Defeat For The Assyrians
FIRST QUARTER 2021
SABBATH SCHOOL INSIGHT #7
FEBRUARY 13, 2021
“DEFEAT FOR THE ASSYRIANS”
Context For This Lesson
The condition of God’s people (and this is the short list). These are all the fruits of unbelief.
Legalists outwardly and inwardly corrupt (Isaiah 1:10-17), proud (Isaiah 5:21, 2:11), greedy (Isaiah 5:8), drunkards (Isaiah 5:11, 22), rejected God’s sustaining power (Isaiah 8:6), idolatrous (Isaiah 10:10, 11, 2:8), women were immodest (Isaiah 3:9, 16), did not highly regard the law and the testimony (Isaiah 8:16-20), sinned like Sodom (Isaiah 3:9), made unjust laws and withheld justice for the poor (Isaiah 10:1,2), called evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).God has used the kingdom of Assyria to chastise His people (Isaiah 8:6-8).
The Lesson Itself Outlined
Assyria gets cocky or full of herself. She thinks her greatness came from and belongs to herself.
Assyria mocks the true God of heaven and earth (the One who made her all that she was).
Israel finally learns the lesson that they are sinful and helpless, and “every mouth is stopped” as to their own righteousness or ability to defend themselves.
Through this “perfect storm” of factors, God does three things:
Acts to bring the pride of the Assyrians to naught.
Tests and then strengthens the faith of Israel, filling their hearts with holy joy.
He vindicates His character before the surrounding heathen nations, Assyria itself, Israel and the universe.
Possible Teaching Points
With unerring accuracy, the Infinite One still keeps account with the nations. While His mercy is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account remains open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath begins. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. Mercy no longer pleads in their behalf. PP-364
Question - Although we don’t know the tipping point for God to begin His “ministry of wrath”, can we see some of the signposts leading in that direction? Is America heading in that direction and how should we relate to this? The pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away.” Zechariah 10:11. This is true not only of the nations that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose. PP-366.3
Nothing more quickly inspires faith than the exercise of faith. The king of Judah had prepared for the coming storm; and now, confident that the prophecy against the Assyrians would be fulfilled, he stayed his soul upon God. “And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah.” 2 Chronicles 32:8. PP-351.3
Question - What is the faith of Jesus and how can it work in me to inspire faith in others? Everyone who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our belief in, and appreciation of, them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we cannot ourselves fully appreciate. FE 280.1
“Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved” Psalms 80
Question - what does this phrase mean in Psalm 80 (repeated three times)? How important is prayer in times like these? 2 Chronicles 32:20
The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud Assyrian. The honor of Jehovah was vindicated in the eyes of the surrounding nations. In Jerusalem the hearts of the people were filled with holy joy. PK- 361.4
Question - Does God vindicate us or do we vindicate Him? Or does He vindicate Himself through His surrendered, faith-filled and obedient people?
The rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire are rich in lessons for the nations of earth today. PK- 263.5