The Fall of Pride and the Shaking of the Earth: When God Calls for Accountability

Welcome to Day 208 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 22–24 unveils a sobering view of God’s judgment not just on individual nations, but on the entire world. These chapters progress from a localized oracle against Jerusalem to a universal pronouncement of judgment on all the earth. Isaiah 22 reveals how Judah's leaders placed their confidence in military defense instead of God, leading to God’s rebuke. Isaiah 23 targets Tyre, the great coastal trading city, exposing the temporary nature of wealth and pride. Finally, Isaiah 24 delivers a climactic vision of global judgment, where the entire earth mourns under the weight of sin and rebellion. Through each chapter, God calls for repentance and emphasizes that no one—no city, no people group, no empire—is exempt from His righteous standard.

Isaiah 22 is an oracle directed at Jerusalem, referred to as the “Valley of Vision,” a seemingly paradoxical term pointing to a place that should have spiritual insight but is spiritually blind. The chapter rebukes the people of Judah for partying and celebrating while facing imminent judgment. Instead of turning to God in repentance, they rely on human defenses like strengthening walls and collecting water supplies. God rebukes this misplaced trust and reveals through Isaiah that their fate is sealed due to their pride and refusal to humble themselves. The chapter also contains a specific judgment against Shebna, a royal steward who exalts himself, and a prophecy of his replacement by Eliakim, a faithful servant. This transition serves as a symbolic message that God will remove unfaithful leaders and raise up those who honor Him.

Isaiah 23 focuses on Tyre, the wealthy and influential Phoenician port city known for its commercial empire and trade with many nations. The chapter pronounces the downfall of Tyre as a divine judgment from the Lord, showing that even the most prosperous economies are not immune to God's hand. The sea, often a symbol of chaos in Scripture, is here a witness to Tyre’s fall as trading ships wail over the loss of commerce. God declares that Tyre’s wealth will be stripped, and she will be forgotten for seventy years, likened to the song of a forgotten prostitute. However, the chapter ends with a glimmer of hope: after the seventy years, Tyre will return to commercial activity, but this time her profits will be dedicated to the Lord. This demonstrates that even a city known for greed and pride can one day serve God’s purposes.

Isaiah 24 shifts from oracles against individual cities to a sweeping vision of worldwide judgment. The entire earth is portrayed as being under God's wrath due to its widespread defilement, disobedience to His laws, and violation of the everlasting covenant. Cities are laid waste, the joy of life is gone, and desolation covers the land. Both high and low, rich and poor, are affected—no one escapes the consequences of sin. The chapter paints a sobering picture of global mourning but ends with a note of divine sovereignty: God will reign gloriously from Mount Zion. This global shaking is not just destruction—it’s a purification that prepares the way for God's eternal rule.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name Isaiah comes from the Hebrew name Yeshayahu, which means “The Lord is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” This name encapsulates the central message of the book: that salvation, judgment, and restoration come from God alone.

Purpose of the Book:

The Book of Isaiah was written to call God’s people to repentance, reveal the consequences of rebellion, and proclaim both God’s coming judgment and the hope of restoration. It addresses both the immediate political and spiritual crisis facing Judah and the future hope of a Messianic King and a new heavens and earth. Isaiah proclaims God’s sovereignty over all nations and points to a coming Savior who will redeem not only Israel but the entire world. The book serves as both a prophetic warning and a theological vision of God’s redemptive plan.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz, who ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1), placing his ministry in the 8th century BC (around 740–700 BC).

Biblical Support for Isaiah’s Authorship:

• Isaiah 1:1 clearly identifies him as the author.

• 2 Chronicles 26:22 and 2 Chronicles 32:32 mention Isaiah’s writings and his involvement in documenting the reign of King Uzziah and King Hezekiah.

• New Testament Confirmation: Jesus and the apostles frequently quote from Isaiah and attribute the words to him (e.g., Matthew 3:3; Luke 4:17; John 12:38-41), confirming early Jewish and Christian belief in Isaiah's authorship.

Some scholars propose that the book was written by multiple authors over time (often called Deutero-Isaiah or Trito-Isaiah theories), due to shifts in tone and historical context in later chapters (especially 40–66). However, the consistent literary style, theological themes, and the unified message suggest that the book can credibly be viewed as originating from Isaiah and his prophetic school or disciples (see Isaiah 8:16).

Key People:

• Isaiah – The primary prophet and narrator of the book.

• Kings of Judah:

  • Uzziah – A prosperous king who became prideful (Isaiah 6:1).

  • Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah – Rulers during Isaiah’s ministry, with Hezekiah receiving direct counsel and miraculous deliverance through Isaiah’s prayers (Isaiah 36–39).

• Messianic Figure – Often referred to as the Servant of the Lord, the Branch, Immanuel, or the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; 53).

• Assyrian and Babylonian kings – Representing God’s instruments of judgment (e.g., Sennacherib in Isaiah 36–37).

• Cyrus the Great – A Persian king prophetically named in Isaiah 44–45 as the one God would use to restore Israel.

Conclusion

Isaiah masterfully blends themes of judgment, mercy, justice, and redemption, portraying God as holy and righteous, yet also gracious and compassionate. The first half of the book (chapters 1–39) focuses on judgment against Judah and the nations, while the latter half (chapters 40–66) offers messages of comfort, restoration, and the coming Messianic hope. Isaiah paints a sweeping vision of history, from Judah’s failures to God’s final plan of universal salvation through the Suffering Servant and the creation of a new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65–66). The book ends with a powerful call to worship and remain faithful, highlighting the eternal triumph of God's justice and glory. Isaiah remains a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian theology, rich with prophecy, poetry, and profound revelation of God's heart for His people and the world.

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What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet. 

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In Isaiah 22, God is portrayed as both the righteous judge and the grieving parent who laments over the spiritual blindness of His people. He is holy and sovereign, expecting His people to trust Him rather than human strength or military strategy. God's displeasure is not only with their actions but with their hardened hearts and failure to repent. He also reveals His authority to raise up and remove leaders, holding even individuals like Shebna accountable for pride.

The Hebrew name Adonai YHWH Tsevaot ("The Lord, the LORD of Hosts") appears in this chapter (Isaiah 22:5, 12, 14, 15), emphasizing God’s supreme rule over both heaven’s armies and earthly affairs. This title reinforces His power to execute judgment and command loyalty. The lesson is that God sees through superficial religion and self-reliance—He desires humility, repentance, and faithful leadership. Trusting in human plans while ignoring God is a dangerous path that leads to downfall.

In Isaiah 23, God is seen as the sovereign ruler over commerce, nations, and economies. Though Tyre was powerful and wealthy, her downfall comes by the decree of the Lord, showing that no amount of economic strength can protect a nation from divine judgment. God humbles the proud and reminds us that worldly success is fleeting without submission to Him. Yet, His judgment is not final—He allows restoration and even redirects Tyre’s wealth for holy purposes.

No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, but His character is evident through His actions. God is just, patient, and purposeful—He brings judgment not only to punish but also to reclaim and repurpose what once served selfish ends. The lesson is that wealth and influence should ultimately be used for God's glory. Even those far from Him, like Tyre, are not beyond His redemptive reach.

Isaiah 24 presents God as the righteous judge of the whole earth. He is holy and impartial—bringing desolation not just on one nation but across all the earth because of humanity’s rebellion and defilement. God’s wrath is a response to sin that has broken His eternal covenant, and yet, He remains the glorious King who reigns from Mount Zion. His judgment serves a purifying purpose, setting the stage for His everlasting kingdom.

While no specific Hebrew names of God are stated, His identity as the Sovereign Ruler and Eternal Judge is clear throughout. The lesson is that sin has global consequences and that all people are accountable to God’s law. However, the chapter also reminds us that God will ultimately reign in glory, and His justice paves the way for renewal and restoration. Our response should be one of reverence, repentance, and hope in His future reign.

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Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

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Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

1. How does God's response to Judah's self-reliance in Isaiah 22 reveal His desire for their dependence on Him?

2. What does God’s replacement of Shebna with Eliakim show us about His standards for leadership and character?

3. In Isaiah 23, how does God's control over international commerce reflect His sovereignty over even the world’s economic systems?

4. What does God's willingness to restore Tyre after seventy years teach us about His patience and long-term purposes?

5. How is God’s holiness and justice displayed in His global judgment described in Isaiah 24?

6. Why do you think God includes both judgment and glimpses of hope in these chapters? What does that tell us about His nature?

7. How does the picture of God reigning from Mount Zion in Isaiah 24:23 help shape our understanding of His glory and final authority?

Questions About Themes:

1. What role does pride play in God’s judgment in Isaiah 22, and how does it connect to the broader biblical theme of humility?

2. How does misplaced trust in human strength or resources emerge as a repeated theme in these chapters?

3. What is the significance of God’s judgment not only on individuals and cities but on entire nations and systems, as seen in Isaiah 23 and 24?

4. How does Isaiah contrast temporary worldly power (like Tyre’s wealth) with God’s eternal dominion?

5. What is the theme of accountability, and how is it emphasized in both personal and national contexts throughout these chapters?

6. In what ways do these chapters reveal the futility of ignoring God’s warnings?

7. How do Isaiah 22–24 show that God’s judgments are not random but purposeful in both correction and redemption?

Reflective Application Questions:

1. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of seeking God first?

2. How do you respond when God exposes your pride or calls for repentance—do you resist, ignore, or submit?

3. What “walls” have you built, like Judah in Isaiah 22, thinking they will protect you without first turning to God?

4. In what ways do you see modern-day versions of Tyre’s pursuit of wealth and influence without God? How are you guarding against that in your life?

5. How does the warning of global judgment in Isaiah 24 challenge your view of justice and personal responsibility?

6. What does it look like in your life to redirect your resources, talents, or influence for God's purposes, like Tyre in her restoration?

7. How can you live more intentionally with the end in mind, knowing that God will one day reign in full glory and justice?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans