Isaiah 29 · Grade 4

Near with the Mouth

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 29 is addressed to "Ariel," a name for Jerusalem, the city where David camped. Hard times were coming, but God would suddenly scatter the enemies "like fine dust." Yet the people were spiritually asleep. God's message was to them "like the words of a book that is sealed."

The Lord explained the real problem: "this people draws near with their mouth and honors me with their lips, but they have removed their heart far from me." Their worship was just rules taught by people. In the New Testament, Jesus quotes these words to religious leaders (Matthew 15:8-9).

Isaiah said they were treating the potter like clay. Then God promised a marvelous change. "In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness." "The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel."

Show What You Know

What is Ariel?
What was God's message like to the sleeping people?
What was the real problem with their worship?
Where in the New Testament does Jesus quote this verse?

Think About It

The people honored God with their lips but not their hearts. How can you make sure your worship comes from your heart?
Clay cannot tell the potter he did not make it. How does knowing God made you change how you treat Him?

Memory Verse

“The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 29:19 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for making me. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

The people tried to hide their plans from God. What would you like to bring into the open with God?
Where are you tempted to tell God how things should go?