Slideshow image

Overview

The vision now shifts to the nation of Cush. Judgment is still the theme. But there seems to be a hopeful prophectic vibe about Cush. They will bring tribute to the Lord, to Mount Zion, revealing their humble state. 

Isaiah 18:1-2

Ah, land of whirring wings that is beyond the rivers of Cush, which sends ambassadors by the sea, in vessels of papyrus on the waters! Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide.

I have read many commentaries about this chapter. It is a tough one. Pretty obscure. Most would say that this is a reference to Ethiopia or even Egypt. Cush, at this time, was fairly powerful and it seems Judah is considering an alliance against Assyria. Once again, political alliances are a part of the global game, but for the people of God, these alliances become a crutch, a metaphysical substitute. 

Isaiah 18:3

All you inhabitants of the world, you who dwell on the earth, when a signal is raised on the mountains, look! When a trumpet is blown, hear!

It seems here Isaiah is reminding the world that political alliances won’t save you, human wisdom won’t save you, only God is able to save. So when you hear the trumpet, when you see the armies of darkness marching your way, look up to the Heavens. Your fortress, your refuge, your stronghold reigns on His throne. In the immediate context, yes, Assyria is powerful, a mighty nation. But Assyria is nothing more than a fly, waiting to be swatted by the omnipotent hand of YHWH. 

Isaiah 18:7

At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people tall and smooth, from a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide, to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the Lord of hosts.

The historical Cush was the grandson of Noah. His father was Ham, not a good dude. The lineage of Ham was not great. Look at Genesis 10:6-12. 

The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city. (Genesis 10:6-12)

Wow. There is a lot here. Canaan was Cush’s brother. The Canaanites were Israel’s enemies. Cush fathered Ninrod, who some scholars believe was the first post-flood tyrant on the earth. Nimrod ruled Babel then went to Assyria building Nineveh. If you know your Old Testament, these are some bad people who helped establish evil nations. And yet—Cush comes home. Cush brings tribute and worship to the Lord of Hosts. The prodigal son (or technically, nation) comes home. 

If we look at ourselves accurately, we are all Cush. We are all born rebellious, separated, prodigals who needed a Savior to rescue us from a life without God. Thank you God for bringing me home!