MONDAY — WAIT… BABYLON?
READ: Isaiah 12:1–6; Isaiah 13:1; 2 Kings 17:1–23
This Shabbat we begin Isaiah 13. Before we try to understand it, let's slow down and notice where Isaiah has brought us. Sometimes good Bible study begins with a question, not an answer.
1. NOTICE THE CHANGE
Read Isaiah 12:1–6, then Isaiah 13:1.
What changes? What feels surprising about beginning a new section with an oracle concerning Babylon?
Don't explain it yet. Just notice it.
2. ASK THE QUESTION
So far, what foreign nation has dominated the story in Isaiah?
If the great threat has been Assyria, why does Isaiah suddenly turn our attention to Babylon?
Write the question down. Resist the temptation to look up the answer.
3. FOLLOW THE STORY
Read 2 Kings 17:1–23.
What happened to Israel? Why does Scripture say it happened? What nation was involved?
Let Scripture begin building the historical setting for you.
CARRY IT WITH YOU
You don't have to solve everything today.
Carry one question into tomorrow:
Why Babylon?
We'll keep following the biblical story together.