parents. Jesus directly cites this chapter and passage of Isaiah (Isaiah 29:13).
"...having the appearance of godliness but denying its power" 2 Timothy 3:5
The Grace Church Memphis notes conclude that God took their ability to discern (see, understand) from these prideful people to humble them, citing Isaiah 29:9-12:
Astonish yourselves and be astonished; blind yourselves and be blind! Be drunk, but not with wine; stagger, but not with strong drink! For the LORD has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes (the prophets), and covered your heads (the seers). And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed. When men give it to one who can read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.” Though he will ultimately balance this with His grace as well because it pleases Him. -Isaiah 29:9-12
Although it ultimately pleases God to show grace, He will render us teachable too:
Isa 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
2. Do you worship God or your worship of Him? I think worship is a complex activity--much more than music, service, acts, but also spirit, truth. I try as best I can, but I am sure that at times I am more connected to my emotional response and my needs in relationship to Him.
3. In what passages do you find:
a. Judgment?
Isaiah 29:2-3
"I will make you suffer....surround you and prepare to attack from all sides."
b. Hope? Isaiah 29:17-24 Some of the hopeful images are:
"all who are cruel and arrogant will be gone forever."
the deaf will hear, the blind see, the poor have provision
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