Study Desk

The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more.

But you, God's people, will be happy and sing as you do on the night of a sacred festival. You will be as happy as those who walk to the music of flutes on their way to the Temple of the Lord , the defender of Israel.

Those who go to Egypt for help are doomed! They are relying on Egypt's vast military strength—horses, chariots, and soldiers. But they do not rely on the Lord , the holy God of Israel, or ask him for help.

God said, "People of Israel, you have sinned against me and opposed me. But now, come back to me!

Assyria will be destroyed in war, but not by human power. The Assyrians will run from battle, and their young men will be made slaves.

They will not be impatient any longer, but they will act with understanding and will say what they mean.

But an honorable person acts honestly and stands firm for what is right.

You may be satisfied now, but this time next year you will be in despair because there will be no grapes for you to gather.

You have been living an easy life, free from worries; but now, tremble with fear! Strip off your clothes and tie rags around your waist.

But once more God will send us his spirit. The wasteland will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops.

(But hail will fall on the forests, and the city will be torn down.)

Our enemies are doomed! They have robbed and betrayed, although no one has robbed them or betrayed them. But their time to rob and betray will end, and they themselves will become victims of robbery and treachery.

The Lord will show us his glory. We will live beside broad rivers and streams, but hostile ships will not sail on them.

Their corpses will not be buried, but will lie there rotting and stinking; and the mountains will be red with blood.

You are expecting Egypt to help you, but that would be like using a reed as a walking stick—it would break and would jab your hand. That is what the king of Egypt is like when anyone relies on him."

This is the message which he told them to give to Isaiah: "Today is a day of suffering; we are being punished and are in disgrace. We are like a woman who is ready to give birth, but is too weak to do it.

of Judah to tell him: "The god you are trusting in has told you that you will not fall into my hands, but don't let that deceive you.

"But I know everything about you, what you do and where you go. I know how you rage against me.

Then Isaiah said to King Hezekiah, "Here is a sign of what will happen. This year and next you will have only wild grain to eat, but the following year you will be able to plant grain and harvest it, and plant vines and eat grapes.

Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever."