A Whisper From the Dust

Even before Assyria thought to come against Jerusalem, before Israel and Samaria fell to the hands of Shalmaneser and Sargon of Assyria, God was speaking warnings against the proud city of Jerusalem. The animal associated with Assyria was often a lion, for their kings kept them as pets and hunted them for sport. Even the Babylonians kept lions in remembrance of their importance to the empire their overtook, often throwing prisoners to the lions as punishment. God used that imagery to foretell of the nation that would come against Jerusalem, but it would be like a lion from God.

Ariel means ‘Lion of God.’ It is a name applied to Jerusalem, and God Himself was going to be like a lion encamped and encircled around His Holy City to punish it for their proud sins. God would bring the promised calamities down on Jerusalem, along with distress, lamenting, and mourning. Seigeworks and battle towers would be erected, then the city would be brought low. From the dust that was left from its total destruction it would speak like a whisper of a departed spirit. 

And though this was indeed the future doom of that city, and would face many enemies even until the end of days, God warns those enemies that even worse is coming for them. Yes, God would use Assyria to afflict Jerusalem, but then the multitude of her enemies would become like fine dust or chaff that the wind blows away. The LORD of hosts would punish with thunder, earthquakes, loud noises, whirlwinds, tempests, and a consuming flame. The multitude of nations that arise to fight against Jerusalem will be like a dream - when a hungry man dreams of eating but then awakes to discover he ate nothing and is famished. The multitude of nations that fight against Jerusalem and Mount Zion will be consumed and be no more.

The Word of the LORD then spoke against the prophets and people of Jerusalem. ‘Be delayed and wait, blind yourself and be blind; they become drunk, but not with wine, they stagger but not with strong drink. For the LORD has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep, He has shut your eyes, the prophets, and He has covered your ears, the seers.’ God has placed on Jerusalem, its leaders, and people, a spirit of sleep so they are blinded. The entire vision will be like the words of a sealed book. When given to someone who can read, they will say they cannot read it for it is sealed. When given to someone illiterate, they will say, ‘I cannot read!’ 

Because the people of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem honor God with their lips and words through their continual feasts and sacrifices, but they remove their hearts far from God by going through the motions of tradition learned by rote, not because their hearts are convicted or inclined to God, He will deal marvelously with them. He will remove their wise men. Their men of discernment will be no more. God has called down woe on those who deeply hide their evil plans from Him. He sees the deeds done in dark places. God knows and sees all things done by wicked men who attempt to make themselves equal with God and declare that they know more than God. God will prove them wrong by His marvelous deeds.

After God disciplines His people, then the dead will hear the Words of His book. Out of their gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind will be opened. The afflicted ones will increase their gladness in the LORD. The needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The ruthless will come to an end and the corner will be finished. All who are intent on evil will be cut off. The unrighteous judges will be removed. 

In that Day, Jacob will not be ashamed as the children of Israel will sanctify His Name, the Name of the Holy One of Israel. Those who err in mind will know the Truth in that Day. Those who criticize now will accept instruction on that Day. They will stand in awe of God for His marvelous works.