Now that the last section has ended, we see historical interlude in chapters 36-39. This chapter recounts what we’ve seen in the last several chapters, namely chapters 28-35. Here, in this section, we see a parallel passage to that in 2 Kings 18:13-20:19. The historical context surrounds the reign of Hezekiah and the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib. Remember back in chapter 32? There, a king was identified to be the ruler of righteousness. What we see in this chapter is the mocking of the ruling king (Hezekiah), the one that many believe to be a type of Christ that is spoken of in chapter 32. The word deliver is used about 7 times from verses 13-20, becoming a major theme in this chapter. This seems to remind us that an earthly king is not the one who will save your soul, only Christ can do that. What a great reminder in generally challenging times like today. We must look to God, the One who saves.

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Yesterday, in chapter 34, we saw judgement for all nations. When we get to chapter 35, we see that the Lord will restore His people. Maybe you have noticed this too, but I can't seem to notice that over and over that when the Lord restores His people, He also restores the land. He makes the weak strong and makes the fearful, fearless. He causes the blind to see and deaf to hear. That is what the Lord does. He changes you. One noteworthy word in this chapter is found in verse 10. That word is "ransomed." This means delivered or rescued. What we see here then is that the land is restored, the imperfections are made perfect, then those who have been delivered will return to the Lord. They will "come to Zion with singing" and they will have "everlasting joy." This is a picture of what the redemptive process looks like, it may look slightly differently for everyone, but the fundamental principles remain. We ought to fill peace and joy when we are with the Lord, no matter the circumstances around us. Do you feel joy?

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As this section concludes, it’s only fitting that this final woe is for all nations. This shows that God’s judgement is universal. As we’ve seen, many of these prophecies seem to have a double fulfillment. The immediate context here still speaks to Assyria, but the future fulfillment is still to come, likely following what is known as the Great Tribulation (see Matthew 24:22, Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16-18). Verse 2 tells us that the Lord is “enraged” and “furious.” Again, the context alludes to a rebellious people. His people. His creation. He has to judge, even though He loves His people. This is one of the characteristics of a good judge. The pictures painted here are not pretty. There is death. There is war. There is blood. The warnings are there, we see that in verse 16, where the prophecy tells to go back to the “book of the Lord.” Lastly, the mention of Edom here shows the bearer of this prophecy that what he is saying will come to pass. Remember, this was one of the key elements of a trustworthy prophet (Deuteronomy 18:22). A few days ago, I said that this section that we’re in may have been put here today as a comfort to us during times of trouble. This chapter adds to that thought. We also may be reminded during these troubling times that God is not only the One who saves and protects, but He is also the righteous Judge.

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