Instability is the order of our day, is it not? Instability in the markets. Instability in nations. Instability in institutions. But this instability is not simply on a national scale, but is also more personal. Instability in homes. Instability in souls.
It ought to be encouraging for us to note that some of the most precious truths we have of the Lord’s all-sufficient care of His own surface in the context of their trouble, tribulation, disappointment, and distress. Our text is one of those.
Just a brief historical note (oh no! not history!) to help you appreciate the circumstances in which this word comes to God’s people. This word of Isaiah comes in the time of the Assyrian threat (the “the ruthless horde” in the north) during the reign of the good king Hezekiah (715-686 B.C.). The Assyrians had already devastated and deported the northern kingdom of Israel (722 B. C.).
As chapter 33 opens this international bully is still bullying. Hezekiah had foolishly attempted to secure himself through a defensive alliance with weak Egypt (Isa. 31:1-3), and, when that failed, through paying tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 18:13-18). Both strategies proved futile.
The Assyrians were still breathing down Judah’s neck and prepared to pounce. Hezekiah’s failed measures were simply a picture of the nation itself, seeking worldly security through worldly means. Verses 7-9 give a sober view of the sad scene that self-reliance and man-made policies sows. It is a scene of fears and tears, of desolation and disappointment, of weeping and withering. Okay, enough history—but you get the point (I hope!).
Where can steadfastness and stability be found in these times? Can real stability be found in the dollar? Can real stability be found in the governmental institutions, or in any institutions of men, whose hearts, like Reuben’s, are “unstable as water” (Gen. 49:4)? Can it be found in our own physical condition? Can it be found in a family or a job? Our text supplies the answer:
The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high;
He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.And He will be the stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge;
The fear of the LORD is his treasure
Some versions render it, “He shall be the certainty of your times.” The word my version translates as “stability” is translated in other places “firmness, steadiness.” It is first used in Exodus 17:12 of Moses’ hands as supported by Aaron and Hur. It denotes dependability or “faithfulness” (cf. Dt. 32:4). The NIV renders our text well, “He will be the sure foundation for your times . . .” Isn’t that a welcome word, beloved? The Lord is the great and single Constancy, Security, Stability of our times. Dear saints, we have a different Resource than the world by which to live, a different Rock on which to rest! Our stability is all that He is by nature and promise to us.
I desire to open this rich Resource up to you further this week, Lord permitting. For now I commend to you the simple prayer, the “anchoring-line” to throw out to Him, to stabilize your soul in the midst of the instability all around. It is found in verse 2:
“O LORD, be gracious to us; we wait for You.
Be our arm every morning,
Our salvation in the time of trouble” (ESV)
Press on, dear ones.
