Isa 2:6-22 | TNotes | STEP | 2:6 The Lord had rejected his people to discipline them (8:17 ). While not permanent, the rejection seriously threatened their expectations of a glorious future. • sorcerers: These practitioners of pagan religion were expressly banned from Israel (Deut 18:10-11 ). • The Philistines were Israel’s ancient enemies (Isa 9:12 ; 11:14 ; 14:29 , 31 ).

2:6 ^a The Lord had rejected his people to discipline them (8:17 ^b). While not permanent, the rejection seriously threatened their expectations of a glorious future.

• sorcerers: These practitioners of pagan religion were expressly banned from Israel (Deut 18:10-11 ^c).

• The Philistines were Israel’s ancient enemies (Isa 9:12 ^d; 11:14 ^e; 14:29 ^f, 31 ^g).
Summary for Isa 2:7-8: 2:7-8 ^h Isaiah pointed out all the things that people substitute for the true God: material achievements and securities (silver ... treasures), military strength (warhorses ... chariots), and objects of affection (idols). Such wealth and military strength characterized the reign of King Uzziah (2 Chr 26:6-21 ⁱ). Elsewhere, Isaiah pointed out the sheer folly of worshiping anything that is made with one’s own hands (see Isa 44:9-20 ^j; 45:16 ^k).
2:10 ^l In the day of God’s judgment, people will seek refuge in caves in the rocks, natural hiding places in the rocky land of Judah, rather than repent in humility before almighty God. Kings and leaders as well as slaves and free persons will seek protection from judgment (see also Rev 6:15 ^m).

• The terror of the Lord refers to God’s unbridled wrath against wickedness that will be revealed on the day of the Lord’s judgment. The prophecy shifts from Israel (Isa 2:5-6 ⁿ) to humanity at large. The Lord is against anything and anyone that exalts and trusts in human structures and beliefs rather than in him (2:11-12 ^o, 22 ^p).
Summary for Isa 2:11-12: 2:11-12 ^q A key theme in Isaiah is that the Lord will be exalted and humble people will be restored (57:15 ^r), while proud and mighty people are humbled (26:5 ^s).

• The day of judgment and the “day of reckoning” are also called the “day of the Lord.” There are seven such references in chs 2–4 ^t (2:11 ^u, 17 ^v, 20 ^w; 3:6 ^x, 18 ^y; 4:1 ^z, 2 ^aa).
Summary for Isa 2:13-16: 2:13-16 ^ab The prophet used several images of human strength to elaborate on 2:11-12 ^ac. 2:13 ^ad The cedars of Lebanon were prized trees used in the construction of Solomon’s Temple and palace (1 Kgs 5:6 ^ae) and other important buildings (Ezra 3:7 ^af). They represented wealth and power (2 Chr 25:18 ^ag; Pss 92:12 ^ah; 104:16 ^ai), yet these mighty trees were as nothing before the Lord (Isa 10:34 ^aj; 33:9 ^ak; see the boast of Sennacherib in 37:24 ^al).

• The oaks of Bashan were also an image of strength and splendor (Ezek 27:6 ^am); they, too, will disappoint (Isa 33:9 ^an; Nah 1:4 ^ao; Zech 11:2 ^ap).
2:16 ^aq every magnificent vessel: Ornate sea-going vessels were a sign of prosperity.
2:17 ^ar The day of judgment is the “day of the Lord” (see 13:4-13 ^as).
Summary for Isa 2:20-21: 2:20-21 ^at Animals such as rodents and bats lead a shadowy, subterranean existence. Those who worship idols will become like them in attempting to escape the Lord’s judgment.
2:22 ^au The judgment prophecy of 2:6-21 ^av is set between two related exhortations: to trust the Lord (2:5 ^aw) and not to put trust in human beings (2:22 ^ax).

• Human strength is temporary, frail as breath (see Ps 90 ^ay).