Isaiah 23

ScriptureIsaiah 23:9The Lord Almighty planned it,to bring down her pride in all her splendorand to humble all who are renowned on the earth.Observation - What does it say?Tyre was a great a port city on the Phoenician coast famous for the people’s advanced technologies and skills in shipbuilding, sailing, and trading. In this prophecy against Tyre, God is warning them through Isaiah that their pride in their great city will soon come to an end.Understanding - What does it mean?That word pride in the original Hebrew text is the word pronounced ga'own. It is translated most commonly as exaltation, majesty and excellence. And, as in this passage, it often refers to the exaltation of nations, their wealth, power and magnificence of buildings. What I find interesting is that it is the same word used in Isaiah 24:14 in reference to God:They raise their voices, they shout for joy;from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty (ga'own).The people of the earth exalt and praise earthly things – powerful nations, famous people, new technology, sports cars, diamonds, fancy homes and buildings, etc. But all those things pale in comparison to the majesty and excellence of God!God has planned to humble every earthly thing that is exalted.  And the day will come, as we will see in our reading tomorrow, that all the glory given to nations and earthly things will be removed and the world will lift their voices to exalt God’s majesty alone! The day will come when the world recognizes the infinitely superior majesty and glory of God!Life ApplicationWhat earthly things do I admire or value too much? Recognize those things will someday pass away and choose to fix my eyes and heart on Jesus! God, nothing compares with you! Forgive us for praising earthly things, for desiring them and for boasting in them. Today we fix our eyes on you. We choose to take pride in you alone. We worship and praise you! We focus all our desire, our affection, and our love on you today. You alone are worthy of our praise and our pursuit!