John (and other regular contributors)  Once again I can but thank you for your faithfulness - there is a rich mix of information and insights on Five Doves, and I cannot measure how much it has helped me (complementing my daily Bible reading).  Time is fast running out and we are about to walk through the threshold into the quick work upon the face of the earth spoken of in Romans 9:28.  More than anything else I love the love for His Return that we share.  I will be on holidays for two weeks and way from the Internet much of the time.  I will lurk when I get a chance.  God bless you.  Denis     

ISAIAH 47 AND THE US

I appreciate Jan Mikael drawing attention to Isaiah 47 as I have for some time wanted to share some thoughts on this important chapter.  Does this apply to the United States?  I do not know for sure, but sometimes it is helpful to read it as if it did!  Some parts certainly fit and send an eschatological shudder through your spirit!  Some parts do not fit as well and there may be dual fulfilments.  It seems unusual that the United States still, in effect, has governance over Iraq, including (probably) the  Babil Province within which  is the city of Babylon that never has been destroyed in the way predicted by God’s Word - and its (quick) rebuilding through resources gathered from around the world seems destined.

The chapter is addressed to the Virgin Daughter of Babylon, and sometimes to Daughter of the Chaldeans, and could refer to a newer nation such as the US that has the dominant role in the world (for now!).  I have selected some excerpts from the Amplified Bible, with some brief thoughts.  These are just that - thoughts that I have meditated on.  Remember that it is those who sit in darkness who will see a great light - judgment is coming, but so is Joel’s outpouring! 

There is no throne for you (verse 1) - no ongoing kingly role.  You shall no longer be called dainty and delicate.  Take the millstones and gn but rind meal (verse 2), which could speak of a return to an economy based on basics more than financial services.  Sit in silence and go into darkness…you shall no more be called the lady and mistress of kingdoms (verse 5).  Ummm, this could refer to the United States foreign policy and its economic influence, and even a humanistic philosophy symbolised by the Statue of Liberty (that the nation used to have!)  And the proud boast in - did not lay these things to heart, nor remember the ultimate end of such conduct).

Verse 8 is the pivot of the chapter:  you who love verse 7 - And you said, I shall be the mistress forever!  The US leadership in Annapolis reflects this attitude of the heart - playing to the world and not, heeding God’s Word - you who love pleasures…you who dwell safely and sit securely…say in your mind I am mistress and there is no one else besides me - I shall not sit as widow (could relate in part to loss of economic power) nor shall I know the loss of children (catastrophic loss in some regions?).  These two things will come to you in a moment, in one day – loss of children and widowhood.  For you have trusted in your wickedness (verse 9) – you have said no one sees me!  Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray!  This is because it was no longer based on the wisdom and righteousness of God.

Therefore shall evil come upon you!  (verse 11)  you shall not know the dawning of it, or how to charm it away (there will be no economic solution!).  And a disaster and evil shall fall upon you verse 12) , with a poignant addition you shall not be able to atone for! (evil has progressed too far!).  Desolation will come suddenly.  You are wearied with your many counsels and plans (government policies - Jesus is the Light and His Word is a lamp to guide our feet, and a light to shine through the darkness!).  Let the astrologer, stargazers - save you from the things that shall come (God is about to bring the counsel of the ungodly to nought - perhaps they will listen then!  They can not even deliver themselves from the power of the flame (of God’s judgment!.  (Astrologers..) They will wander, every one to his own quarter..noone ill save you.  The wisdom of man is about to crumble!  God is arising!  Maranatha