Isaiah 48 · Grade 4

The Furnace of Affliction

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Read and Think

Isaiah 48 speaks to the exiles who called themselves by God's name "but not in truth, nor in righteousness." God had told them things long before so they could not say, "My idol has done them." He knew they were stubborn: "your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow bronze." Still, God held back his anger "for my name's sake."

God explains their hard times: "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver. I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction." Like metal in fire, the exile was meant to purify them. God declares, "I am the first. I am also the last." He says, "my hand has laid the foundation of the earth." He calls himself the God "who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go."

God's heart shows in verse 18: "Oh that you had listened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." Then comes the great command: "Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans!" God would give water from the rock again. But the chapter warns that there is no peace "for the wicked."

Show What You Know

What was wrong with how Israel used God's name?
What does the furnace of affliction mean?
What does God wish in verse 18?
What great command does God give?

Think About It

God said, Oh that you had listened. What blessings might we miss when we do not listen to God?
God uses hard times like a refining furnace. How has God used a hard time to make you stronger?

Memory Verse

Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: “I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.

Isaiah 48:17 (WEB)

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Prayer

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

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What are God's new things?
Why does God act for His name?