In this chapter, Isaiah continues to share the destruction awaiting various nations. Ethiopia is the focus in this chapter. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Destruction is certain for the land of Ethiopia, which lies at the headwaters of the Nile. Its winged sailboats glide along the river, and ambassadors are sent in fast boats down the Nile. Go home, swift messengers! Take a message to your land divided by rivers, to your tall, smooth-skinned people, who are feared far and wide for their conquests and destruction.” (We know that many of the people in Ethiopia are people of color; does the increased melanin in their skin make it smoother? Is that why people say, “Black don’t crack”? Just thinking aloud.)
When I raise my battle flag on the mountain, let all the world take notice. When I blow the trumpet, listen! For the Lord has told me this: “I will watch quietly from my dwelling place – as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day, or as the dew forms on an autumn morning during the harvest. (Wow! How is the Lord watching us as we carry on with our, sometimes, thoughtless and unfaithful ways?)
Even before you begin your attack, while your plans are ripening like grapes, the Lord will cut you off as though with pruning shears. He will snip your spreading branches. Your mighty army will be left dead in the fields for the mountain birds and wild animals to eat. The vultures will tear at corpses all summer. The wild animals will gnaw at bones all winter.
But the time will come when the Lord Almighty will receive gifts from this land divided by rivers, from this tall, smooth-skinned people, who are feared far and wide for their conquests and destruction. They will bring the gifts to the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem, the place where his name dwells.” (Isaiah 18)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us remain worthy of your favor and protection. Help us faithfully love, seek, trust, and honor you, so that you will quietly watch us with adoration and not disappointment. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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