Chapter Summary

Woe of the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, in the day of Israel's regathering.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 18

1. The land of Cush is to the south of Israel. It is a land of a powerful army as indicated by the "whirring wings". They have come north to face Sennacherib as he is laying siege to Jerusalem. Isaiah is telling to watch what happens to Sennacherib and the Assyrians. Do the Cushites take the warning that or will they face the same fate as the Assyrians? Why is it in humankind's mindset not to learn from previous mistakes and repeat them?
2. Isaiah 18:2, Isaiah tells the Cushite ambassadors (messengers) to return and tell them what they saw. This is a diplomatic effort to avoid war even though Isaiah has already announced the judgement of destruction from God. Is there anything that man can do to avert war if it is God's judgement? Why or why not?
3. Society has chosen to portray God as peaceful, not warlike. However, Isaiah 18 and surrounding chapters portray a God of war and destruction. How can a believer explain this view of God to non believer that only hears the society's view of peaceful God?
4. Imagery and symbolism is used in Isaiah 18. How does a reader know that imagery and symbolism is being used in scripture and not a literal event? The whirring wings and the imagery of the harvest are examples that need to be explained in Isaiah 18.
5. God is being compared to a gardener in Isaiah 18:5 and pruning the different plants. How is God's judgement similar to the pruning hooks described in Isaiah 18:5? After God trims back those He has planted, what should take place in the believer's life? How does God prune in our own personal lives?
6. Cush (Ethiopia) is not a neighboring country of Israel. How does this demonstrate the sovereignty of God over the nations of the world? Does the world believe God has sovereignty over the nations today? Why or why not?
7. Isaiah 18:7-8 describes the Cushites (Ethiopians) bringing a tribute to Mt. Zion (Jerusalem). We know Jerusalem will soon fall. When will this part of the prophecy take place, during the time of Isaiah or well in the future? Could there be a dual interpretation? How do we know?
8. Why does God use imagery and symbolism to communicate prophecy when He could communicate clearly the prophecies?
9. Cush joined Egypt and Israel to fight Assyria. Assyria was being used to bring judgement against Israel. Why is Cush being punished by God? Are they being punished for opposing Israel or opposing the will of God?
10. How does Isaiah 18 demonstrate God's judgement and mercy?

Key Words/Phrase

Woe, v. 1.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)