Isaiah 14 · Grade 5

How You Have Fallen

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 14 opens with God's mercy: he would "yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land," and give them rest "from the hard service in which you were made to serve." Then Israel would take up a parable, a taunt song, against the king of Babylon. All the earth would rejoice: "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet. They break out in song."

The song pictures the dead kings greeting the fallen tyrant: "Have you also become as weak as we are?" Verse 12 cries, "How you have fallen from heaven, shining one, son of the dawn!" The king had said in his heart, "I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God!" and, "I will make myself like the Most High!" Some Christians have also seen in these words a picture of Satan's pride; the text itself addresses the king of Babylon. In the New Testament, Jesus used similar language (Luke 10:18).

The rest of the chapter shows that God's purposes cannot fail. About Assyria, God swore, "as I have purposed, so shall it stand." "For Yahweh of Armies has planned, and who can stop it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?" A warning to Philistia follows, "in the year that King Ahaz died." The chapter ends with the answer to give the nations: "Yahweh has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people will take refuge."

Show What You Know

What would God give Israel before they sang the taunt song?
What five things did the king say he would do in his heart?
Who does the text itself address in verse 12?
What answer should be given to the nations at the end of the chapter?

Crossword

Across

For Yahweh will have compassion on ____.
His ____ is stretched out.

Down

That Yahweh has founded ____.
And set them in their own ____.

Think About It

The king's I will statements show pride trying to take God's place. In the New Testament, Paul describes Jesus' humility (Philippians 2:5-8). How does it show the opposite way?
God's plans cannot be stopped. How does this give you courage to obey God when things seem uncertain?

Memory Verse

“How you have fallen from heaven, shining one, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low!”

Isaiah 14:12 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for keeping Your plans. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How can you keep from wanting to be the boss of everything?
How can you humble yourself before God this week?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?