Isaiah 18: Group Study Handout

Overview

Cush, referred to as a land of 'the rustling of wings,' is called to send ambassadors by the sea (v. 1). These ambassadors are to go to a 'nation tall and smooth,' known for its might and ability to conquer (v. 2). A global warning is proclaimed, urging all inhabitants of the earth to pay attention when a banner is raised and a trumpet is blown (v. 3). Yahweh declares he will observe quietly from his dwelling (v. 4). Before the harvest, he will remove the proud and unfruitful branches (v. 5). The remnants will be left for the birds and animals to consume (v. 6). Finally, a tribute from Cush will be offered to Yahweh at Mount Zion (v. 7).

Key verse

“In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.”

Isaiah 18:7 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 18:1 A Call from Cush
2. Isaiah 18:2 Ambassadors to a Mighty Nation
3. Isaiah 18:3 A Global Warning
4. Isaiah 18:4 God's Quiet Observation
5. Isaiah 18:5 The Harvest Imagery
6. Isaiah 18:6 Desolation for the Proud
7. Isaiah 18:7 Tribute from Cush to Zion

Discussion questions

1. In v1, what does the phrase 'land of the rustling of wings' refer to?
2. In v7, what does 'present' refer to in the context of the chapter?
3. The image of 'cut off the sprigs' in v5: what does this suggest about God's judgment?
4. In v4, why does Yahweh describe Himself as 'like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest'?
5. When have you felt like a 'swift messenger' in a situation where you had to deliver important news?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 18: Zephaniah 3, Ezekiel 30, Isaiah 26.

Before next time: read Isaiah 19.