Ezekiel 4 - 7

Ezekiel sets up a model to display the siege and attack of Jerusalem.  His life and living would portray the coming judgment on God's people for their idolatry.  The judgment God had promised is near, and the people of His choosing would face His wrath.  There would be no escape.

Ezekiel 1 - 3

Ezekiel the prophet ministers during the exile of Judah in Babylon.  While by the river in Babylon, he sees a vision of God that sends him to the people of Israel to speak God's messages to them.  He is warned that the people are rebellious and he is not to be like them.  God establishes him as a watchman who will speak of the coming destruction and punishment.  His responsibility is to give the messages of warning; when he does so, each recipient will be responsible for their own response to the messages from God.

Jeremiah 51 - 52

Babylon, though successful against Israel, would not rule forever.  There would be those who would conquer the conquerors.  The land and its population would be mowed down like a wheat field and the devastation would be complete.  This pronouncement was placed into a scroll to be read to the people of Babylon.
Jerusalem did fall, the nation was taken captive and the people exiled to Babylon.

Jeremiah 49 - 50

God pronounces judgment on the nation of Ammon.  Israel, His chosen nation, will inherit the land the Ammonites occupy.  The nation of Edom would be left desolate as well; all punishment for their failures to acknowledge and worship God alone.  Damascus, the capital of Syria, would not escape from God's punishment.  Kedar, Hazor, Elam and Babylon would all feel the strength of God's wrath.  Their years of opposition to His commands would be remembered and their punishment would be well merited.  The nations that pursued greatness and world dominance would not retain their prominence.  God's sovereignty and righteous rule would supersede even the greatest work of man.

Jeremiah 46 - 48

God declares exactly what will happen to Egypt because of Judah's refusal to listen to His commands to avoid that nation as a refuge.  Nebuchadnezzar would defeat the Egyptian army and pillage the land of the Pharaohs.  The beauty of the land would be no match for the strength of the Creator.  Nevertheless, God would preserve from among His people a remnant who would return to praise and worship Him.  In retaliation, Egypt would strike out against Philistia and Moab.  God would use even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes without violating their wills or releasing them from responsibility for their actions.

Jeremiah 42 - 45

The captains of the captives approached Jeremiah asking for God's instructions.  They promised to do whatever God commanded.  God's word came to Jeremiah; the people were to remain in the land and not fear the Babylonians.  If they departed for Egypt's safety they would be overtaken and destroyed.  The message was clear:  Do Not Go To Egypt.
The leaders, however, accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely.  They packed their belongings and went to the land of Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them.  Before leaving, Jeremiah hid several stones in the capital city and declared that Nebuchadnezzar would place his throne upon those stones and from there strike out against Egypt.
God gave further messages of destruction and punishment against His people for their disobedience displayed by their journey into Egypt.  None would return from that group except those who chose to escape.  Egypt would NOT provide safety for the nation.

Jeremiah 38 - 41

With the Babylonian army closing in on Jerusalem, Jeremiah's captors plead for permission to execute the prophet that has spoken so much ill against them.  Having permission, the princes place Jeremiah in a sewage-infested pit.  One of the eunuchs pleaded for Jeremiah's life, since he would die of starvation in the dungeon.  The king once again granted permission and Jeremiah was removed from the pit.  The king then asked for advice as to how he should proceed with the Babylonians.  Jeremiah gave the king God's promise that if he surrendered the city would be spared as well as the king's life.
Just as God said would happen, Jerusalem was invaded by the Babylonians.  The king was captured, forced to watch the execution of his sons and then had his eyes put out before being taken captive to Babylon.  Jeremiah, however, was released from prison and given good treatment.  Meanwhile, the Babylonians established Gedaliah as the governor; but he was soon murdered in an attempted coup.

Jeremiah 35 - 37

The Rechabites demonstrated unswerving obedience to God's commands given by their ancestor.  God held them up as an example to the entire nation and promised that there would always be a man from that family who served before the Lord.  Jeremiah places God's words into a scroll and has them delivered to the king for his reading.  The king destroys the offensive scroll; yet Jeremiah rewrites the words of God and declares that they will come to pass.  King Zedekiah has Jeremiah imprisoned and still God's word is accomplished.  It cannot be stopped by the decree of kings or the will of rulers.

Jeremiah 32 - 34

Jeremiah buys a field signifying that God would redeem the land.  Even though the enemy was building mounds to attack Jerusalem, God promised that the people would return and hail Him as their rightful and only leader. King Zedekiah is warned that because of his treatment of God and the people he would be punished by God.

Jeremiah 30 - 31

Jeremiah now speaks of the time when God would restore His people to their land.  They would return and be healed from their errors.  God would forgive them when they asked for restoration of their relationship.  Their joy would be full again and their land would be characterized by expressions of God's mercy. God would establish a new covenant with them that would bring lasting peace to those under it.

Jeremiah 26 - 29

Jeremiah's prophecies about the coming invasion and captivity of Judah was beginning to be fulfilled.  God told Jeremiah to continue giving the message of warning, so that the people would still have opportunity to repent and God would not have to punish them for their unconfessed sin.  Instead of responding properly, the people seized Jeremiah to execute him.  After the prophet defended his position and message, the people decided to stay the execution.  Jeremiah's next message was delivered while he wore implements of slavery, portraying the coming expatriation of the people from their country.  A false prophet, Hananiah, began giving a message opposite to Jeremiah's, seeking to encourage the people that all was not as bad as portrayed by Jeremiah's messages.  To prove that Jeremiah was the true prophet, God allowed Hananiah to die within 7 months of his false prophecy.  When the nation was carried into captivity, Jeremiah sent with the captives a message from God instructing them to not expect a quick return from the land; instead, they should settle in the land and prepare to stay for an extended period (remember, Jeremiah had already foretold that their stay would last 70 years).

Jeremiah 23 - 25

God promises to restore righteousness to Judah through the Branch He will establish - a King that will rule and prosper, One called The LORD Our Righteousness.  Those who gave false prophesies and empty promises would be dealt with.  Severely.  None can hope to escape.  God compares Israel to bad figs, and the Babylonians to good figs.  He would give favor to the enemies of His people so that they would bring the nation back to Himself.  This process would take 70 years to accomplish, yet God would accomplish all He set out to do.

Jeremiah 18 - 22

Jeremiah observes a potter at work molding clay, reworking it as needed.  God's message comes that the nation is His clay, and He uses the trials faced by the nation to fashion them into something useful for His purposes.  The nation, however, rejects God's warnings and inherits the disaster inherent in such foolish actions.  The nation rises up and attacks Jeremiah for being the bearer of such news.  Jeremiah continues to share God's message of coming destruction, even though it landed him in the stocks.  Jeremiah continued to deliver an unpopular message to unwilling hearers, convinced that an unchanging God was in control. The faithful prophet delivers warnings of impending doom to the king about the invading armies of Babylon and the results of their incursion into the land of Judah

Jeremiah 14 - 17

Jeremiah sees a land filled with famine and desolation, yet God tells him not to pray for the well-being of the people, because His intention is to consume them with sword, famine and pestilence.  False prophets had been spreading words of encouragement that God would not destroy His people; but God was intent on punishing His rebellious children.  God's position is so set that not even Moses or Samuel could dissuade Him.  There would be a small preserved remnant, but none should assume they were among that number.  If the preserved remnant would return to God, He would make them strong.  Jeremiah's message to the people was for them to restore the proper observance of the Sabbath as a day set aside for the worship and studied contemplation of God.

Jeremiah 10 - 13

God warns His people about putting their trust in false idols.  The worship practices of the Gentile nations was not to be the pattern for Jewish worship.  Other nations served gods of their own making; Israel was to serve the God that made them.  Israel had not kept the covenant sworn to God in the days of Moses, so God would keep His promises regarding the punishment and correction their actions deserved.  Jeremiah questions God concerning the wicked who seem to prosper.  God answers that He will take revenge on His enemies.  None will escape the judgment they deserve.  His withholding of immediate punishment is one further sign of His great love and mercy towards those who do not deserve it.

Jeremiah 7 - 9

Jeremiah is given a message for the people of Israel.  They were not to trust in those who spoke lies to them.  In fact, Jeremiah was told not to pray for the people who would not obey God's commands.  Even though they went through the rituals of religion, they were not whole-heartedly worshiping anything other than their own selfish lusts.  Those who would return and repent would be spared from judgment; those who refused would know the full force of God's wrath.  Alliance with God brings true victory.

Jeremiah 1 - 3

Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was a prophet of God during the reigns of Josiah to Zedekiah (when Judah was carried into captivity by the Babylonians).  God had plans for Jeremiah well before Jeremiah was even born.  He made His prophet to be what He intended, so that the message would be delivered exactly as God designed it to be.  God spoke to Jeremiah through object lessons to communicate His messages in simple terms - a budding branch and a boiling pot.  These (as interpreted by God) were a message against the nation that they had abandoned Him and questioned His goodness.  Even though God had done great things for His people, they charged Him with cruelty.  God, to demonstrate His great love for His people, allowed them to suffer the consequences of their wrong decisions.  His desire was that they come to the point of agreement with Him - that His way and rule IS best.  The nation had been adulterous in their treatment of God, yet He called them to repent.  If they would return, He would again shower them with evidences of His love and blessing.

Isaiah 64 - 66

Isaiah pleads on behalf of the nation for God's presence, forgiveness and restoration.  Above all, he wants to see God revered in the hearts of the people.  God responds that He has not moved, it is Israel who has abandoned Him.  He promises to bring back the beauty and glory of His people by creating a new heavens and earth for them to enjoy.  This new creation will far surpass the one currently occupied.  Worship will continue and idolatry will result in destruction.  In this restored kingdom, God will reign supremely and permanently.

Isaiah 59 - 63

Israel was in a predicament; God was able to rescue them, but their sins had separated them from Him.  As a result, His ear seemed to not hear and His eye appeared to not notice the people He had chosen.  The nation needed to forsake their wicked ways, thoughts, and deeds in order to return to the One who loved them.  God would send them help, assistance and light for their journey.  Their rescue would not come from foreign powers or domestic ingenuity; their help would come from God Himself.  In fact, God would become the nation's glory - this was good news for the nation.  Isaiah encouraged the people to turn their hearts and minds toward God so that He would bring about this promised time of refreshing and joyfulness.  God would bring victory to His people while exacting judgement from His enemies.

Isaiah 54 - 58

God declares a lasting covenant of peace with His people that will be their blessing in His kingdom.  He invites all to join His kingdom, no restrictions are set for admission - only submission to Him and His rule.  Even those not of the nation of Israel are invited to enter.
Israel, however, seemed satisfied with false idols.  Their idolatrous practices and rituals only invited God's anger and punishment; it did not bring the peace and satisfaction that was anticipated.  God would heal and restore those who returned from their idolatry; but would consume those who refused His correction

Isaiah 49 - 53

God's Servant speaks of the great and mighty task to which God has called Him.  Even from before birth, this Servant will be part of God's plan to restore God's glory to the nation of Israel and reveal God's glory to Gentile nations.  He will appear at exactly the right time - the time of God's choosing.  The Servant will demonstrate clearly that God has kept His promises to His people.  He will be the hope of the nation, even though He will be scorned by many and misunderstood.  The Servant will bring God's comfort to His people because through Him, God will redeem His people!  The Servant, through His suffering, would bring healing and relief to as many as would turn to Him.

Isaiah 45 - 48

God sends a prediction of a coming leader named Cyrus.  This one would accomplish God's plans perfectly.  Yet, God would prove that only He could provide safety and salvation.  God stresses over and over that only He can provide salvation because only He is God.  Babylon is slated to feel the wrath of God's punishment because of her refusal to listen to the voice of God.  Even through this, Israel would demonstrate that God can provide and redeem her for His good pleasure.

Isaiah 42 - 44

God begins describing the One who will be His Servant.  This promised Deliverer would bring about the justice that God had promised, yet would still be kind and gentle to those deserving of it.  The land is called to rejoice in God's power, position and person; He would continue to uphold His word and be faithful to His promises.  The nation of Israel had no need to fear; God's protecting power was available and promised to them.  They could boldly endure the hardships and trials they would certainly face, knowing that God would lead them through the process.  Repeatedly God makes the statement "I am God and there is none other."  If only the nation would remember this!  Their proclivity to chase after other gods was their downfall.  God would preserve them, not as a statement of Israel's great faithfulness, but as a testimony to His own great mercy.

Isaiah 36 - 41

During Hezekiah's reign, the leader of Assyria besieged the city of Jerusalem and made boasts about how futile their attempts at battle would be against the mighty army of Assyria.  Egypt would not help and God would not answer them - - according to the Assyrian leader.  Isaiah also sends word to King Hezekiah "Don't be afraid of his words.  He will hear a rumor, return to his own land and fall by the sword there."  
After another round of threats, Hezekiah took the written demands of Assyria before the Lord, laid them out and pleaded for God to demonstrate His strength, power and glory.  God answered Hezekiah's prayer and punished Sennacherib (the Assyrian leader) for his blasphemy.  The Assyrians would not enter the city or even remain to build siege mounds.  An angel went through the camp, killing 185,000 troops in their sleep; Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and was assassinated by his sons while worshiping in the temple of his false god.
Hezekiah was blessed with recovery from an illness, and his life was prolonged 15 years.  The king responds with a psalm of joy for God's merciful dealings with him.  Yet Hezekiah does not always respond with such wisdom.  Later, when an envoy visits from Babylon, the king foolishly displays the entire wealth of Judah, arousing the interest in the Babylonians to siege and plunder the nation.
Yet, even in the midst of this troubling news, God provides words of comfort for His people.  Judah, though doomed to captivity, would have a future day of peace and safety.  God once again promises to send His promised One to rescue His people.  God would punish His people, but He would not abandon them.

Isaiah 31 - 35

Those who place their trust in anything other than the Lord will be disappointed.  God will preserve and protect those who serve and fear Him, while others learn the futility of trusting in items that only disintegrate and decay.  When God establishes His reign, right will prevail and evil will be punished.  Those who have made a living by plundering others will be plundered themselves when God establishes His supreme rule and Ruler.  Enemies will flee while those who trust and love God will be secure in their dwelling places.  In fact, the places where God establishes Himself will blossom and produce like never before - even deserts will become as rose gardens.

Isaiah 28 - 30

While God pronounces judgment on those who will not obey His voice, He also promises to establish One Who will rule correctly and provide true peace and security for those subject to His realm.  The call of Isaiah's prophecy is to listen to God's voice.
Jerusalem is warned about her humiliation at God's hand for disobedience.  It will come swiftly and certainly.  The people who claimed to love God with their words displayed through their actions that their hearts did not have God as their true affection.  Yet God would honor Himself by blessing those who did display proper love for Him with attitudes, words and actions.  Those who trusted in anything else for their joy and security would be greatly disappointed and devastated.  God would destroy those false hopes, dash those improper confidences and graciously exalt those who look to Him alone.  Those who follow His path will always find the proper destination

Isaiah 23 - 27

The city of Tyre is prophesied against.  Her seaport business will be destroyed because they looked to their own strength instead of that which God provides.  He would lovingly restore the city after a period of time but they were to devote themselves to God when He restored them.
God's victory over the earth is decreed.  Though the earth is destroyed because of its dependence and propensity to sin, yet God will purify it with His judgment and restore His glory within it.  Those who try to escape will not find safety.  Position or prominence will not guarantee favor with God.  Only those who recognize God's power and their own impotence will be blessed by Him.  The land of Judah would declare herself strong and blessed because God had favored them due to His own choosing, not their worthiness.  The pains of their suffering have increased their desire for God, not engendered bitterness toward His hand.  When God restores His people, many will come to worship Him for His goodness and majesty.

Isaiah 18 - 22

Isaiah declares a message from God against those from Ethiopia, telling them that a day is coming when they will honor the God of Judah and those who do not will fall to His great power.  Egypt is warned that her vast resources will not outlast the strength of God; all that they look to for reputation and fame will be destroyed.  However, the land of Egypt, Assyria and Israel will be blessed by God because of those who will remain loyal to Him.  The land may be destroyed, but there will be a preserved segment of the populace of those lands.  Isaiah then makes prophetic statements regarding the fall of Babylon as a world power, and tells of Jerusalem's future honor and glory for those who were obedient to Him.

Isaiah 13 - 17

Isaiah gives a word of warning and judgment to Babylon.  They would be punished by God through the people of Medo-Persia.  In spite of all this, God would remember His people of Israel.  They would speak out against those that had treated them cruelly.  The people of Moab and Assyria are also spoken against.

Isaiah 9 - 12

Isaiah predicts the coming reign of Messiah who will bring judgment to the enemies of Israel and unity to the nation chosen by God.  Israel will return to their land and enjoy the blessing of God once again.  In that kingdom, God will rule sovereignly and will be the strength of His people, giving them many reasons to rejoice.