Brothers and sisters, Isaiah begins by emphasizing the importance of dedicating this time to the Lord, praising His marvelous love and seeking a revelation of Christ through His Word. He reflects on the book of Judges, highlighting the recurring cycle of God's great works through His servants, yet the lack of lasting fruit as the people repeatedly turn away from Him after each deliverance. He examines Gideon's story as a powerful example of God's faithfulness, despite human weakness, and notes how even after victory, Israel quickly backslides into idolatry. Isaiah points out the chaos and moral decline in the final chapters of Judges, culminating in the statement that "there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes," illustrating the heart issue at the core of their failure. He contrasts this with the establishment of God's kingdom under David and Solomon, which, despite initial righteousness, also falters when Solomon's heart turns away from the Lord. Prophecies in Isaiah and Daniel reveal that a greater King—Jesus Christ—will establish an everlasting kingdom characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. Christ's coming as the fulfillment of these promises is confirmed in Galatians, Hebrews, and John, emphasizing that He is the true, unfailing King who dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit. Isaiah urges us to recognize that Christ's indwelling is not enough if we live as if He is not our Lord, risking ineffective, unfruitful lives like those in Judges. He encourages dependence on Christ's power, holding fast to Him as the Head, and living in obedience to His lordship, so that we may bear lasting fruit and fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, the message is that Christ is the fulfillment of every prophecy and the only true King, and our response must be to live under His lordship, trusting in His power to produce fruit in us and through us.
18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. 19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.