This chapter speaks of God’s judgement against the wicked and arrogant people of Assyria, and also contains judgement on Israel (with some hope sprinkled in).
“In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness.” (v20-22)
This bittersweet passage indicates that God will judge the sin of His people, though He will relent for those who repent. Unfortunately, it sounds like only a fraction of people will repent of their sin and turn to Him, which is still true in the world today. Though most of us are not Hebrew by blood, those of us who receive Christ Jesus as our King and savior are spiritual descendants of Israel, part of the remnant who turn to God and are saved into His kingdom.
This line jumped out at me: “Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness.” God is holy and His judgement on sin is morally justified, so sin’s utter destruction is a requirement of God’s righteousness. I encourage us to turn to God / Jesus (repent and turn from sin) and set that example for others as much as possible. By allowing Jesus to save us from our sin we are spared from God’s righteous destruction of sin. By setting a Christlike example for others, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work toward salvation in their lives as well.
Father God, our Righteous and Holy Lord, we understand that You cannot tolerate sin into eternity. Thank you for graciously and mercifully sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin and making forgiveness so much simpler to receive. Please help us to walk in Jesus’ example, and in turn be Christlike examples in this world, so more may repent and seek Your presence. We ask now for Your moment by moment guidance, each and every step we take, from this moment onward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training