Isaiah 65:17. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

I. Introduction. Jewish Prophets 3 – Isaiah Chapters 21-22. 712 B.C.

A. The contents in this article rely heavily on my study of the commentaries, articles, and discussions of many highly respected theological scholars, It is important to know that before I draw a conclusion on any subject, that I must first have found agreement on the conclusion from the works of such reputable theologians.  

B. For a view of other trusted theological scholars, of whom I have chosen for reference, please click on my Page, “About My References.”

C. Dates that are provided in this article come from the Scofield Study Bible (1909 A.D.) and the Ryrie Study Bible (1986 A.D.).

II. Article Introduction. 

A. Overview of Isaiah Chapter 21.  The four burdens, anticipating Sennacherib’s invasion (2 Kgs 18:13). The burden of Dumah. The burden upon Arabia.

1. In this chapter we have prophecies concerning Babylon, Dumah, and Arabia. With regard to Babylon, Isaiah has seen the vision of the whirlwind sweeping against it, and so terrible is it that he is filled with horror. Babylon, all unconscious, is described as given over to carousal. Isaiah, at the command of Yahweh has been on the watch tower and has now seen the foe coming against Babylon. Isaiah makes this the occasion of warning to his own people.

2. Very brief, but very forceful, is the burden of Dumah. Isaiah has heard some inquiring voice demanding the hour of the night. In briefest words he answers, declaring that he sees morning and night, and inviting further inquiry.

3. The burden of Arabia consists of a vision and interpretation. The vision is of a fugitive people. The interpretation is of judgment coming on the children of Kedar within a year.

B. Key Verses of Isaiah Chapter 21.

1. 21:1. “the wilderness.” I.e., the plain on which Babylon was built.

2. 21:2. “Elam.” Elam was a powerful kingdom with its capital at Susa, a city that later became prominent in the Persian Empire. 

3. 21:3-4. Notice again Isaiah’s sensitivity to the horrors of war (cf.15:5-7).

4. 21:5. Details of Babylon’s last days are given in Daniel Chapter 5. “oil the shields.” Oil the leather shields to protect cracking and to prepare for battle.

5. 21:9. “fallen is Babylon.” Though the Babylonian Empire was defeated in 530 B.C., Babylon, as standing for all that opposes G-d, will not be finally destroyed until the close of the tribulation period (Rev 14:8; 18:2).

6. 21:11. “Seir.” The land of Edom.

7. 21:12. The “Morning” of blessing for Israel will come, as will be the “night” of judgment for Edom (cf. Obadiah 1:9).

8. 21:13. “Dedanites.” An Arabic tribe (Ezek 27:15).

9. 21:14. “Tema.” An oasis in Northwest Arabia.

10. 21:16. “Kedar.” A powerful Arabic tribe.

C. Overview of Isaiah Chapter 22. The burden of the valley of vision. 

In the midst of the prophecies concerning the nations occurs one of protest against the indifference of Jerusalem to Isaiah’s messages. He first describes the joyous people as they stand in contrast to him, with his sorrow and his broken heart. He introduces his description by inquiring “what ails them.” He then declares it to be a day of discomfiture, and speaks of the gathering armies and of the siege of the city of Jerusalem. It was a day in which Yahweh had called to mourning, and they were filled with merriment. This was a great sin, as it revealed their absolute callousness. Immediately following this protest, the prophet utters his denunciation on Shebna, the ruler, filled with pride, declaring that he would be rejected from his office. His place was to be taken by Eliakim, whose appointment and administration are described. This is another instance in which for us the local application is overshadowed by the Messianic values.

D. Key Verses of Isaiah Chapter 22.

1. 22:1. “the valley of vision.” A reference to Jerusalem, which is surrounded by mountains (cf. Ps 125:2).

2. 22:5. “day of panic.” Possibly refers to the coming siege of Jerusalem by Babylon (589-587 B.C.), though there may also be glimpses of the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 B.C.

3. 22:6. “Elam.” (cf. 21:2). Elam was a powerful kingdom with its capital at Susa, a city that later became prominent in the Persian Empire.  “Kir.” Perhaps different from the Kir of 15:1; if so, it is not yet identified. 

4. 22:8-11. Though the leaders tried to provide adequate water supply and defenses, they refused the greatest help, the Lord Himself. 

5. 22:9. Hezekiah made a reservoir to provide water for the city, in the event of an invasion (perhaps the one recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:30).

6. 22:15. “Shebna.” A leader of the pro-Egypt party (Isa 30-31), who ordered a tomb built for himself (vs 16), without knowing that he would die in captivity (vs 17-18).

7. 22:20. “Eliakim.” Shebna’s replacement (2 Kgs 18:18; Isa 36:3; 37:2).

8. 22:22. “the key.” Depicts the responsible position and the power to make decisions (opens….shuts; cf. Matt 16:19; Rev 3:7-8). 

9. 22:23-25. Eliakim’s position and honor would be as firm as a well-driven “peg,” though ultimately Judah would be taken into captivity (vs 25).

III. A history of Israel, beginning with a discussion of The Exodus. 

The period of the Judges (1200-1020).

A The “judges” of Israel were not so much deciders of judicial cases as special leaders who saved their people in times of danger from surrounding nations. The judges were of different tribes and were active in different areas, and some of them must have been contemporaneous. Also some of the oppressions by other nations in different areas may have been contemporaneous. Therefore, if the years of the judgeships and of the oppressions are added, the sum is much longer than the actual time involved between Joshua and Samuel.

B. The Canaanites in the North under Jabin of Hazor and his general Sisera tried to subdue the Israelites. A judge and prophetess, Deborah, summoned the Israelite tribes to send soldiers to throw off the Canaanite yoke. Six of the northern tribes responded, and the Israelite forces were led by Barak. Sisera deployed his iron chariots, said to be 900 in number, on the plain of Esdraelon near the River Kishon. A torrential rain caused the Kishon to overflow, and the Canaanite chariots were mired or swept away. The Israelites, who had no chariots, came down from Mt. Tabor and defeated the Canaanites. This victory was celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Judg 5), which most scholars think was composed shortly after the event.

C, Another serious threat came from the Midianites who made raids, riding on camels from the eastern desert, and seized the crops and the lands of the Israelites. This is the first known example of the use of the camel in warfare. In response to God’s call, Gideon, who was known for his opposition to Baal worship, summoned men from his own tribe of western Manasseh and other northern tribes. By the use of torches and trumpets at night the Israelites terrified the Midianites and drove them eastward across the Jordan.

D. The most persistent danger to Israelite independence came from the Philistines. Like the Israelites they were recent invaders; soon after the Israelites came from the desert to the Southeast, the Philistines came by sea from the Northwest, particularly from Crete. They belonged to a group of Aegeans, whom the Egyptians called the Sea Peoples, who attacked the shores of Egypt at the same time and are depicted on the walls of Ramses III’s (c. 1175-1144) temple at Madinat Habu in western Thebes. The Philistines established themselves in cities near the coast of Canaan, particularly in Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and also South of Gerar and in Dor. The Philistines brought with them the secret of smelting iron, which gave them a superiority over the Israelites who had weapons and tools of copper and bronze. The Philistines forced the tribe of Dan to move from its original location between Judah and Ephraim northward into Galilee near one of the sources of the Jordan. The influence of the Philistines is indicated by the fact that after their coming Canaan was often called Pal., the land of the Philistines.

E. Several Israelite leaders tried to resist the Philistines. The exploits of Shamgar and the herculean feats of Samson in killing Philistines or burning their fields were on an individual basis and did not remove the Philistine dominance. Finally the Israelites attempted a pitched battle with the Philistines at Eben-ezer. They summoned Hophni and Phineas, the corrupt sons of Eli, the priest of the central Israelite sanctuary at Shiloh, to bring the sacred Ark to insure an Israelite victory. Nevertheless, the Philistines were victorious, killed Hophni and Phineas, seized the Ark (which they later returned), and destroyed Shiloh, as evidenced by excavations there. The Philistines established garrisons to control the Israelites who became their vassals. Samuel, a judge and priest who had been trained by Eli at Shiloh, called the people back to God and led them to a victory over the Philistines at Mizpah, which restored a measure of independence to Israel.

F. The period of the judges was one of alternate idolatry and return to the Lord, of periodic dominance by surrounding nations, and of tribal disunity as evidenced by the war between Benjamin and the rest of the tribes. There was need for a strong, centralized government if Israel and its faith were to survive. Abimelech, the son of Gibeon, tried to establish a monarchy, but he lacked prophetic and popular support, and his attempt died with his death.

Isaiah 65:17. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

I. Introduction. Jewish Prophets 3 – Isaiah Chapters 17-18. 741 B.C.

A. The contents in this article rely heavily on my study of the commentaries, articles, and discussions of many highly respected theological scholars, It is important to know that before I draw a conclusion on any subject, that I must first have found agreement on the conclusion from the works of such reputable theologians.  

B. For a view of other trusted theological scholars, of whom I have chosen for reference, please click on my Page, “About My References.”

C. Dates that are provided in this article come from the Scofield Study Bible (1909 A.D.) and the Ryrie Study Bible (1986 A.D.).

II. Article Introduction. 

A. Overview of Isaiah Chapter 17.  The burden of Damascus.

1. In this section (17-18), we have a prophecy dealing with Damascus and an interlude containing a soliloquy of the prophet. The burden of Damascus (Isa 17:1-11) announces its doom. It is evident, however, that the prophet had in mind an alliance which had been entered into between “Israel, or Ephraim,” and Damascus. The doom of Damascus means the destruction of the fortress of Ephraim.

2. Isaiah then proceeds to describe the judgment of Ephraim (Israel), which will issue from the destruction of Damascus; and to declare that the effect will be to compel men to look to Yahweh rather than to idols. The reason for this visitation is that Ephraim had forgotten God.

3. The soliloquy of the prophet commences here (12-14), and reveals his consciousness of the opposing peoples all about the chosen nation (Israel, Deu 14:2), and of Yahweh as perfect Defense.

B. Key Verses of Isaiah Chapter 17.

1. 17:1-6. Another description (cf. 7:1-9:21) of the failure of the alliance between Aram (indicated by its capital “Damascus, 17:1, 3) and Israel (indicated by Ephraim and Jacob, vs 3-4). Tiglath-Pileser annexed the northern part of Israel in 732 B.C., when he took Damascus, and Sargon took Samaria in 722 B.C., deporting much of the populace.

2. 17:7. Some would return to the LORD at that time of deportation.

3. Ezekiel 38-39 War.

a. The Ezekiel 38 War will involve an attack on Israel by an outer ring of enemy nations of Israel. These enemy nations are Muslim nations, and include Turkey, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, and Sudan. Notice that Russia has a large populace of Muslims, totaling 26 million (10 percent of its population). This battle will take place, after the rapture but before the Tribulation. Yahweh will defeat these attacking forces. 

b. Concerning the invasion of Israel by Gog (Ezekiel 38:1-16), all of the countries that are mentioned by Ezekiel as being, “Russia,” are today Muslim nations. Assuming their spiritual allegiance does not change, the future invasion of Israel by these nations will not be a Russian invasion, but an Islamic invasion. The coordination of attack on Israel, will not come from Moscow, but from the leadership of these Muslim governments. Within the Russian Federation there ae eight recognized Muslim republics. Most of Russia’s Muslims live in these republics.

C. Overview of Chapter 18. The woe of the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia in the regathering of Israel.

This is the second of Isaiah’s soliloquies, and is of the nature of a proclamation to certain ambassadors who are charged to return to their people and to wait for Yahweh. This charge is delivered because Yahweh has declared that He is waiting, watching, and preparing, that at the right moment He will act in judgment, and the issue will be the subjugation of the opposing peoples.

D. Key Verses of Isaiah Chapter 18.

Verse18:2. “Papyrus vessels.” Moses was placed in a miniature boat of this kind. “Tall and smooth.” The appearance of the Ethiopians (see also vs 7). An Ethiopian dynasty established in Egypt about 714 B.C. pursued an anti-Assyrian policy similar to that of Hezekiah. Isaiah warns against being involved in any Ethiopian alliance. 

III. A history of Israel will begins in this article, in a discussion of The Exodus. 

Wandering in the wilderness. 1280-1240 B.C.

1. The route of the wandering is connected with the location of Mt. Sinai, also called Horeb. Some have located Mt. Sinai East of Kadesh, but this conflicts with the tradition that the Israelites went to Sinai before Kadesh. Others have located Mt. Sinai in Northwest Arabia because Midianites lived there, and because the phenomena at the giving of the law (fire, cloud, rumbling), are thought to indicate a volcanic eruption, which has taken place in that area. But the Midianites were nomadic, and the fire, cloud, and rumbling could betoken a thunderstorm. The above two locations of Mt. Sinai would imply that the Israelites crossed the Peninsula of Sinai along a northern route.

2. The traditional identification of Mt. Sinai with Jebel Musa in the southern part of the Peninsula of Sinai agrees with suggested identifications of Marah, Elim, Dophkah, and Rephidim on the way to Mt. Sinai, and with a possible identification of Hazeroth on the way North from Mt. Sinai. Also the time recorded for the journey from Egypt to Mt. Sinai and from Mt. Sinai to Kadesh agrees with this location of the mount. If this traditional location of Mt. Sinai is accepted, the Israelites made their way by stages southeastward near the shore of the Peninsula of Sinai and then turned inland to Dophkah, Rephidim, and Mt. Sinai.

3. One problem with the wandering in the wilderness is the large number of Israelites thought to be involved. The usual trail of Exodus 12:37 “about six hundred thousand men on foot,” implies a total population of two and a half million. In addition to “thousand,” it can also mean “clan” or “family.” The latter meaning would reduce the total to a reasonable and manageable number. Others consider the number a mere exaggeration or the number of a much later census.

4. Several of the miraculous provisions for the food and water of the Israelites in the wilderness are related to actual conditions in the Peninsula of Sinai. The manna agrees in many respects with the sweet, white exudations of scale insects on the tamarisk bushes which abound in parts of Sinai. When migrating quail reach land after crossing the Mediterranean in the fall or the Red Sea in the spring, they often fall exhausted and are easily captured as they were by the Israelites. Under the soil and rocks of the wilderness there is sometimes water waiting to be tapped (cf. Ex 17:3-6, Num 20:11).

5. The Israelites had hostile contacts with some of the nomadic inhabitants of the wilderness and friendly relations with others. At Rephidim they struggled successfully with Amalekites over the use of the spring there. On the other hand, Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, came to visit Moses and joined with him in worship of Yahweh. He also gave the good advice to appoint elders to adjudicate lesser cases, while Moses retained jurisdiction over the most serious cases. Later, Hobab the Midianite agreed to guide the Israelites through the wilderness as they proceeded from Mt. Sinai.

6. The first goal of the Israelites was Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God, where Moses had received God’s call to liberate the children of Israel. There Moses now received moral, civil, and religious laws and directions for the Tabernacle, which was a portable tent-shrine. The basic Ten Commandments, written on stone tablets, were placed in the Ark, a sacred box, which was similar to the palladium carried by Arab tribes in ancient and modern times. At Mt. Sinai also the Israelites made a covenant with Yahweh to worship him alone and to keep his laws.

7. The second focus of the wandering, Kadesh, was also a holy place which is the meaning of its name. Near this site in northeastern Sinai there are three springs, and this area was Israel’s center for many years. From Kadesh spies were sent North into Canaan, and then an expedition entered Canaan, but was defeated at Hormah. At Kadesh Moses, and his brother Aaron the priest, had to deal with various revolts against their civil and religious authority. After most of the generation which left Egypt had died, and when the new generation had been united and hardened by the wandering life in the desert, the Israelites finally set out from Kadesh to enter the land which they believed God had promised to their ancestor Abraham and to them.

Isaiah 65:17. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

I. Introduction. Jewish Prophets 3 – Isaiah Chapter 14. 712 B.C.

A. The contents in this article rely heavily on my study of the commentaries, articles, and discussions of many highly respected theological scholars, It is important to know that before I draw a conclusion on any subject, that I must first have found agreement on the conclusion from the works of such reputable theologians.  

B. For a view of other trusted theological scholars, of whom I have chosen for reference, please click on my Page, “About My References.”

C. Dates that are provided in this article come from the Scofield Study Bible (1909 A.D.) and the Ryrie Study Bible (1986 A.D.).

II. Article Introduction. 

A. Overview of Chapter 14.  The Kingdom Set up. Israel Restored and Exalted. 

1. Verses 1-2. 

a. We now consider Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the nations and the world. The first describes the doom of Babylon. Whereas the word “Babylon” occurs here, there is no doubt Assyria is in view. The prophecy concerning Babylon comes later (21:1-10). 

b. In graphic language Isaiah foretells the nearness of judgment. He describes the mustering of the hosts, and then their marching. Next he declares the purpose of the judgment, which is to punish evil. Finally he describes the process of judgment against Babylon, with the result being ruin.

c. The issue of this judgment is intended to be the restoration of Israel through the compassion of Yahweh; He will yet choose them and set them in their own land. The peoples who have oppressed the Jews will submit themselves to them (Israel) and serve them, and they will rule over their oppressors

2. Verses 3-23.

a. Anticipating the great day of restoration, the prophet puts into the mouth of Israel the great parable or song which celebrates the downfall of Assyria. This moves in five distinct stanzas. In the first (in vs 4-8), the deliverance created for the whole earth through the overthrow of Assyria is described. The golden city had been the seat of widespread oppression, and when, by the action of Yahweh, it is destroyed, the whole earth is at rest. In the second (in vs 9-11), the consternation of the underworld at the fall of Babylon is described. All the great dead ones are astonished that at last even Babylon had become weak. In the third, the sin which had culminated in such destruction is revealed (vs 12-15). The sin was that rebellion against G-d, the ambition which attempted to thwart His purpose and contest with Him the right of empire. The completeness of Babylon’s destruction is the subject of the fourth (vs 16-19). While other kings sleep in glory, the king of Babylon is to be flung out unburied as utterly evil. The fifth stanza (vs 20-21) announces the utter extermination of Assyria, even to its name and remnant.

b. The prophecy concerning Babylon ends with a summary of the sentence which affirms the act of Yahweh and the consequential doom of Babylon. While the first application of this great prophecy was undoubtedly to the actual kingdom of Assyria, it is impossible to study it without seeing how graphically it sets forth the ultimate issue of the principle of rebellion which is based on unbelief.

3. Verses 24-32.

a. In this section we have three prophecies: concerning Assyria (vs 24-27 ), concerning Philistia (vs 28-32), and the commencement of one concerning Moab (15). This fragment concerning Assyria consists of the reaffirmation of Yahweh’s intention to break its power. The oath of Yahweh is declared, and its irrevocable certainty affirmed.

b. The fragment concerning Philistia is of the nature of a warning spoken to her. Although she oppresses the people of G-d, she is herself in peril. She is not to rejoice because the rod that smote her is broken, for there are other forces at the disposal of Yahweh, and they threaten Philistia.

c. The prophecy concerning Moab commences by describing her desolation. A catastrophe will overtake her in a night, the result of which will be the mourning of her people, and their scattering far and wide. In this chapter, moreover, we have an incidental record of the death of Ahaz.

B. Key Verses Of Chapter 14.

1. 14: 1-3. Israel would outlast even the conquerors of Babylon.

2. 14:17. “Prisoners” are those whom Satan held captive, that Messiah/Christ came to set free.

3. 14:24-27. The fulfillment of this prediction of the destruction of Assyria is recorded in 37:21-38.

4. 28-32. Ahaz died in 715 B.C. He was pro-Assyrian, but now Assyria was in difficulty (vs 29a). Messengers from Philistia proposed to King Hezekiah that they join in a revolt against Assyria (vs 32). Yahweh told Isaiah that the respite from Assyrian domination was only temporary (vs 29b), that Philistia was doomed (vs 30), and that their trust should be in G-d (vs 32). 

III. A history of Israel will begin in the following article. 

1. Sources. The primary source for the history of ancient Israel is, of course, the Bible. The Bible gives more relative space to history than any other sacred book. The Biblical historians and biographers were more concerned with the moral and theological implications of events than in the mere recital of facts. Archeological excavations in the Near East have illuminated and supplemented Biblical history, which is largely Israelite history. The records and inscriptions of the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans give a background for, and sometimes deal directly with the history of Israel. Some Greek. and Roman historians record events involving the people of Israel. The histories of the Jewish general and writer Josephus (37-103 A.D.) are important sources especially for the last two centuries of the history of ancient Israel. 

2. The history of Israel will extend from the Exodus to the Maccabean period (Appx 1280-161 B.C.).

Isaiah 65:17. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

I. Introduction. Jewish Prophets 3 – Isaiah Chapters 12-13. 713 B.C.

A. The contents in this article rely heavily on my study of the commentaries, articles, and discussions of many highly respected theological scholars, It is important to know that before I draw a conclusion on any subject, that I must first have found agreement on the conclusion from the works of such reputable theologians.  

B. For a view of other trusted theological scholars, of whom I have chosen for reference, please click on my Page, “About My References.”

C. Dates that are provided in this article come from the Scofield Study Bible (1909 A.D.) and the Ryrie Study Bible (1986 A.D.).

II. Article Introduction. 

A. Overview of Chapter 12.  Thanksgiving In The Kingdom. 

1. Here we have the songs of the people concerning the deliverances wrought by the victories of Yahweh. The first celebrates the personal blessings of the day described, while the second sets forth the gracious results to the peoples of the world issuing from the restoration of the people of God.

2. These great and glorious prophecies are not yet fulfilled, but they are as certain of fulfillment as every word of God is sure.

B. Key Verses Of Chapter 12.

12:1-6. So certain were G-d’s promises of future blessings for Israel, in or on that day, that Isaiah composed this song of praise in anticipation of the Kingdom (Of the Abrahamic Covenant with Israel, per 2 Samuel 7:8-16, and which was offered to Israel by Messiah/Yeshua in the Gospel of Matthew). 

C. Overview of Chapter 13.  The LORD Summons An Attacking Army. 

1. We now commence the second circle of the first division of our book, in which are contained Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the nations and the world. The first describes the doom of Babylon. There is no doubt that Assyria is also in view. 

2. In graphic language the prophet Isaiah foretells the nearness of judgment. He describes the mustering of the hosts, and then their marching. He next declares the purpose of the judgment, which is to punish evil. Finally he describes the process of judgment. Media is to be against Assyria, and the result will be abiding ruin.

3. The issue of this judgment is intended to be the restoration of Israel through the compassion of Yahweh. He will yet choose them and set them in their own land. The peoples who have oppressed them will submit themselves to them and serve them, and they will rule over their oppressors.

D. Key Verses Of Chapter 13.

1. 13:1. The section (chapters 13-23) that begins here deals with foreign nations who, at some time, had persecuted Judah and teaches the universal sovereignty of Yahweh.

2. 13:6. “The day of the Lord,” is a time of judgment, here on Babylon, and ultimately on the whole world (v 11) during the coming days of tribulation (vs 9-13). 

a. In Rev Chapter 17, Babylon represents the Antichrist-supported world false religion that will be present during the tribulation; this will be the “apostate church,” which will be left behind from the rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:50-54; 1 Thes 4:13-18). The apostate church will consist of a world of self-proclaiming, but unregenerate, people who falsely claim to be Christians. Such an apostate church is present in today’s world, and can readily be observed by its affirmation of abortion on demand, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, trans pastors, sanctions against Israel, etc. 

b. In Rev Chapter 18, Babylon represents the political and commercial aspect of the revived Roman Empire, that will be headed by the Antichrist. So, the term “Babylon” stands both for a city and for a system (religious and commercial) related to the city (much like Wall Street, which is both a place and system). For other references to Babylon, see Gen 10:10; 11:9 (Babel); Jer 50-51. In reference to the name of Babylon, “Babylon means Babylon.”  In the Bible, the name of Babylon occurs 273 times, with each instance being that of the city that is called Babylon. 

c. Revelation Chapter 17 will take place during the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, where it will be judged and destroyed. Revelation Chapter 18 will take place during the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, when Antichrist’s Babylon world-controlled political and commercial system will experience a catastrophic destruction, shortly prior to the second coming of Messiah (Rev 18:9-10, 20-21; 19:1-3). 

3. 13:12. The male population would be drastically reduced.  

4. 13:16. Slaughtering children eliminated the manpower for future rebellion.

5. 13:17. “Medes” is understood by some to refer to the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C. Others relate it to the time when the Assyrians ransacked Babylon in 689 B.C. Still others understand this to refer to the period of 612-609 B.C., when the Medes joined Babylon in defeating Assyria (them).

6. 13:19-22. The decline of Babylon occurred in stages. By 20 B.C., this has been described as a “vast desolation.” Even the desert wanderer (the Arab) shunned the site because it became an omen of oil fortune. 

III. Israel’s Blessings Through The Abrahamic Covenant. 

A. The History Of Israel from the time of Jacob’s death through their time in Egypt.

1. Jacob’s death (Genesis 49:33).

2. The Israelites move Canaan to Egypt (Exodus 1:1).

3. The Beginning Of Egyptian persecution of the Israelites (Exodus 1:8,). 

B. Time line from the time of Abraham making a covenant with God until the time the slavery is over. 

https://www.jewishroots.net/library/charts-maps-and-timelines/430-year-exodus-timeline.html – JewishRoots.Net 

C. Scripture Reference. Exodus 12:40-41: “The time that the Israelites lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of 430 years, on that same day, all the Lord’s divisions went out from the land of Egypt.”

D. Timeline Events.

1. The timeline can be traced using either the Hebrew or Gregorian Calendar.

2. This time line shows a total of 430 years from the time that Abraham makes a covenant with God until the time the slavery is over. All information is from the Jewish Time Line Encyclopedia by Mattis Kantor. He quotes traditional Jewish sources such as Talmud and Mishna. 

a. (1743 B.C.) The original Covenant is made with Abraham on the 15th of Nissan (See Genesis 15:14).

b. (1713 B.C.) Isaac is born.

c. (1523 B.C.) Jacob goes to Egypt with his family.

d. (1429 B.C.) The enslavement of Israel began after the death of Levi on the 16th of Nissan. He was the last of Jacobs sons to die.

e. (1393 B.C.) Moses is born.

f. (1314 B.C.) Moses sees the burning bush on 15th of Nissan the plagues started on the 1st of Av and continued on the first of each month until the last plague on the evening of the 15th of Nissan.

g. (1313 B.C.) Israel leaves Egypt exactly 430 years after Abraham’s exile, 400 years after Isaac is born.

IV. Gentiles will also be blessed through G-d’s covenant with the Jews (Genesis 12:3c; Isaiah 56 :8; Ephesians 3:6).