The message, per verse 4, is directed to the King of Babylon. Again it seems we are talking about Babylon in its final form, though that is not necessarily so. Any Kingdom that rises up to control men, without Christ, can be said to be Satanic. For Satan, or Lucifer, is co-jointly addressed here by the Lord. Satan is the leader of Babylon. An antichrist in preview. One whose doom is sealed by the words of verse 20, and the corresponding description of a lake of fire that will be his future address. “You will not be united with them [all the kings of the nations] in burial…”

2. Isaiah 14:29. Who is the rod that struck Philistia? But Babylon is coming?

It appears that Philistia, beaten down by Assyria, as were all the nations of that area, even God’s special people Israel (northern kingdom), is now taking a little rest from its repentance and sorrow, as it sees Assyria herself punished by a greater power, Babylonia. But the prophet says, It’s not over yet! “Smoke comes from the north,” the north often meaning Babylonia in prophetic books. (Though the Empire center was more east, Assyrian/Babylonian invasions came from the north.)

More trouble is coming, Philistia. And a nation not protected by Jehovah will be in dire straits.

3. Isaiah 15-23. Are the prophecies about Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Tyre about destruction by the Assyrian or Babylonian or end-time power?

Much of this first section of the book, perhaps the first 39 chapters, is devoted to destructions by Assyria. Chapter 20, verse 4, is very specific regarding the Assyrian onslaught. It is not clear from the text or history whether Babylonia picked up where Assyria left off in some of these nations. Though this may not be of the utmost importance to us, it is of interest to pick up some end-time ideas and question whether these things have happened as yet.

For example, Moab, 16:5. A throne will be established. A faithful judge will be there. He will sit in the “tent” of David. He will seek justice. Be prompt in righteousness. Could this be Hezekiah? The Messiah? Both?

And the “feared nation” of chapter 18. Is it Ethiopia/Cush? Is it Egypt? Again, not a serious theological question, but I want to know, did such a nation ever bring a gift to the Lord in Zion? Yet does not Scripture teach us that one day all the nations will be required to do so? Is this the Millennium?

Prophecies to Egypt are especially reminiscent of the coming days known as the end times or Millennial reign of Christ. The land of Judah becomes a terror to Egypt? Some will point to the 6-day war. I have found in studying prophecies for these many years, that pin-pointing a prophecy in the years from Jesus until now is very difficult, and usually unprofitable. It seems that the prophets saw up to the formation of the church, and then from the Tribulation on, still future to us. I offer this as a suggestion, not a rule, but disappointing have been the attempts to tie in Church-age people and times to the prophets of old.

I was speaking of Egypt. In 19: 17 following are some specifics that should get our attention. Like, when did the land of Judah become a terror to Egypt? One thinks of the Six-Day War and the decisive victory of Israel (not “Judah” at that time) over all her enemies, including Egypt. The world certainly was amazed at the tenacity of this new and young nation. But it was a strong Egypt, not the weak one portrayed in the verse just prior to this one, where that land is said to have “become like women.” I do believe all of this is still in our future.

Speaking of Egyptians, when did they come to the Lord in great, nation-wide, numbers? The prophecy talks of a national revival, a national awareness of Jehovah God, resulting in a national sacrifice to Him. This simply has not occurred.